Theatre (THEATRE)

Courses

THEATRE 5400 Branding for Theatre Designers Credits: 3

This course is a single semester journey in the creation of a unique brand identity and marketing toolkit for the live entertainment designer. Through guided practice students will reflect on their visibility, develop their marketing toolkit, reframe presentation abilities, and prioritize brand strategy.

THEATRE 5410 MFA Costume Design Studio Credits: 3

Costume Design Studio is a semester long exploration of the processes and techniques used for the development of character design within the context of live production. The disciplines of collaboration, conceptualization, and communication as fundamental to potentially successful costume design processes are studied, discussed and evaluated throughout this course. Theoretical design projects will emphasize problem-solving skills. In Class Studio Sessions will develop text and character analysis, research, clear and efficient presentations skills, as well as graphic skill development.

THEATRE 5411 Digital Media for Costume Designers Credits: 3

This is a single semester course in digital illustration for costume designers in the live entertainment industry. Through guided practice and project work, participants will devise their digital workflow in Procreate for IPad, expanding upon their graphic skill set in the creation of highly evocative character design.

THEATRE 5412 Textiles & Fabric Modification Credits: 3

This is a single semester course in textile principles and the basic methods by which fabric is manipulated. Through individual projects and guided practice students will build a foundational knowledge of textiles, handwork, and machine modifications.

THEATRE 5413 Draping Credits: 3

This is a single semester course in the principles of draping garments for the live entertainment industry. Through guided practice, participants will build knowledge on the fundamentals of the drape method, expand upon their understanding of textiles, and incorporate the skills of draping with their pattern making methods.

THEATRE 5414 Flat Patterning Credits: 3

Flat Patterning is a single semester exploration of the skills and techniques of flat pattern drafting as they pertain to the live entertainment industry. Through guided practice and project work, participants will enhance their understanding of garment planning and production.

THEATRE 5415 Tailoring & Menswear Production Credits: 3

Tailoring is a single semester exploration of the skill and techniques of classic bespoke tailoring. Though contemporary technologies offer a speedy alternative to the classic method, participants of this course will be instructed in the ways of the old master of Seville Row. Through guided practice, participants will pattern, construct, fit, and finish a men’s vest and trousers.

THEATRE 5416 Mask Making & Craft Mediums Credits: 3

This is a single semester course focusing on the skills and techniques of mask making, casting and molding, and craft mediums as they pertain to the live entertainment industry. Through guided practice, participants will have the opportunity to expand on project and time management skills through the creation of three major mask projects.

THEATRE 5417 Fabric Dyeing & Painting Credits: 3

This is a single semester course in the in the variety of techniques used in dyeing and painting fabric for the live entertainment industry. Through guided practice and project work, participants will explore methods of silk painting, color matching, and yardage dyeing using Union and Acid Dyes.

THEATRE 5418 Wig Making & Styling Credits: 3

This is a single semester course in the principles of wig making and styling within the context of character design for live entertainment. Through guided practice students will learn to prepare and ventilate wigs and facial hair pieces, to style synthetic hair, and to plan and execute period styles.

THEATRE 5419 Millinery Credits: 3

Millinery is a single semester exploration of the skill and techniques used in the creation of hats for the live entertainment industry. Through guided practice and project work, participants will enhance their understanding of hat making and the various materials utilized in its craft.

THEATRE 5500RA Theatre Collaboration Credits: 1-2

A course for M.F.A. students exploring the collaboration/ communication process in preparing a production. Must be elected by all students assigned to design, direct, technical direct or stage manage within the current or the following semester. Maximum of 8 hours applicable towards degree.

THEATRE 5501R Voice Training Credits: 2

(A,B,C,D) Training for the speaking and singing voice, development of skills in vocal dynamics, physical control, and relaxation for the actor, dialects and verse structure. Four semesters required for acting emphasis.

THEATRE 5506RR French Drama And Theatre Credits: 3

Study of significant plays and production methods in France from medieval times to the present. Particular emphasis will be given to the plays of Moliere, Racine, and Corneille, and to internationally renowned contemporary directors.

