Dr. Scott A. Mackenzie, Courses

Associate Professor of Theatre

THE 101 Introduction to Theatre (4 SH). An examination of the process by which dramatic literature becomes theatre. The course examines the forms of comedy, tragedy, and their offshoots as well as the elements of theatre—structure, character, language, scenography—and the styles of theatre with an emphasis on modernism and post-modernism. This course does not meet major requirements.

THE 102 Introduction to Acting (4 SH). Concentrates on approaches to acting and analysis of scenes from an actor’s point of view. The laboratory section concentrates on scene work, monologue exercises, and improvisation.

THE 151 Voice and Diction (4 SH). Theory and practice in the basic techniques of developing a clear and expressive speaking voice. Breath control, proper phonation, full resonance and projection, and articulation will be covered as well as exercises for improving use of pitch, timbre, and vocal quality.

THE 202 Acting II (4 SH). A seminar/laboratory study. The seminar segment will concentrate on more advanced study of approaches to act. The laboratory segment is designed to increase effective use of concentration, observation, sensory awareness, and emotional truth on stage.

THE 225 Theatre of Social Engagement (4 SH). In this highly participatory course, students will engage the social issues of the day using various interactive performance methods, including Playback Theatre and Augusto Boal’s Theatre of the Oppressed techniques. The course culminates in the creation of an original devised production that addresses a local social issue and is produced in collaboration with an under-represented segment of the local community.

THE 251 Oral Interpretation (4 SH). A study of the methods of creating for a listening audience an interpretation of the printed page. Attention is focused upon literary form, imagery, inflection, word stress, and other factors which influence listener response and understanding, and also which aid in the effective expression of one’s own ideas.

THE 351 Theatre History (4 SH). A study of the Classical, Medieval, Italian Renaissance, English Renaissance, Modern, and Contemporary periods of theatre history. Major emphasis of study focuses on the correlation between the physical stage, the theatrical conventions, and the playscripts of the period.

THE 404 Directing for the Theatre (4 SH). The course explores the elements comprising an approach to directing for the theatre. Elements include script analysis, stage composition, picturization, and techniques in working with actors. The course is hands-on. Students work from a study script as well as other scripts of their choice.

THE 601 Theatre Capstone. Advanced Study I (2 SH). Advanced Study I focuses on the scholarly research required to prepare for the performance/practical element of the capstone experience. THE 601 usually culminates in an advanced research paper that explores and explains a specific topic in theatre studies chosen by the student in conjunction with his or her capstone adviser.

THE 602 Theatre Capstone. Advanced Study II (2 SH). In Advanced Study II, students apply the practical skills developed while pursuing the theatre major. THE 602 usually culminates in the presentation of scenes related to the topic studied in THE 601. Depending on the student’s area of interest, scenes will be directed, designed, and/or acted in by the capstone student. In

some cases, special projects such as directing or designing a main stage production may provide the content of THE 601 and 602 and fulfill the capstone requirement.

SPE 111 Introduction to Public Communications (4 SH). An introductory course designed to help the student develop and deliver oral presentations. Students will present a variety of oral assignments both informal and formal. At least one presentation will demonstrate the effective use of visual aids and new presentation technologies. In addition, the course presents communication theory which will help the student understand communication processes and develop better

listening skills.