Department of Theatre Arts

Linda N. Cooper, B.S., M.A.
Chair, Department of Theatre Arts
Associate Professor of Theatre Arts
Purpose
The Department of Theatre Arts provides instruction in the theory and practice of theatre performance and production, in order to prepare students for professional stage careers, for graduate study in theatre arts, and for a life of growing appreciation for the theatre and dramatic art. Central to the departmental purpose is the development of observant, sensitive theatrical artists, who, with their skills, training, knowledge, and professional attitudes, may glorify Christ in the world through the practice of their craft and the testimony of their lives.
Program Requirements
- Students must receive a “C” or better in all THEA classes.
- BFA students will be required to pass the BFA Entrance Audition.
- See the Department of Theatre Arts Student Handbook for more information.
Alpha Psi Omega Honor Society
Advisor: Mrs. Connie Hecker
Alpha Psi Omega is dedicated to recognizing and encouraging excellence in the study of theatre arts. Chapter activities provide members with opportunities for sharing and advancing their professional interests. Lectures and field trips are designed to awaken theatrical interest, and to promote interaction between students and faculty and amongst other theatre professionals.
Criteria for membership: An undergraduate student must have completed at least 15 semester hours in theatre arts (excluding performance/production credits) with a grade in all theatre courses averaging at least a 3.5 and must have a general average of at least a 3.2 in all classes. Candidates must have participated in at least six main stage productions and be in good ethical standing with the University. All inductees must be voted into the society by a majority of the Liberty University Department of Theatre Arts faculty and staff.
- Actor
- Art Critic
- Choreographer
- Director
- Drama Ministry
- Dramaturge
- First Hand Costumer
- House Manager
- Law
- Performing Arts Coordinator
- Play Submissions Editor
- Program Director
- Properties Master
- Public Relations
- Publishing License Agent
- Script Writer
- Special Events Coordinator
- Speech Writer
- Stage Manager
- Theatre Historian
- Theater Manager
An introduction to the theatrical arts for the general student. The focus of the course is on theatre in our modern culture in light of its tradition in and contribution to Western civilization. The elements which compose the art of theatre will also be examined.
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: ENGL 100 or Placement Score-English with a score of 70
THEA 102 is a study and practice in communicating story through performance. Students are also given a foundation for development of communication and interpersonal skills in a range of contexts.
Offered: Resident
THEA 108 explores the fundamentals of ballet technique and emphasizes the development of musicality, flexibility, strength, and control.
Registration Restrictions: Instructor Permission
Offered: Resident
THEA 109 explores the technique, style, and rhythmic structure of tap and the American form of jazz, including blues and musical theatre.
Registration Restrictions: Instructor Permission
Offered: Resident
A theatre practicum focusing on managerial, performance, or technical aspects of major productions under the guidance of appropriate members of the Theatre Arts faculty. Students are required to take two THEA 200 sections for the major and/or minor. Five out of seven production credits must be in the student's chosen concentration.
Registration Restrictions: Audition
Offered: Resident
THEA 201 is a workshop in which the student builds a foundation of skills and applied concepts in acting (formerly THEA 220).
Offered: Resident
THEA 202 is an introductory study of costume, lighting, and scenic production techniques for the stage.
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: THEA 108
Students at the intermediate level are encouraged to explore the technical and artistic aspects of classical ballet and modern. May be repeated for credit.
Registration Restrictions: Instructor Permission
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: THEA 109
Students at the intermediate level concentrate on exploring more sophisticated levels of technique, style, and rhythmic structure of tap and jazz. May be repeated for credit.
Registration Restrictions: Instructor Permission
Offered: Resident
THEA 211 is a historical survey of the development of drama from the Ancient Greeks through the 17th century AD emphasizing classical works.
Note: (Offered fall semester)
Offered: Resident
THEA 212 is a historical survey of the development of drama from the Ancient Greeks through the 18th century, AD through contemporary theatre emphasizing classical works.
Note: (Offered spring semester)
Offered: Resident
THEA 231 is a study in critical analysis of a script as performance text as used by actors, stage managers, directors, and playwrights for production purposes (formerly THEA 312).
Offered: Resident
THEA 241 is a beginning course on the effective use of the voice for stage performance (formerly THEA 250).
Offered: Resident
THEA 251 is a study of the history, development, and performance of musical theatre as an art form from the late 19th century to the present (formerly THEA 450).
Offered: Resident
THEA 271 is an introductory study of costume, lighting, scenic, and sound design techniques specific to the theatrical stage (formerly THEA 260).
