Courses and Descriptions
THE 103 The Authentic Instrument I: Introduction to Performance Skills 3 Credits
Through the Alexander Technique and other methodologies, actors gain awareness of personal habits and begin to find their authentic, truth-telling voice and body—a dynamic and expressive instrument to serve them in any medium.
THE 104 The Authentic Instrument II: Developing the Imaginative Performer 3 Credits
Continuing from THE 103, actors explore psycho-physical techniques (e.g. Michael Chekhov, Viewpoints, Laban) to develop the actor’s imagination. The class culminates in a public presentation using the tools that have been cultivated in Authentic Instrument I & II.
Prerequisite(s): THE 103.
THE 105 Theatre History to 1700 3 Credits
The history of theater from the primitive time through the Baroque era. Examines major plays and playwrights, emphasizing the Greek, Roman, Medieval, and Elizabethan eras.This course counts towards the fulfillment of the Disciplinary Perspectives element of the CLAS general education curriculum.
THE 106 Theater History Since 1700 3 Credits
The history of theater from the Restoration to the present. Examines major plays and playwrights, emphasizing the Restoration, Romantic, and Realistic movements.This course counts towards the fulfillment of the Disciplinary Perspectives element of the CLAS general education curriculum.
THE 107 Acting I: Intro to Acting 3 Credits
Students will learn and practice the fundamental techniques and skills for authentic acting: pursuit of objectives, struggles against obstacles, and use of various tactics.
THE 110 Acting II: Scene Study 3 Credits
Students will continue to apply fundamentals from Acting I while learning how to read a script for actor clues, searching for and applying given circumstances to scene work, and monologues. Pre-requisite: THE 107 with a minimum grade of C.
THE 111 Theatre Lab 0 Credits
This class serves as a forum for students to cultivate practical professional skills. Through seminars, guest speakers and master classes, this lab will give the students necessary tools to enter the professional theater. Theater majors must meet the weekly attendance and participation requirements during every semester up to a total of six.
THE 115 Stagecraft 3 Credits
The theory and practice of construction and rigging of stage scenery is offered. Emphasis is on actual productions and road show set-ups. One lecture and two labs per week.
THE 116 Stagecraft Practicum 1 Credits
Work in the various shops and stages specializing in different areas such as carpentry, scenic painting, lighting and electrics, costumes and props, assisting main stage productions under the supervision of the design or technical staff.
Prerequisite(s): THE 115.
THE 118 Visual Imagination 3 Credits
Introduction to the visual world of theater design. Visual examples, physical exercises and handcraft of composition and style, with dramatic input and meaning. The course explores how to translate ideas in a dramatic text into a visual context.
THE 120 Theater Appreciation 3 Credits
By exploration of dramatic literature, conclusions are drawn as to man’s relationship to his particular period, style, political, social, and psychological environment. Appreciation of the theatrical event is included. This course counts towards the fulfillment of the Disciplinary Perspectives element of the CAS general education curriculum.
THE 126 Acting for Camera 1 3 Credits
Focuses on the craft and artistry of acting in television and film. Examination of TV production and the styles needed for work in various media will be discussed. Physicalization, simplicity, listening, marking and other technical requirements will be explored. Staging involving different camera angles will be rehearsed. The emphasis of this class is on adapting the performance to the special needs of the camera.
Prerequisite(s): THE 107 (minimum grade of C).
THE 127 Theatre Production 1 Credits
Students rehearse and perform roles in a play produced by the department and directed by a member of its faculty.
THE 190 Production I 1 Credits
Students carry out a technical theatre crew position for one or more theatre, musical theatre or dance productions during the semester of course registration. May be repeated seven times, for a total of eight credits.
THE 199 The Arts in Contemporary Civil 3 Credits
An integrated study of the arts and their place in contemporary American life. Includes attendance at several events in art, music, and drama.
THE 201 Devised Theatre 3 Credits
Devised theatre is a process in which a whole creative team – from actors to technicians - develop a new work collaboratively. Students will create an original production inspired by a theme, topic, poem, or circumstance using multimedia, interviews, and other methods and build them through collaborative workshops and rehearsals.
