Theatre Arts (TA)
Subject-area course lists indicate courses currently active for offering at the University of Louisville. Not all courses are scheduled in any given academic term. For class offerings in a specific semester, refer to the Schedule of Classes.
500-level courses generally are included in both the undergraduate- and graduate-level course listings; however, specific course/section offerings may vary between semesters. Students are responsible for ensuring that they enroll in courses that are applicable to their particular academic programs.
Course Fees
Some courses may carry fees beyond the standard tuition costs to cover additional support or materials. Program-, subject- and course-specific fee information can be found on the Office of the Bursar website.
TA 520. Acting Workshop3 Units
Prerequisite(s): Departmental consent.
Description: Practical problems in the art of acting approached in a laboratory setting.
Note: Meets with TA 530.
Note: May be repeated.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 526. Tools for a Global Theatre3 Units
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
Description: Cultural issues, perspectives, and approaches to theatre in various parts of the world will be addressed using both classical and contemporary texts.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 530. Directing Workshop3 Units
Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor.
Description: Practical problems in the art of directing approached in a laboratory setting.
Note: Meets with TA 520.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 532. Advanced Directing the Black Experience3 Units
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
Description: Advanced techniques for staging plays from an African-centered perspective.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 533. Advanced Stage Management3 Units
Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.
Description: Techniques of production management during audition, rehearsal, and performance. Practical project required.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 540. Problems in Technical Theatre3 Units
Prerequisite(s): TA 241.
Description: Topics vary by semester, but may include: a) Welding, b) Sound Design, c) Technical Direction, and/or d) Special Topics.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 541. Topics: Scene Design3 Units
Prerequisite(s): TA 340.
Description: Topics vary by semester, but may include: a) Scene Design, b) Advanced Scene Design, c) Design for the Camera, d) Design for Lyric Theatre, and/or e) Special Topics.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 543. Scenographic Techniques3 Units
Prerequisite(s): TA 340.
Description: Topics vary by semester, but may include: a) CAD for Stage Design, b) Sketching and Rendering - Scenery, c) Scene Painting, and/or d) Special Topics.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 545. Topics: Costume Design3 Units
Prerequisite(s): TA 345 or Permission of the Instructor.
Description: Topics vary by semester, but may include: a) Advanced Costume Design, b) Costume History, c) Costume Construction, d) Sewing Techniques, e) Sketching and Rendering - Costumes, and/or f) Special Topics.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 546. Portfolio Design1 Unit
Term Typically Offered: Spring Odd Years
Description: The course is designed for the student interested in developing a portfolio for a career in the arts. As part of this course, you will create a theatrical resume, a digital or physical portfolio, and a website to display work, resume, and contact information.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 547. Advanced Black Aesthetic on Stage3 Units
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
Description: Exploration of scenic, costume, lighting, and sound design from an Afrocentric perspective.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 549. Topics: Lighting Design3 Units
Prerequisite(s): TA 349.
Description: Topics vary by semester, but may include: a) Lighting Design, b) Advanced Lighting Design, and/or c) Special Topics
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 550. Culminating Undergraduate Experience Practicum - CUE3 Units
Prerequisite(s): 90 credit hours.
Description: The Theatre Arts CUE course is an independent project that demonstrates the student's ability to conceptualize, analyze, communicate and direct, design, perform, manage or otherwise take a leadership role in a work for the stage.
Course Attribute(s): CUE - This course fulfills the Culminating Undergraduate Experience (CUE) requirement for certain degree programs. CUE courses are advanced-level courses intended for majors with at least 90 earned credits/senior-level status.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 555. Special Topics in Theatre1-3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.
Description: Advanced study of specific areas of theatre arts.
Note: May be repeated.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 557. Advanced Hip-Hop Theatre3 Units
Description: Advanced exploration of hip-hop theatre and forerunners of hip-hop culture and art--including its relationship to African-American, American multicultural and postmodern styes--through discussion, reading, research and performance exercises.
Note: Undergraduate credit may not be earned for both this course and TA 357.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 560. Directed Study in Theatre History3 Units
Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.
Description: Survey of theatre history and literature, supplemented with directed reading of secondary sources.
Note: Meets with TA 360-TA 361.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 562. Advanced Black Dramatic Literature3 Units
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
Description: An examination of the drama of selected African-descended writers whose work stands out as exceptional in the realm of dramatic literature. The material will be explored by means of lectures, play readings, written responses, in-depth discussion, videos, student projects and presentations.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 563. Advanced African-American Women in Theatre3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
Description: Examines the full range of African-American women working in theatre including playwrights, performers, designers, theorists, academics,and directors.Includes examination of plays by women of African descent.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 565. Advanced Theatre of the African World3 Units
Prerequisite(s): Permission of Instructor.
Description: Cross-cultural examination of the drama of the African-descended playwrights in the African Diaspora.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 566. Advanced History of African-American Theatre3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
Description: Survey of African-American Theatre from 1820 to the present, its relationship to sociopolitical issues in America and its relationship to mainstream American theatre.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 571. Playscript Interpretation - WR3 Units
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
Description: Advanced techniques of play analysis, emphasizing the theatre artist's response to text.
Note: Approved for the Arts and Sciences upper-level requirement in written communication (WR).
