• "If it hadn’t been for the hands on learning opportunities and vibrant community of the Edgewood theatre department, I would have picked a different college to attend."
    Emily Morrison Weeks, 2014

Theatre Courses

(POST)COLONIAL CINEMA AND ASIA THA 319 AGQ THA (4.00 credits)
Geisha, Madame Butterfly, China dolls, Arabian bazaars, exotic sampans, mysterious mountain peaks----these are just some of the recurring images of Asia, or "the Orient," in the European and American popular imagination. The place of Europe's oldest, richest colonies and the U.S. military adventures and territorial expansions, Asia has become not only an integral part of the imperial West's material culture and civilization but also its exotic, mysterious, feminine, and ultimately inferior Other. A persistent critic of the Western supremacist ideologies has been Edward Said, who refers to the West's imperialist and masculinist constructions of the East as Orientalism, a set of terms, ideas, and principles that contain and control the Otherness of the Orient. In what ways has the colonial West's conceptualization of the East persisted or changed in contemporary cinema since Said's epochal critique over four decades ago? How has Said's notion of Orientalism been extended and modified in postcolonial and postcolonial feminist film studies? How is the Orientalist discourse reproduced, complicated, and challenged in Western and Eastern film? In what ways do race, gender, and nation intersect in Orientalist cinematic narratives? In what specific historical and geopolitical contexts do cinematic texts portray (anti-) Orientalist images and visions of Asia? In what ways are such inquiries relevant or urgent as we negotiate the complex relations between women and men as well as the East and the West in today's cultural and geopolitical contexts? In this course, we will explore these key critical questions and understand film as an important cultural, as well as art, form for the production, dissemination, and critique of Western European and American knowledge about genders, sexualities, and nations.
ACTING I THA 265 BK THA (3.00 credits)
Philosophic orientation of the actor to his/her art with emphasis on basic technical skills. Students work on the techniques of acting while considering larger questions of perception, creative and aesthetic awareness. Students gain confidence in performing for and with others and explore the potential of theatrical ensemble and the collaborative nature of theatre through partnered work, original scene creation, and performances outside the classroom for other classes.
ADVANCED ACTING THA 466 THA (4.00 credits)
Contemporary theories of acting such as epic theatre, the theatre of physical metaphor, absurdist and the Stanislavski system, as well as variations of these major schools of technique. The class is also designed for students to prepare for auditions, interviews and internships in the professional world. An acting portfolio, acting resume and a headshot will be required by the end of term. Prerequisites: THA 265 or consent of the instructor.
ADVANCED DESIGN THA 490 THA (1.00 credits)
An upper level studio tech and design class, looking at the study and apply technical and design elements of theatre. Areas of focus are chosen by the student in conjunction with theatre faculty mentors, and selected from various areas of tech and design, including: props,lights, costumes, sets, sound, hair & makeup, and other areas of tech/design in theatre. Students will be encouraged to submit their work to KCACTF and/or Edgewood Engaged for further study, engagement and feedback. Prerequisites: THA 390 (Theatre Design Elements) or consent of the instructor.
APPLIED TECHNIQUES FOR THE ACTOR THA 365 THA (3.00 credits)
Detailed work in acting with emphasis on script analysis for the actor, basic voice and dialect training and audition preparation, with a focus on contemporary national and international scene work. Prerequisites: THA 265 BK or consent of the instructor.
BRAVESPACE: SOCIALCHANGE & PUPPETRY THA 124 1G THA (4.00 credits)
This course will explore and examine how the creative arts industry is addressing the need for social change in the 21st century.  We will focus on the contemporary work of various artists and companies in the fields of Theatre, Puppetry, and Visual Art,  around topics of gender, race, and culture. The course will involve academic and artistic challenges through readings, discussion, live and recorded performances, puppetry and artistic construction, and student performance. This course can be applied toward a Theatre Arts major. Prerequisites: This course is for first semester freshman students or freshman transfer students.
