Theatre Arts
Program Description
The Theatre program offers rigorous conservatory-style training within a well-rounded liberal arts education at an affordable public school price. The program is constructed to help students meet the rigorous demands of a professional career in theatre and to provide a strong artistic foundation and practical experience. The program is led by a dynamic faculty composed of current and former artistic directors, actors, singers, designers, and dancers with deep connections to top industry professionals from coast to coast.
BFA Acting/Directing students at CMU can expect a full sequence of Stanislavski-based acting classes in addition to training in Shakespeare, voice, speech, acting for the camera, script analysis, movement, stage combat, make-up, dance, and more. Unlike many other undergraduate programs, CMU also offers students the opportunity not only to take directing classes but also direct full productions as part of the performance season. The program is large enough to tackle ambitious projects yet small and flexible enough to tailor to students’ needs. Classes are intimate, with a small student-to-faculty ratio, allowing for significant individual attention, and each season’s productions are picked specifically for the current class of students. Opportunities to perform begin in the freshman year.
The BFA Music Theatre concentration represents one of the most unique programs offered in Colorado, stressing strong technical foundations in music, theatre, and dance. This approach creates “triple threats” and enhances a young performer’s potential for a career in musical theatre. To complement technique courses, students also participate in a wide variety of performance-related assignments. Students develop all disciplines of performance in an intimate and rigorous setting. Individuality and diversity are at the heart of all acting courses from contemporary to "Shakespeare," vocal studies (including jazz, pop, and rock), and dance classes (jazz, tap, and hip hop).
The Dance program at CMU is thriving, offering an array of dance styles, performance opportunities, and travel. Equal emphasis is placed on Modern, Jazz, Ballet, and Hip Hop with course offerings from beginner to advanced levels. The faculty members have professional backgrounds across multiple forms of dance. With three dance concerts a year, Colorado Mesa University faculty and students choreograph and invite visiting guest artists from the professional dance world. Students travel annually to the American College Dance Association and other conferences and engage in local and state outreach. The BA in Dance is constructed to help students meet the rigorous demands of a professional dance career and provide a strong foundation and practical experience for future dance artists.
For our BFA Design/Technology major, we cultivate daring artistic and scholarly pioneers who are poised to be the luminaries our industry demands. CMU strives to promote an environment where students exist as an ensemble of artists who create work together and actively support each other. This is an intimate and rigorous program. We give personalized attention to students, specifically focusing on making them the best versions of themselves. The program accentuates absolute involvement and immersion in our seasons. This deep involvement within a production process prepares students for the rigors and demands of producing theatre well beyond the walls of CMU. Technology in the Moss Performing Arts Center is state-of-the-art. We have a multi-level costume construction and design facility, a spacious scenic construction area, a robust and fully rigged proscenium space, and an experimental black-box-style theatre.
The goal of our Theatre Generalist BA program is to encourage theatre studies for students who may be interested in cultivating a broad range of theatrical skills or who want to pursue theatrical careers outside of performance or design/technology, such as producing, arts administration, teaching, dramaturgy or playwriting. Beginning with the first semester, students follow a curriculum that offers a grounding in the fundamentals while allowing the flexibility to focus or move between dance, theatre, musical theatre, or design/technical theatre options.
Through the theatre minor students may choose courses from a broad range of theatrical endeavors including acting, scenery, costumes, theatre history, theatre teaching, arts management, and dramatic literature. Students will also have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the creation of two mainstage shows during the CMU theatre season. The training afforded by the study of theatre is also attractive to many other professions, including teaching, non-profit leadership, human resources, and law.
Special Requirements
Students seeking admission as theatre majors must successfully audition for acceptance into the BFA Acting/Directing, BFA Music Theatre, and BA Dance concentrations. Admission to the University does not guarantee admission into one of these programs. Prospective theatre majors should consult the department’s website or contact the department directly for information regarding audition dates and requirements. Prospective students interested in departmental scholarships must audition no later than April 15 of the year they seek admission.
- Students deficient in piano skills will be required to complete MUSA 130 and MUSA 131. MUSA 130 and MUSA 131 may be taken as lower-division electives or Musical Theatre Support Courses.
