This course is an introduction to performance as communication. Students will meet weekly to explore the craft of ensemble theatre building with the intention of learning to listen and respond kinetically, being curious, and playing well with others. Students will become more present and aware, as they practice performance techniques. Additionally, students will grow in confidence by performing and communicating through ensemble building, story-telling, active listening, acting exercises, and improvisation. No theatre experience required! This course is designed for any student to participate, whether they are a theatre novice or professional.

This course is an overview of the craft of acting for non-major students or theatre minors/majors. Emphasis is given to acting techniques, movement, voice, improvisation, ensemble work, listening skills, monologues, and scene work. The course is designed to build confidence and help students become more creative and comfortable speaking in public, giving presentations, and developing social skills that can be applied to all fields.

This is a course of study in unarmed theatrical combat. The emphasis on this course is on the development of proper technique, quality of movement with a focus on accuracy and safety as it applies to theatrical performance. The end of this course will come with the opportunity for certification with the Society of American Fight Directors by taking the Skills Proficiency Test, adjudicated by an SAFD Fight Master.

Credit for significant technical or performative participation in Eastern Theatre production activities. This course may be taken more than once for credit. Graded on a P/F basis.

An introduction to the basics of technical theatre, including design principles, construction techniques, and stage management procedure and preparation.

A study of voice, designed with the stage performer in mind. It will explore the voice as an instrument of communication, as well as a part of the body as a whole. The Linklater Method will be used as a basis for instruction. This method incorporates the growing awareness of how the entire body and breath contribute to the making of sound. It helps to identify areas of tension which restrict vocal freedom, and seeks to provide tools and avenues of release. Attention will be given to posture, breathing, projection, sensitivity, articulation, phonetics, expression and communication of text. Students will also use poetry and classic texts through which they will discover the power of a free voice, and will use this power for more effective communication. Not a singing class.

Students will explore the history of theatre from ancient through modernity, with the goal of celebrating its diversity and understanding how it alters society. Students will analyze aspects of the Theatre Arts to discover strategies to make the given text come alive. Students will be required to create an original 10-minute plays based on a social justice issue thus adding to theatre's history.

The objective of this class is to help students tap into the psychological, physical and spiritual resources within them through the discipline of acting. Primary tools are personalized and scripted monologues, acting exercises and improvisations of increasing complexity, preparation and collaboration. This lab-style class requires a greater than normal commitment to attendance, participation and journal-keeping in addition to written performance critiques.

Credit for participation in Eastern Theatre productions or special project performances created for the Eastern stage, depends upon needs and interest. This course will meet on a weekly basis to help with the performance project and enhance the skills needed. Students are required to contribute 80 hours of work. Graded on a P/F basis.

This course focuses on teaching the basics of truth-telling and communication using vocal music as its medium. Students will learn foundations of basic acting, character development, improvisation, collaborative communication, movement, physical awareness and expression and will apply these principles to vocal repertoire ranging from early opera to modern musical theatre. This is not a performance-based class as much as it is a process class; no final singing performance will be graded. However, the class will culminate in a performance.

This class teaches students fundamental techniques relating to the craft of on-camera acting. The class also covers practical lessons for on-set skills and behavior as well as basic principles of the business of TV and film

This theatre course will focus on creating a theatre collective while devising ones' own script and highlighting the director's process. In this creative effort, the student will create an original piece culminating in a performance in front of an audience. During class hours, the student will develop the steps of: casting, collaborating, rehearsing, improvising, writing, revising and developing one's own directing techniques by studying theatre masters. Outside of the class, the student will work on their original work and view live arts by contemporary practitioners in Philadelphia and the surrounding theatre community..

This advanced course will focus intensely on a particular style/playwright within an intense collaborative rehearsal environment. Actors and directors will choose projects, research, rehearse and perform them. Class will address physical and thematic hermeneutics, literary and dramaturgical analysis, rehearsal techniques, style, Shakespeare, conceptual/ improvisational approaches, adaptation, working with new plays from diverse playwrights.

This course will examine texts/performances written by minority writers in an effort to facilitate discussions that explore what it means to be part of a culturally diverse society. It focuses on the historical and cultural contexts of diverse selections of theatre performances.

An ensemble of student actors performing scenes in collaboration with the capstone course 'Christian Marriage.'

This advanced acting course focuses on strengthening acting skills using various acting techniques, such as Psychological Realism (Constantin Stanislavski), Psychophysical Action (Michael Chekhov), Emotional Recall (Lee Strasberg), Viewpoints (Anne Bogart), and Substitution/transference (Uta Hagen). Students will apply these techniques to scenes and monologues from various genres of plays. Students will also learn the "business of acting" and leave this course with audition pieces as well as feedback on resumes and headshots. Consistent attendance is mandatory in this lab-style course.

Students will gain practical training and experience in musical theatre performance. The course will focus on performance techniques and will emphasize skills necessary for successful presentation of a musical number. The course also presents an overview of the history of musical theatre. Prerequisite: THEA 115 or THEA 135.

Survey of theatre from its origins through the Renaissance with an introduction to various methods of script analysis. This course is the sequential first half of THEA 351, but may be taken independently.

Survey of theatre from the Restoration period to the present including various methods of script analysis. This course is the sequential second half of THEA 350, but may be taken independently or in reverse order.

The purpose of theatre field experience is to offer students the opportunity to observe and participate in professional work experiences in theatre and/or arts education. Participation must be in a setting appropriate to a student's interest in particular. Students will keep a log of hours and a journal of observations for a minimum of 40 hours per credit hour earned. Graded Pass/Fail.

This advanced course will focus intensely on a particular style/playwright within an intense collaborative rehearsal environment. Actors and directors will choose projects, research, rehearse and perform them. Class will address physical and thematic hermeneutics, literary and dramaturgical analysis, rehearsal techniques, style, Shakespeare, conceptual/ improvisational approaches, adaptation, working with new plays from diverse playwrights.

An advanced study of stage craft, including advanced design principles, construction techniques, style and special effects.

A senior level capstone experience in which students address the issues and professional opportunities of the contemporary theatre and the arts, with a focus on advanced acting skills, the business of acting, and integrating the Christian faith in the arts. Student will be challenged to creatively respond and engage with social justice issues using the arts. Specific subtopics will vary from year to year.