Offered: Resident
Practical application of knowledge under the supervision of a practicing theatre professional approved by the Chair of Theatre. Application procedures processed through the Career Center. Must apply semester prior to internship.
Registration Restrictions: Sophomore status, 2.00 GPA, two courses in major, declared major, not more than one CSER behind
Offered: Resident
THEA 300 is a theatre practicum focusing on managerial, performance, or technical aspects of productions under the guidance of appropriate members of the Theatre Arts faculty.
Registration Restrictions: Instructor Permission
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: THEA 201
THEA 301 is a workshop in which the student builds upon skills and concepts learned in THEA 201 (formerly THEA 310).
Offered: Resident
Students explore various styles of musical theatre and hone their audition and performance skills. May be repeated for credit.
Registration Restrictions: Instructor Permission
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: THEA 301
THEA 311 is a workshop in acting for film.
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: (THEA 211 and Theatre Comp with a score of 080) and (THEA 212 or THEA 220 or THEA 310 or THEA 312)
A study of the various theories and methodologies of play direction.
Note: (Offered spring semester, odd-numbered years)
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: THEA 301
THEA 321 is an acting workshop concentrating on the actor's physical expression to create a character, diagnose the actor's patterns of tension, and apply principles of stylized movement (formerly THEA 440).
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: THEA 231
THEA 331 is a study of the various theories and methodologies of play direction and stage management.
Offered: Resident
THEA 341 is a study of makeup design techniques for the stage (formerly THEA 340).
Offered: Resident
THEA 342 is a study of costume design techniques for the stage (formerly THEA 360).
Offered: Resident
THEA 343 is a study of scenic design techniques for the stage (formerly THEA 370).
Offered: Resident
THEA 344 is a study of lighting design techniques for the stage (formerly THEA 380).
Offered: Resident
THEA 351 is a workshop in which the student builds a foundation of skills and applied concepts in musical theatre. (formerly THEA 460)
Offered: Resident
THEA 381 is a seminar that focuses on the integration of faith and art, specific to theatre.
Offered: Resident
A theatre practicum focusing on managerial, performance, or technical aspects of major productions under the guidance of the Chair of Theater or appropriate members of the Theatre Arts faculty. Students are required to take three THEA 400 sections for the major. Five out of seven production credits must be in the student's chosen concentration.
Registration Restrictions: Audition
Offered: Resident
THEA 401 is a workshop in which the student builds upon skills and concepts learned in THEA 201 and THEA 301. (formerly THEA 420)
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: THEA 211 and THEA 212 and THEA 220 and THEA 312 and THEA 260 and Theatre Comp with a score of 080
A study of management techniques peculiar to the stage.
Note: (Offered spring semester, even-numbered years)
Offered: Resident
THEA 412 is a workshop in which the student develops site-specific theatre through research and practical application.
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: THEA 301
THEA 421 is an introduction to the concepts and techniques of stage combat.
Offered: Resident
THEA 431 is a course exploring the writing style and craft of playwriting (formerly THEA 350).
Offered: Resident
THEA 432 is a workshop of playwriting techniques and development of a one-act play meant for church performance (formerly THEA 352).
Registration Restrictions: Instructor Permission
Offered: Resident
THEA 441 is a workshop in which the student builds upon vocal techniques studied in THEA 250 by adding the study of various accents and dialects most commonly performed on the stage (formerly THEA 390).
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: THEA 401
THEA 471 is an acting workshop in which the acting styles from Ancient Greece to 1800 will be explored and practiced (formerly THEA 422).
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: THEA 471
THEA 473 is an acting workshop in which acting styles from the 19th and 20 centuries will be explored and practiced.
Offered: Resident
THEA 481 is a seminar focusing on establishing a career in professional theatre (formerly THEA 490).
Registration Restrictions: Instructor Permission
Offered: Resident and Online
THEA 491 is a culminating theatre practicum focusing on the application of skills and techniques acquired throughout the student's course of study.
Registration Restrictions: Instructor Permission
Offered: Resident
Note: (Offered on demand)
Offered: Resident
A seminar course focusing on a subject not covered extensively in other Theatre Arts courses. Topics will vary.
Registration Restrictions: Permission of Instructor.
Offered: Resident
Practical application of knowledge under the supervision of a practicing theatre professional approved by the Chair of Theatre. Application procedures processed through the Career Center. Must apply semester prior to completing internship.
Registration Restrictions: Successful completion of Sophomore Hearing; Junior or Senior status and required GPA
Offered: Resident