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°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²ÊÀúÊ·¼Ç¼ Home > Catalog > 2024 - 2025 > Programs

Theatre and Dance

Chairperson: Ms. Tammy L. Killian
Office: Browne Hall 101
Telephone: (309) 298-1543
Fax: (309) 298-2695
Email: Theatre@wiu.edu
Website: wiu.edu/theatre

Program Offerings and Locations

• Bachelor of Arts in Theatre: Macomb
• Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre: Macomb
• Minor in Dance: Macomb
• Minor in Stage Combat: Macomb
• Minor in Theatre: Macomb

Learning Outcome

For student learning outcomes, please see wiu.edu/provost/learningoutcomes.

Faculty

Ames, Blackinton, Clow, Conner, Fox, House, Kamminga-Peck, Kavanagh, Killian, Laney, Lefter, Lewis, Mickelson, Schmidt, Wipperling, Wright, Wroblewski.

GradTrac

GradTrac is available to Theatre majors. See more information about GradTrac.

Honors Curriculum

Academically qualified students in this department are encouraged to complete an honors curriculum in University Honors, Honors in the Major, or General Honors. All Honors students must complete the one-hour honors colloquium (G H 299). General Honors includes General Honors coursework. Honors in the Major includes honors work in the major. University Honors combines Honors in the Major and General Honors. View more information about honors curricula or visit the Centennial Honors College website at wiu.edu/honors.

Department Information

The Department of Theatre and Dance offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Theatre, a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) degree in Musical Theatre, and minors in Theatre, Dance, and Stage Combat.

The B.A. in Theatre degree program offers options in Performance and Production/ Design. The program develops skilled and creative artists for vocational and professional careers and/or future study in Theatre and related arts and aims: (1) to develop creativity, artistic skills, and professionalism in students through an active production program that melds scholarship and practice; (2) to encourage and develop skills in communication, problem solving, research, and effective writing; (3) to enable majors and non-majors to expand and perfect their knowledge of the literary, historical, and philosophical aspects of Theatre through a rich curriculum that has both depth and breadth; (4) to foster students’ understanding and appreciation of the arts; and (5) to enhance the cultural life of the campus and the region.

The B.F.A. in Musical Theatre degree program is a comprehensive pre-professional training program, teaching students to combine and synthesize the areas of singing, acting, and dancing. Students in the Musical Theatre program are afforded a variety of in-class and onstage performance opportunities throughout the undergraduate career, culminating in a final senior project. A professional summer experience is an integral part of the requirements for graduation.

Degree Programs

Bachelor of Arts—Theatre

All students seeking the Bachelor of Arts in Theatre must complete I, II, and III.A or III.B below, and the Multicultural Perspectives requirement for the major#. The minimum semester hour requirement for the baccalaureate degree is 120 s.h.

1. University General Education Curriculum: 37 s.h.
2. Core Courses: 28 s.h.
   THEA 100, 101, 150, 151, 172, 251, 321, 381, 390, 391†, 392
3. Options of Study (Select A or B)
   1. Performance
      1. Special Courses: 10 s.h.
         1. THEA 170 and 171: 4 s.h.
         2. Either THEA 145 or 165: 3 s.h.
         3. Either THEA 311 or 382: 3 s.h.
      2. Directed Electives: 9 s.h.
         Select a minimum of 9 s.h. of THEA courses
      3. Minor: 16–24 s.h.
      4. Open Electives: 12–20 s.h.
   2. Production/Design
      1. Special Courses: 9 s.h.
         1. THEA 350, 450, and 451: 6 s.h.
         2. Either THEA 145 or 165: 3 s.h.
      2. Directed Electives: 10 s.h.
         Select a minimum of 10 s.h. of THEA courses
      3. Minor: 16–24 s.h.
      4. Open Electives: 12–20 s.h.

# The Multicultural Perspectives graduation requirement (see p. 63) may be fulfilled by successfully completing THEA 390.

† THEA 391 fulfills the Writing Instruction in the Disciplines (WID) graduation requirement.

