Courses

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre with Directing Emphasis Courses

• TDR 1120, Fundamentals of Production Design (3)

3 Hours 

Designed to introduce students to the basic elements of technical production and design. Emphasis upon the areas of scenery, lighting, costume, and make-up.

• TDR 2080, Acting I (3)

3 Hours 

Introduces student actors to contemporary approaches to stage performance though the principles and techniques of Sanford Meisner. Emphasis on physical preparation, conceptual framework, and actor’s vocabulary, characterization, role development and the actor’s development of his/her personal approach to the craft of acting.  The course will culminate in the presentation of a monologue.   

• TDR 2250, Directing I (3)

3 Hours 

Prerequisites: TDR 2800 The Theatre Experience

Introduction to the study and practice of directing plays. This course will focus on the rehearsal process and the staging of scenes. 

• TDR 2400, Scriptwriting I (3)

3 Hours 

Prerequisites: TDR 2800 The Theatre Experience or TDR 2000 The Film Experience

Introduction to the process of script development through writing exercises. The course will concentrate on the standard script form for theatrical and film production and will also include an introduction to important dramatic form and theory. 

• TDR 3510, Theatre and Drama History I (3)

3 Hours 

Prerequisites: TDR 2800 The Theatre Experience

The study of theatre history and dramatic theory from Ancient Greece through Restoration drama.

• TDR 3520, Theatre and Drama History II (3)

3 Hours 

Prerequisites: TDR 3510 Theatre and Drama History I

A study of theatre history and dramatic theory from the eighteenth century through the present. 

• TDR 3550, Dramatic Literature and Criticism (3)

3 Hours 

The study of significant dramatic theory and literature from Ancient Greece through the present. 

• TDR 3560, Play Analysis (3)

3 Hours 

A study of the methods of analyzing dramatic scripts.

• TDR 2100, Stage Voice and Diction I (3)

3 Hours 

A performance-based course that focuses on the examination of the individual voice, centering on its physical properties, resonance, tone, flexibility, range, and articulation of language through a series of dramatic selections for transmitting meaning and emotion of character.  Emphasis is placed on developing the body, breath and support, the free and placed voice along with the articulatory skills required for speaking Standard American English. 

• TDR 2200, Stage Movement I (3)

3 Hours 

A performance-based course that provides an examination on the developmental and practice of movement for the actor.  The work will center on physical awareness and exercises designed to provide the student with means to develop a sustained physical process, which supports and enhances acting impulse and character development.  The course will culminate in the presentation of the group movement project.   

• DAN 2410, Theatre Dance Styles (1)

1 Hour

Prerequisites: DAN 1101 Ballet I  and DAN 1201 Jazz I, or permission from the instructor(s)

An introduction to dance styles from the Renaissance to the present day including dances of the folk, court, social and theatrical traditions, with focus on their adaptation to performance and theatre. This is a dance class, but does not count toward the dance minor. 

• TDR 3250, Directing II (3)

3 Hours 

Prerequisites: TDR 2250 Directing I

Intensive study in the process of stage directing and culminates in student-directed one-act plays to be viewed by an audience. 

• TDR 3260, Advanced Methods in Directing (3)

3 Hours 

Prerequisites: TDR 3250 Directing II

Intensive study of the historical development of directing theory and methodology since Saxe-Meiningen. Course includes extensive research-based projects designed to give student’s practical experience in work settings. 

• TDR 3400, Scriptwriting II (3)

3 Hours 

Prerequisites: TDR 2400 Scriptwriting I

The study of formal scriptwriting for both stage and screen. Extensive focus on long-form scripts including one-acts, full-length play scripts, and extended screenplays. 

• TDR 3080, Acting II (3)

3 Hours 

Prerequisites: TDR 2010, TDR 2050, TDR 2080, or consent of the instructor

Devoted to the study and application of specific contemporary acting systems, including those developed by Stanislavski, Meisner, Adler, and Hagen. Emphasis is placed on intensive individual and group scene work.

