Theatre Arts

The Department of Theatre Arts is dedicated to engaging New Paltz students in a dynamic, experiential, and diverse educational experience. The program offers students a unique combination of contemporary theory and practice within the context of a broad-based and humanistic liberal arts tradition. The faculty of teachers, artists, and scholars provides students with models of excellence in our classrooms, on our stages, in major theatre centers in the United States, and in the global performing arts community.

The department offers a Bachelor of Arts degree with concentrations in Design & Technology, Performance, and Theatre Studies. Our program is grounded in the history, literature, theory, and applied practice of theatre, giving relevance and meaning to a student's artistic endeavors. In addition, we offer General Education courses that present Theatre Arts as a humanistic endeavor within multiple historical and cultural landscapes.

Theatre Arts (BA, BS) Program Learning Outcomes

By the time they graduate, Theatre Arts majors will:

• Articulate self-reflection and respond as a member of the local community and global society; continually evaluate and motivate one's action s, connecting work as artists and as global citizens to sustainability in all of its forms—social, environmental, and economic .

• Be able to articulate the importance of storytelling to the ​arts, ​humanities, broader social development​, and evolution of society through​/by ​connecting interdisciplinary studies from General Education and m inor courses to their work as t heatre a rtists .

• Demonstrate (in written, visual, aural and oral forms) an understanding of a play, musical, live performance or production in terms of its (local, national, global) social, political, cultural, aesthetic and historical context .

• Evaluate a theatrical work for its context and clearly articulate an understanding of that work through a discipline - specific interpretation or response—applying theatre practices and developing various techniques, skills and methods for creating works of live performance .

• Major in Theatre Arts
• Minor in Theatre Arts
• Audio Engineering

THE193. Theatre Art Select Topic. 1-12 Credits.

Selected topics courses are regularly scheduled courses that focus on a particular topic of interest. Descriptions are printed in the Schedule of Classes each semester. Selected topics courses may be used as elective credit and may be repeated for credit, provided that the topic of the course changes.

THE199. Modular Course. 0 Credits.

THE208. Latin American Drama and Performance. 3 Credits.

A broad survey course introduces students to cultural ideas that influence the development of Latin American performing arts. Viewings and readings provide context for discussions of art within major regions of Latin America.

Attributes:

• Effective Expression/Aesthetic
• Liberal Arts
• GE5: World History Global Aw
• GE4: World Civilizations
• GE3: WRLD

Restrictions:

• Must have the following level: Undergraduate

THE209. Live Theatre Experience. 3 Credits.

Students witness New York City theatre productions and New Paltz productions. Through lectures, discussions, and written assignments, the course examines the appeal and ingredients of live theatrical presentations. Focus will be on plays and musicals, rather than on dance and opera. FEE FOR TICKETS AND TRANSPORTATION.

Attributes:

• GE3: ART
• GE4: The Arts
• GE5: The Arts
• Effective Expression/Aesthetic
• Liberal Arts

Prerequisites:

• ENG160 Minimum Grade of C- or English Placement Level Minimum Score of 4 or ENG170 Minimum Grade of C- or ENG180 Minimum Grade of C- or ENG206 Minimum Grade of C- or ENG 002 Minimum Grade of TC-

THE211. Rehearsal and Production. 1 Credit.

This course is designed to give the students a means of earning liberal arts credit for research, execution and evaluation of work directly related to the process of preparing a production for public presentation.

Attributes:

• Practicum - Non-Clinical
• Creative Works
• Research
• Liberal Arts

THE212. Rehearsal and Production. 2 Credits.

This course is designed to give the students a means of earning liberal arts credit for research, execution and evaluation of work directly related to the process of preparing a production for public presentation.

Attributes:

• Practicum - Non-Clinical
• Creative Works
• Research
• Liberal Arts

THE213. Rehearsal and Production. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to give the students a means of earning liberal arts credit for research, execution and evaluation of work directly related to the process of preparing a production for public presentation.

Attributes:

• Practicum - Non-Clinical
• Creative Works
• Research
• Liberal Arts

THE230. Introduction to Acting. 3 Credits.

An introductory acting course designed to increase student understanding and appreciation of the actor and the art of acting.

Attributes:

• Practicum - Non-Clinical
• Creative Works
• Research
• GE3: ART
• GE4: The Arts
• GE5: The Arts
• Effective Expression/Aesthetic
• Liberal Arts
• Performance

THE231. Introduction to Performance. 3 Credits.

A practical exploration of the art and craft of acting, with emphasis on the body, voice, and actor’s imagination. This course provides the beginning student with basic techniques and vocabulary through exercises, monologues, and scene work.

Attributes:

• Practicum - Non-Clinical
• Creative Works
• Research
• Critical Thinking Introductory

Restrictions:

• Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration):
  • Theatre Arts (567)
  • Theatre Arts (THE)
  May not be repeated for credit

  THE232. European Drama. 3 Credits.

  A survey of European theatre beginning with its foundations in the Dark Ages through beginnings of the Modern Theatre in the early 20th Century. Specific attention will be focused on the evolution of theatre architecture and literature in the western world. Elements of audience, actor, stage scenery and their relation to each other and to the social elements and intellectual environment of these periods are also studied.

  Attributes:

  • GE3: HUM
  • GE4: Humanities
  • GE5: Humanities
  • Liberal Arts

  Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  May not be repeated for credit

  THE235. Introduction To Theatre. 3 Credits.

