CAT 100. Elements of Cinematic Arts and Theatre I. (1-3 Credits)

Elements of Cinematic Arts and Theatre (EOCAT) exists to introduce students to the basic elements of stagecraft and/or Cinematic Arts and Theatre (CAT) production, and to gain hands-on experience in the various aspects of a CAT production. There are specific tasks associated with each CAT production that must be completed for the production to succeed. The completion of those tasks is the primary goal of EOCAT. The by-product of those projects is the ability for the EOT student to obtain work hours that are applied toward determining a final grade. (Fall, Spring, Summer on sufficient demand)

Course Fees: $60

CAT 133. Cinema Appreciation. (3 Credits)

A study of movie production as a technical and dramatic artform, illustrated by means of screenings, readings, and discussions. (Fall, Spring, Summer on sufficient demand)

Course Fees: $60

CAT 201. Stagecraft. (3 Credits)

This course will give the student a basic understanding and appreciation of the technical side of theatre. It will provide a knowledge of the safe and proper way to handle scene shop equipment. Stagecraft is a foundation course that creates a solid basis for further study in all technical disciplines of theatre. The objective is to acquaint students with the methods, practices and materials used in theatrical design and production. Basic skills and nomenclature of design, drafting, construction, lighting, sound and introductory rigging will be introduced. All theses skills will be practiced during lab hours in the scene shop. (Fall, Spring)

Course Fees: $60

CAT 202. Civic Practice. (3 Credits)

In this course we will examine engagement, collaboration, and inclusivity through the lens of arts-based civic practice as it relates to three key groups: ourselves (this class), organizations, and communities. In addition, we will interrogate community-based artistic programming across arts entities to create a robust understanding of art-based practices in their varied forms. This class will provide opportunities for experimental learning to consider ways art can be a tool to motivate, activate, and transform spaces. Finally, we will reflect on the role civic engagement plays in creating opportunities for learning and growth within our classrooms, arts institutions, and communities.

Course Fees: $60

CAT 210. Theatre Appreciation. (3 Credits)

Theatre Appreciation is an introductory class that surveys the basic elements and theories of theatrical production. In addition, it will cover a brief overview of theatre from its theorized beginning to modern times, with special attention on how theatre has evolved as an artistic expression and experience. The class will provide students multiple opportunities to examine and discuss plays and performances from major theatre eras. (Fall, Spring, Summer on sufficient demand)

Course Fees: $60

CAT 220. Beginning Acting. (3 Credits)

This class is designed to help students understand the basics of giving a credible acting performance. It will build understanding, respect, and admiration of the acting process for aspiring actors. We will discuss and practice methods and techniques, which will enrich your knowledge and experience of creating believable characters in a theatrical performance. We will dissect, rehearse, and perform our various acting projects. These will be opened to the class and the instructor for positive and negative feedback. (Fall)

Course Fees: $60

CAT 250. Rendering. (3 Credits)

This course provides advanced instruction on techniques that will help students improve their skills at creating finished renderings of designs for theater. The course will cover the process of developing renderings through methods & techniques including traditional mediums (drawing, painting, illustration, collage, model building) as well as contemporary digital tools. Students will explore various ideation and presentation styles to develop their own characteristic form of visual communication of original design ideas. (Fall, Even-numbered years)

Course Fees: $60

CAT 251. Cinematic Language. (3 Credits)

A foundational course designed to immerse students in the visual and narrative vocabulary of film. This course examines the various elements of cinematic expression—such as mise-en-scène, editing, sound, and cinematography—and their role in crafting stories, evoking emotions, and communicating themes. Through the study of seminal works from diverse genres and periods, students will develop a nuanced appreciation of film as an art form and a medium of communication. (Fall, Spring)

Course Fees: $60

CAT 253. Creative Media Production. (3 Credits)

An immersive, hands-on course that introduces the fundamental skills and aesthetic considerations of digital storytelling across various platforms. Students will learn to harness the power of mobile video and audio technologies to create compelling content. (Fall, Spring)

Course Fees: $60

CAT 280. Drafting for Theatre. (3 Credits)

Students will be introduced to the fundamental elements of producing technical drafting for the stage. Digital and hand drafting methods will be utilized to create ground plans, sections, front elevations, rear elevations, and details. (Odd-numbered years, Spring)

Course Fees: $60

CAT 293W. Writing for the Stage & Screen. (3 Credits)

