THEA 101
3 credits
Introduction to Theatre and Performance Studies
Prerequisite(s): None.
THEA 101 introduces students to researching and analyzing theatre and performance. Students will observe, discuss, and write critically about live performance. Students are required to attend performances representing a diverse range of cultures and performance traditions at venues across the Lower Mainland.
Note: Students will be required to pay a $250 materials fee to cover the cost of tickets and transportation to live performances.
THEA 111
3 credits
Introduction to Acting
Prerequisite(s): None
This course introduces students to the art and technique of acting. They will learn how actors employ a range of internal and external resources to realize character as action, and the importance of working collaboratively as part of a creative team.
THEA 112
3 credits
Essentials of Acting
Prerequisite(s): THEA 111 with a minimum grade of B, or audition.
This course introduces students to the fundamental techniques actors use to create dramatic characters and effective performances. This course may involve fieldtrips to see plays in the Lower Mainland.
THEA 121
3 credits
Stagecraft I
Prerequisite(s): None.
This course introduces the fundamentals of stagecraft, including safe work practices, teamwork, and theatre organization. Students will work backstage on department productions by participating in two production modules. Students will be required to attend work sessions/rehearsals outside of class time.
THEA 123
3 credits
Stagecraft II
Prerequisite(s): THEA 121.
This course introduces the fundamentals of stagecraft, including communication, conflict resolution, and basic project management. Students will work backstage on department productions by participating in two production modules. Students will be required to attend work sessions/rehearsals outside of class time.
THEA 199
3 credits
Technical Theatre Practicum
Prerequisite(s): Enrolment only by department permission.
This course introduces students to the practice and techniques of technical theatre through backstage participation in a UFV Theatre production.
This course will be offered under different letter designations (e.g. C-Z) representing different productions. Each production represents a unique project in which students will be assigned specific production roles. The course may be repeated for credit provided the letter designation and the production roles differ.
THEA 201
3 credits
History of Theatre: 19th Century to the Present
Prerequisite(s): THEA 101, or any six university-level credits
This course introduces the innovations and insights which have shaped the art of theatre from the 19th century to today, investigating major trends and issues in theatre, and their significance within the context of larger cultural and historical changes.
THEA 203
3 credits
History of Theatre and Drama: Antiquity to 1642
Prerequisite(s): One of the following: (THEA 101 and one 100-level ENGL course numbered ENGL 105 or higher), or (two 100-level ENGL courses numbered ENGL 105 or higher), or (B or better in THEA 101), or (B or better in one 100-level ENGL course numbered ENGL 105 or higher).
This course explores the evolution and diversity of theatre and drama from Antiquity to 1642. It investigates the development and significance of a range of theatre forms and dramatic genres from different historical periods, which might include Greek tragedy, Roman comedy, Sanskrit theatre, Medieval drama, Japanese Noh, and Elizabethan tragedy and comedy. This course may involve field trips to see plays in the Lower Mainland.
Note: This course is offered as THEA 203 and ENGL 233. Students may take only one of these for credit.
Note: Students with credit for THEA 202 cannot take this course for further credit.
THEA 204
3 credits
History of Theatre and Drama: 1642 to 1914
Prerequisite(s): One of the following: (THEA 101 and one 100-level ENGL course numbered ENGL 105 or higher), or (two 100-level ENGL courses numbered ENGL 105 or higher), or (B or better in THEA 101), or (B or better in one 100-level ENGL course numbered ENGL 105 or higher).
This course explores the evolution and diversity of theatre and drama from 1642 to 1914. It investigates the development and significance of a range of theatre forms and dramatic genres from different historical periods, which might include Restoration comedy, Neoclassical tragedy, Kabuki, Kathakali, Chinese opera, melodrama, and Realism. This course may involve field trips to plays in the Lower Mainland.
Note: This course is offered as THEA 204 and ENGL 234. Students may take only one of these for credit.
THEA 211
3 credits
Character and Scene Study I
Prerequisite(s): THEA 112
In this course, students work with contemporary and classical scripts, learning how to define character relationships, animate interactions with other actors, and clarify tactics.This course may involve field trips to see plays in the Lower Mainland.
THEA 215
3 credits
Voice and Body I
Prerequisite(s): THEA 111 with a minimum grade of B or THEA 112.
This course introduces the techniques actors use to develop a clear and responsive speaking voice. Students will learn how the human body generates sound, and the physical training and mental awareness needed to free the voice to become an effective instrument for performance.
THEA 220
3 credits
Stage Management for Live Events
Prerequisite(s): One of the following: THEA 121, THEA 123, nine lower-level credits in Theatre, or 30 university-level credits.
This course teaches the concepts and skills needed to manage collaborative arts projects, with particular emphasis on the management of live production events. Students will learn the organizational and communication skills required to support creative teams and manage creative activity throughout the production process, from pre-production planning, through rehearsal and performance, to post-production. Students will develop practical knowledge and skill through participation in production labs.
