Courses & Requirements

An introductory overview of scenic illusion and technical devices, starting from ancient Greece through to modern design and production techniques. Scenery, lighting, costumes, make-up, properties, sound and technical effects are examined in the classroom and through workshop experiences, as they apply to live performance and to film and television. The course includes three design projects structured to demonstrate creative problem-solving. ARTS; O; AC; Offered annually in the fall; C. Choma

Exploration and development of imaginative processes and basic techniques of acting. Training through class exercises, scene and monologue work, discussions, readings and lecture/demonstrations. Designed to develop students physically, vocally, emotionally, and experientially as interpreters of what it means to be human. ARTS; O; AC; Offered annually, usually multiple terms; J. Grace; E. Carlin Metz; D. Nichols

An introductory study of theatre as a collaborative art form, examining dramatic writing and theatrical production, and the process whereby scripts are translated into performance by theatre artists, and exploring theatre’s capacity to reflect and promote social, political, and cultural change. HUM; Cross Listing: ENG 123; W; IC; offered annually, usually multiple terms; J. Grace; E. Carlin Metz; D. Nichols

A seminar in the practice of writing for the stage, through workshops and the examination of various forms. This course will foster opportunities to develop one’s voice through focused attention upon essential craft elements such as dialogue, dramatic action, writing for a collaborative medium, etc. ARTS; Prerequisite(s): THTR 151/ENG 123, THTR 131, or ENG 207, or ENG 208, or permission of the instructor; Cross Listing: ENG 209; W; AC; Offered annually, usually multiple terms; S. Kiraly

An examination of the elements of design as they relate to the translation of a playscript into the physical environment of a production. This process includes the lighting of the scenic environment by addressing such qualities as mood, modeling, selective focus, and overall atmosphere. Shared foundational concepts of both fields of design are explored including color theory, light and shadow, positive and negative space, line, mass, form, perspective, and how the two design fields interact in 3 dimensional space. Includes the completion and critique of several original design projects. Emphasis is on developing a personal design process and aesthetic through the application of theory to practical experience. Prerequisite(s): THTR 121 or permission of the instructor; Offered in alternate years in the spring; AC; C. Choma

A higher level exploration of the fields of Scenic and Lighting Design as visual storytelling. Through the carefully considered manipulation of the elements of design and the principles of composition, advanced projects will engage the interstices between Scenic and Lighting Design and their reliance on one another to create space and form. These projects will build upon experience gained in THTR 222: Scenic and Lighting Design I in both magnitude and complexity. Students will further develop a considered personal design process and aesthetic through the theoretical and practical experience gained from each project. Includes the completion, presentation, and critique of multiple original design projects. Prerequisite(s): THTR 121 and THTR 222 or permission of the instructor;Offered in alternate years in the spring;C. Choma

An examination of the history of costuming, and an introduction to the principles and techniques of costume design and technical artistry for the stage. Includes the completion and critique of several original design projects. ARTS; Prerequisite(s): THTR 151/ENG 123 or permission of the instructor; AC; Offered alternate years usually in the Fall; A. Hahn

The study of acting as applied to psychologically motivated text. Class work includes text analysis, critical analysis of performance, and text study and performance. Students repeating the course will undertake successively advanced concepts, applications, and projects. Prerequisite(s): THTR 131 and sophomore standing or permission of the instructor; may be taken up to 3 times; O; THTR 231 may not be taken in the term immediately after a student has completed THTR 131, if both courses are taken in the same academic year; THTR 231 and 232 may be taken in either order; usually offered annually; E. Carlin Metz; J. Grace

Theoretical concepts and practicum approaches to acting as practiced historically and in world theatre. Study will include multiple approaches to acting in a wide array of texts and performance settings, including historical epochs of western theatre, non-western physical theatre, socio-political theatre, and story theatre. Students repeating the course will undertake successively advanced concepts, applications, and projects. Prerequisite(s): THTR 131 and sophomore standing or permission of the instructor; may be taken up to 3 times; O; THTR 231 and 232 may be taken in either order; usually offered in alternate years; E. Carlin-Metz; J. Grace

This course undertakes an interdisciplinary approach, through devising, to create original performance texts that entertain and enlighten on themes of social responsibility and change. No prior experience in theatre or performance is necessary. Topics may be drawn from literary sources, life, current events, the news, history, or sociopolitical issues, among many other possibilities. ARTS; AC; Non-theatre majors are encouraged to enroll; offered occasionally; E. Carlin-Metz; J. Grace