A comprehensive course that introduces the fundamentals of writing for performance media. It offers students a platform to explore the distinctive narrative structures, character development techniques, and dialog crafting necessary for theatre, film, television, and creative media. The course emphasizes the unique demands and opportunities of each medium, guiding students through the creation of original works that resonate with audiences across various platforms. (Fall)

Course Fees: $60

CAT 301. Elements of Cinematic Arts and Theatre II. (1-3 Credits)

This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to take on a leadership role within the context of Cinematic Arts and Theatre (CAT) production by filling vital production staff positions. Responsibility goes beyond that of just participating as a performer or working construction hours in the shops. Leadership responsibilities may include single or multiple responsibilities such as the following; leading physical and vocal warm ups, serve as a designer (scene, costume, makeup, lighting or sound), dramaturge/research assistant, stage director or assistant director, fight captain, publicity director, house manager, stage manager, screenwriter, cinematographer, film director, leading role in acting, or any other position as defined by the director/ CAT faculty. (Fall, Spring, Summer on sufficient demand)

Course Fees: $60

CAT 310. Script Analysis. (3 Credits)

An introduction to a formalist approach to screenplay and theatre script analysis. Students read plays, screenplays, and textbook materials; participate in class discussions; and analyze required readings. (Fall, Even-numbered years)

Course Fees: $60

CAT 320. Movement. (3 Credits)

The class is designed for theatre practitioners wishing to develop greater physical and vocal awareness and a more focused understanding of physical and vocal movement in time and space. Physically the class will focus on the movement philosophy/technique known as viewpoints and composition. Prerequisite: CAT 220. (Spring, Even-numbered years)

Course Fees: $60

CAT 321. Voice and Diction. (3 Credits)

This class is designed for theatre practitioners wishing to develop greater awareness of the voice as an instrument and the ways in which speech and dialect affect communication and storytelling. Vocally, the course aims to develop in the student a flexible vocal and articulation mechanism that can be applied to conversation, sight and prepared reading, acting, radio\television, public speaking, and other presentational skills. This course will provide the basis for an in-depth exploration of our communicative power as artists with voices. Prerequisite: CAT 220.

Course Fees: $60

CAT 323. Narrative Film Production. (3 Credits)

An intensive, hands-on course designed to ground students in the essentials of dramatic narrative filmmaking. Students will engage in the end-to-end process of film creation, starting with writing and proceeding through directing and editing. The course places a strong emphasis on the art of visual storytelling, guiding students to develop their ability to craft compelling characters and engaging stories using fundamental techniques in cinematography, lighting, sound design, and post-production. Prerequisite: CAT 253. (Fall)

Course Fees: $60

CAT 333. Documentary Film Production. (3 Credits)

A course tailored to immerse students in the craft of non-fiction storytelling. This course covers the entire documentary production process, from research and development to filming, editing, and post-production. Students will explore various documentary styles and techniques, learning how to create impactful narratives that reflect real-world subjects and themes. The course emphasizes ethical considerations, storytelling with integrity, and the power of documentaries to inform, engage, and inspire audiences. Prerequisite: CAT 253. (Spring)

Course Fees: $60

CAT 335. Acting for the Camera. (3 Credits)

A dynamic course tailored for performers seeking to transition their acting skills to the camera for various screen formats, including film, television, commercials, and creative media. It offers practical on-set and in-studio experiences that mimic professional production environments, providing students with the opportunity to refine their craft in front of the lens. The curriculum is designed to address the unique challenges of screen acting, allowing students to explore the nuances of performance across different media. Prerequisite: CAT 220. (Spring, Even-numbered years)

Course Fees: $60

CAT 340. Scenography. (3 Credits)

An exploration of the creative impulse through parallel branches of production design (costumes, lighting, sound, projections, etc.), or Scenography. Students will develop mechanisms and techniques to unlock their creative process in order to communicate their vision. These may include: visual research, conceptualization, characterization, and script analysis. (Odd-numbered years, Spring)

Course Fees: $60

CAT 350. Design for the Stage. (3 Credits)

Application of principles of design to stage, with emphasis on analysis, characterization, conceptualization, sketching, models, and finished rendering. This course will focus on the creation of designs for fictional & realized productions within the context of collaborations with directors, choreographers, set, costume, lighting, and sound designers. Provides the student with a series of design projects with an emphasis on portfolio preparation. Prerequisite: CAT 340. (Fall, Odd-numbered years)