THEATRE 5507 19Th-Century Continental Theatre Credits: 3

Production of significant French, German, Russian, Spanish, and Scandinavian plays and playwriting of the 19th century. Particular emphasis will be given to plays representative of romanticism, realism, naturalism, fin-de-siecle decadence, and intensive study of production history.

THEATRE 5508 20Th-Century Continental Theatre Credits: 3

Study of the production of significant plays of Continental Europe from Strindberg to the present. Dramatic literature will be related to artistic currents such as expressionism, surrealism, the absurd, and where applicable, to political currents.

THEATRE 5509 Russian Drama And Theatre Credits: 3

Study of the production of Russian and Soviet plays with reference to the development of theatre art from the Christianization of Russia to contemporary post-Soviet drama.

THEATRE 5510 History Of The American Theatre I Credits: 3

An exploration of the trends in and the development of the American theatre from Colonial times to 1900.

THEATRE 5511 History Of The American Theatre II Credits: 3

An exploration of the trends in and the development of the American theatre for 1900 to the present.

THEATRE 5512R History Of The English Stage I Credits: 3

The English stage and its arts, crafts and literature from the medieval cycles through the Restoration.

THEATRE 5513 History Of The English Stage II Credits: 3

Development of English and Irish theatre art and dramatic literature from the 18th century to the present.

THEATRE 5515R History of Design And Technology II Credits: 3

The study of period style and scenic, costume, lighting, and technical production practices from the 18th century to the present. The course will emphasize the application of research toward the presentation of period plays and contemporary production.

THEATRE 5516A Technical Production for The Practitioner Credits: 3

The course is an in-depth review of technologies in scenery, lighting and stage operations, expansion of that knowledge, and application of it to the individual class member's particular theatre. Classroom material is augmented by hands-on experience in a controlled laboratory situation. Students should have a prerequisite of a basic technical theatre course or considerable practical experience. This course can be repeated for credit.

THEATRE 5516B Technical Production for The Practitioner Credits: 3

See course description for THEATRE 5516A.

THEATRE 5517A Professional Stage Management I Credits: 3

A functional analysis of the responsibilities of the professional stage manager. Requires the student to be an assistant stage manager on a University or KC Rep production.

THEATRE 5517B Professional Stage Management II Credits: 2

Practical course in stage management. Requires student to stage-manage or assistant stage-manage a production.

Prerequisites: THEATRE 5517A.

THEATRE 5517C Equity Assistant Stage Management Credits: 2

This course develops a skill set for professional assistant stage managers. Class will discuss duties and paperwork and how to supplement the work of the stage manager.

THEATRE 5517D Opera Stage Management Credits: 3

Class covers duties of the opera stage manager, including how to follow an opera score.

THEATRE 5517E Union Contracts for Actors and Stage Managers Credits: 2

Students study and discuss all the rules in the Equity Rule Book.

THEATRE 5517F Professional Production Management in Theatre Credits: 2

This course is a seminar on the duties, planning, negotiations, and problem solving techniques of the professional theatre production manager.

Prerequisites: THEATRE 5517A.

THEATRE 5520 Individual Performance Studies Credits: 1-2

(A,B,C) Private instruction for the advanced student.

THEATRE 5520F Individual Performance Studies Credits: 1-2

THEATRE 5520L Individual Performance Studies Credits: 1-2

THEATRE 5521A Professional Sound Design Credits: 3

Professional Sound Design is a series of four courses constructed to develop the designer's skills from research and initial sound collection, into interpretation, collaboration and idea development, concluding with the production of finished designs for the MFA productions. Each section deals with problems of increasing complexity beginning with 'found' design material for early production and leading to indigenous designs created and layered for complex production support. The course may be taken once or twice for non-sound designers with the full cycle being required for the sound design emphasis.