Students learn about the multiple tasks of the dramaturg primarily by carrying them out. The course requires students to read and analyze numerous plays, to conduct and present historical research, to select and edit scripts, and to produce many pages of writing conceived for various different contexts. In many respects, the course functions like a workshop: most of the work is shared with and discussed by the class as a group. HUM; IC; Usually offered in alternate years; Staff

Introduction to the process of directing a play as the source of the unifying vision for play production. Topics include the history of directing, directing styles, world of the play research, script analysis, collaboration, rehearsal preparation, and visual metaphor. E. Carlin Metz; J. Grace

Students enroll for elective credit (a minimum of 1/2) under direct faculty supervision for individual participations of significant undertaking by proposing and having approved a particular project. Students may satisfy the Experiential Learning goal for significant work in Main Stage and/or Studio Theatre productions. Offered each term on a contract basis with permission of an instructor. ARTS; Prerequisite(s): permission of the instructor; AC; S/U; May be repeated for a maximum of 1.5 credits.; Staff

Optional capstone experience for specific Theatre courses in performance and dramatic literature and history as designated by the department. Enrolled students will travel to London for two weeks at the conclusion of Fall Term to attend theatre productions, have class with theatre professionals in which they will examine the work they have seen, and visit relevant cultural sites. Graded S/U. Prerequisite(s): concurrent enrollment in designated THTR course; An additional program fee is required; Staff

Four hundred years after his death, Shakespeare’s texts enthrall audiences and readers and have come to define great English literature. This course introduces students to Shakespeare’s canon and to the historical, political, religious, and artistic contexts in which he wrote. Students read a range of Shakespeare’s dramatic and non-dramatic work from across the scope of his career, including at least three of the four dramatic genres in which he wrote (comedy, tragedy, history, romance) and samples of his shorter or longer poetry. The course also considers Shakespeare’s continuing relevance through modern film and stage adaptation. Prerequisite(s): ENG 120 or 123 or sophomore standing or permission of the instructor; Cross Listing: ENG 227; IC; Staff

Courses offered occasionally to students in special areas of Theatre not covered in the usual curriculum. Staff

Introduction to writing for the screen, and intensive work in the reading and writing of plays and screenplays; workshops and individual conferences. Prerequisite(s): ENG 209 or THTR 209 or written permission of the instructor; Cross Listing: ENG 309; W; May be taken three times; Offered annually; S. Kiraly

An immersive experience in theatre art composed of three interrelated sections that must be taken concurrently. The enrollment of students not majoring in theatre is encouraged. Students enroll in all three of the following courses: THTR 310A Rehearsal and production. Participation in the rehearsal and production process as actors, assistant directors, assistant designers, technicians, or stage managers. THTR 310B Research and dramaturgy. Dramaturgical research leading to program notes and lobby displays for the productions, and to independent research and creative assignments. THTR 310C Production technology. Contributions in multiple areas (including set and costume construction, publicity and marketing, etc.) are selected by the faculty to suit individual students’ interests and capabilities and address need. Prerequisite(s): THTR 121 or THTR 131, sophomore standing, and permission of the department; For meeting the requirements of the Theatre major, participation may be counted as the additional 300 level course not in dramatic literature; Staff

Advanced study of theory and the creative process leading to the realization of a design in the areas of scenography, costume, lighting, sound, videography, and scenic art; experiential projects, workshops, and individual conferences. Prerequisite(s): THTR 121 & one of the following: THTR 222, 223, or 224; and/or permission of the instructor; Repeatable 3 times for credit; offered annually; C. Choma

Advanced integration of traditional and non-traditional acting theory and practical application (from Shakespeare to the Absurd) through text, voice, and movement. Scene and monologue study, text analysis, and philosophical and historical context are examined in terms of central questions regarding what it means to be human as revealed through performance. Prerequisite(s): THTR 131, THTR 231, and sophomore standing or permission of the instructor; O; usually offered in alternate years; E. Carlin Metz; J. Grace

A study of the origins and evolution of drama and theatre beginning with Greece, Rome, and medieval Europe through Early Modern England, Italy, and France. Additional examination of the development of theatrical practice in Japan, China, and India. HUM; Prerequisite(s): At least one literature course (THTR 151/ENG 123 is preferred) and sophomore standing; or permission of the instructor; Cross Listing: ENG 351; IC; Offered two years out of three; J. Grace; D. Nichols