- Students deficient in theory skills will be required to complete MUSA 113 before taking MUSA 114. MUSA 113 may be taken as a lower division elective or a Musical Theatre Support Course.
Contact Information
Department of Theatre Arts
Moss Performing Arts Center 141
970.248.1242
THEA 102 Introduction to Theatre Technology: Stagecraft 3 Credits
Introduction to basic scene shop safety, organization of materials, hand and machine carpentry and basic stagecraft techniques.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
Fees: Yes.
THEA 103 Introduction to Theatre Technology: Costume3 Credits
Introduction to basic costume shop safety, organization, materials, and hand and machine sewing.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
Fees: Yes.
THEA 104 Introduction to Theatre Technology: Lighting 3 Credits
Introduction to basic lighting shop safety, organization of materials, electrical repair, and basic hang and focus techniques.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
THEA 105 Introduction to Theatre Technology: Sound Technology3 Credits
Introduction to basic theatre sound design, protocol, and execution, including live audio technology and computer editing.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
THEA 114 Summer Theatre3 Credits
Professional summer theatre experience. The student is expected to participate in all phases of the theatre operation including acting, technical work, directing, box office management, etc. It is advisable for a student enrolled in summer theatre not to enroll in any other class. Five plays are presented in a seven-week period.
THEA 116 Music Theatre Workshop1 Credit
Performance-based ensemble that combines musical theatre singing, acting, and dancing into a unified performance. Through focus on the works of specific composers and/or stylistic eras, students will produce and perform a musical revue for a public audience. Intended for Music Theatre majors, but students from other disciplines are invited to enroll. For first year students.
Prerequisites: THEA 153 and MUSL 137.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
THEA 117 Play Production1 Credit
Practical course in stagecraft concerned with the production of plays in the fall semester. The student works in all phases of production. Students will work three hours per week unless other arrangements are made with the instructor.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
THEA 118 Play Production1 Credit
Practical course in stagecraft concerned with the production of plays in the spring semester. Students will work in all phases of production. Students will work three hours per week unless other arrangements are made with the instructor.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
THEA 119 Technical Performance1 Credit
Direct participation in the technical aspects of various productions. Grade will depend upon the preparatory work involved and upon the final technical production. Students must work a minimum of two productions in order to receive credit.
THEA 120 Technical Performance1 Credit
Direct participation in the technical aspects of various productions. Grade will depend upon the preparatory work involved and upon the final technical production. Students must work a minimum of two productions in order to receive credit.
THEA 128 Theatre Forums1 Credit
Specialized workshops in various aspects of theatre made possible by visiting artists and/or lecturers or by attending seminars or workshops. Papers and discussions are used for evaluation.
THEA 129 Theatre Forums1 Credit
Specialized workshops in various aspects of theatre made possible by visiting artists and/or lecturers or by attending seminars or workshops. Papers and discussions are used for evaluation.
THEA 130 Script Analysis3 Credits
Introduction to practical analysis of theatrical texts. Familiarizes students with script analysis techniques useful in production and performance studies.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
THEA 141 Theatre Appreciation-GTAH13 Credits
Examination of basic presentation techniques and history of theatre.
Essential Learning Categories: Fine Arts
Colorado Guaranteed Transfer (GT) Pathways General Education Curriculum
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
THEA 142 Make-up3 Credits
Introduction to all types of make-up for the stage. Students examine straight and character make-up techniques and learn the use of crepe hair, prosthetics, and other material.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Fees: Yes.
THEA 145 Introduction to Dramatic Literature-GTAH13 Credits
Dramatic literature from classical Greeks to modern dramatists.
Essential Learning Categories: Fine Arts
Colorado Guaranteed Transfer (GT) Pathways General Education Curriculum
THEA 147 Drama Performance1 or 2 Credits
Requires a student to appear in a major production on campus. The grade will depend upon the preparatory work on the play's character and upon the final performance.
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.
THEA 148 Drama Performance1 or 2 Credits
Requires a student to appear in a major production on campus. The grade will depend upon the preparatory work on the play's character and upon the final performance.
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.