Course Fees: $60

CAT 360. Digital Drafting. (3 Credits)

Digital Drafting is an advanced theatrical design course for students learning to use computer-aided design and drafting. Through a series of exercises, students will be working on components of a final project while they are familiarizing themselves with key principles of digital design. This course is for the student already proficient with standard theatrical drafting techniques. Prerequisite: CAT 250. (Spring, Even-numbered years)

Course Fees: $60

CAT 370. Theatre Directing. (3 Credits)

The nature of stage direction; a study of basic directorial concepts and their application to short scenes and plays. Prerequisite: CAT 220. (Spring)

Course Fees: $60

CAT 371. Film Directing. (3 Credits)

This course offers an in-depth exploration into the multifaceted role of a film director, focusing on the dual aspects of eliciting powerful performances from actors and mastering the technical toolkit of the director's craft. This course provides students with hands-on opportunities to analyze screenplays from both an actor's and director's viewpoint, directing and filming scenes to apply theoretical concepts in a practical environment. The curriculum is designed to build the foundational skills necessary for effective storytelling through direction. Prerequisites: CAT 251 and CAT 253. (Spring)

Course Fees: $60

CAT 380. Stage Management. (3 Credits)

This course will expose students to the multi-faceted job of the stage manager in theatrical productions with an emphasis on his/her role in the collaborative process. Students will learn to perform the duties, responsibilities and procedures of stage managers from pre- to post- production, as well as industry-standard vocabulary, proficiently.

Course Fees: $60

CAT 390. Lighting Design. (3 Credits)

This course covers techniques of designing lighting for various stage forms, creative planning and projection of designs for specific productions. Covered are the fundamentals of learning how to see, exploring the mind's eye, and painting with light. Translating theatrical moments and music into lighting sketches, storyboards, and atmospheres, transitions from one atmosphere to another, and developing points of view and approaches are also studied. Fundamentals of the tools of the lighting designer, preparation for the theatre, production techniques, and assistant skills are covered. (Offered upon sufficient demand)

Course Fees: $60

CAT 391. Costume Design. (3 Credits)

This is an intermediate workshop designed for students who have a basic understanding of the principles of theatrical design and who want a more intensive study of costume design and the psychology of clothing. Students develop designs that emerge through a process of character analysis, based on the script and directorial concept. Period research, design, and rendering skills are fostered through practical exercises. Instruction in basic costume construction, including drafting and draping will provide tools for students to develop their craft in costume design. Prerequisite: CAT 201. (Offered upon sufficient demand)

Course Fees: $60

CAT 393W. Short Screenplay Writing. (3 Credits)

A course designed to delve into the art and craft of screenwriting, focusing on the essentials of constructing compelling narratives. Through studying and applying key screenwriting techniques, students will explore how to vividly bring to life action, character, and theme within the format of a short screenplay. The course aims to develop writers who can convey complex stories with clarity and emotional impact, preparing them for the professional standards of the industry. (Fall)

Course Fees: $60

CAT 400. Classical Acting Styles. (3 Credits)

Provides advanced technical actor training in classical acting styles based on the expression of the body, voice, imagination, personalizing, improvisation, external stimuli, and script analysis. (Spring, Odd-numbered years)

Course Fees: $60

CAT 410. Contemporary Acting Styles. (3 Credits)

This course will provide an in-depth exploration of contemporary acting styles and contemporary theatrical works. We will track the development of theatrical styles and trends through realism, naturalism, expressionism, epic theatre, theatre of the absurd, and eclectic theatre to understand how contemporary methods draw and diverge from previous periods in theatre history. Prerequisite: CAT 220. (Fall)

Course Fees: $60

CAT 420. Portfolio Prep. (3 Credits)

Designed to assist students in clarifying career, personal, and educational goals with emphasis on documenting college-level learning experience while compiling production process, theater performance photos, performance reels, and/or filmed works to use in the development of a digital portfolio and other hiring material. (Spring)

Course Fees: $60

CAT 425. Dramatic Literature Criticism. (3 Credits)

This course covers theoretical and critical approaches to a wide variety of works of dramatic literature from theatre's beginnings in the ancient world to the contemporary moment, from discussions of theatre form and aesthetics, including issues of structure, genre, and theatre movements, to investigations of the importance of the process of the adaptation of theatrical texts from page to stage. Prerequisites: Permission from the Department of Cinematic Arts and Theatre. (Fall)