COMM & ORAL INTERPRTN OF LIT THA 108 THA (3.00 credits)
This course will introduce the student to the techniques used in the interpretation and oral communication of literature. Students will learn how to assess literature to determine the emotional and intellectual intent of various authors from a wide range of literary genre. Students will become adept at using the skills necessary to share diverse forms of literature with a live audience. Prerequisites: Completion of the Written Communication requirement.
COMM & ORAL INTERPRTN OF LIT THA 264 CK THA (3.00 credits)
This course will introduce the student to the techniques used in the interpretation and oral communication of literature. Students will learn how to assess literature to determine the emotional and intellectual intent of various authors from a wide range of literary genre. Students will become adept at using the skills necessary to share diverse forms of literature with a live audience. Prerequisites: Completion of the Written Communication requirement.
CONTEMPORARY SCENE STUDY FOR ACTORS THA 380 THA (3.00 credits)
Advanced scene study is a course for student who are interested in taking scene study one step further. This class is modeled after graduate level acting courses. The focus is on advanced scripts and character development. The actor will be asked to explore oneself and to apply themselves to the lives of the characters. We will explore emotional capacity and animal instinct. This is not a class for the relaxed student. There are high expectations on memorization, attendance, and participation. Recommended for those intent upon a career in the art and craft of acting.
COSTUME PRACTICUM FOR MAJ/MIN THA 292C THA (0.50 credits)
To be fulfilled by serving as costume setup and running crew for an Edgewood College Theatre production or by special arrangement with the Department of Theatre Arts.
DEVELOPMENT OF DRAMATIC ARTS SURVEY THA 337 A THA (3.00 credits)
Study of the history and literature of the theatre from the Greeks to the present day.  The course will survey the major movements of theatre history, using scripts from various points in theatre's development, with an emphasis on the culture and style of the times the plays were created, and the implications both the scripts & performances have had for future generations.  The course will look at theatre as representative all the arts, as both reflective and influential on the society of its time and beyond.  The course will also address playwrights of significance, plays of significance and technical advances in theatre and other important elements of the development of drama.     Prerequisites: None.
DIRECTING I THA 370 BX THA (4.00 credits)
Study of the theory and practice of directing dramatic production with special emphasis on the director as artist and leader. Students will use all they have learned in the course of their theatre training and liberal arts education (and beyond) and apply elements of that knowledge of the interpretation, leadership and artistry involved in directing a play. Students must communicate effectively with all elements of production in order to accomplish those goals. Prerequisites: THA 265 BK - Acting I and completion of the Written Communication requirement.
DRAMA IN EDUCATION THA 276 BG THA (3.00 credits)
This course is designed to provide the college student with a basic understanding of, and appreciation for, the use of Drama as a tool for teaching and learning within educational and social settings. Drama in Education focuses on enhancing a kinesthetic awareness of literature in children and will be applied to the study of global children's literature. This literature includes folk stories, plays, classic and contemporary works to be critically explored and analyzed through discussion, writing, and active creative dramatic techniques. Students will research the history of Drama in education, from the 1960's through the present, including contemporary practices, theories and techniques from various countries. Prerequisites: None.
DRAMATURGY PRACTICUM FOR MAJ/MIN THA 292D THA (0.50 credits)
To be fulfilled by serving as dramaturge for an Edgewood College Theatre production or by special arrangement with the Department of Theatre Arts.
FILM CRITICISM THA 226 A THA (3.00 credits)
Film Criticism offers an introduction to basic film techniques and aesthetics in the art of film. It studies the cultural and artistic implications of film into today's society. These areas will be examined through "film, as in all art, is a reflection of - and an influence on - the society of its time" and on the idea of aesthetics as it relates to a sense of beauty and a philosophy of beauty in the arts. Prerequisites: None.
