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Introduction to Acting 1 (THTR 1104)
Total Credits:
3
Lecture Credits:
3
Description:
This is a performance-oriented course to help you build self-confidence on stage and within yourself and to develop a strong foundation in 21st-century acting techniques. You will perform exercises in front of an audience, including rehearsal and performance of monologues and scenes drawn from multicultural contemporary American theater. Also covered is training in relaxation and conditioning of the actor's body, voice and mind through improvisations, games, character discussion, and analysis of acting texts. Emphasis is on using a nonthreatening, group-oriented class atmosphere to explore and develop the imagination.
Prerequisites:
Placement into
READ 0200 or
ESOL 0052 or completion of
READ 0100 or
ESOL 0042
MnTC:
Goal 6
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Theatre and Its Elements: Intro to Theater (THTR 1131)
Total Credits:
3
Lecture Credits:
3
Description:
This is a lecture-discussion course that explores the diversity of the live theater experience through reading assignments, attendance at live theatrical performances, video viewing and in-class discussions. Topics will include multicultural plays and dramatic structure; audience demographics; group response to live theater; local theater-going; and an exploration of the political, social and economic impact of theater in contemporary society. You will learn to become a more informed theater-goer and to gain individual awareness of being in the audience.
Prerequisites:
Placement into
READ 0200 or
ESOL 0052 or completion of
READ 0100 or
ESOL 0042
MnTC:
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Stagecraft: Scene Design and Lighting (THTR 1145)
Total Credits:
3
Lecture Credits:
3
Description:
This course provides you with a solid foundation of understanding and practical application of scene design and lighting for the theater. Coursework focuses on learning the historical background of current practice, a thorough study of contemporary design theory and practice and work on your portfolios of scene designs and lighting designs based on plays chosen for study. Local theater scene and light designers will visit the class as guest lecturers to aid you in acquiring current design techniques, as well as to share professional career advice and mentoring. Opportunities for design work on lab theater projects and main stage productions will be offered to interested students.
Prerequisites:
Placement into
READ 0200 or
ESOL 0052 or completion of
READ 0100 or
ESOL 0042
MnTC:
Goal 6
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Theater in the Twin Cities (THTR 1150)
Total Credits:
2
Lecture Credits:
2
Description:
This course is designed to help you develop an appreciation for and an understanding of the live theater experience. You will attend three to four plays at Twin Cities area theaters; analyze one of these performances in a written play review; meet theater artists; and become familiar with theater criticism, theater operations, and artistic policies of various local theater companies. A student ticket fee will cover the expense of the ticket prices for the shows attended by the class.
Prerequisites:
Placement into
READ 0200 or
ESOL 0052 or completion of
READ 0100 or
ESOL 0042
MnTC:
Goal 6
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Acting in Multicultural Theater (THTR 1160)
Total Credits:
3
Lecture Credits:
3
Description:
In this class, you will focus on the performance of a variety of multicultural readings (plays, short stories, poems) from global literature. While there may be extensive reading of new play scripts, prose works and poetry, the emphasis of the course will be on the spoken word and the effect of multicultural works in performance. It is assumed that you will not necessarily have training or preparation in performance. Classes will involve group warm-ups, vocal exercise, discussion of readings, and solo and group performances. The basic objective of this theater course is to experience multicultural literature in performance and to share insights into our multicultural society.
Prerequisites:
Placement into
READ 0200 or
ESOL 0052 or completion of
READ 0100 or
ESOL 0042
MnTC:
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Guthrie Theater (THTR 1161)
Total Credits:
1
Lecture Credits:
1
Description:
This course provides you with the opportunity to study one of the nation's leading regional theater companies, the Guthrie Theater. You will learn about the history, operations, philosophy, mission and artistic goals, and the current season of plays at the Guthrie. You will read in class the script of a current play in production at the Guthrie, then go see that play in performance there and learn how to write a play review about what you saw.
Prerequisites:
Placement into
READ 0200 or
ESOL 0052 or completion of
READ 0100 or
ESOL 0042
MnTC:
Goal 6
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Children's Theater Company (THTR 1162)
Total Credits:
1
Lecture Credits:
1
Description:
This course provides you with the opportunity to study one of the world's leading theaters devoted to plays for children and teenagers, the Children's Theater Company (CTC). You will learn about the history, operations, philosophy, mission and artistic goals, and the current season of plays at CTC. You will read in class the script of a current play in production at CTC, then go see that play in performance there and learn how to write a play review about what you saw.