Bachelor of Fine Arts—Musical Theatre

Program Admission: Admission to the program is by audition only. In order to be admitted to the B.F.A. program, students will present two contrasting songs, two contrasting monologues, and be prepared to learn a dance combination. The audition also qualifies the students for consideration for departmental scholarships. Auditions are held on campus in the Fall and the Spring. Video auditions may also be considered.

Program Requirements: Students accepted into the B.F.A. in Musical Theatre program must pass a proficiency test on basic music skills. All B.F.A. students also participate in an annual proficiency exam (at the end of the Spring semester) involving all three skill areas (acting, singing, and dancing), and may be put on probation in one or more areas. Those put on probation must pass a Fall proficiency exam the following semester in the area(s) of weakness. Faculty may provide individual guidance and coaching through this probationary process. After the Fall proficiency, students are either removed from probation or asked to leave the program. B.F.A. students also successfully pass voice juries in the School of Music at the end of each semester.

All students seeking the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre must complete I, II, and III below, and the Multicultural Perspectives requirement for the major#. The minimum semester hour requirement for the baccalaureate degree is 126 s.h.

1. University General Education Curriculum: 37 s.h.
2. Core Courses: 74 s.h.
   THEA 101, 130, 171, 172, 176, 230, 270, 271, 274, 276, 311, 330, 430, 476, 479 (6 s.h.), 492, 497†, 499; MUS 216 (8 s.h.), 416 (8 s.h.); DAN 110, 112, 113, 116, 212, 216, 316
3. Directed Electives: 21 s.h.
   
   • Theatre (minimum 5 s.h.): THEA 150, 151, 269, 273, 337, 372, 373, 381, 390, 391, 392, 470, 472, 473, 479
   • Music (minimum 5 s.h.): MUS 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 141, 181, 190*, 194, 195*, 196, 242, 248, 394
   • Dance (minimum 5 s.h.): DAN 117, 119, 210, 213, 219, 310, 313, 413

# The Multicultural Perspectives requirement may be fulfilled by successfully completing one of the following: 1) a designated foreign language requirement; 2) any course designated as Multicultural, including THEA 390; or 3) an approved Study Abroad program.

* May count toward the University General Education requirement.

† THEA 497 fulfills the Writing Instruction in the Disciplines (WID) graduation requirement.

Minors

Minor in Dance: 19 s.h.

1. Required Courses: 11 s.h.
   DAN 119, 210, 213, 219, 310, 313
2. Select a minimum of 3 s.h. from the following courses: 3 s.h.
   DAN 382, 385
3. Select a minimum of 5 s.h. from the following courses: 5 s.h.
   DAN 110, 112, 113, 116, 210, 212, 213, 216, 310, 313, 316, 386^, 413, 490

^ Maximum of 2 s.h. may count toward the minor

Minor in Stage Combat: 19 s.h.

1. THEA 100: 3 s.h.
2. THEA 470: 4 s.h.
3. THEA 474 (taken for 3 different weapons): 12 s.h.

Minor in Theatre: 18 s.h.

1. Special Courses: 9 s.h.
   THEA 100, 150, 172
2. Select 2–3 s.h. from the following: 2–3 s.h.
   THEA 101, 390, 391, 392
3. Theatre (THEA) electives: 6–7 s.h.

Course Descriptions

THEATRE (THEA)

100 Theatre Arts: Practice and Profession. (3) An introduction to all elements of the theatre by providing students with lecture/demonstrations and hands-on experience in eight areas of theatre study. Primarily for Theatre majors. Lab.

101 Play Analysis. (3) Analysis of plays in terms of plot, theme, character, dialogue, etc., preparatory to approaching the dramatic materials in terms of theatrical production. Production attendance is required. 110 Introduction to the Theatre. (3) (General Education/Fine Arts) Designed to acquaint the student with an overview of the aesthetics of drama and the practical aspects of the living theatre. Production attendance is required. IAI: F1 907.

