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Theatre and Dance
materials fee is required. Offered fall semester.
TA221 History of Theatre I: Origins through the Renaissance 3 credits
This course, the first in a three-course sequence examining theatre within its historical context as a
socially constructed mode of artistic and cultural expression, considers the history, dramatic literature,
dramatic criticism, and theory of pre-literate ritual cultures, Ancient Greece and Rome, the Middle Ages
in Europe, Asia, and India, and the European Renaissance. Offered fall semester.
TA230 Electrics and Sound for Theatre 2 credits
This course provides the necessary hands-on learning required to work as a master electrician or sound
operator in theatre specifically focusing on the venues at Saint Mary’s. Students will learn to distinguish
between various lighting instruments, cable, gel, and hookups and be able to hang the instruments,
plug them in, dress the cable, gel and focus lighting instruments, and run the board. Students will also
learn to set up the sound equipment (including speakers, microphones, monitors, and amplifiers) as well
as run the sound board for live and recorded purposes. Offered spring semester. Prerequisites: TA100
and TA180.
TA235 Drawing and Rendering for Theatre 2 credits
This course provides the tools for the theatre designer to visualize ideas and would cover necessary
techniques in drawing as relates to creating renderings for scenic and costume designs. The course
includes still life, perspective, three dimensional modeling, composition, sketching, page formatting and
placement, applying elements of design, figure drawing, architectural drawing, drawing light, and the
use of various media. Offered spring semester. Prerequisites: TA100 and TA180.
TA240 Directing I 3 credits
This course considers the elemental concerns for the director including movement, composition, and a
review of script analysis techniques. Students practice techniques and possibilities in short classroom
scenes and through guided practice in directing scenes to be presented for an audience. Offered fall
semester. Prerequisites: TA100 and TA180.
TA242 Stage Makeup 2 credits
This course explores the fundamental artistic and technical craft of the stage makeup artist. Through
discussion, demonstration, projects, and image research students will define the scope of a makeup
artist’s job description and responsibilities. Students will learn to apply basic stage makeup as well as
character and specialty makeup. No prerequisites. Theatre students will be encouraged to take this
course in the freshman year so they can apply skills in Production Lab. Costume and lighting design
students will want to take this course as well to make connects to the use of stage makeup and its
influences to their crafts. Offered fall semester.
TA243 Stage Management 2 credits
This course introduces the student to the techniques and essential crafts of the theatrical stage
manager. Through discussion, role play, script analysis and research, and the assembling of a prompt
book, the scope of a professional stage manager’s job description and responsibilities will be explored.
Areas covered include planning and organization, auditions, rehearsal rules, managing rehearsals,
information distribution, preparing for tech and dress rehearsals, pre-performance activities, duties
during performance, organizational structures, and human behavior within theatre. Offered alternating
spring semesters.
TA245 Production Laboratory 0-1 credits
This course is designed to provide students the opportunity to apply learned techniques and theories
to a particular role on-stage or crew assignment offstage for a ‘main-stage’ production. Students
apply and further develop their production knowledge and skills by applying them to practical, real
life situations. Everything from play analysis, performance techniques, technical skills, critical thinking,
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