Theatre and Dance
(Bachelor of Arts)
Students pursuing the bachelor’s degree in Theatre will choose one of four areas of emphasis:
- Performance
- Design/Technical Theatre
- Musical Theatre
- Theatre Studies
Each emphasis provides a rigorous artistic/academic environment for the study and production of all forms of theatre. Techniques learned in the classroom are applied in production work giving students an abundance of practical experience. Each year a combination of classic, modern, experimental, musical theatre and dance pieces are selected to give students a diverse background in dramatic literature and styles.
The interdisciplinary focus of the University is an ideal setting for the highly collaborative study and practice of theatre. Many of our productions involve collaborations with University academic programs and student or community organizations.
Theatre faculty members at UW-Green Bay believe that the best way to learn theatre is to create theatre. Students are encouraged to participate in the five mainstage (faculty or guest artist directed and designed) productions each year. Studio (student directed and designed) productions provide additional opportunities for involvement. University Theatre production work is open to all students and practicum credit is available for work on mainstage productions. The Theatre program is an active participant in the Kennedy Center’s American College Theatre Festival, a national organization in support of excellence in university theatre.
Our facilities in Theatre Hall include the 450-seat proscenium University Theatre, Theatre 110 - Experimental Theatre & design studio, acting and dance studios with new sprung floor, a CADD & Sound Design lab with Plotter and well equipped scene and costume shops. Two of our Mainstage Productions each year are performed in our 100-seat Jean Weidner Theatre at The Weidner Center for the Performing Arts. We also produce occasional musicals or children’s shows in the 2,000-seat Cofrin Family Hall at the Weidner Center.
Students receive quality training from working professionals enhanced by guest artists, master classes, and a biannual travel course to Broadway. Alternate Theatre, the student theatre organization, sponsors trips to regional theatres, and on-campus or local seminars and workshops. Additionally we offer many Theatre and Dance student scholarships each year for our students.
UW-Green Bay Theatre graduates typically pursue internships and jobs in the entertainment industry. Students are encouraged to pursue such opportunities in the summers before graduation and advanced course work in audition and portfolio prepares them for the competitive challenges ahead.
UW-Green Bay Theatre & Dance Mission
The UW-Green Bay Theatre and Dance program is a community of professional artists, educators and students that provides professional training in the related performing arts of Theatre, Dance and Design in the context of a broad, liberal arts education. Our program offers high impact learning practices that cultivate creativity, critical thinking, communication skills, and collaboration within and outside the program and delivers a rigorous academic and problem focused environment that seeks to produce work that challenges the mind, engages the heart and delights the senses.
Core Values
Collaboration
Working together, we value the contribution of the individual to the collective vision of the team and strive for a cooperative and collegial realization of our artistic goals.
Professional Practice
We seek excellence in all our endeavors, training students to take their place as professionals. Faculty strives to remain up to date on current technologies and practices.
Community
We work to create engaging partnerships with our community, providing support and exchanging ideas as well as information, with our colleagues, our audience and the world at large. Students are taught to see the value of becoming engaged members of their community.
Diversity
We recognize that everyone has a unique point of view and we embrace the differences that enhance our society and our work.
Discovery
As an art form, theatre seeks to explore and comprehend the human condition. We encourage and support creativity, curiosity, intellectual and aesthetic development, invention and innovation in the pursuit of understanding.
Academic and Creative Freedom
We believe that freedom of inquiry is essential to academic and creative pursuits and our program supports intellectual and creative activities without restriction.
Student Opportunities
In all areas of emphasis, we strive to provide all students with opportunities to experience live theatre and to put classroom learning into practical application.
Objectives
The application of theory to professional practice is one of the main goals of the UW-Green Bay Theatre and Dance Program. Graduates of our program apply their training to careers in the world of live performance, entertainment technology, film, television, and other media as well as education, arts management, scholarship and are leaders in other fields. Some examples where you can find UW Green Bay Theatre and Dance graduates - Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Goodman Theatre, Lookingglass Theatre, 5th Avenue Playhouse, Seattle Repertory Theatre, Guthrie Theatre, Alley Theatre, Oregon Shakespeare Festival Theatre, Dreamworks, Broadway and National and International tours, Lighting and Sound and Film and Television industry, and professional improvisation (Fameless) and production work, and University Faculty positions around the country. UW Green Bay Theatre and Dance graduates are well prepared for their professional futures.
