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 207. Enjoyment of Theatre - AH3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Description: An exploration of theatre, from its origins to the present, as a means of communicating ideas. In addition to watching performances or reading plays, students will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience of theatrical techniques through creative exercises.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 224. Introduction to Acting as Communication - OC3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Description: This course is an introduction to theatre and performance as communication. Students will develop a general performance awareness and practice effective approaches to public speaking; they will also demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving by exploring the link between self and partner/audience. Other theatrical communication skills, including ensemble-building and active listening, will be enhanced through acting exercises and creative material development.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 240. Stagecraft3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Description: An introduction to aspects of technical theatre, including theatre facilities, scenic production, and production planning. Production work is required.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 241. Advanced Stagecraft3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Description: Continuing studies in technical theatre including: scenic production, stage properties, costume construction, stage lighting and sound mechanics, and production & stage management. Production work required.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 243. Design Aesthetics - AH3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
Description: This course is designed for students interested in further study into the principles, fundamentals, techniques and process of design.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 245. Costume Construction3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Spring Only
Description: This course will focus on gaining basic hands-on costume construction skills. Students will keep a binder for the entire body of work during semester to collect all notes, measurement charts, paper patterns used for construction of each project, and photos to record their final work.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 322. Acting the Black Experience - D1, AH3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
Description: Fundamental approaches to performance developed through improvisation, call and response, rhythm and movement styles that are drawn from the black experience in America.
Note: Cross-listed with PAS 353.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 326. Cultural Diversity in Performance - AH, D13 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Description: Performance and discussion of selected public and private texts written by American minority writers. Course explores what it means to be part of a culturally diverse society.
Note: Cross-listed with PAS 355.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 327. Acting Fundamentals: The Craft of Imagination3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
Prerequisite(s): TA 224.
Description: This course is focused on the practical application of the art and craft of acting, with emphasis on the body, voice, and actor's imagination. The course provides the beginning student with basic techniques and vocabulary through exercises, monologue, and scene work.
Note: It is recommended that students enrolled in this course should be enrolled in or have already taken one of the following: TA 360, TA 361, or TA 362.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 330. Directing3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Spring Only
Prerequisite(s): TA 321 or equivalent, and permission of instructor.
Description: Fundamental techniques of theatre directing, including script analysis and rehearsal methods.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 340. Introduction to Scene Design3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Spring Only
Prerequisite(s): TA 240 or faculty consent.
Description: Techniques of scene design, including drafting, rendering, working drawings and set models.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 345. Introduction to Costume Design3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
Description: A survey of clothing styles as they relate to the design of costumes for the stage.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 346. Stage Make-up3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Description: Basic techniques of design and execution of makeup for the stage.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 349. Introduction to Lighting Design3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Spring Odd Years
Description: Intensive study of modern stage lighting with emphasis on equipment and basic electricity. Production requirement.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 350. Theatre Production Practicum1 Unit
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Description: Application of technical theatre practices in Mainstage productions of UofL Theatre Arts.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 351. Theatre Performance Practicum1 Unit
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Description: Application of theatrical performance techniques in mainstage productions of UofL Theatre Arts.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 352. Special Topics in Theatre1-3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Spring Only
Description: Study of specific areas of theatre arts as announced in Schedule of Courses.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 353. Assistant Design Project1 Unit
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Description: Application of technical theatre design practices in mainstage productions of UofL Theatre Arts.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 354. Theatre Design Project2 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Description: Application of technical theatre design practices in mainstage productions of UofL Theatre Arts.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 357. Introduction to Hip-Hop Theatre - D1, WR, AH3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Summer
Description: Exploration of contemporary hip-hop theatre and forerunners of hip-hop culture and art--including its relationship to African-American, American multicultural postmodern styles--through discussion, reading and performance exercises.
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 360. Theatre History & Script Analysis I: Classical-Medieval - WR3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
Prerequisite(s): ENGL 102 or ENGL 105 or equivalent.
Description: The development of theatre and drama from ancient Greece to the age of Shakespeare.
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 361. Theatre History & Script Analysis II: Renaissance-Romantic - WR3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Spring Only
Prerequisite(s): TA 360 or TA 362.
Description: The development of theatre and drama from the Italian Renaissance to the rise of Realism.
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 362. Theatre History & Script Analysis III: Modern & Contemporary - WR3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
Prerequisite(s): ENGL 102, ENGL 105 or equivalent.
