Course Descriptions: thar

ThAr103 Theatre Appreciation 3 hours

Designed to give students a working knowledge of theatre, engage them in critical thought about the themes of productions and develop an appreciation of theatre as an art form. Emphasizes the process of theatre production and gives an overview of theatre history. Students will gain exposure to the craft through in-class participation in playwriting, designing, directing and acting. Students will attend four professional or collegiate-level productions as a class. Additional fee to cover tickets will be charged to student accounts. A Knowledge general education course.

ThAr125 Theatre Practicum 1 hour

Orients students to the inner workings of play production. Credit is earned by participating in one of the productions throughout the semester. Credit can be earned working on stage or behind the scenes in stage management, choreography, costuming, set building, light design, makeup, properties or publicity. Credit optional. Repeatable 8 times.

ThAr126 HC Theatre Company 1 hour

Through this course, students will develop theatre skills through experiential learning. Credit is earned by collaborating as a company to create theatre that will serve the Hesston College campus and surrounding communities. Employing the arts, students will determine where and how their strengths could best be used to create programs or performances where needed. Students will advance in their creative problem solving, writing, improvisation and performance abilities while serving and becoming more engaged in current events and local and community issues. Credit optional.

ThAr127/227 Acting I/II 3+3 hours

Acting I introduces students to the fundamentals of theatre performance. Instruction is given in basic acting technique including speech, movement and expression. Also introduces students to the basic theatre components used by actors including scene and character analysis and audition techniques. Acting II continues the exploration of theatre performance and methods, working especially within the world of classic and contemporary realism. Voice, movement and characterization using goal specific exercises, monologues and scene work will be further developed, as will character and text analysis. Prerequisite for 227: THAR 127.

ThAr128 Directing 3 hours

Students experience how a director’s vision shapes a theatre production as well as the various components that go into a full production. Students select a one act play and then work with student and faculty designers to bring their vision to life. The shows are then offered for campus-wide viewing. A directed study at the first- and second-year level. Prerequisites: THAR 127 and instructor’s consent.

ThAr142 Movement through Dance: Jazz I 1 hour

Introduces an overview of jazz and musical theatre dance. Teaching jazz steps, body alignment and technique, and will be expected to execute them at a basic level. Application of skills to different styles of musical theatre choreography.

ThAr201 Stage Makeup 2 hours

Stage Makeup explores the elements of theatrical makeup as a practical skill necessary in the theatre. It provides an overview of basic makeup techniques and instruction and develops skills through observation, research and practice in using those techniques.

ThAr202 Introduction to Theatre Design 3 hours

Provides an overview of theatrical design that focuses on scenic, lighting, sound, and costuming elements. Beginning analysis and conceptualization of classical and contemporary scripts with opportunities for hands-on experience will help students grasp the organization of theatre while promoting the appreciation of theatrical design.

ThAr231 Sophomore Fine Arts Portfolio 1 hour

Offered to second-year students who enroll for two hours of studio credit in their major area of study and complete a sophomore recital. It is the culmination of four semesters of applied study and serves as an important benchmark for students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in theatre. This course guides the student through all aspects of staging theatre recital including goal setting, repertoire selection, program note construction and marketing. Additionally, students will carry out integrative work, identifying connections between their artistic development (especially recital content) and other disciplines they have engaged at Hesston College. Students will reflect on the finished product and identify future goals. Sophomore standing and approval by the fine arts faculty is required.