THEA 250
3 credits
Introduction to Storytelling in Indigenous, Theatrical, and Global Communities
Prerequisite(s): None
This course introduces students to storytelling by exploring the relationship between community, (auto)biography, and performance. Students will learn protocols, creative processes, and storytelling techniques. The course includes an introduction to Sto:lo stories. Students will create and perform their own stories.
Note: THEA 250 may include a fieldtrip.
THEA 290
1 credit
Theatre Practice - Small Ensemble
Prerequisite(s): Enrolment only by department permission.
This practicum allows students to develop further experience in live theatre production through participation in a small to medium ensemble production as part of the UFV Theatre season.
This course will be offered under different letter designations (e.g. C-Z) representing different productions. Each production represents a unique project in which students will be assigned specific production roles. The course may be repeated for credit provided the letter designation and the production roles differ.
THEA 295
1 credit
Theatre Practice - Large Ensemble
Prerequisite(s): Enrolment only by department permission.
This practicum allows students to develop further experience in live theatre production through participation in a large ensemble production, such as a Shakespeare play or a musical, as part of the UFV Theatre season.
This course will be offered under different letter designations (e.g. C-Z) representing different productions. Each production represents a unique project in which students will be assigned specific production roles. The course may be repeated for credit provided the letter designation and the production roles differ.
THEA 297
3 credits
Independent Study
Prerequisite(s): Instructor's permission
An individual course of study in a selected theatre discipline. This course is available to second-year theatre students who must consult with the department head to arrange to take this course.
THEA 298
3 credits
Independent Study
Prerequisite(s): Instructor's permission, or audition
An individual course of study in a theatre discipline. This course is available to second-year theatre students who must consult with the department head to arrange to take this course.
THEA 299
3 credits
Theatre Production Practicum
Prerequisite(s): THEA 199 and Enrolment only by department permission.
This practicum allows students to develop their skills in the practice and techniques of theatre through participation in a UFV Theatre production.
This course will be offered under different letter designations (e.g. C-Z) representing different productions. Each production represents a unique project in which students will be assigned specific production roles. The course may be repeated for credit provided the letter designation and the production roles differ.
THEA 301
4 credits
History of Theatre and Drama: 1914 to the Present
Prerequisite(s): THEA 203 and THEA 204; or one of THEA 203 or THEA 204, plus one 200-level course in ENGL; or two 200-level courses in ENGL.
This course explores the evolution and diversity of theatre, drama, and performance from 1914 to the present, investigating major trends and issues in theatre and drama and their significance within the context of larger cultural and historical changes. This course may involve fieldtrips to plays in the Lower Mainland.
Note: This course is offered as THEA 301 and ENGL 365. Students may take only one of these for credit.
THEA 305
4 credits
Theatre for Young Audiences
Prerequisite(s): THEA 101and completion of 45 university-level credits.
This course offers students an overview of the history, literature, and theories of theatre for young audiences with an emphasis on Canadian works. Its chief objective is to stimulate a critical awareness of young people’s theatre as a distinct and important discipline. This course may involve fieldtrips to see plays in the Lower Mainland.
THEA 306
4 credits
History of Musical Theatre
Prerequisite(s): One of the following: THEA 201, THEA 202, or 45 university-level credits.
This course examines the development of musical theatre from the 18th century to the present, focusing on Broadway and London’s West End. Content may include analyses of individual musicals that have transformed the genre, an exploration of the place of musical theatre in popular culture, and an overview of Canadian musical theatre. Attendance at two musical theatre performances chosen from a list provided by the instructor is required.
Note: This course is offered as THEA 306 and MUSC 306. Students may take only one of these for credit.
THEA 307
4 credits
World Theatre
Prerequisite(s): THEA 101 or completion of 45 university-level credits, or instructor’s permission.
This course explores the history, literature, and performance practices of a variety of non-European theatre traditions, which could include Asian, African, and Indigenous forms of performance. Students will develop a critical appreciation of non-Western performance traditions and broaden their awareness of the definitions of theatre throughout the world.
THEA 311
4 credits
Acting for the Camera
Prerequisite(s): One of the following: THEA 211, THEA 215, or (THEA 112 and THEA 250).
An exploration of the theory and practice of acting for the camera. This course examines the close relationship between stage and film acting and introduces students to the unique demands of creating effective on-camera performances. Studio exercises and projects involve students in a progression of on-camera explorations leading to the creation of a basic film acting technique. The course also introduces students to the vocabulary and practices of the film and TV industries.
THEA 312
4 credits
Character and Scene Study II
Prerequisite(s): One of the following: THEA 211, THEA 215, or (THEA 112 and THEA 250).
In this course, students will learn to create complex characterizations, apply auditioning and career building skills, and undertake the challenges of an extended role. This course may involve field trips to see plays in the Lower Mainland.
Note: Students with credit for THEA 212 can retake this course as THEA 312 to receive 4 upper-level credits, or can use the 3 credits from THEA 212 to satisfy upper-level Theatre program requirements.
