Theatre Courses

Offered: Typically Fall and Spring terms

An introduction to the kinds of drama written for theatre, with attention to foundational aspects of play analysis and dramatic criticism in Western drama. In addition to other plays and critical writings, the course will include analysis of the following plays and critical writings: Oedipus Rex, Hamlet, Tartuffe, A Doll's House, Aristotle's Poetics, and Stephen S. Stanton's essay 'The Well-Made Play and the Modern Theatre.' The course also will include analysis of at least two full-length plays representing the work of women and African-American dramatists. 1 Course Credit

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

This course offers an introduction to the design and construction of basic garments and costumes. An exploration of the history of fashion and costume history, including the social, economic, cultural, and psychological factors influencing the selection and use of apparel and costumes. The course includes instruction in fibers and textiles; pattern drafting, design, fitting, and construction techniques; alterations of commercial patterns; and care, repair, storage, and recycling of clothing and costumes. Will also examine consumer buying and technological innovations used in the fashion industry. Course Fee: $15. 1 Course Credit

Offered: Typically annually

Introduction to concentration, relaxation, observation, and imagination as the actor's basic tools. Students will explore acting as a process beginning with work on the self and extending that work to character development and acting in improvisations or scenes. 1 Course Credit

Offered: Typically annually

An introductory study of how theatre practitioners take a script from the page to the stage. The focus will be on reading and analyzing scripts to develop a production concept around which designs are formed, directing choices are made, and stage pictures are solidified. Within this broad focus, visual representations will be created, essays will be written, and discussions will take place. Additionally, students will learn to work within a collaborative team. 1 Course Credit

Prerequisites: Students will be admitted by audition. Previous significant musical/theatrical experience or private applied vocal study is necessary. Class members should consider themselves multi-faceted singing actors/musicians. Audition: Sing one song and present a prepared or assigned monologue.


A small group (12-35) of versatile actor/dancer/musicians will be chosen to perform in a fully staged concert Operetta or Opera performance production TBD, Summer 2013. The class will explore the social, historical and stylistic musical and theatrical elements of the chosen show, performance practices through study, discussion, rehearsal, and performance. Class activities will take place in Presser Music Building's Gray Auditorium and classrooms 128 and 223. The class will culminate in three/3 fully staged concert version/public performances accompanied by piano in Gray Auditorium on 8:00 pm Friday, June 7, 8:00 pm Saturday, June 8, with a Sunday matinee performance at 3:00 pm June 9. All students will work on theatrical elements of the production in addition to performing in the show. Off-campus performances will occur at high schools in Lexington and Louisville, and at various Berea College Alumni Clubs. There is also a strong possibility of off-campus performances for the Musical Arts Series in Port Clinton, OH, the Lexington Arts Center, or at a similar venue.

A group of student assistants, possibly also in the class, will be selected by interviews with the instructors to be in charge of various facets of the production. Assistants may be chosen for the following functions, or combinations thereof : (1) an artist to design and layout publicity materials, programs, and other decorations; to design props; and to do set painting, (2) a student with experience in theater to serve as stage manager, (3) a student with experience in technical theater to serve as set designer, in charge of lighting, designing and constructing set pieces, and construction of props (4) a costume/make-up artist to assist in costuming the cast of 15-35 members, including designing and building costumes, (5) an administrative assistant, to be in charge of ticket sales; and to serve as ombudsperson, (6) one or two teaching assistants/assistant conductors to assist the instructors in teaching the class and in leading rehearsals, and TWO (7 & 8) rehearsal/performance pianist(s).

Offered: Typically annually

Fundamentals of filmmaking including the use of video equipment and a focus on film aesthetics. Emphasis will be on the production process of filmmaking that includes writing, producing, shooting, directing, and editing a five-to-seven-minute film. 1 Course Credit

Prerequisites: Determined by instructor

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."

