Theatre Degrees Offered

Overview  
The core required coursework includes two semesters of acting, two courses in a choice of technical areas, a two semester survey of Theatre History including representative works from each era, a course in dramatic literature and a course in play directing. This broad range of coursework assures the student of a well-rounded understanding and appreciation of all art and craft of Theatre as well as the historic and literary aspects of Theatre and its connection to our current global society. All courses in the Theatre program focus in part on developing critical thinking skills, global-historical reference and on the changing face of the art form due to advances in technology and increased attention to the globalization of dramatic tradition and the role and responsibility played by Theatre in dealing with diversity and global issues. Civic involvement has been included as a way of showing students how their knowledge and experience in Theatre can help their current and future communities. Students are encouraged to complete internships, co-ops, honors projects, and service learning opportunities as part of their undergraduate experience. The Bachelor of Arts degree is preferred for all Communication Arts Majors.

Portfolio  
In accordance with the college’s policy on assessment of student work, each student is required to compile a portfolio of work examples from courses taken in the major. The portfolio is intended to act as additional evidence of student accomplishments and skills. Items can include, but are not limited to: tapes of students performances, resume tapes, video and audio production tapes, research reports, design projects, articles published, etc. A student’s portfolio will be developed with the student’s advisor to reflect each area of student competence.

Major in Theatre (BA or BS): 36 or 48 hour

The Theatre program prepares individuals for careers in stage and film and television performance, theatre facilities and arts management, costume, lighting and scenic design, play and screen writing, and directing. Students seeking the 48-hour major must complete a 36-hour major in Theatre and select additional advisor approved course work for a total of 48 hours.

Non-course requirement: participation in college play productions. Or other advisor-approved course work.

*Can count as an elective if the course is not used for the Theatre core.

Minor in Theatre: 20 hours

A minor must include a minimum of 12 hours unduplicated by the student’s major(s).

Subject Endorsement in Theatre (BA or BS): 30 hours

In addition to the above listed degrees, the WSC Theatre program is a vital component of the Field Endorsement in Language Arts. The program is listed here for your convenience.  

Field Endorsement in Language Arts
BA or BS
66 hours

A person with this endorsement may teach and direct curricular and co-curricular activities in composition, language, literature, speech, theatre, mass communication, journalism, and reading in grades 7 through 12. This endorsement requires 66 semester credit hours in journalism, language, literature, mass communication, reading, speech, theatre, and writing. Also listed under the English section.

Course Descriptions

ART 110 Drawing Fundamentals (3) An introduction to foundational concepts and techniques in the study of line, shape ahd form, light and shadow, linear and atmospheric perspective. Formal concerns regarding composition will be explored and selection of subject matter will be from the figure, still life, landscape and nature. (6 hours studio)

ART 325 Watercolor (3) Prerequisite: ART 101. Introduction to materials and techniques of watercolor painting. Exploration of basic and mixed media. (6 hours studio)

CNA 101 Introduction to Theatre (3) Understanding and appreciation of the art of theatre, including dramatic literature, technical theatre, production process, and critical evaluation. (2 hours laboratory)

CNA 201 Small Group Communication (3) Explores the functions of discussion in our society, problem solving, group dynamics, and analysis of the operative forces within the group. Emphasis on skills of group discussion, participation in decision-making groups, leadership, organization, and evaluation.

CNA (J,R,T,V) 220/320/420/520 Communication Arts Workshop (.5-3) Prerequisite: Approval of instructor and advisor. Practical application of skills to direct, produce, and coordinate curricular and co-curricular activities in theatre, broadcasting, and journalism. Title varies with major area. Workshop hours beyond those required in CNA majors may be taken as electives in the CNA majors but only with the permission of the advisor and department chair.

CNA 223 Acting I (3) Exploration of basic acting techniques and performance theory through object exercises, monologues, and scene work. (3 hours lab)

CNA 224 Acting II (3) Prerequisite: CNA 223 or approval of instructor. Concentration on scene study and characterization with emphasis on advanced vocal and physical exercises. (3 hours lab)

CNA 232 Stagecraft (3) Fundamentals of scenic construction and painting techniques, sound, properties, and stage management. (4 hours laboratory)

CNA 240/440 Intercollegiate Forensics (1-3) Participation in intercollegiate forensics as well as other public appearances. May be repeated for up to six semester hours.

CNA 252 Public Address (3) Prerequisite: CNA 100. The course builds upon the public speaking skills developed in CNA 100. Students will learn different styles of delivery of speeches, further learn about the development of arguments, how to adapt to audiences of different cultures, and how to be a critical audience member when others are giving speeches.

CNA 318 Play Directing (3) Prerequisites: CNA 223, 224, 232, or approval of instructor. Study and practice of basic directing theory starting with play-analysis and proceeding to director-actor-designer relationships in the production process. (3-hour lab)

CNA 322 Children’s Theatre (3) Study of all aspects of children’s theatre including adaptations of suitable material for performance, acting and designing for young audiences, and participation in the scheduled children’s play productions.

CNA 331 Scene Design (3) Prerequisite: CNA 232. Principles and styles of scenic design, drafting, and rendering techniques. (4 hours laboratory)

CNA 333 American Theatre (3) Study of plays, players, places, and events in American theatre history from the 17 th century beginnings to the present. Also cross-listed as ENG 333.

CNA 335 History of the Theatre I (3) Theatre from earliest days through the 17th century with supplemental readings in dramatic literature reflecting the times.

