Theatre, B.A.
The Department of Fine and Performing Arts offers a four-year program leading to a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre. With an emphasis on experimentation and collaboration, the Theatre degree serves as excellent preparation for a career in theatre. The program provides a general introduction to the field through foundation courses in acting, play analysis, costume construction, set and lighting production, theatrical design, collaboration, theatre history, arts management, and artist entrepreneurship. Students choose electives tailored to their desired theatre-making focus and advanced coursework in design (costume, scenic, and lighting), acting, and directing. Throughout the four-year program, students gain practical experience through a minimum of four semesters of working with faculty on the department production season. Options to double major or minor in other Fine and Performing Arts programs allow students to pursue study uniquely tailored to their own interests and future goals.
Students graduating with a major in Theatre will be able to demonstrate:
- Knowledge of theatrical traditions and theories in their respective historical contexts, including the ability to analyze, interpret, and critique theatre texts and performance practices.
- A broad-based skillset in all facets of performance and production.
- A high level of skill in at least one of the following theatre-making areas: performance, design, or production.
- An understanding of the necessary practices in the theatre industry that translate to dynamic professional careers.
Department Policy Regarding Double Majors/Concentrations/Minor Programs
Due to redundancies in program requirements, the Department of Fine & Performing Arts prohibits a combination of the following programs:
- Theatre major & Theatre minor
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AMGT 130 | Introduction to Arts Management | 3 |
| MUSI 100 | Introduction to Music | 3 |
| or MUSI 253 | World Music | |
| MUSI 120 | Piano I | 3 |
| or MUSI 258 | Private Lessons | |
| or MUSI 358 | Private Lessons | |
| or MUSI 458 | Private Lessons | |
| or THEA 210 | Drawing for Theatre | |
| THEA 110 | Introduction to Stagecrafts | 3 |
| THEA 120 | Introduction to Acting | 3 |
| THEA 200 | Introduction to Theatre | 3 |
| THEA 220 | Beginning Acting | 3 |
| or THEA 230 | Stagecraft II: Scene Construction | |
| or THEA 240 | Stagecraft II: Costume Construction | |
| THEA 250 | Fundamentals of Theatre Design | 3 |
| THEA 271 | Play Analysis | 3 |
| THEA 370 | Collaboration | 3 |
| THEA 372 | Theatre Practicum (taken four semesters) | 4 |
| THEA 381 | Theatre History I: Beginnings to 17th Century | 3 |
| THEA 383 | Theatre History II: 18th Century to Present | 3 |
| FPA 501 | Senior Thesis | 3 |
| Total Hours | 43 | |