Offered: Typically alternate fall terms
Prerequisite: None
Acting for Film is an exploration of the fundamentals of acting for the camera. Students will learn the basics of performance for television, film, commercials, etc. Course includes on-camera scene-work, character development, audition techniques, and script analysis. In addition, the course will cover a brief history of film acting. Please note, this class may require significant out of class time for rehearsal and filming. 1 Course Credit

Prerequisite: THR 105

Offered: Typically annually

Study of the first theatres and extant play scripts of selected human cultures. Included in this study will be representative cultures located in Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe. Focus on research and writing, including one research-based essay and an annotated bibliography. 1 Course Credit

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

The theory and practice of drama and theatre in secondary education. In addition to traditional curricular and co-curricular uses of drama and theatre in secondary education, particular attention will be directed to the theory and practice of using the means, forms, and methods of drama and theatre for non-dramatic or non-theatrical ends. Examination of proven British and European practices will be included. 1 Course Credit

Offered: Typically annually

A study of the basic practices and techniques used in theatrical design and production. The seminar will alternate between the study of scenic and lighting effects and the make-up and costume design. May be repeated one time for credit, provided the student takes both Scenic and Lighting Design and Production and Theatrical Make-up and Costume Design and Production. NOTE: While there are no prerequisites, students are advised to take THR 124 before enrolling in this course. 1 Course Credit

Prerequisites: GSTR 210

Summer Course Only

Course Description: Civic engagement and social advocacy are at the core of Berea's mission, and statistics show that students who engage with their local communities in a learn and serve capacity have higher retention rates and GPAs. In that vein, this course is designed as a service learning course that will allow students to work with AIDS Volunteers of Lexington (AVOL) to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS. Research shows that AIDS Awareness is on the decline, so much in fact that many high school and college students know little to nothing about the AIDS crisis from the 1980s and its impacts on modern culture. Students in this course will not only learn about the history of HIV and AIDS in America but will also be afforded the opportunity to develop print materials, video materials, awareness campaigns, and work as community organizers for AVOL.

Prerequisites: GSTR 210


Performance studies is a way to communicate to an audience through the performance of aesthetic texts such as prose, poetry, and drama. By combining these genres in a single performance, the emotional, intellectual, and aesthetic impact can be enhanced. In this class students will learn analytical, creative, and performance skills as they incorporate written and oral reflection and analysis to develop performances that combine published work with their own texts to effectively communicate an audience.

Offered: Typically alternate years (next spring 2014?)

Introduction to the theory and practice of voice production. Individual exercises in breath control, relaxation, phonation, resonance, and voice quality. Concentration on phonetics and phonetic spelling. Exercises in using voice projection and optional diction exercises for auditioning. Extensive drill-practice in the study of American-English sound. 1 Course Credit

Prerequisites: GSTR 210

Summer Course Only

Course Description: Students will analyze coal mining in Appalachia from multiple perspectives. The course will serve as a comparison analysis of the economic factors versus the cultural, social, and environmental impacts of coal mining. The course is designed to be two-tiered: during tier one, students will be on campus for two weeks studying holistic effects of clean coal, mountaintop removal, environmental variables, jobs and the economy, as well as Appalachian culture. Tier two will serve as a learning laboratory in which students are on the road for the last two weeks in Appalachian communities developing a documentary of those communities affected by coal mining. This lab will provide students with the ability to study interview methodology, videography, editing, documentary filmmaking techniques, framing shots, script writing, and developing an appreciation for Appalachia.

Prerequisites: Determined by instructor

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."

Prerequisite: THR 105

Offered: Typically annually

An advanced seminar in which students will study the theatres and play scripts with a focus on close reading, research, and writing. The focus of the seminar will alternate among: Theatres in the History of the United States; Theatres in the English Renaissance; and Theatres and the Rise of Mass Media. May be repeated for credit, provided the seminar topic differs from those previously studied. 1 Course Credit

Prerequisites: THR 105; AND THR 115; AND THR 213 (preferred) or THR 308

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Spring 2013)

Study of directing processes, including history and contemporary directing theories. Students will read about directors and directing theory, critique productions, and do exercises in blocking, improvisation, and scene work. 1 Course Credit