THEA 315
4 credits
Voice and Body II
Prerequisite(s): THEA 211 and THEA 215
This course focuses on developing the voice and body to become an effective instrument for conveying rich, multi-layered dramatic language. Students will practice techniques to increase the openness, responsiveness, and flexibility of the voice and body. They will learn how to develop deeper mental and emotional responses to the ideas and images found in dramatic texts, and how to engage this practice and knowledge effectively in performance.
THEA 316
4 credits
Special Topics in Acting and Performance
Prerequisite(s): Six credits from THEA 211, THEA 212, THEA 215, or THEA 250.
This course provides students with an opportunity to explore a topic or specific area of acting or performance and will vary with the instructor. Different topics will be identified by adding a letter to the course numbers, e.g., 316C, 316D. This course may involve field trips to see plays in the Lower Mainland.
THEA 352
4 credits
Playmaking I
Prerequisite(s): THEA 211 or THEA 215 or (THEA 112 and THEA 250) or (45 university-level credits).
This course is an introduction to the diverse theories and multiple practices of playmaking Students will apply knowledge of playmaking approaches to the creation of theatre performances. Field trips to attend performances may be required.
THEA 353
4 credits
Playmaking II
Prerequisite(s): THEA 352 or (THEA 112, THEA 250, and 12 Theatre credits).
This course continues the exploration of playmaking begun in THEA 352 through intensive studio work focusing on devised theatre and collective creation. The primary focus will be on the creation of theatre pieces through group and character work. Field trips to attend performances may be required.
THEA 360
4 credits
Selected Topics in Theatre Studies
Prerequisite(s): One of the following: THEA 203/ENGL 233, THEA 204/ENGL 234, or 45 university-level credits.
This course provides students with an opportunity to explore a topic or specific area of theatre studies and will vary with the instructor. Different topics will be identified by adding a letter to the course numbers, e.g., 360C, 360D.
THEA 370
4 credits
Design for the Theatre
Prerequisite(s): THEA 101, THEA 121, and THEA 123; or instructor’s permission
An introduction to the fundamentals of design for live theatre production. Students will learn the theory and principles of stage design and how to apply these in practical designs for the theatre.
THEA 395
4 credits
Costume Practicum I
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor
This course will provide students the opportunity to integrate theory and practice in the area of costume studies. By undertaking intermediate responsibilities in costume construction and management, students will develop skills and knowledge.
THEA 399
4 credits
Intermediate Practicum in Theatre
Prerequisite(s): THEA 199 and 299. Admission only by department permission
This course provides students with opportunities to develop theatre skills and knowledge by undertaking intermediate responsibilities and research for a UFV Theatre production, such as: acting in a substantial role; stage managing; assistant designing for costume, set, or lighting; designing for sound, projections, props, or makeup. Each production represents a unique project in which students will be assigned specific production roles; however, students may only take this course for credit once.
THEA 401
4 credits
Contemporary Theories of Theatre and Performance
Prerequisite(s): THEA 201 or THEA 202, and one 300-level THEA course; or any two 300-level courses in English or Theatre.
This course introduces students to critical theory, performance theory, and their application to theatre, dramatic literature, and performance. Students will become familiar with a range of theoretical and methodological approaches to theatre and performance studies. Field trips to attend performances may be required.
THEA 450
4 credits
Directing I
Prerequisite(s): One of the following: THEA 211, THEA 215, or [THEA 112 and THEA 250]) and (THEA 299) and (12 additional THEA credits).
This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of directing, commencing with a survey of directing history and theory to 1960.
Students will explore the director’s creative process through the analysis of contemporary scripts as well as engaging in workshop sessions in directing practice. Students may be required to attend field trips to performances.
Note: Students with credit for Thea 453 cannot take this course for further credit.
THEA 451
4 credits
Directing II
Prerequisite(s): THEA 450
This course continues the exploration of the fundamentals of directing introduced in Theatre 450. Students will investigate directing history and theory from 1960 to the present and engage in workshop sessions in the application of directing practice. Each student will prepare and present a one act play for public performance.
THEA 490
4 credits
Directed Studies in Theatre
Prerequisite(s): 33 credits of Theatre and a written contract between the student and supervising faculty member, signed by student, supervising faculty and department head.
This course offers students the opportunity to pursue in-depth independent study of a particular issue, problem or topic in theatre not otherwise offered. Students develop detailed individual course proposals in consultation with a faculty member, indicating the readings or other study to be undertaken and how the course will be assessed.
Note: Students may take this course for credit more than once provided it is under different topics.
THEA 495
4 credits
Costume Practicum II
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor
This course will provide students the opportunity to further integrate theory and practice in the area of costume studies. By undertaking senior responsibilities in costume construction and management, students will develop skills and knowledge.
THEA 499
4 credits
Advanced Practicum in Theatre
Prerequisite(s): THEA 399. Admission only by department permission.
This course provides students with opportunities to develop theatre skills and knowledge by undertaking advanced responsibilities and research for a UFV Theatre production, such as: acting in a major role; stage managing; designing for costume, set, or lighting; serving as an assistant director or dramaturge. Each production represents a unique project in which students will be assigned specific production roles; however, students may only take this course for credit once.
