About Lipscomb
Course Descriptions
Theatre (TH)
1513 Beginning Acting (3) F: Majors only, SP: Non-Majors
Basic training in acting choices, stage technique and creating a character. Involves scene work and character analysis, includes laboratory. Laboratory graded and credited with course.
1533 Text Analysis (3) SP Offered odd-numbered years
The class uses James Thomas’ formalist approach to textual analysis and develops skills needed for scholarly insight into play scripts. As the students formulate their theatre aesthetic, they should also develop tools to distinguish time periods and genres and the ability to communicate research ideas.
2113 Beginning Directing (3) F
Basic principles governing play structures, choice and casting are discussed. Requires student directed scenes with lab. Laboratory graded and credited with course.
2123 Voice and Diction for the Stage (3) SP
Voice and diction fundamentals, used to develop vocal resonance, projection and articulation, as well as the natural connection of voice to action playing. Prerequisites: Theatre 1513.
2131 Theatrical Choreography: Various styles (1) F, SP
A practical class for developing the performer’s technique in various forms of dance for the musical theatre.
2143 Movement for the Stage (3) SP Offered odd-numbered years
Theory and application of movement, combat techniques, the Alexander technique, the elements of a physical regimen in order to develop physical coordination, flexibility, strength, spontaneity and awareness of the body in presentational space. Prerequisite: Theatre 1513.
2153 Intermediate Acting (3) F
An application of the six steps, the basic object exercise and other acting tools developed by Uta Hagen, toward producing a scene/character study based on a modern American play. Prerequisite: Theatre 1513.
2163 Drafting for the Theatre (3) F
Introduces technical drafting from basics through advanced practices in theatre including ground plans, sections, elevations, scaling, etc. Prerequisite: Theatre 2453.
2203 Stanislavski/Method Acting (3) SU
This course will teach students how to apply the Stanislavski methods of acting.
2213 Rendering Media (3) SP Offered even-numbered years
This is an exciting course offering the students a chance to learn multiple software packages that create, edit, manipulate, animate and present visual design work.
2223 Playwriting (3) SP Offered odd-numbered years
This course is designed to encourage and nurture Christian playwrights. It will introduce students to playwriting terms and strategies, while applying the process of defining and analyzing the dramatic elements in a play script. By the end of the course, students will write a one-act play.
2233 Theatre for Young Audiences (3) F Offered even-numbered years
This course will focus on movement and will study its impact on film and literature. Students will learn about ways of organizing a theatre program and its productions. It will also address issues of concern, such as age-appropriateness, choices of theatre seasons, grant money, and gender-blind and color-blind casting, as well as many others.
2243 Theatre in New York (3) W
This trip will expose theatre majors and minors to New York Theatre. They will view Broadway and off-Broadway productions and reflect on their experiences.
2253 Stage Combat (3) F Offered odd-numbered years
This course will teach students how to use safe and effective stage fighting techniques.
2423 Introduction to Theatre (3) F, SP
Considers the nature of drama, history of theatre development, acting and directing, and stage production. May be used to satisfy Fine Arts degree core requirements.
2453 Introduction to Technical Theatre (3) F
Analyzes technical problems of production, including construction, scene design and lighting.
3013 Makeup for the Stage (3) SP
Practical application of all processes and types of stage makeup. Theatre majors only.
3023 Fundamentals of Design (3) SP Offered even-numbered years
The theory of scene design and its relation to the director, actor and other elements of production.
3033 Theatre Management (3) SP Offered even-numbered years
The purpose of this course is to familiarize students with the fundamentals of running a professional or educational theatrical program (administration and budgeting, grant writing, season selection, box office, house management and marketing) as well as the practical and theoretical aspects of stage management for theatrical productions. School of Fine and Performing Arts 91
3043 Improvisational Acting (3) F Offered even-numbered years
Improvisational techniques explore the inner sources of spontaneous creation by exercising commitment and creative freedom in each moment of performance. Students will study improvisational theory and enact performance sessions designed to build spontaneous awareness.