130 Theatre Practice. (1, repeatable to 2) Designed to increase proficiency in preparation and presentation of theatrical performance. At least one facet of the student’s contribution must be carried out under the direct supervision of a member of the Theatre faculty. Open to freshmen only.

145 Fundamentals of Lighting and Sound. (3) An introduction to stage lighting and audio production including basic electrical theory, control systems, instrumentation and equipment, industry practices, and safety. Materials charge for course.

150 Stagecraft. (3) Study of basic skills of play production including carpentry, scenic painting, and prop construction. Materials charge for course.

151 Technical Theatre Practicum I. (1) Training and supervised work in theatre production, including costume construction, set and prop construction, and crew assignments. Prerequisite: THEA 150.

165 Fundamentals of Costume Construction. (3) An introduction to costuming and costume production for the theatre including sewing, draping, crafts, and wardrobe. Materials charge for course.

170 Movement I. (2) This course will develop an awareness of the actor’s physical self while expanding the actor’s physical potential. This course will also develop the actor’s kinesthetic awareness to be sensitive to stimuli such as other people, various environments, and psychological moods.

171 Voice Techniques I. (2) Development of the physical and aesthetic nature of voice production. Individual analysis of voices directs attention to improvement of quality, articulation, and pronunciation.

172 Acting I. (3) Fundamental concepts, terms, and techniques in acting. Participation in class exercises and problems give the student an opportunity to begin developing skills in performance. IAI: TA 914.

176 Techniques of Musical Theatre Performance. (3) Designed to introduce the student to the practical demands and staging of musical comedy in the theatre. Emphasis will be placed on specific dance routines, musical comedy styles, and audition pieces. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

201 Multiculturalism in Theatre. (3) (Multicultural) An analysis of multicultural issues found in drama. The class will survey cultural differences as well as the issues and topics unique and specific to various cultures and minorities.

230 Theatre Practice. (1, repeatable to 2) Same as THEA 130. Open to sophomores only.

251 Technical Theatre Practicum II. (1) Continuation of THEA 151. Training and supervised work in theatre production including costume construction, set and prop construction, and crew assignments. Prerequisite: THEA 151.

269 Make-Up. (2) Practice and theory of makeup in the theatre, designed to develop proficiency in the various techniques and styles of make-up application. Materials charge for course.

270 Movement II. (3) Continuation of THEA 170—Movement I. This course explores the actor’s own movement habits and patterns, and develops methods for altering and implementing new physical mannerisms for created characters through movement and masks. Prerequisite: THEA 170 or permission of instructor.

271 Music Skills for Musical Theatre I. (2) Basic musicianship skills with specific applications to Musical Theatre situations. Prerequisites: Musical Theatre major with sophomore standing; B.F.A. music fundamentals proficiency or MUS 180—Fundamentals of Music; B.F.A. piano proficiency.

273 Improvisation for Theatre. (3) Designed to enhance intuitive and spontaneous skills of acting through a series of structured exercises focusing on conflict, situation, and characterization. Prerequisite: THEA 172.

274 Music Skills for Musical Theatre II. (2) A continuation of THEA 271. Prerequisites: Musical Theatre major with sophomore standing and THEA 271; B.F.A. music fundamentals proficiency or MUS 180—Fundamentals of Music; B.F.A. piano proficiency.

276 Musical Theatre Studio. (3) Performance of major roles of Musical Theatre in studio projects. Emphasis on the student’s integration of singing, acting, and movement into a unified performance. Prerequisite: Musical Theatre major with sophomore standing or permission of the instructor.

298 Independent Study. (1–3) Private work on specific problems in performance or tech/design with an approved advisor. Student must request course the semester before enrolling.

311 Acting II. (3) Continuation of THEA 172— Acting I, with the emphasis on script analysis and in-class scene study. Prerequisites: THEA 170 or DAN 113; and THEA 171 and 172.

321 Stage Management. (3) Study of the procedures involved in stage management with opportunities for the student to gain experience in this area.