Jeffrey P Entwistle; Professor; M.F.A., Michigan State University, chair
Kaoime E Malloy; Professor; M.F.A., University of Iowa
Laura E Riddle; Professor; M.F.A., De Paul University, Goodman School of Drama
John E Mariano; Associate Professor; M.F.A., Ohio University
Rebecca Stone-Thornberry; Associate Professor; Ph.D., University of Colorado
Thomas Campbell; Assistant Professor; Ph.D., Southern Illinois University
Denise A Carlson-Gardner; Lecturer; B.F.A., University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point
The following are curriculum guides for a four-year Theatre degree program and is subject to change without notice. Students should consult a Theatre program advisor to ensure that they have the most accurate and up-to-date information available about a particular four-year degree option.
Courses
THEATRE 110. Introduction to Theatre Arts. 3 Credits.
The literature, elements, and artists in theatre from a process-oriented historical perspective. Includes research prior to performances, attendance at theatre performances, artist interviews and writing of performance responses.
Fall and Spring.
THEATRE 128. Jazz Dance I. 1 Credit.
Introduces the beginning dance student to the techniques, theories and practice of the jazz genre.
Fall and Spring.
THEATRE 131. Acting I. 3 Credits.
Develops a basic organic approach to acting technique through theatre games, vocal and physical exercises, scene work, and improvisation.
Fall Only.
THEATRE 137. Ballet I. 1 Credit.
Development of strength, flexibility, coordination, rhythm and correct body placement as these elements pertain to the technical and stylistic demands of ballet upon the human body.
Fall and Spring.
THEATRE 138. Ballet II. 2 Credits.
Continuing development of strength, flexibility, coordination, rhythm and correct body placement as these elements pertain to the technical and stylistic demands of ballet upon the human body.
P: THEATRE 137.
THEATRE 141. Period Dance Styles. 1 Credit.
An overview of folk, social, and popular dance styles from Ancient Greek to present. Styles will be discussed in their historical context and technique will be emphasized in a studio setting.
Fall and Spring.
THEATRE 145. Modern Dance I. 1 Credit.
The use of the medium of modern dance, both technically and stylistically, to develop strength, flexibility, coordination and rhythm in the human body, leading to physical self-expression.
Fall and Spring.
THEATRE 161. Tap Dance I. 1 Credit.
An introductory study of tap dancing, with emphasis on basic technique, steps, and combinations.
Fall and Spring.
THEATRE 190. Introduction to Applied Musical Theatre Voice. 1 Credit.
Study of literature drawn from music theatre repertoire. Some classical repertoire will be utilized for the study of style and the development of proper technique and mature tone. Placement is by audition.
P: Mus App 045 or 105; and declared Musical Theatre major. REC: MUSIC 151, 115 and conc enr in vocal/choral ensemble or theatre/musical theatre production.
Fall and Spring.
THEATRE 198. First Year Seminar. 3 Credits.
First Year Seminar, topics vary.
Reserved for New Incoming Freshman.
THEATRE 219. UWGB Meets NYC: New York Theatre Trip. 1 Credit.
6-day and 5-night theatre trip to New York City. An opportunity to see up to five Broadway and Off-Broadway productions in addition to art museum and theatre-related tours.
P: cons of instr & prior trip arr & financial deposit; REC: Thea major.
Spring Even.
THEATRE 220. Stage Management. 3 Credits.
Procedures and functions of the professional and non-professional stage manager; includes skills such as department organization, scheduling and rehearsal procedures, and communications.
P: conc enr in THEATRE 335, 336, 338 or 339.
Fall Even.
THEATRE 221. Stagecraft. 4 Credits.
Organization and operation of theatre productions: basic scenery construction, scene shop and theatre safety.
P: conc enr in THEATRE 338.
Fall Only.
THEATRE 222. Costume Technology. 4 Credits.
Organization and operation of theatre productions: basic costume construction and costume shop operations.
P: conc enr in THEATRE 335, 336, 338 or 339; REC: THEATRE 221.