THEATRE 5521B Professional Sound Design Credits: 3

THEATRE 5521C Professional Sound Design Credits: 3

THEATRE 5521D Professional Sound Design Credits: 3

THEATRE 5524 Rendering Techniques for the Theatre Designer I Credits: 3

Introduces the mechanics of handling black and white media to develop two and three-dimensional techniques with an emphasis on observational training and object drawing, as well as white model and/or maquette construction, materials and techniques.

THEATRE 5530 Drafting for The Theatre Credits: 3

Practical laboratory course in drafting for the theatre encompassing floor plans, sections, designer's evaluations, front and rear elevations, working drawings, and problems in communicating design ideas.

THEATRE 5531R Rendering Techniques for the Theatre Designer II Credits: 3

Continuation of Rendering Techniques with the introduction of color, pastels, watercolor and goauche. Skills are applied in developing projects for design in the theatre.

THEATRE 5532 Professional Costume Design Credits: 3

( A, B, C, D ) The courses in Professional Costume Design are intended to develop the costume designer's skills in research, rendering and drawing. Each section will deal with specific problems of design, such as period, line, silhouette, color and texture. Specific problems in design from realistic to stylized productions will be worked on by the students. The course may be taken once or twice by non-costume designers with the full cycle being required for costume emphasis.

THEATRE 5535 Technical Studies In Costuming And Makeup Credits: 3

(A,B,C) Concentration in one or more of the arts and crafts necessary to costume design. Areas to be chosen from include: fabric dyeing and painting, millinery, wig design and construction, latex prosthetic, and decorative accessories for the stage. May be repeated up to six hours with content change and permission of instructor.

THEATRE 5536 Professional Scene Design Credits: 3

(A,B,C,D) Professional Scene Design is a series of courses constructed to develop the designer's skills from research and initial sketches to finished renderings, models and working drawings. Each successive section deals with problems of increasing complexity beginning with one-set realistic productions through unit-settings, stylization and multiple setting problems. The course may be taken once or twice for non-set designers with the full cycle being required for the scene design emphasis.

THEATRE 5538 Scene Painting Credits: 3

A practicum course in scene painting techniques and execution. Introduction to painting equipment and supplies, priming and preparation of surfaces and materials, standard techniques for painting ornament.

THEATRE 5539 Scene Painting II Credits: 3

A practicum course in scene painting techniques with emphasis on painting interior drops, exterior landscapes and three-dimensional pieces.

THEATRE 5545 Professional Acting Techniques I Credits: 3

Theatre games, exercises, mask work, and some scene study to develop the first year acting/directing class into a training ensemble, instill a clear and uniform vocabulary, heighten awareness, and begin concentrated skill work. The semester will culminate in a class project.

THEATRE 5546 Professional Acting Techniques II Credits: 3

Continuation of THEATER 5545 with emphasis on the application of the first semester's work through scene study of contemporary plays and monologues.

THEATRE 5547 Professional Acting Techniques III Credits: 3

Concentration on non-naturalistic styles. Work on scenes from Shakespeare and other classical playwrights.

THEATRE 5548 Professional Acting Techniques Iv Credits: 3

Work on audition material and further scene work dealing with specific individual acting problems.

THEATRE 5549 Master Class In Acting Credits: 2

(A,B,C,D) Class in advanced studies in acting. May be repeated for credit up to eight hours as content and guest artist change. Permission of instructor or head of area required. Required for third year graduate acting students in the fall semester and may be repeated subsequently as elective.

THEATRE 5551 Rendering Techniques for the Theatre Designer III Credits: 3

Developing techniques for rendering in realistic settings: interiors, landscapes, fabric and furnishings.

THEATRE 5552R Rendering Techniques for the Theatre Designer Iv Credits: 3

Developing techniques for rendering in non-realistic styles with the emphasis on imaginative designs, light and air, created textures, etc.

THEATRE 5557 Theatre History I Credits: 3

Development of theatre art-including dramatic literature, staging, and performance styles-from the beginning through the 17th century. This course also looks at Asian theatre forms. Students read approximately 20 plays.

Prerequisites: Graduate Status.