FILM IN SOCIETY THA 326 A THA (3.00 credits)
This course offers an examination of American society and its culture as reflected through the films of particular time periods in the 20th and early 21st centuries. These areas will be studied through the idea that "film, as in all art, is a reflection of - and an influence on - the society of its time." Through the use of popular American films, students will be introduced to competing perspectives on American history, culture and society. Prerequisites: None.
IDENTITY, ART AND CULTURE THA 125 1Q THA (4.00 credits)
This interdisciplinary and experiential course consists of three components; a study of the sexes and sexual identity, an exploration of Theatre, Music, and Visual art, and how sex and art create cultural phenomena. Participants will be exposed to artists that are greatly influenced by gender and sexuality. Our itinerary will include plays, museums, musical performances, art galleries and guest speakers. Prerequisites: This course is for first semester freshmen or freshmen transfer students.
IMPROVISATION IN PERFORMANCE THA 367 BK THA (3.00 credits)
Students will study the art of improvisation in theatrical performance including short form, long form, and sketch based improv techniques, as well as several warm up, ensemble building and technique enhancing exercises. Ultimately, this work will result in the class ensemble producing an improvised public performance, the style of which will be determined by the class as the work unfolds. Prerequisites: none.
INDEPENDENT STUDY - THEATRE ARTS THA 379 THA (1.00 credits)
Independent Study of selected topics in Theatre Arts developed by the student with the approval and direction of the instructor. Prerequisites: consent of instructor.
INDEPENDENT STUDY - THEATRE ARTS THA 479 THA (1.00 - 4.00 credits)
INTRO TO ACTING FOR MAJ & NON-MAJ THA 149 THA (3.00 credits)
Philosophic orientation of the actor to his/her art with emphasis on basic technical skills. Students work on the techniques of acting while considering larger questions of perception, creative and aesthetic awareness. Students gain confidence in performing for and with others and explore the potential of theatrical ensemble and the collaborative nature of theatre through partnered work, original scene creation, and performances outside the classroom for other classes.
INTRO TO LITERATURE - DRAMA THA 141 C THA (3.00 credits)
Introduction to Literature: Drama introduces the basic principles of dramatic literature, and their specific applications to particular forms of drama, including stage, film, and radio. The course is specifically designed as an introduction to the elements of a theatrical production, the analysis of dramatic form and structure, with a brief historical survey focusing on critical analysis of representational plays from various periods.
INTRO TO THEATRE: A GLBL PRSPCTVE THA 224 A THA (3.00 credits)
This course is designed to provide the student with a global perspective of, and appreciation for, the historical, esthetic and artistic components of live theatre. The collaboration of Theatre and society will be examined in the contexts of historical influence, dramatic literature and live performance. The artistic components of technical theatre will be introduced with a focus on the interpretation and transformation of dramatic literature into live realization of the staged play. Particular attention will be paid to how global perspectives and cultural practices have influenced the interpretation and artistic representation of Theatre across time and place. Prerequisites: None.
INTRO TO THEATRE: A GLBL PRSPCTVE THA 109 THA (3.00 credits)
This course is designed to provide the student with a global perspective of, and appreciation for, the historical, esthetic and artistic components of live theatre. The collaboration of Theatre and society will be examined in the contexts of historical influence, dramatic literature and live performance. The artistic components of technical theatre will be introduced with a focus on the interpretation and transformation of dramatic literature into live realization of the staged play. Particular attention will be paid to how global perspectives and cultural practices have influenced the interpretation and artistic representation of Theatre across time and place. Prerequisites: None.
LIGHTING PRACTICUM FOR MAJ/MIN THA 292I THA (0.50 credits)
To be fulfilled by serving as electrician and/or light board operator for an Edgewood College Theatre production or by special arrangement with the Department of Theatre Arts.
MAKE-UP PRACTICUM FOR MAJ/MIN THA 292E THA (0.50 credits)
To be fulfilled by serving as makeup setup and running crew for an Edgewood College Theatre production or by special arrangement with the Department of Theatre Arts.