THE 206 American Theatre History 3 Credits
The history of the American theater from the colonial period to the present, emphasizing dramatic scripts and theatrical conventions. Examines important playwrights, theorists, and practitioners representative of each period of American history, emphasizing the 19th and 20th centuries.
THE 207 Contemporary Theatre 3 Credits
The course will engage in exploring the art of contemporary dramatic literature and theatre practices. The scripts studied will reflect the complexity and diversity of contemporary society in various places around the world. Through an examination of a diverse body of scripts, the student will gain a better understanding of the possibilities inherent in the dramatic form, as well as the potential for the form to impact thought and action in society.
THE 215 Introduction to Theatrical Lighting and Sound 3 Credits
This course will introduce students to basic lighting and sound principles and how those integrate into a theatrical performance. The main focus of the class will be analysis and application of lighting and sound equipment commonly used in live performance and how that equipment functions and is installed. The class will also touch on the design process, script analysis, and lighting color theory. These objectives will be achieved through in-depth lectures, class discussions, and hands-on demonstration sessions.
THE 216 Introduction to Scenic Construction 3 Credits
This course will expose students to reading construction drawings, construction techniques, generating material lists, problem-solving, and material and time management as related to scenic construction. A shop participation requirement will allow students to apply course objectives within a real-time production schedule and construction environment.
THE 219 Stage Management 3 Credits
Provide necessary tools to get started as a production stage manager (PSM), including management, leadership, communication and organzational skills. Providing guidelines to prepare production paperwork. Overview of the relationship between the PSM and other production personnel.
Prerequisite(s): THE 115.
THE 220 Movement for the Actor I 3 Credits
This course is an introduction to movement training methodologies, and emphasizes physical awareness and expressivity as it relates to development of character.
Prerequisite(s): THE 110, For Acting majors or by permission of the instructor.
THE 221 Voice for the Actor 1: Foundations of Speech 3 Credits
Focuses on the exploration of the basic principles of vocal production and cultivating the natural expressivity of the voice. Classwork is based upon the classic progression of voice exercises of Kristin Linklater.
Prerequisite(s): THE 107 with a minimum grade of C; restricted to BFA in Acting for Film, Television and Theatre.
THE 222 Voice for the Actor 2: Speech & Dialects 3 Credits
Focuses on the exploration of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) and the use of the IPA in learning dialects (including Standard Neutral American) for the stage.
Prerequisite(s): THE 221 with a minimum grade of C.
THE 224 Stage Make Up 3 Credits
Basic application of make up artistry and techniques for the stage. How it can help build a character, and how to apply to self and others.
THE 226 Drafting for the Stage 3 Credits
Covers essential drafting language for staged productions. Drafting of ground plans, sections, elevations, and renderings by hand and with computers.
Prerequisite(s): THE 118.
THE 227 Properties and Scenic Painting 3 Credits
Covers general aspects of scenic painting and props for the stage. Hands on exercises, needs and challenges of each area, how work is usually accomplished in the professional world. Explore different textures, materials and how to combine them.
THE 228 Projection Design 3 Credits
In this course students will learn the basics of video editing software and its application to the performing arts. It will provide them with a general understanding of the needs for projection design, visual possibilities, explore the reasons to use video or projection in a production and its most effective applications within theatrical production limitations.
THE 229 Movement for the Actor II 3 Credits
This course is a continuation of study in movement training methodologies (Alexander Technique, Viewpoints, Laban). It will emphasize developing physical awareness and expressiveness as it relates to the development of character work. It will also continue the further cultivation of awareness of habitual psycho-physical patterns that inhibit students in their professional development.
THE 240 Script Analysis 3 Credits
This course provides students with a technique for analyzing a theatrical script in terms of its theatrical requirements and aesthetic qualities. Students will use critical research and develop the abilities to write and speak clearly about dramatic literature, the requirements of production, and the experience of performance.
Prerequisite(s): THE 107 with a minimum grade of C.