Course Fees: $60

CAT 433. Cinematography. (3 Credits)

This course delves into the artistic and technical aspects of capturing moving images for the screen. This course provides an in-depth study of camera operation, lighting, composition, color theory, and visual storytelling. Students will be encouraged to develop their unique visual style while mastering the tools and techniques that define professional cinematography. Through practical exercises and collaborative projects, students will learn how to make informed creative decisions to enhance narrative and mood in film and creative media. Prerequisite: CAT 253. (Spring)

Course Fees: $60

CAT 436. History of Theatre. (3 Credits)

This course covers the history of theatre from its origins in the ancient world to contemporary productions. Covering a wide variety of theatre texts from around the world, the course will address the major social, cultural, artistic, and technological developments that have led to our current understanding of theatre as an art form. Prerequisites: Permission from the Department of Cinematic Arts and Theatre. (Spring)

Course Fees: $60

CAT 443. Advanced Production Projects. (3 Credits)

This comprehensive course immerses students in the collaborative environment of film and theatre production, combining the disciplines of acting, production design and tech, and film production. This course empowers students to synthesize their diverse skills to develop, produce, and post-produce interdisciplinary projects. Emphasizing narrative coherence, aesthetic innovation, and technical precision, students will work together to create short films and stage productions that showcase their collective expertise using current tools and techniques. Prerequisite: CAT 220 or CAT 250 or CAT 253. (Spring)

Course Fees: $60

CAT 453W. Feature Screenplay Writing. (3 Credits)

This comprehensive course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to craft a feature-length screenplay. The course covers the full spectrum of screenwriting, from concept development and structural analysis to the nuances of dialogue and character development. Students will immerse themselves in the language and format of professional screenwriting, learning how to create stories that captivate audiences and meet industry standards. Prerequisites: CAT 293W and CAT 393W. (Spring)

Course Fees: $60

CAT 463. Video Editing. (3 Credits)

An introduction to the basics of video editing, post-production sound mixing, sound design, basic animation, color grading, and delivery. Prerequisite: CAT 253. (Spring)

Course Fees: $60

CAT 473. Film Producing. (3 Credits)

An intensive course that demystifies the multifaceted role of a film producer in steering a project from initial idea to screen. It provides a deep dive into the lifecycle of film production, highlighting the intricate balance between creative vision and the pragmatic demands of the business. Students will learn about the producer's pivotal responsibilities in development, financing, production, marketing, and distribution, gaining insights into the strategic decision-making that drives the filmmaking process. (Spring)

Course Fees: $60

CAT 480. Topics in Cinematic Arts and Theatre. (3 Credits)

This course will examine the unique and shared aspects of theatre performance by viewing film versions of theatre plays. By comparing this “translation” or “cross-medium” process, students should have a better understanding of the following: 1) The role and contribution of the various artists; 2) The special features of the medium (theatre& film); and 3) The ways in which the work of one medium is translated into another. To reach this goal, classes will rely upon lectures, class discussion, play reading and the viewing of films. (Offered upon sufficient demand)

Course Fees: $60

CAT 483. Audio for Video. (3 Credits)

Students are introduced to preproduction, production and post production techniques of cinematic audio capture with an emphasis on sound design, ADR and Foley work for artistic and technical processes involved in visual storytelling. Content will focus on the practical and artistic application of technology, software and skillsets used in live on-set recording and studio captured audio for use in a visual medium. Students will create sonic landscapes in the service of storytelling, using industry standards, techniques and technology and taking into consideration psychoacoustics and the experience of the viewer. Prerequisite: ENT 335 OR CAT 253. (Offered upon sufficient demand)

Course Fees: $60

CAT 493. Practicum. (3 Credits)

The capstone course for the Cinematic Arts and Theatre BFA program, encompassing the disciplines of film and creative media production, acting for the stage and screen, and design & tech. This integrative course is designed to synthesize the knowledge and skills students have acquired, culminating in the execution of capstone projects that reflect their specialized areas of study. Within a collaborative framework, students will undertake significant roles in the creation of a professional-caliber project—be it a motion picture, a theatrical performance, or a design/tech showcase—culminating in a public presentation at the program's year-end event. (Spring)

Course Fees: $60

CAT 499. Independent Study-Internship. (1-3 Credits)

Independent study and research under departmental supervision or special field experience under departmental determination and evaluation. Requires written permission of the department chair prior to registration. (Fall, Spring)

Course Fees: $60