Description: The third of a three-course sequence that offers a formal introduction to theatre history and dramatic literature and instills various methods of script analysis. This course will examine the development of Western drama, dramatic and aesthetic conventions, and theatrical practices from the modern to the postmodern period. Concentrating on theatre's intellectual, social, political, and artistic foundations, this course is designed to engage with dramatic literature and theory, dramaturgical methods, and theatrical practices from their historical, theatrical, social, and cultural contexts.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 363. African-American Women in Theatre - WR, AH, D13 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Description: This course will explore the theatrical representation of African-American women through the lens of African-American playwrights, designers and theoreticians. Course content will focus on the works of African-American women playwrights, designers and theoreticians and encourage critical discourse on the material covered. Assignments and activities will include script analyses, discussion board posts, research papers, and quizzes. Assignments are designed to strengthen critical thinking skills, encourage perspective broadening dialogue and research, and enhance your understanding of the experience of the African diaspora. (Humanities)
Note: Approved for the Arts & Sciences upper-level requirement in written communication (WR).
Note: Cross-listed with PAS 350 and WGST 380.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 365. Theatre of the African World - AH, D23 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Description: This course is a cross-cultural examination of theatre and performance modes of select cultural and ethnic groups within Africa and the African Diaspora. The material will focus on performance and dramatic scripts by artists from West and South Africa, East Africa, the Caribbean, and the United States. We will investigate the distinctions in the manifestations of "theatre," "drama," and "performance" in Africa and the African Diaspora by means of lectures, play readings, written responses, in-depth discussions, video screenings, student projects, and presentations. (Humanities)
Note: Cross-listed with PAS 315.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 366. History of the African-American Theatre - D1, AH, WR3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
Description: This course will introduce students to the historical, political, and cultural milieu experienced by African Americans and their impact on theatrical expression in theatre and performance.
Note: Cross-listed with PAS 356.
Note: Approved for the Arts & Sciences upper-level requirement in written communication (WR).
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 367. Black Dramatic Literature - D1, AH3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Description: The primary goal of this course is to accomplish in-depth analyses of selected plays by black dramatists.
Note: Cross-listed with PAS 367.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 380. Introduction to Voice & Movement3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Odd Years
Description: This course is an introduction to voice and movement for the stage and performance.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 423. Directing the Black Experience3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Prerequisite(s): TA 330 and permission of instructor.
Description: Fundamentals of staging plays by dramatists of African descent from an Afrocentric perspective.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 430. Costume Craft3 Units
Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.
Description: Hands-on training in techniques for constructing costumes, millinery and costume accessories.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 433. Fundamentals of Stage & Production Management3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Description: Fundamental understanding of theatrical management structure & hierarchy. Defining the roles of Production Manager and Stage Manager in the production process. Practical application within the production process.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 440. Digital Design3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Even Years
Description: Digital Design - immersive class in the digital tools of design: Photography, Photoshop, After Effects, QLab and Projection, 3D Drafting (Vectorworks and Sketchup) and 3D Printing.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 450. Theatre Apprenticeship3-6 Units
Grading Basis: Pass/Fail
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Prerequisite(s): Approval of department and selection by a theatre company.
Description: Apprenticeship in professional or nonprofessional theatre.
Note: Pass-fail.
Note: Only 6 additional credits may be scheduled during the semester of apprenticeship.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 451. Cooperative Internship in Theatre Arts1-3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Prerequisite(s): Completion of at least 30 hours and GPA of at least 3.0.
Description: An individually-arranged course for applying theatre or speech skills to work experience.
Note: May count as an elective toward a major in Theatre Arts.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 455. Independent Study1-3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade point average of 3.0 overall; minimum grade point average of 3.5 in the department, and at least 18 semester hours credit in the department.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 460. Black Diasporic Conversations Seminar1 Unit
Grading Basis: Pass/Fail
Term Typically Offered: Spring Only
Description: This course will survey the work of African-American artists from the nineteenth century to present. Lectures will discuss the mapping of global blackness in contemporary black performance. We will consider the ways in which artists and scholars have worked to illuminate and complicate performances of blackness by artists of the African diasporic performing arts.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 481. Voice for the Actor3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
Prerequisite(s): Permission of Instructor.
Description: This is a 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 on the pedagogy of voice.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
TA 484. Voice 3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Even Years
Prerequisite(s): Permission of Instructor.
Description: This is a 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 491. Performance Concepts3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
Prerequisite(s): Permission of Instructor.
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 492. Individuality in Character Building3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Spring Only
Prerequisite(s): Permission of Instructor.
Description: The purpose of the course is to enable the students to begin to explore fundamental techniques in exploring how the imaginative process aids in developing character from the outside in.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
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
