THEATRE & FILM PROGRAM -- Course Descriptions

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TDF 110 INTRODUCTION TO THEATRE. An introduction to the theatre through a survey of the work of various artists involved in the creation and production of a play. Topics in theatre history and literature will also be examined. (3)

TDF 111 FILM APPRECIATION. Students learn to critically analyze and better appreciate motion pictures by studying the elements of film form and style. Topics in film history will also be introduced. Coursework includes a series of required screenings. (3)
TDF 120 ACTING I. An introduction to the craft of acting through exercises, improvisation, and scene work. (3)

TDF 150 TECHNICAL THEATRE. An introduction to the basic tools, construction methods and equipment used in the development of stage scenery, lighting, costuming, and sound. Additional topics including stage management and prop construction will be examined. (3)

TDF 180 THEATRE PRODUCTION I. Intensive practice in one of the many aspects of theatre production. Areas for production work include acting, stage managing, house managing, box office and audience development, scenic construction, lighting work, costume construction, and prop gathering/construction. Students will receive credit through supervised participation in St. Augustine’s Theatre productions. PREREQUISITE: Permission of Instructor. (1)

TDF 220 ACTING II. Continued study in acting with a focus on advanced scene work and character development. PREREQUISITE: Acting I. (3)

TDF 230 PLAYWRITING. A practical course in the planning and writing of plays for stage production. Students will write one-act plays (or a full length play), receive helpful criticism in class, and revise their work for possible future production. PREREQUISITES: Must have passed ENG 131 and ENG 132. (3)

TDF 231 INTRODUCTION TO SCREENWRITING. Students are introduced to proper screenwriting format, character development, and the basic elements of dramatic story structure by developing, writing, and re-writing a narrative short screenplay. Students further their understanding of cinematic writing through script analysis and script coverage-writing assignments. PREREQUISITES: Must have passed ENG 131 and ENG 132. (3)

TDF 251 CAMERA AND LIGHTING. In this workshop, students will explore various technical, aesthetic, and compositional aspects of shooting motion pictures. Students will gain hands-on experience with lighting instruments, control devices and techniques while working on assigned group projects. (3)

TDF 280 THEATRE PRODUCTION II. Intensive practice in one of the many aspects of theatre production. Areas for production work include acting, stage managing, house managing, box office and audience development, scenic construction, lighting work, costume construction, and prop gathering/construction. Students will receive credit through supervised participation in St. Augustine’s Theatre productions. PREREQUISITES: Theatre Production I, Permission of Instructor. (2)

TDF 281 MOTION PICTURE PRODUCTION I. An introduction to motion picture production. Students develop an awareness of basic cinematic storytelling and gain hands-on experience in the processes of pre-production, production, and post- production. By serving as crew members on classmates’ projects, students will develop basic technical skills in a variety of production techniques. PREREQUISITE: Camera and Lighting; Introduction to Screenwriting is preferred. (3)

TDF 285 DOCUMENTARY I. This is part one of a two-semester documentary sequence wherein students will be introduced to the art and craft of the documentary. Students will enter into the development and pre-production phase of producing and directing their short documentary, including techniques in researching, interviewing, composing shots, grant writing, and budgeting. Students will also view a selection of documentaries. PREREQUISITE: Camera and Lighting. (3)

TDF 320 ACTING III. Advanced study in acting with a focus on advanced scene work in period styles. Material will be drawn from classical and contemporary plays. PREREQUISITE: Acting II. (3)

TDF 322 VOICE AND MOVEMENT FOR THE ACTOR. An introduction to the use of the body and voice for effective stage performance. A variety of topics will be covered in voice work (including breath support, resonation, articulation, and dialects and accents) and in movement work (including mime, stage combat, and mask work), leading to projects in vocal and physical characterization. PREREQUISITE: Acting I. (3)

TDF 324 ACTING FOR THE CAMERA. Advanced study in acting that prepares students for acting in front of the camera, which includes character development, being “real” for the camera, making adjustments for the film director, and continuity in performance. PREREQUISITES: Acting I and/or Permission of Instructor. (3)

TDF 326 MAKE-UP FOR THE ACTOR. An investigation into the techniques and methods of make-up preparation and application for stage and screen characterization. (3)

TDF 335 Feature Screenwriting I. Students will develop and write the first half of an original feature-length screenplay. PREREQUISITES : Introduction to Screenwriting, ENG 131, ENG 132, and/or Permission of Instructor. Honors Credit possible for this course. (3)

TDF 337 FEATURE SCREENWRITING II. A continuation of Feature Screenwriting I. In this class students will complete their original feature-length screenplay. PREREQUISITE: Feature Screenwriting I. Honors Credit possible for this course. (3)