323 Theatre Organization and Management. (3) Study of the procedures involved in theatre publicity and sales with opportunities for the student to gain experience in this area.

330 Theatre Practice. (1, repeatable to 2) Same as THEA 130. Open to juniors only.

337 Professional Semester. (12) Designed to give the undergraduate student the opportunity and the learning experience to practice the craft of theatre off-campus in a professional situation. Students may enroll in this course only after they have been accepted into a reputable theatre organization and have received approval from the Theatre faculty. Because most of the student’s time will be spent off-campus working in a theatre, or with a theatre organization, students should not enroll in any other courses during the semester they are enrolled in THEA 337.

338 Advanced Topics in Technical Theatre. (2) Creative and practical projects assigned in conjunction with major campus productions. Prerequisite: THEA 150 or permission of instructor. Materials charge for course.

345 Lighting Design I. (3) In-depth investigation of the varied aspects of stage lighting theory, design, and practice. The practice will include theoretical production experiences. Prerequisite: THEA 145.

350 Technical Theatre Practicum III. (1) Continuation of THEA 251. Training and supervised work in theatre production including costume construction, set and prop construction, and crew assignments. Prerequisite: THEA 251.

354 Theatrical Drafting. (3) Advanced study of the principles and methods of drafting conventions and techniques employed by the theatre designer or technician. Prerequisite: THEA 150 or permission of instructor.

355 Scene Design I. (3) Introduction to the methodology and practice of scene design. Application of knowledge through a series of fundamental design projects. Prerequisite: THEA 354 or permission of instructor.

356 Theatrical Rendering. (3) Media and techniques employed in the presentation of theatrical designs. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

365 Costume Design I. (3) History of fashion. Discussion of the theory of costume design and color. Projects assigned in interpreting historical clothing into theatrical costume. Prerequisite: THEA 165. Materials charge for course.

372 Acting: Characterization. (3) Intense and extensive character analysis and improvisation exploring possible strategies and approaches an actor may take in presenting a character. Prerequisite: THEA 270 and 311.

373 Acting: Shakespeare. (3) Designed to deal with individual problems of the actor. Consideration is given to acting in verse drama, particularly the works of Shakespeare. Prerequisite: THEA 270 and 311.

381 Directing I. (3) The director’s function in theatrical production from an aesthetic and practical standpoint. Prerequisite: THEA 101, 172, and 321.

382 Directing II. (3) A continuation of the development of directorial skills using classroom exercises, discussions, and scene work. Prerequisite: THEA 381 or permission of instructor.

390 World Theatre History I. (3) (Multicultural) A survey of world theatre history and literature from its origins in antiquity through the 17th century, tracing the social, political, and economic conditions in which theatre has developed around the world. Prerequisites: successful completion of ENG 180 and 280.

391 World Theatre History II. (3) A survey of world theatre history and literature from the 17th century to the 1930s, tracing the social, political, and economic conditions in which theatre has developed around the world. Writing Instruction in the Disciplines (WID) course. Prerequisites: successful completion of ENG 180 and 280.

392 World Theatre History III. (2) A survey of world theatre history and literature from the 1930s to the present, tracing the social, political, and economic conditions in which theatre has developed around the world. Prerequisites: successful completion of ENG 180 and 280.

400 Independent Research and Projects. (1–6, repeatable to 6 for different topics) Individual study or research under supervision of the faculty. Open to seniors who have demonstrated special competence in Theatre. By permission of the department chairperson only. Student must request course the semester before enrolling.

401 Honors Thesis/Project. (3) A capstone course for students pursuing Departmental Honors in Theatre. Students will write a senior honors thesis or produce a final graded creative project. Prerequisite: G H 299 and 6 s.h. of in-course honors in Theatre; good standing in the Centennial Honors College; senior Theatre major.

409 Playwriting I. (2) Designed to instruct in the basic principles of the art of playwriting: objective, development of obstacles in incidents, characterization, and climax. Prerequisite: ENG 180 and 280.