THEATRE 5560 Theatre History II Credits: 3

Development of western theatre art-including dramatic literature, staging, and performance styles-from the 18th century to the present. Students will read approximately 24 plays.

Prerequisites: Graduate status.

THEATRE 5562 Actor Practicum Credits: 3

A contemporary scene study class for actors. Actors test their acquired process skills with major emphasis placed on characterization.

THEATRE 5563 Text Analysis I Credits: 3

Linear analysis of selected prose dramas with concentration on character delineation, images and motivation for actors and directors.

THEATRE 5564 Text Analysis II Credits: 3

Continuation of THEATRE 5563 with emphasis on verse plays. Selected playwrights from the Greek and Elizabethan periods will be included along with modern verse dramatists.

THEATRE 5565 Introduction To Professional Directing Credits: 3

The first part of the class is devoted to an intensive study of various and diverse concepts related to the dramatic experience by dramatists, critics, and directors. The class also examines current production methods and practices for today's functioning professional director. Systems related to stage management and actors are investigated.

THEATRE 5567 Professional Directing Practicum Credits: 3

This class will move from concept to production. Work will revolve around the presentation of production concept statements in which the director will select, organize and articulate the theatrical substance in support of his or her chosen concept. Intensive analysis will lead to the development of an image/metaphor for production. Term will include presentation of a full book justifying concept choices for scenic, costume, music and dance, and, finally, full production.

THEATRE 5568 Seminar In Dramaturgy Credits: 3

Critical analysis of dramatic structure and techniques, with special reference to modern and contemporary drama.

THEATRE 5569 Master Class in Directing Credits: 2

(A,B,C,D) Class in advanced studies in directing. May be repeated for credit up to eight hours as new material and guest artist change. Graduate students elect THEATRE 5569.

THEATRE 5570 Professional Lighting Design Credits: 3

(A, B, C, D) Professional Lighting Design is a series of courses concerned with the study of light as a design element. Projects to implement design theory are primarily selected from the areas of dramatic, musical and opera theatre, and dance. Emphasis is on the design process with each successive section dealing with problems of increasing complexity. Areas of study and projects are chosen on the basis of individual levels of development. When elected by non-lighting designers the course may be elected for a maximum of two semesters.

THEATRE 5571A Professional Projections Design I Credits: 3

This course examines the techniques of theatrical projection design. Focus will be on the manipulation of projected images, and the fundamental use and control of automated projectors. This hands-on laboratory class will instruct students in the use of state of the art projection equipment and control consoles.

THEATRE 5571B Professional Projections Design II Credits: 3

This class will teach students how to design projections. Students will learn the practical applications of projection design as well as the theoretical and critical thinking necessary to successfully complete a projection design assignment. This class will culminate with the presentation of an assigned projection design or a realized projection design.

Prerequisites: THEATRE 5571A

THEATRE 5572 Stage Lighting Technology Credits: 2

This course is a comprehensive study of contemporary technical equipment and its usage to actualize lighting design. Areas of emphasis include photometric, color and color theory, lighting control systems, lighting control operations, cueing techniques, data control of intelligent lighting equipment, lighting fixtures, dimming system, hand drafted light plot standards, CAD light plot drafting, lighting specific software programs, video and image projections, and optical special effects. Theatrical genres will vary by semester.

THEATRE 5573 Professional Technical Production Credits: 3

Detailed study and experimentation with recent scenic materials, scenery construction, rigging systems, use of metal and special effects.

THEATRE 5574 Theatre Regulations, Laws and Safety Credit: 1

Survey of fire, city and Equity codes, and insurance, liability, health rules and regulations related to theater operation. Union and legal contracts, philosophy and relations with theatre facilities and operations.

THEATRE 5575R Property Construction Credits: 3

Construction techniques and materials used to make and modify set and hand properties and set dressing.

THEATRE 5577 Advanced Materials Credits: 3

(A,B,C,D) The theatre technician and designer are dependent on a wide range of materials in the creation of their art. Each semester the student will pursue detailed study of a material area (i.e., wood, metal, plastics, textiles), the processes of its usage and its related process-products (i.e., adhesives, paints, dyes, etc.). Field trips and hands-on laboratory work are integral to the course.

