Theatre (B.F.A., B.A.)
Students selecting to major or minor in Theatre will find a program both diverse and practical in nature. The program integrates academic coursework and practical workshops with an active, professional caliber production schedule, which includes two mainstage productions a year and a variety of student projects. Scholarships are available for dedicated Theatre majors. Students should contact the Department of Fine Arts for details.
The Theatre curricula combine history, theory, and practice while also providing opportunities to develop individual talents and interests. Study in Theatre serves as an excellent preparation for professional careers in the entertainment industry and also in the fields of teaching, law, politics, communication, sales, and management.
Theatre Major Specializations
Each theatre major may select a specialization which reflects the student’s theatre interests and educational goals.
All students applying for the Theatre – Acting Specialization must enter the program as Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) candidates. If they choose the Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A) degree, they must successfully audition during their Freshman and/or Sophomore year for acceptance.
Following are Theatre Specializations:
- Acting Specialization; B.F.A. and B.A. degrees
- Technical Theatre Specialization; B.F.A. and B.A. degrees
- Dance Theatre Production Specialization; B.F.A. and B.A. degrees
Degrees in Theatre
The major in Theatre offers two degree programs:
Graduation Requirements
In order to fulfill requirements for graduation, students seeking the B.F.A. or B.A. in Theatre must participate in mainstage productions and must complete a Theatre comprehensive examination and integrative experience during their final year. A minimum grade of C is required in all major and minor courses.
B.A.,B.F.A. Core Requirements
Theatre Core (18 credits)
Acting Specialization (minimum 60 credits, B.F.A.) (minimum 36 credits, B.A.)
The Acting Specialization offers courses for individuals pursuing work in the theatre, musical theatre, and film or television. With a foundation in both contemporary acting approaches and methodologies, and an overview of historical acting styles, this program combines academic training with performance opportunities in both mainstage and laboratory theatre environments.
Acting Specialization Requirements (15 credits)
Acting Specialization Electives
| Minimum for B.F.A. degree |
27 credits
|
| Minimum for B.A. degree |
3 credits
|
| TH-180 | ENSEMBLE/NAME OF PLAY | 1 to 3 |
| TH-295 | PRINCIPLES OF COSTUME AND MAKEUP | 3 |
| TH-300 | SPECIAL TOPICS | 3 |
| TH-323 | PLAY DIRECTING | 3 |
| TH-355 | ACTING IV: PERIOD STYLES | 3 |
| TH-379 | THEATRE FOR SOCIAL CHANGE | 3 |
| TH-380 | ENSEMBLE/NAME OF PLAY | 1 to 3 |
| TH-389 | CRITICAL READINGS: TOPICS | 3 to 12 |
| TH-390 | COSTUME DESIGN | 3 |
| TH-391 | LIGHTING DESIGN | 3 |
| TH-392 | SCENE DESIGN | 3 |
| TH-441 | CONTEMPORARY THEATRE | 3 |
| TH-455 | ACTING V: CAMERA | 3 |
| TH-459 | INDEPENDENT STUDY PROJECT | 1 to 3 |
| TH-499 | INTERNSHIP | 1 to 12 |
TH-
| | 1-6 |
DAN-
| | 1-6 |
MUS-
| | 1-5 |
TH: Any TH elective not listed above
Note: For TH, DAN, and MUS courses, please refer to the course description section of the catalog
Technical Theatre Specialization (60 credits minimum, B.F.A.) (36 credits minimum, B.A.)
The Technical Theatre Specialization allows students to combine technical elective courses in order to concentrate on a variety of theatre design and technology areas. Through involvement in University productions, students can expect significant hands-on production experience corresponding to the theory taught in Technical Theatre and related courses.
Technical Specialization Requirements (17 credits)
Technical Specialization Electives
Minimum for B.F.A
|
25 credits |
Minimum for B.A
|
1 credit |
TH: Any TH elective not listed above
Note: For TH courses, please refer to the course description section of the catalog
Dance Theatre Production Specialization (60 credits minimum, B.F.A.) (36 credits minimum, B.A.)
The Dance Theatre Production Specialization is designed for students with a performance interest in both Theatre and Dance. The Dance Theatre Production specialization electives provide a diverse selection of dance courses to better prepare students interested in a Theatre Dance Production career. In addition to having performance possibilities in annual dance concerts and involvement in University theatrical productions, students may participate in dance workshops and student choreography.
Dance Theatre Production Specialization Requirements (8 credits)
Dance Theatre Production Specialization Electives
| Minimum for B.F.A. degree |
34 credits
|
| Minimum for B.A. degree |
10 credits
|
TH: Any TH elective not listed above
Note: For TH courses, please refer to the course description section of the catalog