First Year
Second Year
Third Year
Fourth Year
*Note: Internships are designed to meet the individual needs of the student. The internship will entail practical work in the Theatre Management field with a producing theatre company. Internships will be supervised and evaluated by the faculty of the program.
Open Electives
Open elective credit also is required to meet the minimum graduation requirement of 192 hours.
THE 212
INTRODUCTION TO THEATRE STUDIES
This course is a general introduction to the aesthetics of the various forms and permutations of theatrical performance. It is a study of performance as an art, with particular emphasis upon its cultural and social influences in our society, and its relationship with the other arts and humanities. The course will emphasize the development of skills for articulate verbal and written response to performances.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
THE 210
SCRIPT ANALYSIS
A study of classical text analysis. Using dramatic literature from naturalism to the avant garde, student will dissect structurally how the plays work.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
THE 204
HISTORY OF DRAMATIC LITERATURE
First course in a 3 course sequence. A study of the development of playscripts, the physical theatre, and means of production from ancient Greek and Roman societies through contemporary theatre. The course emphasized theatre's changing role in society.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
THE 205
HISTORY OF DRAMATIC LITERATURE
Second course in a 3 course sequence. A study of the development of playscripts, the physical theatre, and means of production from ancient Greek and Roman societies through contemporary theatre. The course emphasized theatre's changing role in society.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
THE 206
HISTORY OF DRAMATIC LITERATURE
Third course in a 3 course sequence. A study of the development of playscripts, the physical theatre, and means of production from ancient Greek and Roman societies through contemporary theatre. The course emphasized theatre's changing role in society.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
THE 268
INTRODUCTION TO THE PRODUCTION PROCESS
This course introduces students to the specifics of the production process and focuses on similarities and differences between the curricular perspective of the production process at The Theatre School and that of the professional world. Through readings, lecture, and discussion, students will gain an orientation to the responsibilities and expectations of first-year crew assignments, basic skills involved in stage management, examples of the production process from both the Chicago and national theatre scenes, and the concept of collaboration as a fundamental component of all production work.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
THE 291
PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP I
The first course in a 3-course sequence. Students work on basic performance skills through individual and group exercises in acting, voice and speech, and movement. The work culminates in in-class performances of selected scenes and/or monologues from a variety of contemporary American plays.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
TEC 107
THEATRE CREW
Theatre Crew (2 quarter hours) All students in the first year of the program are assigned on a rotating basis throughout the year to various crews which build and run the shows in the Showcase, Playworks, New Directors, and Workshop Series.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
TEC 108
THEATRE CREW
Theatre Crew (2 quarter hours) All students in the first year of the program are assigned on a rotating basis throughout the year to various crews which build and run the shows in the Showcase, Playworks, New Directors, and Workshop Series.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
TEC 109
THEATRE CREW
Theatre Crew (2 quarter hours) All students in the first year of the program are assigned on a rotating basis throughout the year to various crews which build and run the shows in the Showcase, Playworks, New Directors, and Workshop Series.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
THE 201
THEATRE MANAGEMENT I: INTRODUCTION TO MANAGEMENT CONCEPTS IN THE PERFORMING ARTS
Through lecture, discussion, readings, videos, research and projects, the student learns about styles of arts leadership, contemporary issues and best practices in the field of non-profit arts management, the history of non-profit arts administration in the US including leaders in the field and opportunities for careers in the arts. Emphasis is placed on how non-profit organizations balance their commitment to the Art, the Artist and the Audience. Specific areas of non-profit arts management to be addressed include the role of the arts manager; the primacy of the mission; planning, change and adaptation; leadership and group dynamics; and human resources.(Cross Listed with PAM 301)
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
THE 202
THEATRE MANAGEMENT I: ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
Through lecture, discussion and projects, the student learns about non-profit arts organizational structures, short-and long-term planning, intersection of mission/vision/values and programming with growth and sustainability, producing vs. presenting organizations, financial management, management information systems and budgeting. (Cross-listed with PAM 302)
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
THE 203
THEATRE MANAGEMENT I: MAREKTING FOR THE ARTS
Through lecture, discussion and projects, the student learns about strategies and objectives in marketing and promoting the performing arts. Specific focus is given to integrated marketing and communication strategies; market research and evaluation techniques; organizational image and branding; patron support services; and audience development. Students will create marketing and public relations plans and materials, both independently and on teams, which incorporate targeting audiences; promotions, publicity, and advertising; and working with various forms of media, including social networking and technology-based platforms. (Cross-listed with PAM 303)
