Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre with Production Design 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 through 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 2610, Set Design I (3)

3 Hours 

Prerequisites: TDR 1120 Fundamentals of Production Design

Aesthetics and process of Set Design. Emphasis on the principles and theories of design as they relate to the development of a production design concept. Course includes basic design development including concept meetings, research, rendering, model construction, and the design package. 

• TDR 2620, Lighting Design I (3)

3 Hours 

Prerequisites: TDR 1120 Fundamentals of Production Design

Aesthetics and process of Light Design. Emphasis on the principles of light and the foundations of theatrical light design. Course includes basic design development including concept meetings, research, plot development, and design realization. 

• TDR 2630, Costume Design I (3)

3 Hours 

Prerequisites: TDR 1120 Fundamentals of Production Design

Project-based class that examines the process, elements, and aesthetics costume design. Coursework focuses on text analysis, historical research, design concept, character development, rendering techniques, fabric choices, communication skills, and design assessment.  Students will be required to purchase materials for costume sketches, research, and rendering.  

• TDR 2640, Stage Make-up (3)

3 Hours 

Prerequisites: Theatre majors, minors, or Musical Theatre majors only or consent of instructor

Studio-based class that explores basic stage makeup: research and character development, materials, and techniques. Coursework focuses on contour, corrective techniques, aging, historical periods, and stylized makeup design. Students will be required to purchase a professional makeup kit for the class, as well as supplied for prep, application, and cleanup.  

• TDR 3610, Computer Assisted Design (3)

3 Hours 

Prerequisites: TDR 2610 Set Design I, or TDR 2620 Lighting Design I, or TDR 2630 Costume Design I

The study of computer technology as a tool for the design process including 3-D rendering, CADD, Figure Drawing, Light plot development, and graphic arts programs. 

• TDR 4120, Advanced Production Design (3)

3 Hours 

Prerequisites: 2 of the following courses: TDR 2610 Set Design I, TDR 2620 Lighting Design I, or TDR 2630 Costume Design I

Advanced design course focusing on collaborative production design. The course includes advanced design development, typical production drawings and paperwork, production budgeting and final design presentations. Designers will be required to design in two or more disciplines. May be repeated for credit. 

(2 semesters, 6 hours total)

• 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 2120, Audition/Portfolio I (1)

1 Hour

Prerequisites: TDR 2800 The Theatre Experience

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

• TDR 3120, Audition/Portfolio II (1)

1 Hour

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. 

• ART 1011, 2-D: Principles of Color (3)

3 Hours 

An introduction to subtractive color mixtures, using the 12-hue subtractive color wheel as a basis. Projects will include studying value, saturation, disharmony, color matching, and emotional color. $100.00 course fee.

• ART 1020, 3-D Design (3)

3 Hours 

An introduction to the basic principles of 3-dimensional design, this course combines design theory with projects created by each student. Students will explore the basic components of 3-dimensional art, which includes subject, form, and content. A variety of materials and techniques will be introduced. Projects and discussions centered around 3-dimensional design and creative ideas help foster an understanding of basic 3-dimensional concepts and serve as a foundation for sculpture, ceramics, and design. $100.00 course fee.

• 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 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 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 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.