THEATRE 5578 Professional Theatre Administration Credits: 3

Theories, problems and techniques preparing the student for effective interaction with professional theater administration, offering a foundation for potential theatre administrators as well as enrichment for students of directing, design, technical and stage management.

THEATRE 5580R Graduate Technical Student Seminar Credits: 2

(A,B,C,D,E,F) Required in every semester for Design/Tech M.F.A. candidates choosing a technology emphasis. This continuing seminar course serves as a forum for all graduate technical students to analyze and discuss problems and solutions on current academic and KCRep productions. The course develops collaborative skills through the sharing of ideas and experiences. In addition, topics of general interest to the technician will be studied through guest lecturers and/or individual projects prepared by the faculty and students and presented to the class.

THEATRE 5583 Seminar on Technical Production Management Credits: 2

Seminar involving shop organization, scheduling, purchasing, lending and borrowing, rentals, personnel, job description, organizing structure, etc. Emphasis upon organization and techniques for repertory theatre operation.

THEATRE 5585 Advanced Technical Drafting Credits: 3

An intensive drafting course required for Design/Tech M.F.A. candidates with emphasis in technology. The course aims to equip the student to prepare clear shop working drawings from designer elevations. Topics include both conceptual planning techniques and developing mechanical drawing skills. One hour lecture, four lab hours, and extensive outside preparation.

THEATRE 5586 Structural Design for the Stage Credits: 3

A course in the structural design of scenic elements. The student learns to work within the visual restrictions imposed by the designer to build structures that will bear given load requirements with a minimum of deflection. Basic engineering and load analysis principles are studied and applied in the design procedure to find the best possible solutions in terms of strength, weight, safety and cost.

THEATRE 5587 Structural Design for the Stage II Credits: 3

This course is designed to give an introduction to the physics behind structural design and to guide the student through the process of designing safe, effective structural scenery for the theatre.

Prerequisites: THEATRE 5586.

THEATRE 5590 Directed Graduate Studies Credits: 3-6

Individual projects on the graduate level. No more than three hours with any one instructor. Only one 590 each semester.

THEATRE 5590A Directed Graduate Studies Credits: 3-6

THEATRE 5590B Directed Graduate Studies: Design Credits: 3-6

THEATRE 5590C Directed Graduate Studies: Costumes Credits: 3-6

THEATRE 5590D Directed Graduate Studies: Scenic Design Credits: 3-6

THEATRE 5590E Directed Graduate Studies: Directing Credits: 3-6

THEATRE 5590F Directed Graduate Studies Credits: 3-6

THEATRE 5590G Directed Graduate Studies: Lighting Credits: 3-6

THEATRE 5590H Directed Graduate Studies: Playwriting Credits: 3-6

THEATRE 5590I Directed Graduate Studies Credits: 3-6

THEATRE 5590J Directed Graduate Studies: Stage Management Credits: 3-6

THEATRE 5590K Directed Graduate Studies: Technical Production Credits: 3-6

THEATRE 5590L Directed Graduate Studies: Theatre Management Credits: 3-6

THEATRE 5590M Directed Graduate Studies: Theory And Criticism Credits: 3-6

THEATRE 5590N Directed Graduate Studies: Dramaturgy Credits: 3-6

THEATRE 5590R Directed Graduate Studies Credits: 3-6

THEATRE 5590S Directed Graduate Studies Credits: 3-6

THEATRE 5590T Directed Graduate Studies Credits: 3-6

THEATRE 5592A Seminar on Stage Management Practice Credit: 1

MFA student stage managers meet one hour a week with the Production Manager of both Kansas City Repertory Theatre and Department of Theatre (and head of stage management training), to discuss current management problems and solutions for productions in progress. The seventeen productions mounted each year by the Department and the Rep will be examined. Students will become aware of problem solving procedures in both the professional and the academic theatre.