Fall and Spring.
THEATRE 223. Computer Applications for Theatre. 3 Credits.
This course will introduce/develop student proficiency in the use of VectorWorks (CAD) program in scenic and lighting applications as well as other technically-related data management and visualization software.
P: conc enr in THEATRE 335, 336, 338 or 339.
Fall Odd.
THEATRE 224. Introduction to Theatre Design. 3 Credits.
An introduction to the fundamental principles of design and their applications in the performing arts. Students will study the vocabulary and communication of design elements through research and hands-on projects.
Spring Odd.
THEATRE 228. Jazz Dance II. 2 Credits.
Continued study and execution of the style and techniques of jazz dance. Study of the styles of major choreographers in American musical theater.
P: THEATRE 128; REC: conc enroll in ballet or modern dance.
Spring.
THEATRE 231. Acting II. 3 Credits.
Scene work in realistic dramas; practice in techniques of script analysis and character development.
P: THEATRE 131.
Spring.
THEATRE 233. Voice for the Actor I. 3 Credits.
Introduction to principles of vocal training systems used in actor training. Provides students with a working knowledge of their vocal and physical capabilities. Work on breathing, posture, and development of warm-up procedures.
Fall Only.
THEATRE 241. Improvisation for the Theatre. 3 Credits.
An introduction to improvisational concepts and techniques for role-playing, rehearsal and performance. Students will develop creative and collaborative skills by actively participating in theatre games and improvised scenes.
Fall Even.
THEATRE 261. Tap Dance II. 1 Credit.
Continuation of Tap Dance I introducing more complex tap technique. Increase speed and clarity of technique, and complexity of tap combinations and dances.
P: THEATRE 161.
Fall Only.
THEATRE 283H. Fashion History. 3 Credits.
The history of western fashion from antiquity to the present.
THEATRE 290. Intermediate Applied Musical Theatre Voice. 1 Credit.
Study of literature drawn from music theatre repertoire. Some classical repertoire will also be utilized for the study of style and the development of proper technique and mature tone. Placement is by audition.
P: Mus App 289 or 205; THEATRE 190; declared Musical Theatre major. REC: conc enr in choral ensemble/workshop or theatre/musical theatre production
Fall and Spring.
THEATRE 298. Independent Study. 1-4 Credits.
Independent study is offered on an individual basis at the student's request and consists of a program of learning activities planned in consultation with a faculty member. A student wishing to study or conduct research in an area not represented in available scheduled courses should develop a preliminary proposal and seek the sponsorship of a faculty member. The student's advisor can direct him or her to instructors with appropriate interests. A written report or equivalent is required for evaluation, and a short title describing the program must be sent early inthe semester to the registrar for entry on the student's transcript.
P: fr or so st with cum gpa > or = 2.50; or jr or sr st with cum gpa > or = 2.00.
Fall and Spring.
THEATRE 299. Travel Course. 1-4 Credits.
Travel courses are conducted to various parts of the world and are led by one or more faculty members. May be repeated to different locations.
P: cons of instr & prior trip arr & financial deposit.
THEATRE 302. Dramaturgy-Playwriting. 3 Credits.
P: None.
THEATRE 305. Audition Techniques for the Actor. 3 Credits.
Preparation of classic and contemporary monologues and scenes, professional resumes and photos; dealing with the business aspects of establishing a career as an actor.
P: THEATRE 231.
Fall Only.
THEATRE 309. Theatre History I:Greek to Elizabethan. 3 Credits.
Theatre history and literature, from Greek to Elizabethan.
Fall Odd.
THEATRE 310. Theatre History II: 17th Century to Realism. 3 Credits.
Theatre history and literature, from 17th century to 19th century.
P: none; REC: THEATRE 309.
Fall Even.
THEATRE 311. Theatre History III: 20th Century and Contemporary. 3 Credits.
Theatre history and literature, 20th century and contemporary.
P: none; REC: THEATRE 309 and 310.
Spring Odd.
THEATRE 321. Scene Design. 4 Credits.
Practical techniques of scene design: mechanical drawing, rendering and model building for the theatre. Develops ability to create the visual and mechanical environment to support the presentation of theatre pieces.
P: THEATRE 221, 223 and 224
Fall Even.