MAKEUP DESIGN AND TECHNIQUES THA 395 B THA (3.00 credits)
Makeup Design and Techniques is an introductory study in stage makeup for the theatre. It is a practical course designed to give the student a basic working knowledge of, and hands on experience in, stage makeup design and application. Prerequisites: None.
MOVEMENT FOR ACTORS THA 368 THA (2.00 - 3.00 credits)
The study and application of theories and techniques of body movement selected from various topics, including: basic choreography, ethnic dance used in musical theatre, Michael Chekhov, Labon, Williamson technique, integrated systems, rasa boxes and control and release. Prerequisites: None.
MUSICAL THEATRE PERFORMANCE THA 366 B THA (3.00 credits)
Performance study in the literature and style of various musical theatre forms. This will be a hands on studio experience where students will examine the process of preparing numerous musical theatre pieces in a variety of styles. Emphasis will be placed on process, not performance.
ONE-ACT PLAY PRODUCTION THA 470 THA (4.00 credits)
The theory and practice of directing and producing one-acts within the theatre season with special emphasis on the director/designer as interpreter and critic. Focus is on producing, crewing and directing a main stage production in cooperation with other theatre students. Prerequisites: THA 370 BX or consent of instructor.
OTHER PRACTICUM FOR MAJ/MIN THA 292J THA (0.50 credits)
To be fulfilled in production work by special arrangement with the Department of Theatre Arts.
PERIOD STYLES IN ACTING THA 465 THA (4.00 credits)
This course is designed to study approaches to acting classical texts, focusing on Greek theatre, Shakespearean texts, Comedy of Manners, and Farce. The course builds on the script analysis and voice training of THA 365, and adds much more emphasis on movement and carriage of the actor. Scenes are used from the periods covered. Prerequisites: THA 365 or consent of instructor.
PLAY WRITING THA 445 THA (1.00 credits)
A study of the structure of the literary art of drama with practical experience in playwriting. Work with a performance lab is encouraged. Participation in the American College Theatre Festival is encouraged. Prerequisites: None.
PROPS PRACTICUM FOR MAJ/MIN THA 292F THA (0.50 credits)
To be fulfilled by serving as props master and/or running crew for an Edgewood College Theatre production or by special arrangement with the Department of Theatre Arts.
PUPPETRY IN PRACTICE & PEFORMANCE THA 285 AG THA (3.00 credits)
This course is designed to explore a wide range of puppetry styles in their early as well as contemporary global and historical settings, and to apply that knowledge to the student's understanding of puppetry as both an art form and genre of performance. Students will understand the historical and cultural background of Puppetry along with the various ways that puppets have been a part of social and artistic situations from pre-historic man through our present time. Students will examine global, historical and contemporary settings, as well as the social and educational impact of puppetry on our current entertainment industry. In addition to this study of the historical and cultural background of Puppetry, students will also learn first-hand about the techniques used in building and performing a variety of different puppet styles, culminating in a puppet performance to be shared with a community audience.
SCRIPT ANALYSIS: FRM PAGE TO STAGE THA 269 ADU THA (3.00 credits)
Students will develop an appreciation of the theatrical arts by analyzing dramatic scripts as the basis of theatrical production. Various interpretive perspectives, including the historical/social context in which the scripts were written or set, will be examined. Finally, the impact that context has on race, class, gender and ethnicity issues in production will be explored. Students will take plays from their blue print state on the page, study ideas, theories and contexts to aid their imagination, and then create a working concept for some or all elements of theatre production for each play. Prerequisites: None.
SETS PRACTICUM FOR MAJ/MIN THA 292G THA (0.50 credits)
To be fulfilled by serving as scenic running crew for an Edgewood College Theatre production or by special arrangement with the Department of Theatre Arts.
SOUND PRACTICUM FOR MAJ/MIN THA 292H THA (0.50 credits)
To be fulfilled by serving as sound engineer/board operator/designer for an Edgewood College Theatre production or by special arrangement with the Department of Theatre Arts.
