School of Theatre
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CFA TH 240: Beginning Directing
The goal of this course is to provide a consistent understanding of what the director's work entails from an analytical and practical perspective, while emphasizing the importance of teamwork and collaboration. The class will be part colloquium and part rehearsal/studio class. The aim here is not to present polished work but rather to focus on the process of working with a creative design team and an ensemble cast, with a particular emphasis on the practical application of analytical and critical thought. 2.0 credits. Fall & Spring semesters. Effective Fall 2021, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: Teamwork/Collaboration. -
CFA TH 242: Somatic Practice 3
Perquisite: CFA TH 237. This course will continue to build upon the Alexander Technique as a somatic practice while introducing breath work as an additional tool in the actor's arsenal. Body awareness will continue to improve as students observe and change habitual patterns in walking and breathing so that they can find and occupy a 'true neutral.' Inhabiting a character by beginning from this true neutral will be applied to each student's R&P assignment. Individual, one-on-one tutorials will occur throughout the semester to address habits of tension and foster sustainability for the actor during their rehearsal process. -
CFA TH 245: Artist Community 2
Artists in Community is a course that follows the student throughout their time at BU SOT and places them with their peers and colleagues for communication, learning, sharing, and giving back. It is the single time when all Performance Students, Faculty and Staff can come together in a room. The four-year progression of this course supports the student journey in finding their creative voice, discovering community, and acknowledging their personal impact on the world. This course progression will engage the student as an artist who has a role to play in responding to and shaping the future of the art form by taking on topics such as local, national, and global issues in theater, emerging practices in the profession at large, and what it means to foster a sustainable and meaningful life in the arts. 1.0 credit. Fall semester. -
CFA TH 246: Artist Community 3
Artists in Community is a course that follows the student throughout their time at BU SOT and places them with their peers and colleagues for communication, learning, sharing, and giving back. It is the single time when all Performance Students, Faculty and Staff can come together in a room. The four-year progression of this course supports the student journey in finding their creative voice, discovering community, and acknowledging their personal impact on the world. This course progression will engage the student as an artist who has a role to play in responding to and shaping the future of the art form by taking on topics such as local, national, and global issues in theater, emerging practices in the profession at large, and what it means to foster a sustainable and meaningful life in the arts. 1.0 credit. Spring semester. -
CFA TH 249: Introduction to Theater Practice
Aimed at preparing students for Theatre-in-Practice (TiP), this course emphasizes rehearsal readiness and practical skills for the artist in a professional rehearsal room. The course broadens stylistic awareness to meet the needs of future collaborative production work across diverse theatrical forms. -
CFA TH 257: Scenography 1
This course will explore the various ways all disciplines of theatre design - Scenic, Costumes, Lighting, Sound - collaboratively support storytelling in live performances. Emphasis will be placed on excavating and visualizing the text and how to be a knowledgeable and informed collaborative partner in the creation of theatrical work. Students will further develop their creative artistic voice and research skills that support the theatrical design process. Effective Fall 2024, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Creativity/Innovation, Research and Information Literacy. -
CFA TH 258: Scenography 2
Prerequisite: CFA TH 257. Building on the foundations of Scenography 1, this course continues an exploration of the various ways all disciplines of theatre design - Scenic, Costumes, Lighting, Sound - collaboratively support storytelling in live performances. Emphasis will be placed on excavating and visualizing the text and how to be a knowledgeable and informed collaborative partner in the creation of theatrical work. 3.0 credits. Spring semester. -
CFA TH 273: Graphic Rendering 1
Prerequisite: CFA TH 174. Studio work in advanced hand drafting techniques. Exercises include completion of a drafting package including orthographic projections, true size & shape, section drawings, properties drawings, mechanical perspective drawing, package layout and design. -
CFA TH 274: Graphic Rendering 2
Prerequisite: CFA TH 273. A continuation of CFA TH 273. Studio work in advanced hand drafting techniques. Exercises include completion of a drafting package including orthographic projections, true size & shape, section drawings, properties drawings, mechanical perspective drawing, package layout and design. -