3053 Costume Design (3) F Offered odd-numbered years
Costume designing from a production approach through design theory, figure drawing and a study of fabric. Theatre majors only or consent of instructor. Prerequisite: Theatre 3023.
3063 Lighting Design (3) SP Offered odd-numbered years
The objective of this course is to connect students with the concepts of lighting design and lighting technology. Students will learn how to implement communication, technology, organization and creativity in the lighting industry.
3073 Scene Design (3) F Offered even-numbered years
This course will allow students to develop drafting, rendering, painting, model-making and communication skills. Students will study historical, as well as contemporary, design techniques. Prerequisites: Theatre 2453, 3023.
3083 Musical Theatre History (3) F Offered odd-numbered years
Through discussion and watching musicals, this class will teach students about the historical and modern aspects involved in creating quality musicals.
3093 Dramaturgy (3) F Offered even-numbered years
This course will accurately define “dramaturgy” while preparing students to enter the theatre workforce. Students will gain knowledge about every aspect of theatre while closely examining literature.
3401 Educational Theatre Methods (1) Offered on demand
This course equips the theatre education major with an introduction to curriculum development and classroom activities to teach drama classes in high school or junior high settings. Field placement opportunities.
3413 Creative Dramatics (3) SP Offered odd-numbered years
An overview of children’s theatre: understanding the literature, acting techniques, design concepts, and the production presentation. Field placement opportunities. This course may satisfy the SALT Tier II requirement.
3433 History of Theatre I (3) F Offered even-numbered years
Theatre history from ritual theory and Greek origins to 18th century European practice. Includes focus on cultural and political contexts for theatre events and progressive influences of writers, designers, directors, and performers. A writing-intensive course.
3443 History of Theatre II (3) SP Offered odd-numbered years
Theatre history from 19th century romanticism to modern theory and practice. Special focus on non-western theatre development in Asia and Africa. A writing-intensive course. Prerequisite: Theatre 3433.
345V Theatre Internship (1-6) SU
Students involved in the International Program in London will apply for internships in the area of theatre, consisting of eight weeks, approximately 15 hours per week. Other opportunities for theatre internships may be approved by the department chair as they arise. Prerequisites: Theatre 2423 or permission of the department chair.
3491 Theatre Workshop: Practicum (1) F, SP
A practical course in technical aspects of dramatic production. The course may be repeated each semester for credit up to 8 hours.
4013 Advanced Acting (3) F
Explores Meisner technique of acting through textbook and scene work. For theatre majors only. Prerequisites: Theatre 1513, 2153.
4023 Advanced Directing (3) SP Offered even-numbered years
Principles of directing various styles and periods focusing on the ability of the director to bring a creative viewpoint to bear on the work. Requires student-directed scenes with lab. Laboratory is graded and credited with course. For theatre majors only. Prerequisite: Theatre 2113.
4033 Period Styles (3) SP Offered odd-numbered years
This course introduces an approach to performing in a range of historic works through reorganization of basic acting methods. It will familiarize students with classical dramatic literature. It will also teach them how to use textual clues to understand character development, while applying various acting styles in performance. Through their study of period styles and acting, students will also find the correlation between faith and art. Prerequisites: Theatre 1513, 2153.
4043 Musical Theatre Performance Workshop (3) SP Offered even-numbered years
This course will allow students to explore all aspects of musical theater performance. Students will work with musical theatre productions for the 18th-20th centuries. Students will also be taught the singing, acting and technical aspects of musical theatre.
4102 Senior Seminar I (2) F
This course is designed to assist students in making the transition from college to the “real world.” Through the development and understanding of creating resumes, auditioning and creating professional goals, students will be prepared to enter the professional world with confidence. Prerequisites: senior standing and approval of the instructor.
4112 Senior Seminar II (2) SP
This course is designed to assist students in making the transition from college to the “real world.” Through the development and understanding of creating resumes, auditioning and creating professional goals, students will be prepared to enter the professional world with confidence. Prerequisites: senior standing and the approval of the instructor.
4nnV Special Topics (1-6) F, SP
Various topics in dramatic literature and performance. (Examples: advanced scene design, advanced playwriting, etc.) Requires consent of the instructor.