Nov 21, 2024  
Undergraduate Catalog 2024-2025 
    
Undergraduate Catalog 2024-2025

Theatre and Dance, B.A.



Description

The Theatre and Dance Program is a community of diverse people, practices, and ideas. We provide opportunities for students to explore, create, and innovate in the pursuit of artistic excellence. We offer a demanding yet compassionate environment led by nationally renowned instructors and guest artists who are leaders in their fields. Our students are well-rounded artists and scholars prepared to take on many roles in an ever-changing world. Students may specialize in acting, dance, directing, or design/technical theatre.

NOTE: You do not need to audition to declare a major or minor in Theatre and Dance.

What careers can this major prepare you for?

A theatre and dance major prepares students for continued education in MFA and PhD theatre and/or dance programs and offers opportunities for employment in: Acting, Choreography, Dance, Dance Educator/Instructor, Directing, Playwriting, Dramaturgy, Criticism, Drama Therapy, Dance Therapy, Bodywork Practitioner (e.g. Pilates, yoga), Artistic Director, 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 and dance major receives rigorous training specializing in either 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

College Requirements


See college page  for college requirements.

Major Requirements


All Theatre and Dance 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).

Core Curriculum - All Tracks (13 Courses)


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/Choreography 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. Design/Technical Theatre Track


A designer or stage technician needs to know the various collaborations necessary to the creative process. A successful designer or technician 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. Students choose any 6 course to fulfill this track.

A total of 18 credits of 300/400 level Design/Technical courses are required from the list below.

4. Dance Track


The Dance track is dedicated to providing students with opportunities to participate in and view dance as a performing and creative art. The Dance track emphasizes the art of individuals and ensembles, its integration into the theatrical environment, as well as the power of dance for community well-being.

18 Additional Credits (in addition to Core)