SPC TPC: FILM THA 386A AGU THA (3.00 credits)
Through the study of representative films we will explore a variety of common social topics across different culture groups: those represented by US-Hollywood and independent films of North American production, those from contemporary and 20th century European society, as well as Asian cultures. We will compare the representation of social issues through critical analysis and research. We will look at how a film is constructed, how the film reflects our perception of reality and has an impact in our critical thinking. We will explore, analyze, and criticize social topics of ever increasing importance: immigration, family life, environment and economy. Prerequisites: None.
SPECIAL TOPICS IN FILM THA 386 THA (1.00 credits)
Advanced study of topics of special interest in the field of Film. Prerequisites: None.
SPECIAL TOPICS IN THEATRE THA 385 THA (1.00 credits)
Advanced study of topics of special current interest in the field of theatre: a) Performance (acting or directing) b) Technical theatre c) History and criticism d) Musical theatre. Prerequisites: Consent of the instructor
STAGE COMBAT DAI AND SAFD CERTIF. THA 360 THA (2.00 credits)
Course offers training in one of three areas of theatrical combat. Upon completion of the requisite training, students will have the opportunity to test for certification from both Dueling Arts International and The Society of American Fight Directors.
STAGE MANAGE PRACTICUM FOR MAJ/MIN THA 292A THA (0.50 credits)
To be fulfilled by serving as either the Stage Manager or Assistant Stage Manager for an Edgewood College Theatre production or by special arrangement with the Department of Theatre Arts.
STAGE MANAGEMENT THA 270 THA (3.00 credits)
This is an introductory course in stage management for the theater. It is a practical course designed to give the student working knowledge and hands on experience in stage management. It will address the role of the stage manager from the pre-casting, through daily rehearsals, technical rehearsals and performances. Prerequisites: none.
STAGECRAFT THA 191 B THA (4.00 credits)
If you've ever wondered how your favorite Costumes, Sets, Lighting, or Sound came into being, or if you love working with your hands this is a course for you. THA 191is a behind the scenes look at theatrical production. Students will study the techniques used to produce scenery, costumes, sound and lights as well as the organization and management associated with theatre. This practical course offers students a basic working knowledge of technical theatre. Prerequisites: None.
STAGECRAFT THA 290 B THA (4.00 credits)
This course is a behind the scenes look at theatrical production. Students will study the techniques used to produce scenery, costumes, sound and lights as well as the organization and management associated with theatre. This practical course offers students a basic working knowledge of technical theatre. Cross-listed: None. Offered: No Information Provided. Prerequisite: None.
SURV: HIST OF MUSICAL THEATRE FORM THA 239 A THA (3.00 credits)
This course is an introductory survey of Musical Theatre history, which will provide the student with the means of developing an appreciation of the aesthetics of the musical theatre form as he/she studies works from around the world.
TAP DANCE: TECHNIQ & CULT PERSPECT THA 110 THA (3.00 credits)
This course, for students with little or no knowledge of tap dance, spans the development and place of the form from its early roots in the Americas of 1600 to the present. It combines pedagogical study of the multi-cultural elements of this art from participatory studio work to build basic understanding of music, movement and cultural sensitivity. An American hybrid art form, the course illuminates the intersection of history and culture.
TECH AND DESIGN IN THE THEATRE THA 391 THA (3.00 credits)
The study and application of technical and design elements of theatre selected from various topics, including: lights, costumes, sets, sound and makeup. Prerequisites: None.
THEATRE DESIGN ELEMENTS THA 390 B THA (4.00 credits)
If you've ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of your favorite plays or shows this class might be for you.  This class offers an introduction to the media used in theatrical design, including but not limited to Costume Design, Scenic Design, Lighting Design, and Sound Design. Prerequisites: None.
THEATRE DESIGN ELEMENTS THA 200 THA (4.00 credits)
If you've ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of your favorite plays or shows this class might be for you.  This class offers an introduction to the media used in theatrical design, including but not limited to Costume Design, Scenic Design, Lighting Design, and Sound Design. Prerequisites: None.
