School of Theatre
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CFA TH 472: Technical Production 4
Prereq: CFA TH 471. Building off of the content and concepts learned from Technical Production 3, students will study complex loading conditions and understand how to design columns and beams made from wood and steel to support various scenic elements. Students will discuss concepts typical to engineering, study the variables and formulas used to determine material strengths, typical and atypical loading conditions, and how to engineer scenery used in normal theatrical applications. Complex structural situations will be analyzed as well as complex failures to ensure each student understands why structures succeed and fail. Students will also study the vocabulary used by structural engineers to ensure they have the capacity to communicate questions and issues that may arise during their career. Through Active Learning, each student will be able to solve structural problems and apply the math to theatrical concepts. Case Based Study will ensure that each student understands how the vocabulary and formulas used in this course can be used effectively in the field. Class Discussion will give the student an opportunity to clearly understand the concepts and engage with the professor on relevant topics. Meets with CFA TH 612. Effective Spring 2027, this course fulfills a single requirement in the following BU HUB area: Quantitative Reasoning 2. -
CFA TH 473: Introduction to Textiles 1
This course will cover identification and use of a variety of different fabrics utilized in theatrical production. It will include a brief history of textiles in conjunction with a focused overview of patterns, colors and fibers that developed and were used over a period of time as a result of growth within the industry. Meets with CFA TH 673. -
CFA TH 474: Introduction to Textiles 2
Prereq: CFA TH 473 A continuation of Intro to Textiles 1. This course will cover an advanced exploration into the identification and use of a variety of different fabrics including those utilized in theatrical production. It will include a brief history of textiles in conjunction with a focused overview of patterns, colors and fibers that developed and were used over a period of time as a result of growth within the industry. Meets with CFA TH 674. -
CFA TH 475: Costume Design 5
Prereq: CFA TH 376; Advanced theoretical and practical design training; project work weighted toward individual student's needs and realistic preparation for a career in costume design. Readings and projects incorporate multiple theatre genres, ballet, dance and opera depending on individuals in the class. -
CFA TH 479: Costume Production 7: Advanced Draping - 19th Century
Prereq: CFA TH 292 The study of flat patterning and draping through individual projects. Silhouette, line, and proportion become essential elements in the development of complete muslin reproductions. The study of the form and function of period underpinnings is stressed. Meets with CFA TH 649. -
CFA TH 483: Lighting Design 5
Prereq: CFA TH 292 The study of flat patterning and draping through individual projects. Silhouette, line, and proportion become essential elements in the development of complete muslin reproductions. The study of the form and function of period underpinnings is stressed. 3.0 units. Fall semester. Meets with CFA TH 649. -
CFA TH 486: Lighting Design 6
Prereq: CFATH 483 This course will explore lighting design for various performance genres and how to apply the concepts of theatrical lighting design to those performance styles. -
CFA TH 487: Sound Design 3
Prereq: CFA TH 258 For the intermediate sound design student. Projects for both theoretical and realized productions. Practical projects to demonstrate sound design techniques. Readings and projects incorporate theatre genres. -
CFA TH 488: Sound Design 4
Prereq: CFA TH 487 Continuation of Sound Design Studio 3. Exploration of composition for the intermediate sound design student. Projects for both theoretical and realized productions. Practical projects to demonstrate compositional techniques for sound design. Readings and projects incorporate theatre and music genres. Meets with CFA TH 692. -
CFA TH 490: Costume Production 8: Advanced Draping - 20th Century
Prereq: CFA TH 479; Continues the study of flat patterning and draping through individual projects. Silhouette, line, and proportion become essential elements in the development of complete muslin reproductions. The study of the form and function of period underpinnings is stressed. -
CFA TH 492: Stage Management 4
Prerequisite: CFATH 399. Advanced exploration into the role of the Stage Manager within the design, production, and rehearsal process. Discussions will include freelancing, negotiation, networking, how to support a professional career, and contemporary issues in American Stage Management. This course requires additional work outside of class time for engagement in practice-based exercises and rehearsal/performance observations. Effective Spring 2023, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: Quantitative Reasoning 2. -
CFA TH 493: Production Management 1
Study of the role of the Production Manager in the design, production, and rehearsal process, specifically concentrating on the roles and responsibilities of theatrical Production Managing on a professional level, including scheduling, staffing, budgeting, team building, time management and communication. Students will get hands-on experience in each of these through class-discussions, workshops, and the creation of a theoretical production process where they will produce digital media to effectively communicate their ideas and apply quantitative reasoning skills to make informed decisions. Effective Fall 2024, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Digital/Multimedia Expression, Quantitative Reasoning 1. -
CFA TH 496: Production Management 2
Prereq: CFA TH 493 Building on the concepts introduced in Production Management 1, this course will further study the role of the Production Manager within the design, production, and rehearsal process, specifically concentrating on the roles and responsibilities of Production Managing on a professional level, including personnel, disability & access, safety rules & regulations, and working with vendors. Students will get hands-on experience in each of these through in-class discussions of case studies and the creation of theoretical production paperwork. -
CFA TH 509: Choreography and Design: Experiments in Light and Movement
A course intended for lighting designers, actors, directors and dancers to develop theatrical work integrating light and movement. The goal of the course is to provide a workshop environment that fosters the development of new forms of theatrical expression involving light and movement. Weekly assignments involve light sources, movement and light, conventions involving space, time, flow and hue; improvisations; and experimentation with theatrical ideas, character development and storytelling involving light and movement. Rehearsal times on Sundays and Monday evenings expected outside of regular class times. 2.0 credits. Fall semester. -
CFA TH 513: Scenic Production Artist
This laboratory course encompasses the practical application of the skills that the student develops through their collective coursework within their program of study. It covers the design and production work as a Scenic Charge Artist in the mounting of School of Theatre productions. The specific role each student is assigned is made by the SOT faculty with thought towards a student's personal artistic and academic goals. Assignments seek to challenge the student to take artistic risks and engage with a diverse community of theatre artists. 1.0 credit. Fall & Spring semesters. -
CFA TH 517: 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. Effective Fall 2024, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU HUB area: Historical Consciousness. -
CFA TH 518: History of Period Styles 2
Graduate Prerequisite: CFA TH 517 or permission of instructor. - Survey covering the history of and significant cultural expression through interior decoration and furniture in major civilizations. Work involves research projects with emphasis on historic fabrics and construction. 2.0 credits. Spring semester. -
CFA TH 519: AutoCAD 1: 2D Theatrical Drafting
Introduction to Computer Aided Drafting program AutoCAD and its application to theatrical drafting. Basic terminology, plate organization and technical drafting for Technical Directors. 2.0 credits. Spring semester. -
CFA TH 526: AutoCAD 2: 3D Theatrical Drafting & CNC Layout
Prereq: CFA TH 519 - A continuation of AutoCAD 1 as a more advanced, in-depth study of AutoCad. Goals will be based on improving the speed of drawing production and learning new tools to help fit the specific needs of the student's area of focus. -
CFA TH 529: Costume Production Studio 3: Modern Tailoring 1
This class explores the evolution of men's tailoring of the 20th century. Lectures focus on the significance of changing silhouettes for each decade and the inner structure that creates the perfect shape for various body types. Time will be allotted in class to participate in detail sample making, pattern drafting of various systems, cutting and assembling garments. Fittings will also be used to teach different methods of construction through class participation. The final product will be a finished three-piece suit. 3.0 credits. Fall semester of even academic years.