TDF 340 THEATRE HISTORY AND CRITICISM. An overview of the various periods, personalities, movements, and activities in the history of theatrical theory and production, examined through lecture and demonstrations. PREREQUISITE: Introduction to Theatre. Honors Credit possible for this course. (3)

TDF 345 Film History AND CRITICISM This course is an advanced exploration of film history and critical theory. Through a series of screenings, discussions, and written assignments, students will study films and filmmakers in their historical and critical contexts. PREREQUISITES : Film Appreciation, ENG 131, ENG 132, Introduction to Screenwriting, and/or Permission of Instructor. Honors Credit possible for this course. (3)

TDF 351 ADVANCED CAMERA AND LIGHTING. S tudents explore advanced techniques in lighting and camera work. Students will gain hands-on experience while working on assigned group projects. PREREQUISITE: Camera and Lighting. (3)

TDF 355 MOTION PICTURE EDITING. This course provides students with the opportunity to advance their editing skills and explore theories and styles of motion picture editing. Students will gain practical experience with non-linear digital editing tools through the completion of assigned coursework. PREREQUISITES: CIS 240 Microcomputer Software Applications, Motion Picture Production II. (3)

TDF 360 THEATRE DIRECTING. A comprehensive study in the preparation, rehearsal, and promotion of theatrical productions. Students will study a variety of topics (including selection of material, casting, actor coaching, staging, and design coordination), leading to the production of a bill of one-act plays in the St. Augustine’s Theatre season. PREREQUISITES: Introduction to Theatre, Acting I, Theatre Production I. Honors Credit possible for this course. (3)

TDF 361 Motion Picture Directing. Student directors will focus on many aspects of film directing, including working with actors and analysis of the dramatic scene. Screenings of American and foreign films will be discussed. PREREQUISITES: Motion Picture Production II, or Permission of Instructor. (3)

TDF 380 THEATRE PRODUCTION III. Intensive practice in one of the many aspects of theatre production. Areas for production work include acting, stage managing, house managing, box office and audience development, scenic construction, lighting work, costume construction, and prop gathering/construction. Students will receive credit through supervised participation in St. Augustine’s Theatre productions. PREREQUISITES: Theatre Production II, Permission of Instructor. (3)

TDF 381 MOTION PICTURE PRODUCTION II. Students continue to develop in their understanding of cinematic technique. Students will produce and direct their second narrative production. Additionally, students will strengthen their technical skills by serving as crew on their classmates’ projects. PREREQUISITE: Motion Picture Production I. (3)

TDF 385 DOCUMENTARY II. This is part two in the production of a student’s short documentary. Emphasis is placed on production and post-production. Students will also enter their productions into festivals and scholarship/grant opportunities. Students will serve as crew members on classmates’ projects. PREREQUISITE: Documentary I (3)

TDF 390 INTERNSHIP. Practical experience in theatrical or film/video production. Students will be assigned significant responsibilities determined by their needs, abilities, and professional emphasis, and by the needs of and opportunities offered by sponsoring organizations. PREREQUISITE: Permission of Instructor. (3)

TDF 392 SPECIAL TOPICS. An investigation in one of many areas in theatre and/or film. This course may be taken more than once for credit. PREREQUISITE: Permission of Instructor. (3)

TDF 428 AUDITIONING. A practical examination of the process of how actors pursue work in theatre and film. Hands-on exercises include monologue preparation, cold readings, improvisation, interview techniques, development of resumes and headshots, and audition techniques. Student directors are also encouraged to enroll in order to gain a greater understanding of the casting process.PREREQUISITES: Acting I, Acting II, Acting for the Camera, and/or Permission of Instructor. Honors Credit possible for this course. (3)

TDF 431 ADVANCED SCREENWRITING. This course is for students who have completed their feature length screenplay. Students will study advanced screenwriting techniques. PREREQUISITES: Feature Screenwriting II and/or Permission of Instructor. (3)

TDF 455 Advanced Editing. Students will study advanced topics in non-linear editing. Specific topics will include compositing and special effects. PREREQUISITES: Motion Picture Editing. (3)

TDF 480 THEATRE PRODUCTION IV. Intensive practice in one of the many aspects of theatre production. Areas for production work include acting, stage managing, house managing, box office and audience development, scenic construction, lighting work, costume construction, and prop gathering/construction. Students will receive credit through supervised participation in St. Augustine’s Theatre productions. PREREQUISITES: Theatre Production III, Permission of Instructor. (3)

TDF 481 Motion Picture Production III. Students will demonstrate an advanced understanding of technical and aesthetic concepts through the production of their own sync sound motion picture project or advanced documentary project. Students will continue to master the technical skills of production by filling key crew positions on their classmates’ projects. PREREQUISITE: Motion Picture Production II or Documentary II. Honors Credit possible for this course. (3)