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 600. Thesis Guidance1-6 Units
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 610. Introduction to Graduate Study in Theatre1 Unit
Grading Basis: Pass/Fail
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
Description: Students are introduced to graduate studies, department requirements, life in the professional theatre, and tools for conducting research in the theatre.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 611. Theatre Pedagogy1-3 Units
Grading Basis: Pass/Fail
Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing and permission of instructor.
Description: This course is designed to prepare the advanced student of theatre for teaching in the discipline. It will be primarily hands-on, giving students the opportunity to teach, participate, and observe. Students will leave this class with increased practical knowledge of theatre skills, confidence in the role of "teacher," and the ability to articulate goals and expectations.
Note: Course may be repeated for up to three credit hours.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 620. Performance Theory3 Units
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
Description: Historical study of major approaches to the aesthetics of acting and directing.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 622. Graduate Movement I-IV3 Units
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
Description: Specialized movement studies, covering such areas as character movement, stage combat, circus techniques, and mime.
Note: One section each semester.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 623. Graduate Voice I-IV3 Units
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
Description: Specialized vocal studies, covering such areas as character voice, dialects, expansion of vocal range, and integration of voice and body.
Note: One section each semester.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 624. Acting for Camera3 Units
Prerequisite(s): Undergraduate students require permission of instructor.
Description: The student will explore the fundamentals of on-camera acting and learn the techniques of various genres of camera performance.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 625. MFA Performance Project I1 Unit
Grading Basis: Pass/Fail
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
Description: Practical projects in theatre performance (acting, directing, stage management).
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 626. Thesis Performance2 Units
Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.
Description: Practical project in theatre performance (acting, directing, stage management) specifically associated with the writing of the Master of Fine Arts monograph.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 645. MFA Production Project1-3 Units
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
Description: Practical projects in theatre production (design, technical theatre, theatre management).
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 650. Theatre Internship1-12 Units
Prerequisite(s): Approval of department and host organization.
Description: An internship with professional arts organizations.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 654. Independent Study in Community Service0.5-3 Units
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
Description: Independent study linking the arts with service to the community.
Note: May be repeated for up to 3 credit hours.
Course Attribute(s): CBL - This course includes Community-Based Learning (CBL). Students will engage in a community experience or project with an external partner in order to enhance understanding and application of academic content.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 655. Independent Study1-3 Units
Description: Independent study in areas not covered by the regular graduate curriculum.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 664. Approaching African-American Theatre3 Units
Description: Theoretical approaches and practical methods of performing, designing, staging, and teaching theatre, literature, and art that springs from a black aesthetic. Designed to prepare students to integrate African Diasporic topics into their teaching and to collaborate successfully as artists.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 665. Tools for a Global Theatre3 Units
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
Description: Cultural issues, perspectives and approaches to theatre in various parts of the world will be addressed using both classical and contemporary texts.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 681. Graduate Voice I 3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
Description: This is a graduate level course in voice for the actor. The focus will be on the connection between body, breath, and voice, including an understanding of the basic principles of the Alexander Technique, an understanding of body, breath, and vocal anatomy/articulators, and exploration of the pedagogy of voice.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 682. Graduate Voice II 3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Spring Only
Description: This is a graduate-level course in voice, speech, and text work for the actor. Its focus will be strengthening and building on students' foundational work in previous classes to provide them with the technical and creative tools necessary to bring any text to life.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 683. Graduate Voice III 3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Description: This is a graduate level course in voice, speech, and the Alexander Technique.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 684. Graduate Voice IV 3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Even Years
Description: This is a graduate level course in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), Dialects and Accents for the stage.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 686. Graduate Movement I 3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
Description: This course develops increased flexibility, strength, and whole body (including voice & mind) presence and communication while exploring and experimenting in a Grotowski-based approach to actor training.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 687. Graduate Movement II 3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
Description: A course in movement analysis that focuses on progressing the actor's relationship with both the function and expression of movement using the lens of the four bodies (physical, energetic, emotional and intellectual, and the body in space).
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 688. Graduate Movement III 3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Even Years
Description: This course develops approaches to character creation within a specific time or performance style, rather than solely acquiring skills or learning a single aspect of that period or style. To decolonize period movement, we break with the European/Western model as standard and investigate the construction of physical identity and the ways in which socio-cultural factors inform and shape physical expression during the period in question.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 689. Graduate Movement IV3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Spring Odd Years
Description: Graduate Movement IV: Devising Theatre - explores approaches to collective creation of performance from a variety of text-based sources.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 691. Graduate Acting I 3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
Description: The student will become familiar with advanced study of the Uta Hagen, Sanford Meisner, and Michael Chekhov acting techniques.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 692. Graduate Acting II 3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Spring Only
Description: The purpose of the course is to enable the students to begin to explore fundamental techniques in exploring how the imaginative process aid in developing character from the outside in.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 693. Graduate Acting III 3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Even Years
Description: The purpose of this course is designed to provide the student with a fundamental approach to playing Shakespeare.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 694. Graduate Acting IV 3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Odd Years
Description: This is an advanced scene study class in character building and development for performance.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 695. Graduate Acting V 3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Spring Even Years
Description: A practical course in developing materials and mindset to become a successful freelance artist. The course focuses on the following skills: building an online presence; writing pitches; searching for and honing application materials for arts grants and residencies; and weaving together an artistic community.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