CFA TH 279: Costume Production 1
This course is designed to give students a working knowledge of flat patterning and draping methods based on historical research. Course work, readings lectures and practical applica-tion will ensure that students are capable to lead a costume build team and successfully pro-duce costumes for an assigned production. Effective Fall 2022, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: Quantitative Reasoning I. -
CFA TH 285: Lighting Crafts 1
Introduction to theatrical lighting and technology as a technical craft within the performing arts industry. Discussion of basic terminology, shop organization, job descriptions, maintenance procedures, and safety. 2.0 credits. Fall semester. -
CFA TH 286: Lighting Craft 2
Prerequisite: CFA TH 285. Intermediate study of theatrical lighting as a technical craft within a larger industry. Techniques of safe, efficient, and professional methods of implementing theatrical lighting will be explored and discussed. Projects will prepare students with skills and knowledge required to act as Production Electrician on a theatrical production in the School of Theatre. 2.0 credits. Spring semester. -
CFA TH 291: Audio Fundamentals
Prerequisite: CFATH 172. This course will provide an overview of the function and integration of analog audio components as applied to theatrical production. 2.0 credits. Fall semester. -
CFA TH 292: Costume Production 2
Prerequisite: CFA TH 279 Continuation of CFA TH 279 Costume Production 1, this class covers historical information dating from early Renaissance to the Regency Period of women's dress. Clothing of various stages in the evolution of this broad period are discussed in lectures and explored by students using a method of radial projection draping or flat patterning. Draping assignments and in class exercises supplement the historical information and provide the student with draping/ flat patterning knowledge of more elaborate garment elements. Students will produce a corset and underpinnings for a chosen period, petticoat and bodice. Upon completion of the class students will have the knowledge to Drape, Flat Pattern and Radial Project period specific garments. 3.0 units. Effective Spring 2025, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU HUB area: Quantitative Reasoning 2. -
CFA TH 294: Stage Management 1
Introduction to the role of the stage manager and assistant stage manager in the collaborative facilitation of each phase of the pre-production, rehearsal, technical rehearsal, and performance processes for a theatrical production. Course work involves developing the paperwork necessary for the typical production of a play. 3.0 Credits. Fall Semester. -
CFA TH 299: Stage Management 2
Prerequisite: CFA TH 294. Building on the foundational stage management skills introduced in CFA TH 294 Stage Management 1, this course continues an exploration into the role of the stage manager and the assistant stage manager in their facilitation of the design, rehearsal, and production process. Topics include production paperwork, creative problem solving, collaboration, communication, and team management for the stage manager, with a focus on stage management for musicals, opera, and dance. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: Teamwork/Collaboration. -
CFA TH 303: Playwriting 1
Prereq: CFA TH 228 Run like an intensive development workshop, this class offers students an introduction to the practice of playwriting through the exploration of dramatic texts and writing exercises. Students will develop writing processes conducive to accessing an authentic voice, rendering interesting characters, and building character relationships. Students should also develop a refined awareness of their artistic power to shape and control a theatrical reality. Students interested in developing original plays for thesis productions are encouraged to register. Effective Fall 2021, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Creativity/Innovation, Writing-Intensive Course. -
CFA TH 305: Theatrical Welding 1
Prerequisite: CFA TH 172. An introduction to welding technology explaining and outlining welding safety and the best welding practices for theatre. Course covers cutting, drilling and assembling mild steel for theatrical scenic construction. 2.0 credits. Fall semester. -
CFA TH 306: Theatrical Welding 2
Prerequisite: CFA TH 305. Advanced techniques in welding technology explaining and outlining welding safety and the best welding practices for theatre. Course covers cutting, drilling and assembling mild steel for theatrical scenic construction. 2.0 credits. Spring semester. -
CFA TH 307: History of Period Styles 1
This is the first course in a series of 4 seminar style classes where we explore periods throughout history primarily through studying Architecture and Decor along with exploring the political and social atmosphere of the times. Each student will have a weekly assignment to research and share with their classmates in a PowerPoint style presentation. History of Period Styles 1 covers the Dawn of Man through the Fall of Rome. 2.0 credits. Effective Fall 2024, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU HUB area: Historical Consciousness.