Prerequisite: THR 105 and junior standing or above OR permission of instructor

Offered: Typically annually

A course designed for the in-depth study of one of the various areas of management relevant to the theatrical and performing arts. The seminar will alternate among: Career Management, Stage Management, and Theatre Administration. May be repeated for credit, provided the seminar topic differs from those previously studied. 1 Course Credit

Prerequisite: THR 105 and THR 115 and junior standing or above OR permission of the instructor

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Fall 2012)

An advanced acting class geared toward students who are pursuing graduate study or a career in the performing arts, with an emphasis on acting. The seminar will alternate between a focus on Contemporary Acting Styles, emphasizing 20th and 21st century acting methods, and Period Acting Styles, emphasizing historical acting styles required of pre-modern drama. May be repeated one time for credit, provided the student takes both Contemporary and Period styles. 1 Course Credit

Prerequisite: THR 135
Offered: Typically alternate Spring terms
The seminar will feature exercises in: planning; oral history and interview techniques; one- and two-camera shooting; field sound recording; and specialized editing assignments. These exercises will be integrated with documentary screenings, readings and discussion, and will be combined in a final video project. Instruction in the course presumes that students have basic knowledge of camera and video work from the required Introduction to Film Production course (THR 135). Arts Perspective 1 Course Credit

Prerequisite: THR 135

Offered: Typically alternate Spring terms

To facilitate our students' training and development in the skills relevant to modern media production, we offer an advanced seminar and workshop. This course will instruct students in both the 'how' of producing feature film, as well as provide grounding in the 'why' of filmmaking. Student will gain and refine practical skills in the uses and techniques of several important visual technologies, such as videography and video editing; as well as techniques technologies more specific to fiction or feature film production, such as set design, lighting, and the direction of actors. A further aim of the course is that students will also gain insight into why and when to employ these various techniques to successfully reach and/or entertain an audience. Instruction in the course presumes that students have a basic knowledge of camera and video work from the required Introduction to Film Production course (THR 135). Arts Perspective 1 Course Credit

Prerequisites: Determined by instructor

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 390/490A; others will be 390/490B.

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 390/490A; others will be 390/490B.

Prerequisite: Sophomore, junior, or senior standing

Offered: Typically every term

An experiential learning experience individually designed for students with a special academic interest requiring integration of classroom learning with practical experience. Includes on-campus seminars with academic sponsors, as well as non-classroom experience. One to 3 course credits in one regular term; 1.5 course credits in Summer One Term; or 1 to 2 course credits in Summer Two Term may be taken in Internships. Requires the approval of two faculty sponsors and the Program assumes the responsibility for determining credit allowance. The Coordinator of Internships gives final approval for Internship proposals. All Internships meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) requirement.

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 397/497A; others will be 397/497B.

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 397/497A; others will be 397/497B.

Prerequisites: Will vary, but always will include permission of instructor

Offered: Typically on a limited basis as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course organized and directed by faculty and approved by the Program Director or Department Chairperson to meet the particular interests and/or needs of specific students.

Prerequisite: Senior standing only

Offered: Typically annually (next offered Fall 2010)

Development and presentation of a special theatre project centered on the student’s particular interests in theatre and demonstrating the student’s integration of the entire theatre curriculum. To be taken during the first term of the senior year.

Prerequisites: Determined by instructor

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 390/490A; others will be 390/490B.

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 390/490A; others will be 390/490B.

Prerequisite: Sophomore, junior, or senior standing

Offered: Typically every term

An experiential learning experience individually designed for students with a special academic interest requiring integration of classroom learning with practical experience. Includes on-campus seminars with academic sponsors, as well as non-classroom experience. One to 3 course credits in one regular term; 1.5 course credits in Summer One Term; or 1 to 2 course credits in Summer Two Term may be taken in Internships. Requires the approval of two faculty sponsors and the Program assumes the responsibility for determining credit allowance. The Coordinator of Internships gives final approval for Internship proposals. All Internships meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) requirement.

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 397/497A; others will be 397/497B.

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 397/497A; others will be 397/497B.

Prerequisites: Will vary, but always will include permission of instructor

Offered: Typically on a limited basis as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course organized and directed by faculty and approved by the Program Director or Department Chairperson to meet the particular interests and/or needs of specific students.