THEA 150 Fundamentals of Acting3 Credits
Basic components of the acting process, including scene work, improvisation, and audition techniques for non-theatre majors.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
THEA 153 Acting I: Beginning Acting3 Credits
Basic components of the acting process, including scene work, improvisation, and audition techniques for theatre majors. Students perform in solo, duo, and/or group scenes.
Prerequisites: Theatre Arts major or minor in good standing.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
THEA 156 Acting II: Contemporary Scenework3 Credits
Further development in the application of Stanislavski-based theory studied in Acting I. Includes substantial scene and monologue work in addition to beat analysis. Continued investigation into the depth and breadth of the actor's art.
Prerequisites: THEA 153 or THEA 150.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
THEA 196 Topics1-3 Credits
Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 15 credit hours.
THEA 202 Elements of Theatrical Design3 Credits
Exposure to the elements of design in a theatrical context through lectures and projects.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
Fees: Yes.
THEA 213 Creative Play Activities-Drama2 Credits
Creative dramatics in a learning situation. Includes subject matter of interest to anyone in early childhood education, general education, social work, religious education, and/or recreation.
THEA 216 Music Theatre Workshop1 Credit
Performance-based ensemble that combines musical theatre singing, acting, and dancing into a unified performance. Through focus on the works of specific composers and/or stylistic eras, students will produce and perform a musical revue for a public audience. Intended for Music Theatre majors, but students from other disciplines are invited to enroll. For second year students.
Prerequisites: THEA 153 or MUSL 137.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
THEA 217 Play Production1 Credit
Prerequisites: Courses must be taken in sequence or by permission of the instructor.
THEA 218 Play Production1 Credit
Prerequisites: Courses must be taken in sequence or by permission of the instructor.
THEA 231 Theatre History I: 400 BCE to 1642 CE3 Credits
History of theatre as an institution and its relationship to the artistic, social, and economic environment, from 400 B.C.E. through Shakespeare (1642 C.E.).
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
THEA 232 Theatre History II: 1642 CE to Present3 Credits
History of theatre as an institution and its relationship to the artistic, social, and economic environment, from Shakespeare (1642 C.E.) to present.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
THEA 247 Drama Performance1 or 2 Credits
Course may be taken 4 times for credit.
THEA 248 Drama Performance1 or 2 Credits
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.
THEA 253 Acting IV: Stage Movement3 Credits
Exploration of the art of movement for performers. Starting with the development of personal comfort and body awareness, students will delve into various dimensions of physical dramatic expression. The course emphasizes collaborative skills through partner work, focusing on contact and connection. Beyond the classroom, discover practical applications for movement in diverse performance contexts.
Prerequisites: THEA 156 and SPCH 112.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
THEA 255 Musical Theatre Techniques3 Credits
Exploration of solo song interpretation. Emphasis on basic mechanical, analytical, and physical skills needed to perform musical theatre. Building on an acting foundation, issues of range and vocal support as well as style and repertory will be emphasized.
Prerequisites: THEA 150 or THEA 153; MUSA 137, or one semester of private vocal study, or by permission of instructor.
THEA 256 Auditions3 Credits
Resume writing. Choice and preparation of effective audition pieces.
Prerequisites: THEA 153 and THEA 156.
THEA 296 Topics1-3 Credits
Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 15 credit hours.
THEA 300 Advanced Acting: Stage Combat2 Credits
This course is designed to introduce the actor to advanced study in various theatrical fighting styles including: unarmed, rapier and dagger, sword and shield, smallsword, broadsword, knife, single sword, and quarterstaff. The student will learn stage combat techniques adapted from actual historical fighting techniques and use those techniques in scenework.
Prerequisites: THEA 253.
Course may be taken 3 times for credit.
THEA 313 Rendering for Theatre3 Credits
Exploration of conventional drawing and rendering principles, techniques, and mediums (both hand and computer-aided) for theatre, through practical application.
Prerequisites: THEA 202.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
THEA 316 Music Theatre Workshop1 Credit
A performance-based ensemble that combines musical theatre singing, acting, and dancing into a unified performance. Through focus on the works of specific composers and/or stylistic eras, students will produce and perform a musical revue for a public audience. Intended for Music Theatre majors, but students from other disciplines are invited to enroll.
Prerequisites: THEA 153, MUSL 137, or permission of instructor.