• TDR 4080, Acting III (4) or TDR 4180, Acting IV (4)

4 Hours 

Prerequisites: TDR 3080 Acting II or consent of the instructor

Intensive scene study and character analysis with the goal of honing the actor’s personal technique. Class will culminate in a final presentation of scenes or one-acts.

or

4 Hours 

An examination of classical drama and the practical approaches to acting classical dramatic literature. The course will involve extensive textual analysis, performance, and the study of the history of classical theatre.  This class will involve exercises, and extensive monologue and/or scene work from classical playwrights.  The class will culminate in a final presentation of scenes. 

• TDR 4430, Stage Management (3)

3 Hours 

Prerequisites: TDR 1120 Fundamentals of Production Design

Concentrated training in the functions and the role of the Stage Manager in the production process. 

• TDR 2120, Audition/Portfolio I (1)

1 Hours 

Prerequisites: TDR 2800 The Theatre Experience

Focus on basic audition preparation, portfolio development, and resume techniques. 

• TDR 3120, Audition/Portfolio II (1)

1 Hours 

Prerequisites: TDR 2120 Audition/Portfolio I

Extensive individual coaching in style and presentation of audition material, design portfolios, directing books, and monologues. Students will develop audition technique, audition and portfolio material, and professional resumes in preparation for professional work. 

• TDR 4015, Senior Capstone in Theatre (1-3)

1-3 Hours 

Prerequisites: Senior standing and approval of advisor

This course is the culminating experience in the major, and also addresses the goals for the Senior Capstone as defined in the BELL Core Curriculum, including reflection on the student’s academic experience and on the transition from the university setting to professional life. The senior may produce, direct, design or act in a project to be chosen by the student and the student’s advisor. Additionally, the senior will be responsible for all aspects of the production, including production management and budgeting. This project may be completed on or off campus, may be completed solely or with a partner, and must culminate in a major performance and presentation. This course is to be taken in the final year of residence before graduation. Repeatable up to a total of 3 credit hours. 

• TDR 2210, Stage Combat (3)

3 Hours 

Prerequisites: TDR 2010 , TDR 2050, TDR 2080 or consent of instructor

An introduction to the fundamental skills of effective stage combat. Exploration of hand-to-hand, single-sword, and quarterstaff combat techniques. 

• TDR 3700, Business of Show Business (3)

3 Hours 

Prerequisites: TDR 2250 Directing I, or TDR 2080 Acting I or TDR 2610 Set Design I, or TDR 2620 Lighting Design I, or TDR 2630 Costume Design I

Study of audition and interview techniques, contracts, taxes, unions, agencies, and other subjects the theatre professional. Course will also introduce concepts of theatre management, producing, production budgeting and fundraising. 

• TDR 4440, Technical Theatre for Stage Directors (3)

3 Hours 

Studies in the technical aspects of production from the director’s viewpoint. Emphasis is placed on implementing the directorial concept through the visual media of scenic design, lighting, costuming, and make-up. 

• TDR 4520, Period Styles (3)

3 Hours 

Prerequisites: TDR 3520 Theatre and Drama History II

Intensive study of major historical periods including major movements in acting, directing, design, period style, and décor. This course involves interactive collaborative presentations and extensive research projects. 

• TDR 2310, Performance and Production Lab (1)

1 Hour

Open to all students of the university and sponsored by the Belmont Little Theatre, this lab produces a season of shows open to the campus and Nashville community while serving as the performance-production studio for theatre majors and minors. Theatre majors must enroll in the lab 8 semesters. Minors must enroll a minimum of 3 semesters. 

• TDR 2320, Performance and Production Lab (1)

1 Hour

Open to all students of the university and sponsored by the Belmont Little Theatre, this lab produces a season of shows open to the campus and Nashville community while serving as the performance-production studio for theatre majors and minors. Theatre majors must enroll in the lab 8 semesters. Minors must enroll a minimum of 3 semesters.