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
THE 292
PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP II
The second course in a 3-course sequence. Students expand on basic performance skills emphasized in Performance Workshop 1. The emphasis in this second quarter focuses on the actor's approach to text, intentionality and motivation, objectives, obstacles, the tactics used in realizing physical actions in performance, and an introduction to the director-actor relationship in rehearsal.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
THE 141
DESIGN WORKSHOP
First course in a 3 course sequence. This course will introduce the student to the art of theatre design through the examination of the principles of design and composition, the elements of theatrical design, and the nature of collaboration and communication. It is intended for those who plan to work in the theatre in areas other than design. The focus is on the aesthetic, rather than the technical, aspects of design and on how design fits into the framework of the study of theatre in general. The class is intended to prepare those pursuing a career in theatre for communicating and working with designers. Assignments will emphasize the development of creative skills and a common vocabulary in order to establish a framework for informed choices, and for an appreciation of theatre design and its various areas of specialization. In this first course we will explore the fundamentals of visual design. Students will do several basic design projects during the quarter. The process of theatrical design will be introduced by working with a classic script for design analysis and preliminary design parameters.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
THE 142
DESIGN WORKSHOP
Second course in a 3 course sequence. In the second quarter the class will focus on applying the fundamentals of the first course to the specific task of theatre design. The emphasis is on scenic design, but costumes, lighting, and sound will also be featured. The script analyzed in the first course will continue to be used to explore the integration of design parameters with the aesthetic and conceptual goals of production. We will also discuss the design process and some of the techniques utilized by designers. Later in the quarter another classic script will be used as the foundation for a final design project culminating in a scenic design for that script.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
THE 324
DRAMATIC THEORY
This course explores the art and craft of reviewing and writing about theater and the other performing arts in a variety of different media, from newspapers to alternative weeklies to magazines. The course also aims at developing for the student a systematic understanding of the concepts and issues that have historically informed theatrical criticism, as well as those that inform the contemporary period.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
MAT 242
ELEMENTS OF STATISTICS
Descriptive statistics, elements of probability, the binomial and normal probability models; large and small sample hypothesis testing, correlation and regression analysis. Use of computer packages. This course does not count toward mathematics major credit. Cross-listed with SOC 279.
Prerequisites:
MAT 101 or above or placement by test is a prerequisite for this class.
MGT 228
BUSINESS, ETHICS, AND SOCIETY
This course will examine the nature and purpose of economic life and contemporary commerce as understood from the perspective of religious and secular communities, as well as the ethical implications that flow from the various worldviews. Sections of the course critically examine the thought of different religious traditions on specific business-related issues, placing a variety of religious discourses into direct conversation with secular voices regarding ethical business conduct. Cross-listed as REL 228.
Prerequisites:
WRD 103 or HON 100 or HON 101 is a prerequisite for this class.
ACC 101
INTRODUCTION TO ACCOUNTING I
Introduction to Accounting I, provides an introduction to financial accounting as the means of recording, storing and summarizing economic events of the business enterprise to meet external reporting needs. Emphasis is placed on the preparation and analysis of financial statements and other financial reports to the public based on the accounting equation, accrual accounting concepts, and data gathering techniques. Topics include corporate accounting for current and long term assets and current liabilities, and the corporate income statement. . ACC 100 is a mandatory lab component of ACC 101, except for Summer and Strobel Honors sections.
Prerequisites:
MAT 130 is a prerequisite for this class.
ACC 102
INTRODUCTION TO ACCOUNTING II
Introduction to Accounting II, a companion and sequel course to Accounting 101, continues to explore basic accounting fundamentals and concepts. The course provides an introduction to managerial accounting and internal reporting. Topics include financial accounting for long-term liabilities, the components of stockholders equity, the statement of cash flows, financial statement analysis, budgeting and variance analysis, job costing for the service sector and cost analysis for decision-making.
Prerequisites:
ACC 101 is a prerequisite for this class.
ECO 105
PRINCIPLES OF MICROECONOMICS
Principles of Microeconomics. Basic theories of micro (or individual) economic units; the theory of consumer demand, the firm, and distribution; pricing and production in competitive, monopolistic and oligopolistic industries.
Prerequisites:
MAT 130 or equivalent is a prerequisite for this class.