THEA 317 Play Production1 Credit
Prerequisites: Courses must be taken in sequence or by permission of the instructor.
THEA 318 Play Production1 Credit
Prerequisites: Courses must be taken in sequence or by permission of the instructor.
THEA 322 Stage Management3 Credits
Theory and principles of human resources management, theatre technical production, and actual stage management situations.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
THEA 323 Computer Aided Drafting for the Theatre3 Credits
Exploration of Vectorworks and other 3D computer aided drafting software (CAD) to create plots and drawings for theatrical scenic and lighting designs.
Prerequisites: THEA 102 and THEA 104.
THEA 325 Rigging and Special Effects3 Credits
Introduction to stage rigging, hanging lighting and scenery, weighting, safety, and flying hard and soft goods. Advanced technique of theatre technology including smoke, electrics, and other backstage effects.
Prerequisites: THEA 102 and THEA 104.
THEA 327 Multimedia Technology for the Theatre3 Credits
Application of video projection technology and integrated show control software to create original designs for live performance.
Prerequisites: THEA 102 and THEA 104.
THEA 330 Advanced Script Analysis3 Credits
Advanced analysis of a variety of dramatic texts intended for performance.
Prerequisites: THEA 145.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
THEA 331 Theatre History I: 400 B.C. to 16423 Credits
History of theatre as an institution and its relationship to the other arts and to the social and economic environment, from 400 B.C. to 1642 A.D.
THEA 332 Theatre History II: From 1642 to the Present3 Credits
Major world theatre events from 1642 to the present day.
THEA 333 Art, Architecture and Fashion: Prehistory to the Present3 Credits
Exploration of art, architecture, and fashion from Pre-History to the present.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
THEA 340 Costume Design3 Credits
Principles, practices, and techniques of Costume Design.
Prerequisites: THEA 202.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
THEA 341 Musical Theatre History and Literature3 Credits
In-depth study of the literature and styles of the master composers of music theatre from its beginnings through the present day. Course work is designed for the Musical Theatre major, utilizing lecture and listening lab format and a research paper on a subject of the student's choice.
THEA 342 Sound Design3 Credits
Theory and application of conceptual sound design for live theatre. Emphasis on show control software and tools used for live audio engineering.
Prerequisites: THEA 202.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
THEA 343 Scene Design3 Credits
Experience in the designing of scenery and props for various types of productions with emphasis on research, acquisition, drafting, perspective, and rendering techniques.
Prerequisites: THEA 202.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
THEA 344 Lighting Design3 Credits
Advanced training in the design and execution of lighting for the stage.
Prerequisites: THEA 202.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
THEA 345 World Drama3 Credits
Students will examine the richness and diversity of contemporary world theatre and drama from a global context.
THEA 347 Drama Performance1 or 2 Credits
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.
THEA 348 Drama Performance1 or 2 Credits
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.
Course may be taken 4 times for credit.
THEA 353 Advanced Acting: Styles in Acting3 Credits
Various styles of acting used for the Classical, Elizabethan, Romantic, 19th century Melodrama and Realistic periods.
Prerequisites: THEA 256 or permission of instructor.
THEA 354 Advanced Acting: The Meisner Approach3 Credits
An examination of the Meisner Approach, the "film industry standard" technique that actors use to explore the Realistic/Naturalistic genre of plays and screenplays.
Prerequisites: THEA 256 or permission of instructor.
THEA 355 Music Theatre Repertoire3 Credits
Further development of song interpretation through scene study and ensemble performance. Emphasis on creating performances unified both dramatically and musically through show research and script analysis to develop characterization.
Prerequisites: THEA 255, DANC 174, and DANC 177, or permission of instructor.
THEA 356 Advanced Acting: Dialects3 Credits
Introduces students to the fundamentals of acting while using common stage dialects.
Prerequisites: SPCH 112 and THEA 256, or permission of instructor.
THEA 360 Advanced Costume Technology3 Credits
Introduction to advanced construction techniques, basic flat patterning and draping, and interpreting a rendering into a finished garment.
Prerequisites: THEA 103.
THEA 369 Improvisation2 Credits
Introduction to basic improvisational acting techniques, utilizing guided lectures and exercises and illustrating the role of non-script work in the development of the student actor. Students will create characters, scenes, and short original works.
