Interim Department Head: Dr. Gordon Harvey
344 Stone Center
Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre
The mission of the Jacksonville State University Theatre and Film Department is to provide a strong liberal arts education while promoting respect for and appreciation of the art of theatre and film. Through an academically rigorous and supportive, creative environment, we cultivate critical thinking, analysis, and skills for artistic expression needed to build a career, while providing opportunities for higher level development within our students' chosen specialties. We also seek to produce a multifaceted, high quality, and challenging theatrical experience on our stage to enrich the university and surrounding communities.
The Department of Theatre and Film offers a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and a Bachelor of Arts in Film. Students majoring in Theatre must choose a concentration in either Performance or Production.
The Bachelor of Arts in Film is an interdisciplinary degree with coursework in Film, Theatre, English, and Art.
The Department of Theatre and Film also offers a minor in Theatre and a minor in Film and Entertainment Technology.
Theatre
THR 146 Introduction to Performance (3)
An introductory theatre course for non-majors that highlights the intrinsic and transferrable skills central to performance. Course focuses on observation and analysis of verbal and nonverbal communication, ensemble building, emotional intelligence, and the many facets of character and audience, ultimately examining what it means “to perform” in a public setting.
THR 242 Introduction to the Theatre (3)
The appreciation of theatre as an expressive art form and as a business. A general survey of acting, directing, designing, playwriting, and audience participation.
THR 246 Acting Fundamentals (3)
Prerequisite(s): Theatre major or minor, or instructor approval.
Introduces foundational acting concepts and techniques for developing a role through points of training including improvisation, character and scene study, and analysis, primarily using Stanislavski’s system.
THR 250 Student's Theatre (1)
Active participation in the department's plays in the areas of scenery construction, painting, lighting, costumes, and make-up. This course is repeatable for a maximum of two (2) credit hours.
THR 252 Honors Introduction to the Theatre (3)
Advanced strategies for developing an appreciation for theatre as an art form.
THR 254 Movement for the Actor (3)
The examination and application of the theories and exercises of movement and physicality for performance. Emphasis placed on physical health as well as the imaginative and artistic use of the whole body in the development of acting roles, including potential topics such as stage combat and period deportment.
THR 280 Play Analysis (3)
Prerequisite(s): THR 242.
A study of analytical tools and critical approaches to theatrical texts for production, design, and performance.
THR 281 Theatrical Laboratory (1)
Experiments in the basics of acting. Limit 1 hour credit per semester.
THR 284 Stage Crafts (3)
Corequisite(s): THR 250.
Introduction to theatre technology, including scenery construction and painting, properties, lighting, and sound.
THR 285 Elements of Design (3)
An introduction to the principles and techniques of theatrical design.
THR 290 Voice for the Actor (3)
An acting course designed to deepen character and ensemble acting work through the exploration of various vocal techniques
focused on diction, pronunciation, intonation, vocal placement and production, and character voice.
THR 298 Mid-degree Assessment (0)
For Theatre majors only. An assessment of the student's progress and potential for successful completion of the degree requirements. Grades: Pass/Fail.
THR 342 Directing (3)
THR 343 Auditioning (2)
Prerequisite(s): THR 246.
Exercises in preparing actors for auditions and portfolio review.
THR 344 Careers in Performance (3)
THR 345 Portfolio Development for Theatre (2)
THR 346 Acting: Classical Styles (3)
Prerequisite(s): THR 246 or equivalent and THR 298.
Course focuses on an actor’s training with classical material, including advanced scene and monologue work from various classical and period plays, especially those involving verse and heightened language. Special attention will be paid to Shakespearean textual analysis and scene work.
THR 349 Theatre Practicum (1)
Prerequisite(s): Two hours of THR 250 or permission of instructor.
Active participation in the department's plays in the areas of scenery construction, painting, lighting, costumes, make-up, management, or performance. Production assignments arranged through Theatre and Film faculty. May be repeated for credit up to a maximum of two (2) hours.
THR 351 Playwriting and Screenwriting (3)
THR 361 Theatre History I (WI) (3)
Conditions under which the great plays of the world have been produced. Audience, actors, patrons, physical conditions, architecture, and the relation to the other arts: Antiquity to 1600. (Writing Intensive Course)
THR 362 Theatre History II (3)
Conditions under which the great plays of the world have been produced. Audience, actors, patrons, physical conditions, architecture, and the relation to the other arts: 1600 to present.
