Artists and Communities

THEA 4690
This course offers an in-depth analysis and exploration of the role of the artist and art within communities.  The primary questions examined include: ‘What is Creative Placemaking?’ and ‘What is our responsibility as artists to our communities?’ This course explores these questions from multiple perspectives including marketing, general management, artistic direction, performance, urban planning/creative placemaking, sustainability, fundraising, and nonprofit management. 

The Business of Theatre: How to be a Freelance Artist

THEA 3210
This class is an in-depth study of how to make a successful life in the performing arts as a freelance artist. This course examines various scenarios for freelancers in the performing arts world to better prepare students for the challenges they will face in a career in the arts. Topics of exploration include, but are not limited to: personal finances and taxes as a sole proprietor, interviewing and networking techniques, professionalism and measures of success, and resources available to artists. This class examines early career opportunities such as internships, assistantships, fellowships and entry-level positions in the entertainment industry. Attending the Southeastern Theatre Conference to apply for summer work is strongly encouraged.

Arts Management

THEA 3220
This course explores arts organizational structures, budgeting for non-profit and for-profit arts organizations, basic business practices, historical principles and practices of arts and cultural organizations. There is thorough examination - through discussion, analysis, and projects - of the common practices of arts managers within arts and cultural organizations. The primary objective of this course is to offer a more complete understanding of the role of an arts manager within an organizational context.  

Events Management

THEA 3800
This course offers the opportunity to examine, experiment, design, and implement different strategies for managing public events for small and large populations. Students are introduced to different styles of management and leadership as well as event and project design and, then, given the chance to practice these different techniques, discovering what works best for them and their skill set. Communication skills, relationship building, and resourcefulness are challenged and expanded through this practical experience.

Senior Capstone

THEA 4980

This course is required of all BA and BFA seniors in the Theatre and Dance department. Within the semester, the students create their own artistic mission and useable materials such as a portfolio, a resume, and a cover letter template. As a class, the students define their community and how they want to maintain the network they are building. Through their work, the students reflect on their learning and growth over the last four years and create solidified plans for the future. 

Production Management

THEA 3350

This course explores the critical logistics role of production management within a collaborative process of artistic creation (film, theatre, music, opera, etc). Students investigate how production managers contribute to the process of creation. Not only looking at theatre and dance, but multiple types of arts projects, students explore the critical elements of project management and leadership involved in the role of production manager.

Stage Management

THEA 2300
This course explores the basic theories and techniques of stage management for the performing arts. The primary objective of this course is to offer a more complete understanding of the role of stage manager within a performing arts context as well as increase knowledge of organizational practices and managerial techniques.

Introduction to Theatre for Non-Majors

THEA 2010-LA1
Introduction to Theatre for Non-Majors is a course designed to introduce liberal arts students to the basics of theatre - descriptions of roles, familiarity with structure, exposure to process, cultivation of openness and understanding to different forms of expression. This course offers students an opportunity to explore theatrical practice in historical contexts as well as within the current socio-political environment through active learning techniques as well as traditional higher education protocols.