419 Playwriting II. (2) Continuation of THEA 409. Students who have achieved a basic level of proficiency in the art of playwriting are encouraged to further develop their skills. Prerequisites: THEA 409; ENG 180 and 280.

430 Theatre Practice. (1, repeatable to 2) Same as THEA 130. Open to seniors only. 446 Lighting Design II. (3) Continuation of THEA 345. The varied aspects of production experience. Prerequisite: THEA 345.

450 Technical Theatre Practicum IV. (1) Continuation of THEA 350. Training and supervised work in theatre production including costume construction, set and prop construction, and crew assignments. Prerequisite: THEA 350.

451 Decor. (4) Survey of architectural elements, furnishings, and decorative motifs useful to theatre designers: prehistoric through modern including Far Eastern styles.

455 Scene Design II. (3) The effects of the elements of scene design in the theatre and the designer’s methods of working on design problems. Individual design skill development through creative project assignments. Prerequisite: THEA 355.

456 Scene Painting. (2) Introduction to painting for the stage with an emphasis on materials, texturing techniques, and three-dimensional effects. Materials charge for course.

465 Costume Design II. (3) Projects assigned in interpreting historical clothing into theatrical costume. Prerequisite: THEA 365 or permission of instructor.

470 Stage Combat: Unarmed. (4) Students will learn safe, effective techniques for performing unarmed stage fights, falls, and rolls. Emphasis on acting the fight, safety, and realism. Prerequisites: THEA 170 and 172, or permission of instructor.

472 Auditions. (2) Designed to prepare the advanced acting student in the techniques, opportunities, and procedures of auditioning, interviewing, and constructing resumes for advanced study or career placement. Prerequisite: THEA 372 or 373.

473 Acting and the Camera. (3, repeatable to 9) A course designed to incorporate skills learned in basic acting classes and basic video or film production courses, emphasizing camera students working with actors and actors working in front of the camera. Prerequisite: Performance students: THEA 311 or permission of instructor; Camera students: BC 110 or BC J 311 or permission of instructor.

474 Stage Combat: Armed. (4, repeatable to 12) Designed to teach safe, effective techniques for various weapons. Weapons could include broadsword, sword and shield, quarterstaff, rapier, and dagger. Emphasis on acting the story and safety. Prerequisites: THEA 470 and/or permission of the instructor.

476 Advanced Techniques of Musical Theatre. (3) Continuation of THEA 176. Further development of singing and acting abilities, enabling the student to fuse these talents and perform with greater success in the genre of Musical Theatre. Prerequisites: at least two acting classes, proficient music skills, and permission of the instructor.

477 Dialects. (3) Training in American regional and foreign dialects most frequently required in performance. Various approaches are introduced so that individuals may develop personal working methods. Prerequisite: THEA 171 and 172, or permission of instructor.

479 Professional Summer Semester. (1–12, repeatable to 12) Practical and theoretical work in all aspects of production during intensive eight-week rehearsal and performance of Summer Music Theatre. Auditions required.

481 Rehearsal Techniques. (3) The examination and practical application of techniques for the development of creative rehearsal environments, effective actor/director communication, and strategies for exploring the moment to moment dynamics of a scene. Prerequisite: THEA 382.

482 Independent Projects in Directing. (3) Supervised independent projects in directing. Prerequisite: THEA 481 with a B or better.

483 Assistant Director Practicum. (1) Designed to give the directing student the opportunity to participate in a mainstage production, the student will work on all aspects of the artistic development of a production under the mentorship of the faculty director. Prerequisites: THEA 481 and permission of instructor.

492 Musical Theatre Auditions and Professional Preparation. (3) Designed to prepare students to be successful at professional Musical Theatre auditions and to provide them with practical skills and information related to show business (i.e.: agents, managers, unions, negotiating, contracts, headshots, resumes, casting directors, etc.). Prerequisite: THEA 276.