THR 371 Scenic Design I (3)
Prerequisite(s): THR 285.
Principles and problems of staging in arena, thrust, proscenium, and flexible theatres. Designs for settings of plays in models and perspective rendering.
THR 372 Scenic Design II (3)
Prerequisite(s): THR 371.
Advanced principles and problems of staging in arena, thrust, proscenium, and flexible theatres. Designs for settings of plays in models and perspective rendering.
THR 375 Stage Management (2)
A practical study of stage management duties, responsibilities, procedures, and organization during auditions, rehearsals, production meetings, and performance.
THR 377 Costume Design I (3)
Prerequisite(s): THR 285.
Exploration of basic design elements and fabrics and their culmination into stage costume: period, character, and stylized.
THR 378 Costume Design II (3)
Prerequisite(s): THR 377.
Advanced exploration of the elements and principles of costume design, rendering characters and fabrics, and exploration of period and stylized costumes.
THR 381 Theatrical Laboratory (1)
Experiments in the basics of acting. Limit 1 hour credit per semester. Major production assignments in the department's plays in the areas of scenery, management, painting, lighting, costumes, and makeup or other technical/design assignment arranged with theatre faculty.
THR 383 Puppetry (3)
Scope and development of puppetry throughout the world. Practical experience in the design, making, and performing puppets.
THR 384 Theatre Technology (3)
Prerequisite(s): THR 284.
Exploration and application of lighting, sound, and projection technology for theatre.
THR 385 Stage Carpentry (3)
Prerequisite(s): THR 284.
A practical carpentry course that explores specialized woodworking and finishing techniques for the stage including scenery, furniture, tools, and materials.
THR 386 Stage Lighting (3)
Principles and problems of lighting for mood and effect in play production.
THR 387 Stage Makeup I (3)
Creation of straight, character, middle-age, old-age, beards, rubber prosthesis, and stylized make-up to aid the actor.
THR 388 Stage Costume History (3)
History of costume as to styles, period fabrics, construction, and movement for theatrical performance.
THR 389 Sound Design and Production (3)
Introduction to the principles of sound and the equipment used in sound production with an emphasis on digital audio, computer based editing, and Midi.
THR 391 Scene Painting (3)
Techniques of scene painting to include drop painting, perspective illusion, lighting consideration, budget, and equipment.
THR 398 Costume Techniques (3)
Basics of construction of stage costumes; alteration and repair of existing costumes, and the implementation of professional costume shop practices.
THR 399 Study Tour (3)
Topics, excursions, and requirements determined by department. May be duplicated for credit; however, only three (3) credits may be applied toward any major or minor. Infrequently scheduled and subject to minimum and maximum numbers. Advance deposit required.
THR 430 Film Techniques (3)
Prerequisite(s): FLM 231, FLM 232, and FLM 235.
Fundamental theories and practices of cinematography and editing for film and video. Practical cinematography exercises will utilize small, professional grade HD cameras in location settings. Editing exercise will utilize professional offline editing software to complete a small group-produced short film.
THR 440 Theatrical Drafting (3)
Prerequisite(s): THR 284.
Development of scenic drafting techniques for production, including floor plans, elevations, sections and working drawings.
THR 441 Acting II (3)
Prerequisite(s): THR 246.
Advanced acting scenes and approaches to performances.
THR 446 Acting: Advanced Techniques (3)
Prerequisite(s): THR 242, THR 246 or equivalent, and THR 298.
Advanced acting techniques and approaches to performance, including work from non-traditional texts and styles (non-Realism, non-Western, avant-garde) and non-Stanislavsky-based acting techniques. Focuses on intensive scene work and complex character challenges.
THR 451 Design and Technical Practicum (1)
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
Major production assignments in the department's plays in the areas of scenery, management, painting, lighting, costumes, and makeup or other technical/design assignment arranged with theatre faculty. May be repeated for credit for a total of three (3) semester hours.
THR 452 Design and Technical Practicum (1)
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
Major production assignments in the department's plays in the areas of scenery, management, painting, lighting, costumes, and makeup or other technical/design assignment arranged with theatre faculty.
THR 453 Design and Technical Practicum (1)
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
Major production assignments in the department's plays in the areas of scenery, management, painting, lighting, costumes, and makeup or other technical/design assignment arranged with theatre faculty.