Prerequisites: THEA 256.
THEA 376 World's Greatest Films3 Credits
Aesthetics and elements that qualify film as an important art form as seen through the major contributors from three important culturally diverse areas of the world: Europe, Asia and America.
THEA 380 Playwriting I3 Credits
Fundamentals of playwriting through a systematic, textual approach, the proper format of scriptwriting, and the writing of short scripts based on common thematic elements.
THEA 381 Directing I3 Credits
The fundamentals of directing culminating in the direction of a scene or short play for public viewing.
Prerequisites: Junior or senior level Acting/Directing major, or permission of instructor.
THEA 382 Directing II3 Credits
Advanced directing techniques and production of a one-act play for public viewing.
Prerequisites: THEA 381 or permission of instructor.
THEA 395 Independent Study1-3 Credits
Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 6 credit hours.
THEA 396 Topics1-3 Credits
Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 15 credit hours.
THEA 401 Career Preparation3 Credits
An introduction to the administrative and business aspects of the performing arts.
Prerequisites: Senior standing or permission of instructor.
THEA 403 Methods of Teaching Drama and Speech3 Credits
Teaching communication, speechmaking, debate and discussion, creative drama, oral interpretation, play selection and direction in the public schools.
Prerequisites: Junior standing in English education or speech/theatre programs.
THEA 411 American Drama3 Credits
The study of American drama and theatre trends from the first American playwright to the current trends of today.
THEA 412 Contemporary Drama3 Credits
A study of contemporary drama from the advent of Realism to the present day.
THEA 416 Music Theatre Workshop1 Credit
A performance-based ensemble that combines musical theatre singing, acting, and dancing into a unified performance. Through focus on the works of specific composers and/or stylistic eras, students will produce and perform a musical revue for a public audience. Intended for Music Theatre majors, but students from other disciplines are invited to enroll.
Prerequisites: THEA 153, MUSL 137, or permission of instructor.
THEA 417 Play Production1 Credit
Prerequisites: Courses must be taken in sequence or by permission of the instructor.
THEA 418 Play Production1 Credit
Prerequisites: Courses must be taken in sequence or by permission of the instructor.
THEA 445 Senior Tech/Design Capstone3 Credits
Work experience in various aspects of theatre tech/design.
Prerequisites: Senior standing or permission of instructor.
THEA 446 Senior Tech/Design Capstone3 Credits
Work experience in various aspects of theatre tech/design.
Prerequisites: Senior standing or permission of instructor.
THEA 447 Drama Performance1 or 2 Credits
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.
THEA 448 Drama Performance1 or 2 Credits
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.
THEA 453 Advanced Acting: Acting for the Camera3 Credits
The transition from stage acting techniques to camera acting techniques. Students will have the opportunity to work on camera with simplified sets and properties.
Prerequisites: THEA 256 or permission of instructor.
THEA 454 Acting V: Shakespeare3 Credits
An in-depth exploration of acting approaches to the verse drama of Shakespeare.
Prerequisites: THEA 253.
THEA 459 Advanced Acting: Chekhov Technique3 Credits
Introduction and exploration of the Michael Chekhov Acting technique.
Prerequisites: THEA 256 or permission of instructor.
THEA 490 Honors Seminar3 Credits
Advanced study of the creative process for students accepted into the Theatre Arts Honors Program. Topics will include commonalities to all creative processes and the interface between the artist, their work, and their community.
Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Theatre Arts Honors Program.
THEA 494 Performance Seminar: Acting/Directing and Musical Theatre Capstone3 Credits
Exploration of theories of audition, rehearsal and performance for upper division performance majors.
THEA 495 Independent Study1-3 Credits
Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 6 credit hours.
THEA 496 Topics1-3 Credits
Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 15 credit hours.
THEA 498 Honors Project/Thesis3 Credits
Development of individualized research and writing for the student accepted into the Department of Theatre Arts Honors program.
Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Theatre Arts Honors Program.
THEA 499 Internship1-9 Credits
Work in acting/directing, design/tech, music theatre and theatre management, or other situations that meet the instructor's approval.
Prerequisites: Senior standing and permission of the instructors.
Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 15 credit hours.