THEATRE 322. Costume Design. 3 Credits.
History of costumes as they relate to the theatre; costume design in relation to the play and the actor; study of the processes of costume design: fabric, color and line, mass and light.
P: THEATRE 224; and conc enr in THEATRE 335, 336, 338 or 339.
Spring Even.
THEATRE 323. Stage Lighting. 3 Credits.
Aesthetic practice of design of lighting in theatrical production: composition and psychological effects of stage lighting; contemporary equipment and control systems.
P: conc enr in THEATRE 335 or 336 or 338 or 339; REC: THEATRE 221 and 222.
Spring.
THEATRE 325. Stage Makeup. 3 Credits.
Principles and applications of stage makeup: materials, light and color, and character analysis.
P: conc enr in THEATRE 335, 336, 338 or 339; REC: THEATRE 221 and 222.
Fall Even.
THEATRE 328. Jazz Dance III. 2 Credits.
Advanced study and execution of the style and technique of Jazz Dance. A study of the styles of major choreographers in the American Musical Theatre. Competence in performance is stressed.
P: THEATRE 228.
Fall Only.
THEATRE 331. Acting III. 3 Credits.
Scene work in poetic drama and period plays; techniques of verse interpretation, research into production history and performance styles; use of appropriate movement, manners and behavior.
P: THEATRE 231; conc enr in THEATRE 335 or 336 or 338 or 339.
Spring.
THEATRE 333. Voice for the Actor II. 3 Credits.
A strengthening of structural and tonal work explored in Voice for the Actor I. Introduces stage dialects, character voices, and their healthy production.
P: THEATRE 233
Spring Even.
THEATRE 335. Production Practicum: Crews. 1 Credit.
Crew member/staff participation in a theatre production.
Fall and Spring.
THEATRE 336. Production Practicum: Performance. 1 Credit.
Performance in a theatre production.
Fall and Spring.
THEATRE 338. Production Practicum: Scene Shop. 1 Credit.
Complete production work in scene shop preparation.
Fall and Spring.
THEATRE 339. Production Practicum: Costume Shop. 1 Credit.
Complete production work in costume shop preparation.
P: THEATRE 222.
Fall and Spring.
THEATRE 340. Dance History. 3 Credits.
Origins and chronological development of dance styles, including ballet, modern, jazz, musical theater and social dance. Major works and personalities influencing dance from aboriginal cultures to the present day.
Fall Odd.
THEATRE 351. Directing I. 3 Credits.
Theories and techniques of theatrical staging and the relationship of the director to the actors and designers. Study of script analysis and rehearsal technique.
P: THEATRE 131; and conc enr in THEATRE 335, 336, 338 or 339.
Fall Only.
THEATRE 352. Directing II. 3 Credits.
Advanced theories and techniques of theatrical performance through staging and directing exercises.
P: THEATRE 351.
Spring Even.
THEATRE 356. Production Practicum: Properties and Scene Painting. 1 Credit.
Production work in properties preparation and scenic painting.
Fall and Spring.
THEATRE 357. Production Practicum: Wardrobe and Makeup Crew. 1 Credit.
Production work on a wardrobe crew.
P: THEATRE 222 or THEATRE 325
Fall and Spring.
THEATRE 358. Performance Practicum: Musical. 1 Credit.
Performance in a mainstage musical.
Fall and Spring.
THEATRE 359. Production Practicum: Theatre Management. 1 Credit.
Production Related Theatre Management work can be completed working with the Production Director or Managing Director of Theatre and Dance predominantly on Front of House related activities.
P: Consent of Instructor
Fall and Spring.
THEATRE 361. Tap Dance III. 1 Credit.
Continuation of Tap Dance II. Increase speed, clarity and complexity of technique, combinations and dances. Introduce syncopated and complex rhythms and techniques.
P: THEATRE 261.
Spring.
THEATRE 364. Musical Theatre History. 3 Credits.
Cultural conflict, influence and enrichment that arise when differing traditions of the arts come into contact with musical theatre and its development.
Fall Odd.
THEATRE 372. American Musical Theatre Dance. 1 Credit.