THR 455 Music Theatre Dance (3)
Dance for musical theatre; a practical application of dance and movement in performance.
THR 463 Dramatic Theory (3)
An investigation into the major theories of drama from Aristotle to the present. Extensive reading of play scripts as well as analytical works.
THR 465 Musical Theatre (3)
A historical study of musical theatre in America from 1735 to the present. Emphasis is on theme, composers, performers, producers, and choreographers.
THR 470 Computer Aided Rendering for Theatre (3)
Prerequisite(s): THR 285.
Development of digital rendering techniques for theatrical design utilizing graphic, paint, or three-dimensional computer modeling programs.
THR 475 Special Problems in Theatre (3)
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
Individually designed and supervised research projects or production assignments.
THR 479 Special Topics in Theatrical Studies (3)
Prerequisite(s): THR 280 or instructor approval.
Advanced study of theatrical literature, research or performance studies. Topics will rotate. This course may be repeated for credit up to a maximum of nine hours.
THR 480 Special Topics in Design/Technology (3)
Advanced study of theatrical design or technical areas. Topics will rotate. This course may be repeated for credit up to a maximum of nine hours.
THR 482 Performance Practicum (1)
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
Major performance roles in the areas of acting, directing, movement, and playwriting. May be repeated for credit for a total of three (3) semester hours.
THR 483 Performance Practicum (1)
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
Major performance roles in the areas of acting, directing, movement, and playwriting.
THR 484 Performance Practicum (1)
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
Major performance roles in the areas of acting, directing, movement, and playwriting.
THR 485 Special Topics in Performance (3)
Prerequisite(s): THR 246 or instructor approval.
Advanced work in performance techniques. Topics will rotate. This course may be repeated for credit up to a maximum of nine hours.
THR 487 Stage Makeup II (3)
Prerequisite(s): THR 387.
Advanced makeup techniques for theatre, film, and television. Creation of false teeth and prosthetics for three dimensional, old-age, and specialty makeup.
THR 490 Theatre Capstone (WI) (2)
Prerequisite(s): Senior standing and instructor's permission.
Directed practicum in one of these areas: acting, directing, design, management, technology, or theatre education. (Writing Intensive Course)
THR 491 Theatre Internship (3)
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing and permission of instructor.
Students will gain experience within an area of their specialization in a professional theatre setting. Grades: Pass/Fail.
Film
FLM 195 Explore Seminar (1)
This course provides a forum for assigned readings and discussion of ideas in response to a current issue/event. The topic of the course will vary. May be repeated for a total of three credit hours.
FLM 230 Introduction to Film (3)
Introduction to film terminology, history, and theory; overview of the film-making process from concept to completion.
FLM 231 Film Technology Foundations I (3)
Introduction to film production and technical crew positions. Best practices and techniques in lighting, audio, grip and other production positions with an emphasis on recognized safety standards.
FLM 232 Film Technology Foundations II (3)
FLM 235 Camera and Film Techniques (3)
Prerequisite(s): FLM 231.
Introduction to camera set up, operation, types, and lenses. Basic film techniques, including composition, setting up shots, and introductory setting.
FLM 240 Film Production (3)
Prerequisite(s): FLM 230.
An introduction to essential filmmaking skills from planning and pre-production through post-production.
FLM 298 Mid-degree Assessment (0)
An assessment of the student's progress and potential for successful completion of the degree requirements. Open to Film majors only. Grades: Pass/Fail.
FLM 331 Techniques for High Definition Cinematography (3)
FLM 399 Study Tour (3)
Topics, excursions, and requirements determined by department. May be duplicated for credit; however only three (3) credit hours may be applied to toward any major or minor. Subject to minimum and maximum numbers. Advance deposit required.
FLM 400 Film Theory (WI) (3)
FLM 475 Independent Study in Film (3)
FLM 491 Internship in Film (3)
Prerequisite(s): 12 hours of 300+ level coursework in the major and permission of department head.
Students will receive on-the-job training and experience in an area relating to film. This course may be repeated for credit to a maximum of six (6) hours.
FLM 495 Special Topics in Film (3)
FLM 499 Film Capstone (1)
Prerequisite(s): Film majors with senior standing and permission of department head.
Capstone experience for film majors.