CNA 336 History of the Theatre II (3) Theatre from the 18 th century to the present with selected supplemental readings in dramatic literature.

CNA 337 Costumes for the Stage (3) Principles and methods of design, planning, and execution of costumes for the theatre. (4 hours laboratory required)

CNA 338 Makeup for the Stage (2) Principles and methods of design and execution of makeup for the stage.

CNA 339/439 Musical Theatre (3) Problems and techniques of musical theatre in production. May be repeated once for credit.

CNA 373 Video Production (3) Prerequisite: CNA 162 or permission of instructor. Production and direction techniques of studio and remote production. (Laboratory hours required)

CNA 375 Intercultural Communication (3) Prerequisite: CNA 263, waived for ESL and MLC students. A course aimed at developing a through understanding of communication and culture, in both global and community settings, and the way members of diverse cultures and subcultures utilize unique systems, symbols and media representation to communicate among themselves and other groups. Emphasis on media representation of minority groups and U.S. sponsored health/public welfare campaigns in developing nations will enable students to critically assess the communication process in a cultural context.

CNA 378 Television Performance (3) This course focuses on basic performance techniques that are used in work as a newscaster, an interviewer or a talk show host, and an actor in commercials. Special emphasis will be placed on developing roles for dramatic or comedic scenes.

CNA 380 Shakespeare (3) Directed reading of Shakespeare’s plays and poetry against the background of Renaissance culture. Cross-listed as ENG 380.

CNA 383 Film and Literature (3) An on-going series of courses concerned with the relationship (thematic, generic, socialhistorical, etc.) between cinema and literature. CNA/ENG/FRE 383 repeatable once for credit. This course is crosslisted

as ENG 383 and FRE 383.

CNA 386 Modern World Drama (3) Readings of representative global dramatists in translations from Ibsen to the Post-Moderns. Cross-listed as ENG 386.

CNA 387 Lighting (3) Principles and practices of stage lighting, electricity, color, and effective use of lighting equipment. (4 hours laboratory)

CNA 419 Advanced Play Directing (3) Prerequisite: CNA 318. Advanced study of directing theories and required directing of short plays for public performance. (3 hours laboratory)

CNA 430 Playwriting (3) Theory and practice of writing one-act and full length plays. Also cross-listed as ENG 430.

CNA 431 Advanced Design (3) Prerequisites: CNA 289, 337, 331, or approval of instructor. Advanced problems in scenic, costume, lighting, or sound design. (4 hours laboratory)

CNA 432/532 Play Production for Secondary Schools (3) The study of principles and methods of play selection for, and directing design and execution of theatre production in high schools.

CNA 447/547 Directing Communication Activities (3) A study and application of directing, coaching, and judging communication activities. The course will focus on the development of informative and persuasive speaking events, oral interpretation of literature and one-act play presentation.

CNA 455/555 Senior/Graduate Seminar in Communication Arts (3) Capstone course that involves the investigation of recent and ongoing research and theory in major field and their implications for continued research and field applications. Extensive training in listening, interviewing, and research skills. Completion of program portfolio required. Topics will vary from offering to offering. Cannot be repeated.

CNA 457 Special Topics in Communication (3) A detailed study of a particular aspect of communication, such as but not limited to political communication, gender and communication, communication and aging. Topic varies and the course can be repeated up to 3 times for credit covering a different topic.

FCS 103 Clothing and Construction (3) Evaluation of clothing construction for the consumer relative to sewing projects and ready-to-wear. Components of quality workmanship, apparel fibers/fabrics, and cost factors are emphasized through construction projects.

FCS 403 Fitting and Alteration (3) Prerequisites: FCS 103 or permission of instructor. Computer assisted figure analysis, standards of fit, and alteration potential of ready-to-wear will be explored. Alteration problems will be studied in half-scale and applied to full scale designer garment or tailored jacket.

ITE 109 Drafting and Design (3) An introduction to drafting that will emphasize geometric construction, multi-view drawings, orthographic projection, sectional views, dimensioning, isometric drawing, sketching and drafting standards. The course will include extensive use of computer aided drafting software.

Eligible seniors may enroll in 500 level graduate courses.
Graduate Courses
CNA 520 Communication Arts Workshop (1-3) See CNA 220

CNA 526 Worldwide Web Development (3). See CNA 426

CNA 532 Play Production for Secondary Schools (3)
See CNA 432

CNA 542 Communication and Rhetorical Theory (3)
See CNA 442

CNA 547 Directing Communication Activities (3)
See CNA 447

CNA 548 Organizational Communication II (3) See CNA 448

CNA 550 Comp Layout & Presentation (3) See CNA 450

CNA 551 Speech Pathology (3) See CNA 451

CNA 553 Integrated Marketing Communication (3)
See CNA 453

CNA 554 Advanced Web Development (3) See CNA 454

CNA 555 Graduate Seminar in Comm Arts (3) See CNA 455

CNA 570 Family Communication (3) See CNA 470

CNA 571 Mass Media and Society (3) See CNA 471

CNA 575 Communication Law (3) See CNA 475

Contact Information
For more information, please contact:
Janet Roney , M.F.A.
Professor, Technical Director, and Designer
Dept. of Comm. Arts
FA 110A
Wayne , NE 68787
(402) 375-7354
FAX: (402) 375-7130
jaroney1@wsc.edu

Gwen Jensen , Ph.D.
Professor and Director
Dept. of Comm. Arts
FA 111A
Wayne, NE 68787
(402) 375-7422
FAX: (402 375-7130
gwjense1@wsc.edu