THE 207
THEATRE MANAGEMENT I: INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Through lecture, discussion and special projects, the student learns about institutional advancement and development as well as collaborations with internal and external constituencies. Topics include forming partnerships, community outreach, board development and engagement, fundraising and grant writing, donor cultivation, and the philanthropic community. This course is the final course in the four-course sequence on Performing Arts Management, and integrates the topics, vocabulary, themes, and subjects introduced in the previous three courses. (Cross-listed with PAM 304)
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
THE 301
THEATRE MANAGEMENT II: INTRODUCTION TO COMMERCIAL THEATRE
Through lecture, discussion and projects, the student learns about the current environment in the world of commercial theatre. Focusing on the study of producing, students will learn about the nature of the work of the producer, general manager, and other key figures; securing rights to theatrical properties; raising capital for theatrical productions (filings, offerings, Securities and Exchange Commission); facilities and touring issues. Studies include researching commercial theatre entities and individuals.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
THE 302
THEATRE MANAGEMENT II: HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT IN THE COMMERCIAL THEATRE
Through lecture, discussion and projects, the student learns about human resource management and compliance with federal employment laws including review of employee handbooks, employee benefits, payroll and withholding, I-9, W-2 and W-4 forms, employee vs independent contractor status as well as hiring someone who is a corporation. The course reviews the history, membership, contracts and work rules of the theatrical unions in the United States, collective bargaining, labor arbitration and non-union human resource management in commercial theatre.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
THE 303
THEATRE MANAGEMENT II: FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT IN THE COMMERCIAL THEATRE
Through lecture, discussion and projects, the student learns about financial planning, budgeting and accounting, box office income, booking agreements and deals, paying labor and other expenses, income statements, and settlements. Attention is paid to distinguishing between facility licensing agreements and booking contracts.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
PRF 374
DIRECTING
First course in a 3 course sequence. An introductory class in which the student is exposed to a wide range of topics related to the craft of the director. These range from pre-production preparation, to the theatre space and composition/picturization considerations, to the actor/director relationship. Teaching methods include lecture, discussion, and in-class projects.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
THE 325
DRAMATIC CRITICISM
Through reading, lecture, discussion, and writing practicum, the course introduces foundational concepts in descriptive and evaluative criticism. Through the process of writing critical responses to theatre performances, the course addresses topics from criteria for script evaluation to expected outcomes of the theatrical experience. Can be taken by non-Theatre School students with permission of instructor.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
THE 271
THEATRE STUDIES PRODUCTION PRACTICE I
First course in a 3 course sequence. For all Theatre Studies students, this course makes assignments related to the student's major, including Dramaturgical work, assistant directing, and stage managing.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
THE 272
THEATRE STUDIES PRODUCTION PRACTICE I
Second course in a 3 course sequence. For all Theatre Studies students, this course makes assignments related to the student's major, including Dramaturgical work, assistant directing, and stage managing.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
THE 273
THEATRE STUDIES PRODUCTION PRACTICE I
Third course in a 3 course sequence. For all Theatre Studies students, this course makes assignments related to the student's major, including Dramaturgical work, assistant directing, and stage managing.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
MGT 300
PRINCIPLES OF MANAGEMENT
Effective application of managerial techniques and concepts to continually improve an organization's competitive position in the marketplace. Topics
include management processes, values and attitudes, ethics and diversity, the global environment of management, strategic planning, organizational structures, motivation, leadership, teams, human resources, organizational control, and organizational communications.
Prerequisites:
At least 88 cumulative units is a prerequisite for Business courses that require Junior standing.
MGT 301
PRINCIPLES OF OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT
Operations management focuses on the effective application of managerial techniques and concepts related to the delivery of services, manufacturing, and supply chain processes. Topics may include operations strategy, forecasting, project management, quality management, supply chain management, facility location and layout, productivity, inventory management, and scheduling.
Prerequisites:
ACC 101, ACC 102, ECO 105 and (MAT137 or equivalent) are a prerequisite for this class.
THE 408
CAPSTONE:PREPARING FOR THE PROFESSION
Preparing for the Profession is the first course in the 2-term Capstone sequence. This course serves as a cumulative and summative examination of both the academic and practical components of a 4-year BFA program in theatre studies. Through readings, writing, and discussion, the course will emphasize a number of theoretical issues such as the question of ethical decision-making in theatre practice and the interrelationship between liberal studies coursework (what we make theatre about) and theatre coursework (how we make theatre). From a more practical perspective, this course will also provide students with an introduction to portfolio preparation and cover letters and resumes for prospective jobs as students prepare to enter the professional market.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
THE 410
THEATRE STUDIES CAPSTONE
Graduating students will explore the practical and philosophical issues of contemporary theatre. Topics will range from the preparation of resumes and portfolios for various positions to explorations of the role of the arts in society.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.
MGT 307
HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
Concepts, theories, principles and techniques of personnel administration. Job analysis, employment law, recruitment, selection, training and development, employee motivation and performance appraisal, compensation, employee benefit programs, grievances, and labor relations.
Prerequisites:
At least 88 cumulative units is a prerequisite for Business courses that require Junior standing.
MGT 370
BUSINESS PLAN DEVELOPMENT
A business plan is an important strategic tool required to help establish the direction of an enterprise and attract capital required to run the business. It incorporates and integrates the functional areas of business and puts into practice many of the concepts and theories acquired in other classes. It describes the overall business venture, the product or service, the customers, the competition, the marketing, the legal structure, the operations, the human resources plan, the break-even analysis, the financing and all those things that are required to run a business. It helps to identify many unanticipated factors and reality-tests critical assumptions, thereby creating a roadmap for a successful enterprise. Students are encouraged to identify a business opportunity and develop their own business plan.
Prerequisites:
MGT 301 is a prerequisite for this class.
THE 412
PORTFOLIO PREPARATION
Portfolio Preparation expands and heightens the work begun in THE 408, Preparing for the Profession, and THE 410, Capstone. Students during the spring quarter course will work to develop a variety of cover letters for prospective jobs, refine and finesse their resumes, review interviewing techniques, and participate in a series of mock interviews for specific theatre companies - all in preparation for Theatre Studies participation in Graduate Showcase.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate or Graduate Theatre student is a prerequisite for this class.