An overview of dance styles commonly used in Musical Theatre. Styles will be discussed in their historical context and technique will be emphasized in a studio setting. The course is dependent on skills developed in both Jazz 2 and Tap 1
P: THEATRE 161 and THEATRE 228
Spring.
THEATRE 390. Advanced Applied Musical Theatre Voice. 1-2 Credits.
Study of literature from music theatre repertoire. Some classical repertoire will be utilized for the study of style and the development of proper technique and mature tone. Placement by audition.
P: THEATRE 290 and instructor consent. REC: conc enr in choral/vocal ensemble or theatre/musical theatre production.
Fall and Spring.
THEATRE 404. Design Seminar. 1-3 Credits.
Focused study on a specific area or areas of theatrical design and technology such as: rendering, drawing, modeling, projections, special effects, automation, design aesthetics, metalworking, rigging, programming, production management and portfolio presentation.
THEATRE 421. Scene Painting. 3 Credits.
A Project oriented course incorporating the tools, materials, and techniques necessary to prepare a variety of visual textures and details necessary in theatrical scenic environments. Projects include Marble, Brick, Stone, Granite, Stencils, wood, Foliage, Metallic or Glass surfaces and a large detailed Final Group Project.
Fall Odd.
THEATRE 422. Costume Crafts. 3 Credits.
Advanced instruction in special topics in costume technology, including but not limited to Millinery, Painting and Dyeing, Corsetry and Padding, Pattern Drafting and Draping, Masks, Armor, and Distressing.
P: THEATRE 221 and 222; and conc enr in THEATRE 335 or 336 or 338 or 339.
THEATRE 423. Advanced Stage Lighting. 3 Credits.
Aesthetic practice of lighting in theatrical production, emphasizing programming and analysis. Practical application of the tools used in lighting.
P: THEATRE 224 and 323; conc enr in THEATRE 335, 336, 338 or 339.
Spring Even.
THEATRE 426. Sound for Theatre. 3 Credits.
A Project oriented course exploring the design process used for creating, selecting and editing music/sound effects for a theatrical production. Aesthetic and technical aspects of designing sound are discussed, demonstrated and realized. The course will culminate with each student creating and presenting a complete sound design for a specific script.
THEATRE 433. Vocal Specialization. 1 Credit.
Detailed production specific vocal work for special problems and/or solutions to character development and vocal production issues.
Fall and Spring.
THEATRE 440. Choreography. 3 Credits.
Technical forms and applications for composition of movement. Study of rhythmic patterns and their relationships to movement, creative content, musical interpretation, projection and dynamics. Includes movement and placement for large ensembles.
P: THEATRE 228.
Fall Even.
THEATRE 478. Honors in the Major. 3 Credits.
Honors in the Major is designed to recognize student excellence within interdisciplinary and disciplinary academic programs.
P: min 3.50 all cses req for major and min gpa 3.75 all UL cses req for major.
Fall and Spring.
THEATRE 480. Theatre Capstone Project. 1-3 Credits.
Students will complete a faculty approved project with one or more faculty members, at least one of which is from Theatre and Dance, culminating in a performance, staged reading, production related design/technical position, research project, community based activity, internship, travel course, or other approved project.
P: THEATRE 131, THEATRE 221, THEATRE 222, THEATRE 351
Fall and Spring.
THEATRE 497. Internship. 1-12 Credits.
Supervised practical experience in an organization or activity appropriate to a student's career and educational interests. Internships are supervised by faculty members and require periodic student/faculty meetings.
P: jr st.
Fall and Spring.
THEATRE 498. Independent Study. 1-4 Credits.
Independent study is offered on an individual basis at the student's request and consists of a program of learning activities planned in consultation with a faculty member. A student wishing to study or conduct research in an area not represented in available scheduled courses should develop a preliminary proposal and seek the sponsorship of a faculty member. The student's advisor can direct him or her to instructors with appropriate interests. A written report or equivalent is required for evaluation, and a short title describing the program must be sent early inthe semester to the registrar for entry on the student's transcript.
Fall and Spring.
THEATRE 499. Travel Course. 1-6 Credits.
Travel courses are conducted to various parts of the world and are led by one or more faculty members. May be repeated to different locations.
P: cons of instr & prior trip arr & financial deposit.