  A survey tracing the origin of Western theatre, the evolution of the structure of drama and the component parts of playmaking, experiencing theatre and creating theatre, through lecture, discussion and live performance.

  Attributes:

  • Ethical Reflection
  • GE3: HUM
  • GE4: Humanities
  • GE5: Humanities
  • Liberal Arts
  May not be repeated for credit

  THE236. Play Analysis. 3 Credits.

  Play analysis is the study of a critical approach to dramatic literature. The course will focus on methodologies for study and understanding the play as a literary genre in relationship to theatre. Emphasis will be placed on critical analysis of structure, genre, theme, style, character, language, dramatic event and point of view. Discussion of each play will result in an essay based on research of the playwright, research of the historical context of the play and structural analysis of the play.

  Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts
  • Writing Intensive

  Restrictions:

  • Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration):
    • Theatre Arts (567)
    • Theatre Arts (THE)
    May not be repeated for credit

    THE237. African American Drama. 3 Credits.

    African American Drama is a survey course in African American and Caribbean Drama. Students analyze historical and contemporary plays and study play production in the cultural context of the United States. COURSE FEE APPLIES TO SOME SECTIONS.

    Attributes:

    • Diversity
    • GE3: DIVR
    • GE5: DEISJ
    • Effective Expression/Oral
    • Liberal Arts
    May not be repeated for credit

    THE239. History of Fashion. 3 Credits.

    Students gain a broad understanding of the development and evolution of the art of dress as aesthetic, cultural, and creative expression. Particular focus is given to European dress history and the modern fashion system within a global context from prehistoric times through the first half of the 20th century. Early world civilizations, diverse global cultures and their influences on Western clothing will be explored. The course examines the social, environmental and economic implications of clothing and dress and how this impacts and mirrors the development of human cultures across time and today.

    Attributes:

    • GE5: The Arts
    • Information Literacy (GE3)
    • Liberal Arts
    • GE3: WEST
    • GE4: Western Civilization
    May not be repeated for credit

    THE240. History of World Dress. 3 Credits.

    An exploration of the evolution of dress and adornment from early humans through the present day in culturally diverse regions of the world demonstrating how and why dress is central in the history of humankind. This course will examine themes such as how and why human beings adorn their bodies and how the intimate practice of clothing the body, creative practices, aesthetics, identity and dress traditions inform us about cultural evolution, social, environmental and economic development around the world.

    Attributes:

    • Information Literacy (GE3)
    • Liberal Arts
    • GE5: World History Global Aw
    • GE4: World Civilizations
    • GE3: WRLD

    Restrictions:

    • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
    May not be repeated for credit

    THE251. Foundations: Theory and Collaboration. 3 Credits.

    This course explores the synthesis of theatrical theory and practice as a preparation for imaginative and creative work in the theatre. This course builds skills of collaboration, communication, and creative problem solving amongst the students to prepare them for production work in the department while also laying the foundational groundwork for other classes within the core curriculum by incorporating theatre theory.

    Attributes:

    • Practicum - Non-Clinical
    • Creative Works
    • Research
    • Critical Thinking Introductory
    • Information Mgmt Intro
    • Liberal Arts

    Restrictions:

    • Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration):
      • Theatre Arts (567)
      • Theatre Arts (THE)
      May not be repeated for credit

      THE252. Introduction to Theater Production. 3 Credits.

      Introduction to basic materials and techniques used in technical theater production. This course will include the study of Stagecraft, Lighting Technology and Audio Engineering techniques in current use. Practical application in departmental productions.

      Attributes:

      • Practicum - Non-Clinical
      • Creative Works
      • Research
      • Liberal Arts

      Restrictions:

      • Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration):
        • Theatre Arts (567)
        • Theatre Arts (THE)
        May not be repeated for credit

        THE253. Costume Production I. 3 Credits.

        An introduction to the costume shop, its equipment and its use. Projects to develop basic skills and techniques used in costume construction.

        Attributes:

        • Practicum - Non-Clinical
        • Creative Works
        • Research

        Restrictions:

        • Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration):
          • Theatre Arts (567)
          • Theatre Arts (THE)
          May not be repeated for credit

          THE260. Introduction to Design. 3 Credits.

          A fundamental course examining basic techniques and methods employed in theatrical design. This course will explore the principles and elements of design as applied to scenic, lighting, costume and sound design (Scenographic technique).

          Attributes:

          • Practicum - Non-Clinical
          • Creative Works
          • Research

          Restrictions:

          • Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration):
            • Audio Engineering (AEN)
            • Film and Video Studies (FVS)
            • Theatre Arts (567)
            • Theatre Arts (THE)
            May not be repeated for credit

            THE261. Drawing and Painting for Theatre. 3 Credits.

            Drawing, illustration, painting and other artistic techniques most useful to theatre design and technical students will be introduced. Course content will include perspective drawing, color theory, painting techniques, texture and fabric rendering, and figure drawing.

            Attributes:

            • Practicum - Non-Clinical
            • Creative Works
            • Research

            Restrictions:

            • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
            May not be repeated for credit

            THE293. Selected Topic. 3-12 Credits.

            Selected topics courses are regularly scheduled courses that focus on a particular topic of interest. Descriptions are printed in the Schedule of Classes each semester. Selected topics courses may be used as elective credit and may be repeated for credit, provided that the topic of the course changes.