A study of the developments of dramatic forms and major theatrical movements from Restoration era comedies (1660) through Expressionism (1915). Additional examination of influences from nonwestern traditions. Focus placed on the theatre as a cultural, social, political, industrial, and economic institution. HUM; Prerequisite(s): at least one literature course (THTR 151/ENG 123 is preferred) and sophomore standing; or permission of the instructor; Cross Listing: ENG 352; W; IC; offered two years out of three; J. Grace; D. Nichols

A study of the developments of dramatic forms and major theatrical movements throughout the world from the Historical Avant-Garde to the present. The plays are discussed in their literary, cultural, social, political, and theatrical contexts. HUM; Prerequisite(s): at least one literature course (THTR 151/ENG 123 is preferred) and sophomore standing; or permission of the instructor; Cross Listing: ENG 353; DV; IC; offered two years out of three; J. Grace; D. Nichols

Advanced theory and concepts in directing for the stage. This course focuses on the manipulation of three dimensional space through form, metaphor, motivation, composition, picturization, positive/negative space, and movement and the relationships between the director and the actors and the director and the designers. Applied projects will include staging scenes and preparation of a One Act Play. Prerequisite(s): THTR 121, 131, 151, 261, and sophomore standing, or permission of the instructor.; Usually offered in alternate years; E. Carlin Metz; J. Grace

Study of Shakespeare’s histories and comedies with combined attention to the plays as rich poetry and as texts for performance. Some discussion of the plays in connection with selected critical essays on them, and some in-class analysis of scenes from filmed productions of the plays. HUM; Prerequisite(s): two 200-level courses in literature, film, or theory and ENG 300L, which may be taken concurrently, or permission of the instructor; Cross Listing: ENG 331; Usually offered in alternate years; R. Biggie (knox.edu)

Study of Shakespeare’s tragedies and romances with combined attention to the plays as rich poetry and as texts for performance. Some discussion of the plays in connection with selected critical essays on them, and some in-class analysis of scenes from filmed productions of the plays. HUM; Prerequisite(s): two 200-level courses in literature, film, or theory and ENG 300L, which may be taken concurrently, or permission of the instructor; Cross Listing: ENG 332; Usually offered in alternate years; R. Biggie (knox.edu)

Analysis of the works of female playwrights who represent diversity in race, nationality, perspective, and style. A brief review of the evolution of feminisms is traced in order to identify the areas of thought and conflict that most influence the condition of the female writer and specifically the playwright. Prerequisite(s): junior standing or permission of the instructor; Cross Listing: AFST 383;ENG 383;GWST 383; W; DV; Offered occasionally; E. Carlin Metz; J. Grace; D. Nichols

A survey of dramatic writing and theatrical expression in America. Close investigation placed on themes such as the American dream, the American family, and the struggle for racial, ethnic, economic, and sexual equality. Plays are discussed within particular social, historical, political, and artistic frameworks. Prerequisite(s): junior standing or permission of the instructor; Cross Listing: ENG 384; Offered occasionally; J. Grace; D. Nichols

This course undertakes a practical approach to the major theories of the theatre that emerged during the late nineteenth century and throughout the twentieth century. Topics may be drawn from semiotics, phenomenology, post-structuralism, deconstruction, psychoanalysis, feminism, gender and queer studies, reception theory, postmodernism, and post-colonialism. Prerequisite(s): junior standing or permission of the instructor; Offered occasionally; J. Grace; D. Nichols

A study of the relationship between theatre and society. This course examines a variety of plays, theatre practitioners and theoreticians, focusing on theatre’s capacity to reflect and participate in social, political and cultural discourse. Specific topics vary from term to term (examples of past topics include: Queer Black Playwrights, Staging the Nation, and Contemporary Plays by Women of Color). Prereq: junior standing or permission of the instructor; CL: ENG 386; Offered occasionally; J. Grace; E. Carlin Metz; D. Nichols

Close examination of the work of a single playwright or theatre practitioner (such as Caryl Churchill or Bertolt Brecht), or of a period (e.g., Jacobean) or genre (e.g., tragedy). Prerequisite(s): junior standing or permission of the instructor; Cross Listing: ENG 387; Offered occasionally; J. Grace; E. Carlin Metz; D. Nichols

This class will examine the theory and practice of writing sequels and adaptations for the stage. Students will engage in a dialogue between multiple versions of the same story, asking how and why adaptations and dramatic sequels modify their sources in a particular manner. The class will focus heavily on the study of dramatic texts, but students will also investigate and analyze both forms through attendance at live theatrical productions.

Course offered occasionally to students in special areas of Theatre not covered in the usual curriculum. Staff