Mar 28, 2024  
Undergraduate Catalog 2021 - 2022 
    
Undergraduate Catalog 2021 - 2022 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]


Theatre Arts, B.A.



Description

The study of theatre is a study of the human condition, and requires a broad set of skills, techniques, and knowledge bases from its practitioners and students. Theatre majors study plays and other dramatic works and their production. Classes cover topics such as theatre history, literature, theory and social contexts of theatrical production, playwriting, acting, and directing, as well as lighting, scenery, and costume design.

What careers can this major prepare you for?

A theatre major prepares students for continued education in MFA and PhD theatre programs and the study of theatre offers opportunities for employment in: Acting, Directing, Playwriting, Dramaturgy, Criticism, Drama Therapy, Scenic Design, Costume Design, Costume Shop Management/Wardrobe Supervisor, Cutter/Draper, Costume Craft, Film Crew, Light Design, Sound Design, Marketing, Stage Management, Technical Theatre, Development, Facilities Coordination, Arts Advocacy, Arts Management, Education, Public Relations.

What skills are developed within this major?

The theatre major receives rigorous training specializing in either theatre performance or the design/technical fields that develop self-confidence, creative thinking skills, presentation skills, problem-solving, literacy, interpersonal communication, confidence, and empathy. Additional skills include solid organization and time management, comfort in speaking publicly, the ability to collaborate and appreciate diverse viewpoints, think outside the box and adapt to new and/or changing situations.

Hours Required for Degree


Minimum hours required for degree: 120

Minimum hours required for major: 54

Major-Field Requirements


All Theatre Arts majors are required to successfully complete a minimum of 54 credit hours consisting of the core curriculum (13 courses) and one specialization track (6 courses).

Note


*A minimum of 2 credits must be taken in both THE 101 and THE 102, with the remaining 2 credits to be selected from THE 101, 102, or 103 at the discretion of the student.

3 credits from one of the following: THE 317, THE 318, THE 319, or THE 430

Specialization tracks:


1. Acting track


The acting track focuses on acting skills while emphasizing the relation of acting to the ancillary disciplines that directly affect the actor. An actor should know and understand the work of the director and the various designers and artisans of the technical theatre in order to meet the challenges of a professional career or graduate education.

2. Directing track


The successful director is one who is able to make informed decisions about every aspect of production from acting and design to movement and staging. The emphasis on directing courses augments a broad range of necessary skills courses needed to pursue an academic or professional career.

3. Technical Theatre track


A designer needs to know the various collaborations necessary to the creative process. A successful designer will understand the actor’s and director’s process in order to successfully create and communicate his or her ideas. Practical experience and a portfolio are essentials for both the professional theatre and admission to a graduate program in technical theatre. 18 credits of 300/400 level Design/Technical courses are required.