496 Experiments and Topics in Theatre. (1–3, repeatable to 12) Investigation and exploration of special projects or experiments which will immerse students in a specific topic, technique, or concept. Prerequisites: ENG 180 and 280; junior or senior standing. Materials charge for course.

497 Musical Theatre History. (3) History of Musical Theatre, primarily focusing on American Musical Theatre, from its defining influences and roots to the present. Topics to be covered include significant productions, composers, lyricists, librettists, choreographers, directors, designers, and actors. Writing Instruction in the Disciplines (WID) course. Prerequisites: THEA 101 or permission of instructor, and successful completion of ENG 180 and 280.

498 Individual Study. (1–3) Special projects in performance or design. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing, and permission of advisor.

499 BFA Senior Project. (3) BFA Musical Theatre seniors are to mount a fully-staged, recital format, production demonstrating high proficiency in the three primary areas of study: acting, singing, and dancing. Seniors are expected to direct their own productions, with faculty guidance. Prerequisites: Musical Theatre major and senior standing.

DANCE (DAN)

110 Ballet I. (2, repeatable to 4) Introduction to exercises at barre, exercises at center, simple allegro work, and simple adagio.

112 Jazz Dance I. (2, repeatable to 4) Survey of the historical influences from which jazz dance evolved and beginning jazz techniques.

113 Modern Dance I. (2, repeatable to 4) Beginning modern dance technique and creative approach.

116 Tap Dance I. (1, repeatable to 2) Fundamentals of tap and soft shoe.

117 (Cross-listed with KIN 117) Pilates Exercise. (1, repeatable to 4) Pilates-based, mat-work fundamentals and basic concepts of Core Dynamics and floor exercises for physical/ mental conditioning that change, tone, center, balance, and strengthen the body. Holistic exercise uses specific breath support while the body is engaged in dynamic exercise and includes a posture analysis to determine individual needs and goals. Not open to students with credit in KIN 117.

119 Improvisation. (1) Exploration of individual and group movement potential in a spontaneous context, as it relates to dance.

210 Ballet II. (2, repeatable to 6) Intermediate technique and skill. Continuation of Ballet I. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

212 Jazz Dance II. (2, repeatable to 6) Intermediate skill, techniques, and movement combinations. Continuation of Jazz I. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

213 Modern Dance II. (2, repeatable to 6) Intermediate level skills and techniques. Continuation of Modern Dance I. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

216 Tap Dance II. (1, repeatable to 2) Intermediate tap dance and soft shoe skills and continued study of beginning skills and theory. Prerequisite: DAN 116 or permission of instructor.

219 Composition. (2) Introduction to application of choreographic principles with emphasis on movement invention and development of evaluative skills. Prerequisite: DAN 119. Concert attendance required 310 Ballet III. (2, repeatable to 6) Continuation of Ballet II. Prerequisites: DAN 210 and permission of instructor.

313 Modern Dance III. (2, repeatable to 6) Prerequisites: DAN 213 and permission of instructor.

316 Musical Theatre Dance. (2, repeatable to 6) This dance performance course focuses on the specific needs for a performer in Musical Theatre. Students will gain practical experience in dance areas pertinent to Musical Theatre performance such as partnering, solo work, and dancing in a chorus. Prerequisites: Musical Theatre major and permission of instructor.

382 Dance History and Philosophy. (3) A survey of dance from pre-literary times to the present in relation to philosophical and sociological factors of dance as an art form in society. IAI: F1 906.

385 Movement and Music Analysis. (3) Review of musical notation and application through playing of keyboard and percussion instruments. Analysis of recorded music for meter, rhythmic pattern, and phrasing.

386 Special Projects in Dance. (1–6, repeatable to 6 for different topics) By arrangement with Dance advisor one semester in advance.

413 Advanced Techniques of Modern Dance. (2, repeatable to 6) Advanced modern dance techniques with emphasis on performance qualities in projection, vitality, and execution. Prerequisites: DAN 313 and permission of instructor.

490 Independent Study. (1–3, repeatable to 6 for different topics) By arrangement with instructor.

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