Theatre Major
Students majoring in this Bachelor of Arts degree program receive training and experience in theatre. They develop performance skills and repertoire, and participate in main stage and/or studio theatre productions. The program consists of intensive training and development of performance skills through contact with a variety of acting techniques. An audition is required for admission to the program. Contact the director of the theatre program to schedule an appointment.
Students accepted into the program must successfully pass a second-year evaluation review, administered in the spring semester of the second year of study (or, for transfer students, after 60 credit hours are earned). Transfer students who are admitted with junior status are exempt from the evaluation. The second-year evaluation review is to demonstrate the individual’s growth in technique, and indicate the potential for further skill development. The student also must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 to continue in the major. Any student who does not successfully complete the evaluation review either will be given probationary continuance in the major (requiring repetition or completion of specified coursework) or will not be allowed to continue in the major. A Senior Capstone Project is required in the final year of study to illustrate the overall growth of the student as a theatre artist.
Degree Requirements
Requirements for the major in theatre:
| SPE 100 | Voice and Diction | 4 |
| SPE 205 | Oral Performance of Literature | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 8 |
Theatre Studies Component
| THR 253 | Survey of World Theatre | 3 |
| THR 254 | Survey of World Theatre II | 3 |
| THR 245 | Technical Theatre | 1 |
| THR 246 | Stage Management and Design | 1 |
| THR 320 | Play Analysis | 3 |
| THR 420 | Survey of Dramatic Literature | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 14 |
THR 420 Information: Students may substitute appropriate ENG dramatic literature courses. Courses such as ENG 282–289 and 309–311 are acceptable. Students should consult the department chair regarding course substitutions.
Actor Training Component
| THR 101 | Improvisation for the Theatre | 3 |
| THR 200 | Movement for the Actor | 3 |
| THR 201 | Acting I for Majors | 3 |
| THR 202 | Acting II for Majors | 3 |
| THR 301 | Acting III for Majors | 3 |
| THR 302 | Career Development for the Actor | 3 |
| THR 240 | Theatre Participation | 0-1 |
| THR 241 | Musical Participation | 0-1 |
| THR 242 | Cabaret Participation | 0-1 |
| THR 243 | Studio Theatre Participation | 0-1 |
| THR 244 | Logos: Spoken Word Performance Ensemble | 0-1 |
| and | |
| DAN 142 | Beginning Modern Dance | 2 |
| or | |
| DAN 149 | Beginning Ballet I | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 20 |
One of the following courses:
Final Project
| THR 450 | Senior Capstone Project | 1 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 1 |
THR 240: Theatre majors are required to audition for University theatre productions. Without prior consultation with the department chair or the director of the production, students’ participation in the audition process constitutes their agreement to accept any role offered. If cast in a part, the student must accept the role or risk losing his or her scholarship. Students who do not adhere to this policy will not be allowed to audition for any productions or participate in departmental events for the remainder of that academic year.
Suggested Elective Courses
| ENG 175 | Ethical Questions and Modern Drama | 4 |
| ENG 200 | Introduction to Shakespeare | 4 |
| ENG 201 | World Literature I | 4 |
| ENG 202 | World Literature II | 4 |
| ENG 307 | Shakespeare's Romances and Tragedies | 4 |
| ENG 308 | Shakespeare's Comedies and Histories | 4 |
| WRI 240 | Writing Drama | 4 |
| WRI 247 | Dramatic Writing for Radio and Alternative Performance | 4 |
Total Credit Hours: 46