THE 250 Introduction to Costume Construction 3 Credits
This course will introduce students to basic costume construction methods and alteration skills used by professional costume shops and costume houses to create theatrical costumes. Students will complete several projects, covering hand and machine sewing, cutting, fabric identification, and will also learn how to use home and commercial patterns to cut out garments and simple patterning and draping techniques. Students will also get practical experience by assisting the costume designer and/or shop manager in supporting the needs of the current productions and will have experience taking measurements, fitting and the alteration of actual costumes.
THE 260 History of Style and Decor 3 Credits
This class is a survey of elements, furnishings, decorative motifs and trends in architecture, decor and fashion, starting with prehistory and moving through the early part of the 21st century. It is intended to be a visual survey of the major “periods” of both decor and fashion and is intended to help theatre artists to develop an understanding of visual history.
THE 290 Production II 1 Credits
Students carry out an intermediate level technical theatre crew position for one or more theatre, musical theatre, or dance productions during the semester of course registration. Intermediate level technical theatre positions are supervisory positions or assistants to department heads which include, but not limited to, assistant to a designer, Stage Manager, Wardrobe Supervisor, and Master Carpenter.
Prerequisite(s): SO standing; 3 credits of THE 190.
THE 300 Acting for the Camera 3 Credits
Focuses on the craft and artistry of acting in television and film. Examination of TV production and the styles needed for work in various media will be discussed. Physicalization, simplicity, listening, marking and other technical requirements will be explored. Staging involving different camera angles will be rehearsed. The emphasis of this class is on adapting the performance to the special needs of the camera.
Prerequisite(s): THE 107.
THE 308 Modern Drama 3 Credits
Surveys American and European drama from 1920 to 1970. All plays are read in English translation. In these plays, theatrical artists address the great themes of this century. While doing so, they also expand the limits of theatrical expression.
THE 310 Acting III 3 Credits
Building upon the skill sets learned in Acting I and II, students will learn how to utilize both interior and exterior analysis of characters while being introduced to a variety of techniques stemming from the Stanislavsky method. Techniques will then be applied through scene and monologue performances in class. Pre-requisite: THE 110 with a minimum grade of C.
THE 311 Acting IV 3 Credits
Students will learn and practice performance techniques that explore a variety of theatrical styles, primarily focused on styles that have a heightened form and/or language.
Prerequisite(s): THE 310 with a minimum grade of C.
THE 312 The Arts Abroad 1-3 Credits
A short-term trip abroad that includes a critical study of local & regional arts and culture. Students are required to attend all performances, guided tours, and classes before and after the trip. A travel fee is required. Travel sites and artistic disciplines may vary year to year. May be taken more than once for credit.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
THE 313 Voice for the Actor 3: Voice Acting 3 Credits
Students will learn and practice the foundational requirements needed to audition for a variety of voiceover projects including commercial, animation, audio drama, podcasts, video games, audio books, and other forms of voice acting.
Prerequisite(s): THE 222 with a minimum grade of C.
THE 315 Acting for the Camera 2 3 Credits
This course is a continuation of the study of acting for the camera.
Prerequisite(s): THE 126 with a minimum grade of C.
THE 317 Scenic Design 3 Credits
The study and application of design principles as related to the stage. Incorporates the design process, decor research, styles, materials, and construction technology.
Prerequisite(s): THE 118.
THE 318 Stage Lighting Design 3 Credits
The theory and practice of stage lighting as utilized in concept, dance, and theatre. Considers the nature of light, controlling light, color theory, electricity, electrical safety, and lighting design.
THE 319 Costume Design 3 Credits
Introduction to tasks, skills and expertise of costume design and costuming techniques, relationship with other creative production and cast members. Students will create sketches and develop basic construction plans. Develop familiarity with fabrics, patterns, common challenges in costume design.
Prerequisite(s): THE 115 (for other Theatre majors) or THE 118 (for Design and Technology majors).
THE 325 Sound Design 3 Credits
Introduction to sound design and its diverse use and practice for the staged productions, e.g. plays, musicals, operas and dance.