Prerequisites:
Placement into
READ 0200 or
ESOL 0052 or completion of
READ 0100 or
ESOL 0042
MnTC:
Goal 6
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Mixed Blood Theater (THTR 1163)
Total Credits:
1
Lecture Credits:
1
Description:
This course provides you with the opportunity to study one of the nation's leading theaters dedicated to racial and cultural inclusion in the selection and production of their plays, the Mixed Blood Theater Company. You will learn about the history, operations, philosophy, mission and artistic goals, and the current season of plays at Mixed Blood. You will read in class the script of a current play in production at Mixed Blood, then go see that play in performance there and learn how to write a play review about what you saw.
Prerequisites:
Placement into
READ 0200 or
ESOL 0052 or completion of
READ 0100 or
ESOL 0042
MnTC:
Goal 6
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Lab Theater (THTR 1165)
Total Credits:
2
Lecture Credits:
2
Description:
This course gives you the opportunity for hands-on work experience in acting, directing, or designing in student productions of one-act plays, culminating in live public performances of your work near the end of the semester. You will choose to be an actor, director, designer, or producer/marketer and work through the entire process of production. You will compile a journal as you go, write short essays articulating your response to your chosen play and to your production processes, and discuss/evaluate your plans with your instructor and classmates. After the public performances you will assess with your instructor and classmates in writing and discussion the outcomes of your work.
Prerequisites:
Placement into
READ 0200 or
ESOL 0052 or completion of
READ 0100 or
ESOL 0042
MnTC:
Goal 6
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Acting for the Camera (THTR 1166)
Total Credits:
3
Lecture Credits:
3
Description:
This course provides you with the fundamentals necessary to act in front of the camera for film, television, and commercials. You will practice with the 4 basic camera shots in exercises as you read and respond to key acting texts focused on camera acting. You will learn how to conduct yourself on the set and how to rehearse and perform in collaboration with a director. You will practice audition fundamentals, learning how to get the part, put together and resume, receive a photo headshot, and explore local Twin Cities on-camera work opportunities. Acting or directing experience is preferred, but not required.
Prerequisites:
Placement into
READ 0200 or
ESOL 0052 or completion of
READ 0100 or
ESOL 0042
MnTC:
Goal 6
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Introduction to Acting 2 (THTR 2105)
Total Credits:
3
Lecture Credits:
3
Description:
This is a performance course to expand your knowledge of the human condition and human cultures as they relate to acting and to help you analyze and interpret characters in a play. You will perform in several scenes and respond critically to working collaboratively with student directors. Topics covered include stage movement, problem-solving as it relates to character development, performance anxiety, analysis and interpretation of character, and interpretative performances.
Prerequisites:
Placement into
READ 0200 or
ESOL 0052 or completion of
READ 0100 or
ESOL 0042
MnTC:
Goal 6
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Introduction to Directing (THTR 2145)
Total Credits:
3
Lecture Credits:
3
Description:
This course is an introduction to the basics of play directing, which includes guiding the beginning director through the various steps involved in casting, staging, rehearsing and presenting a play. You will gain hands-on experience through directing exercises related to composition, stage business and movement for the stage. You will have the opportunity to direct student actors in several assigned scenes for the class.
Prerequisites:
Placement into
READ 0200 or
ESOL 0052 or completion of
READ 0100 or
ESOL 0042
MnTC:
Goal 6
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Introduction to Analyzing Plays and Dramatic Literature (THTR 2150)
Total Credits:
3
Lecture Credits:
3
Description:
This course explores multiple elements of theatrical production through the analysis of dramatic literature. You will read a variety of plays focusing on the importance of the written text and the author in the process of creating theatre. You will investigate literature written for the theatre from various eras and explore the broader social, political, and economic contexts inherent and implied within the writing.
Prerequisites:
Placement into
READ 0200 or
ESOL 0052 or completion of
READ 0100 or
ESOL 0042
MnTC:
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Practical Application: Theater Capstone (THTR 2160)
Total Credits:
2
Lecture Credits:
1
Lab Credits:
1
Description:
This course completes the sequence leading to the A.F.A. in Theater Arts degree and represents your artistic and technical mastery of theater arts at the associate degree level. You will meet with theater faculty to choose and create a project. Examples of the project might include: 1) Play a leading role in a Minneapolis College or MSU theater season production; 2) Direct and/or act in a one-person show or a one-act play for the fine Arts Festival and/or with the Student Theater Club; or 3) Design the sets, costumes and lights for a student production. You will research and analyze your script, developing that theater script as actor and/or director/or designer into a public performance, and assess the final outcomes with theater faculty.
Prerequisites:
THTR 1104 and
THTR 1145
MnTC:
Goal 6
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