THEATRE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES THA 376 2B THA (4.00 credits)
In this course, students will research and build a basis of knowledge with regard to a human, social or ecological issue and use these findings to write for young audiences, will write a play for youth about the topic. In making choices on how to write the play and what areas of the topic to focus on, students will address the COR questions: Who am I and who can I become?, What are the needs and opportunities of the world?, and What is my role in building a more just and compassionate world? In further exploration of these questions, students will study the history and the elements of production and performance in the genre of Theatre for Young Audiences, as they produce and ultimately perform their play for Madison area school students. Prerequisites: Completion of COR 1 or COR 199 or COR 199 in progress; two full-time semesters of college credit, excluding retro credits, AP credits, and college credit earned while in high school.
THEATRE INTERNSHIP THA 480 THA (1.00 credits)
Students receive practical experience through internships with regional and national theatre organizations.
THEATRE PRACTICUM THA 292 THA (0.50 - 0.50 credits)
A foundational half credit course for theatre arts, this practicum provides practical experience in theatre production and management as related to a college level production at Edgewood College Theatre.  Areas include lights, sound, costumes, hair & make-up, props, sets, dramaturgy, box-office/theatre management, stage management, and other areas related to a particular production. Students will register for the following crews:  THA 292A Stage Manage Practicum for Maj/Min , THA 292B Thtr Manage Practicum for Maj/Min , THA 292C Costume Practicum for Maj/Min , THA 292D Dramaturgy Practicum for Maj/Min , THA 292E , THA 292F Props Practicum for Maj/Min , THA 292G Sets Practicum for Maj/Min , THA 292H Sound Practicum for Maj/Min  , THA 292I Lighting Practicum for Maj/Min  , THA 292J Other Practicum for Maj/Min 
THEATRE SENIOR PROJECT THA 499 3K THA (2.00 credits)
This course is intended to give theatre majors an opportunity to express who they are and what they have learned as students of theatre within a liberal arts context and to explore more deeply a particular area of interest. Students will be guided through the process of designing, proposing and implementing a project focused in an area of individual interest and expertise within a field of theatre. Students will revisit the questions of COR in light of their theatrical knowledge and interest. Typically, senior projects in the discipline of theatre generally result in a performance or presentation which is open to the public. Prerequisites: COR 2, Theatre Arts major, senior standing.
THTR MANAGE PRACTICUM FOR MAJ/MIN THA 292B THA (0.50 credits)
To be fulfilled by serving as box office and promotions staff for an Edgewood College Theatre production or by special arrangement with the Department of Theatre Arts.
TPC: CONTEMPORARY THEATRE EXPER THA 227 THA (1.00 credits)
This course requires an extended field trip experience to a theatre center or convention, (typically the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival KCACTF Region III during winterim) for students presenting their work in areas of design, tech, management, acting, directing or other area of theatre covered by the experience. Prerequisites: None
TPCS FILM: EVOLUTION OF SCI-FI FILM THA 386B A THA (3.00 credits)
This course offers an examination of society (mostly American, but including Eastern and European) and its culture through the reflection of films in the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. These films will be studied through the idea that "film, as in all art, is a reflection of and an influence on the society of its time." Though we will explore the origins and history of science fiction film, this course will not be a purely chronological account of the major themes of the genre. We will be exploring and reflecting on the relationship between real science and science fiction.
UNDERSTANDNG HAPPINESS THROUGH FILM THA 327 A THA (3.00 credits)
Understanding Happiness through the Experience of Film is an introduction to research and theories on the nature of happiness, and to how those theories are incorporated into the creation and understanding of the art of film. Students will first engage in an examination of the research and science (fundamental findings from positive psychology) behind the understanding of happiness, and then will discuss philosophical questions, evaluate historical perspectives, and examine cinematic practices as they relate to the meaning and pursuit of happiness. Students will then take this understanding into their viewing of films that are shaped by this philosophy.