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Theatre and Dance
and self discipline is practiced. Registration for this course is mandatory for any student involved in an
SMU theatre or dance production either on stage or behind the scenes. Students may register for 0 or 1
credit but no more than four (4) credits may be applied toward the total graduation requirements of 122
credits or the theatre major.
TA246-249 Special Topics in Theatre 1-3 credits
Courses dealing with specialized topics, including those relevant to the actor, director, designers, or
other theatre practitioners. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
TA257 Singing for the Stage 3 credits
This course is designed to integrate theatre and music. With an “on your feet” approach, students
explore the relationship between acting and singing through structural analysis of the songs and
lyrics, character development, and performance techniques. This course allows the development of
the singing voice as an extension of speech as well as to physicalize the text. Audition techniques are
explored. Prerequisites: TA100 and TA155.
TA260 Voice and Movement for the Actor 3 credits
This course is designed to introduce the student to various techniques in vocal production and
movement for the stage. Emphasis is placed on freeing the natural voice and exploring movement to
release physical tension providing flexibility and versatility. Throughout the course students explore
voice and movement as they are connected with psychological and emotional impulses. Offered spring
semester. Prerequisites: TA100 and TA155.
TA270 Scene Design 3 credits
This course explores the essential crafts of the theatrical set designer. In a hands-on approach, students
practice traditional sketching, painting, drafting, model-making and practical scenery construction
methods. Study concentrates on process-orientated activity – developing one’s personal vision and
interpretive skills through script analysis, research techniques, spatial and production considerations
and communication of ideas. Offered fall semester. Prerequisites: TA100 and TA180.
TA275 Lighting Design 3 credits
This course explores the essential crafts of the theatrical lighting designer. In a hands-on approach,
students practice drafting, hanging, circuiting, focusing, and cuing for lights. Study concentrates on
the process: developing one’s personal vision and interpretive skills through script analysis, research
techniques, basic theory, production considerations and communication of ideas. Offered in alternate
spring semesters. Prerequisites: TA100 and TA180.
TA280 Costume Design 3 credits
This course focuses on the history of clothing for the stage. Particular emphasis is placed on the
costume design process from script to rendering, conceptual thought and communication, and
techniques in the planning and building of a show. Offered in alternate spring semesters. Prerequisites:
TA100 and TA180.
TA299 Career Development I: Sophomore Review 0 credits
Students are introduced to developing necessary materials and documentation for the academic and
professional theatre portfolio. Topics include resumes, headshots, monologues, songs, design/tech
portfolios, and the e-portfolio for their area of focus. Emphasis is placed on readying materials for the
departmental sophomore review including writing the narrative statement of career goals, as well as
preparing applications for summer theatre work. Prerequisite: sophomore theatre major or minor.
TA301 Theatre in London 3 credits
This course is offered during the London semester and is designed to introduce students to the various
aspects of British theatre. The class attends at least eight performances throughout the semester, each
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