Prerequisite(s): THE 115.
THE 329 Movement for the Actor III 3 Credits
This course is a continuation of study in movement training methodologies focusing on continued development of expressivity, ease, dynamics and authenticity in character development.
Prerequisite(s): THE 229.
THE 390 Production III 1 Credits
Students carry out an advanced level technical theatre crew position for one or more theatre, musical theatre, or dance productions during the semester of course registration. These positions include, but are not limited to, Designer, Production Stage Manager, Props Master, and Technical Director. This course may be taken up to three times for credit.
Prerequisite(s): JR or SR standing; 2 credits of THE 290 and related management/design course or permission of Instructor.
THE 400 Directing for the Stage I 3 Credits
The technique of play directing and production management. Lectures present aesthetic and theoretical concepts that are explored in workshops.
Prerequisite(s): THE 107 with a minimum grade of C.
THE 401 Directing for the Stage II 3 Credits
This course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to practice and discuss the art of directing, building upon the fundamentals of directing studied in THE 400: Directing I. Further exploration of directing challenges and application of artistic vision is accomplished through the direction of scenes and short scripts.
Prerequisite(s): THE 400.
THE 410 Advanced Performance Workshop 3 Credits
An opportunity to work an entire semester on a specific style or period of theatre, e.g., Shakespeare, farce, Readers’ Theater.
THE 411 Advanced Performance Online Workshop 3 Credits
An opportunity to work an entire term on a specific style or period of theatre that is most conducive to online instruction.
THE 450 NY Experience: Professional Audition Technique and the Business of Acting 3 Credits
Students engage weekly with New York professionals to learn the business of acting and strategies for successful auditions in the NY Film, Television and Theatre industry. Students will participate in mock auditions with casting directors and theatre and on camera directors to refine audition skills. Travel costs to New York are the responsibility of the student.
THE 490 Independent Research and Study 1-4 Credits
Students may pursue a special topic for which they have prepared through prior course work. Only one project may be scheduled in a semester. The project may involve 1-4 Credits. Approval of the faculty sponsor, department chair, and dean required prior to enrollment.
Prerequisite(s): junior or senior standing, good academic standing.
THE 491 Internship in Theater 1-12 Credits
Provides junior or senior theatre majors the practical experience of working within a professional theater environment. Students must be sponsored by a theatre professor. For each academic credit, interns must work 48 hours for the semester, or approximately 3.7 hours each week.
Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor.
THE 493 Contemporary Theatre Ensemble 3 Credits
Contemporary Theatre Practice Majors will spend this seminar- style class exploring the myriad of positions that enable them to become true “theatre-makers” in the contemporary field, and will participate in at least one campus production.
Prerequisite(s): THE 190.
THE 495 Special Topics in Theatre 3 Credits
Intensive study of a particular topic in the theatre world not typically covered in other courses.
THE 496 Senior Internship 6-12 Credits
THE 497 Theatre Senior Showcase 1 Credits
This course is a senior level experience for BFA acting students, and acts as a bridge between life in the university and life as a professional actor. Through this course the students will, in collaboration with the teacher, compile and put together a showcase to introduce the students to casting and agent professionals in the industry by way of getting the showcase performance in front of a diverse range of industry professionals who will be useful in both casting and representing recently graduated talent.
THE 498 Senior Capstone 3 Credits
The senior capstone is intended for technical theatre students in their final year. Depending on the required abilities, students will be able to design sets, lights, costumes, props or sound for a mainstage show at Rider University, do research on topics related to technical Theatre, internships outside Rider University or work on projects that will improve the use of facilities, storage or equipment for Theater and Dance Department.
THE 499 Senior Honors Program 3 Credits
A senior honors program may be submitted in partial fulfillment of requirements for graduation with honors in fine arts. Honors work is limited to those departmental majors with a GPA of 3.5 in fine arts courses and cognates. The program, to be planned under the direction of a faculty advisor, will represent a culmination of demonstrated excellence in a specific area of fine arts. Candidates for honors in fine arts must be approved by the department chairperson and the faculty.