Mar 29, 2024  
Course Catalog 2021-2022 
    
Course Catalog 2021-2022 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Theater Major


The major consists of a minimum of 12 courses: 10 full courses (or the equivalent) plus THEA 199 twice for 0 credit.

Note: Students must earn minimum grades of C- or P for all courses that apply toward the major.


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It is recommended that those students intending to pursue a career and/or advanced studies in the field of Theater or related performing arts consider declaring a major in Theater. The major program of study is designed to allow students the flexibility of pursuing general theater studies while focusing on a particular emphasis within the Theater curriculum, such as acting, directing, history/criticism, production/design, stage management, and arts management.

Students who intend to major in Theater should identify a faculty advisor, or talk with the chair. An advisor is, ideally, someone in the student’s area of intended concentration, and with whom they’ve already completed one or more courses. The student will then schedule an appointment with their advisor or the chair and work closely with them to design a plan of study.

Transfer of Credit


Before credit is awarded for off-campus study, students must obtain tentative prior approval the Chair of Theater and the Office of Study Away. After the study is completed, the student must supply evidence of satisfactory participation. A maximum of four full courses, or the equivalent, of off-campus study may be applied to the major in Theater. Please visit the Study Away Office for additional information about the above- listed programs, as well as others that might be of interest.

Senior Projects and Honors


Seniors majoring in theater are strongly encouraged to pursue a Senior “Capstone” Project that will serve as the culmination of their undergraduate studies. Usually, the senior capstone project will evolve directly from the student’s concentration within the major. (e.g. directing, designing, management, or acting). A special Acting Capstone class is offered as well. Applications for Senior Capstone Projects must be submitted to the Theater Department Administrative Assistant by the last day of classes during Fall Semester of the student’s junior year. These forms are available on the Theater Department Blackboard site and in hard copy in the Theater Department Office, Warner 100.

The Honors program is designed to offer a few exceptional theater majors the opportunity to undertake a full year (i.e. two semester) creative and or scholarly project under the close supervision of a faculty sponsor. Honors work may build on capstone projects. These students will be invited by the faculty, from the pool of Senior Project applicants. In order to qualify for Honors status, applicants must:

  • Possess a proven ability to successfully complete a significant scholarly/research project, as evidenced through course work and or submission of a significant sample of scholarly writing
  • Have a minimum GPA of 3.65 both overall and within the department

Theater Major Course Lists


Critical Inquiry, Dramatic Literature, and Theater History Courses


Return to the summary of requirements.

Advanced-Level Theater Electives


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Note: Students interested in Playwriting may count CRWR 330, 470, or 480, as well as Private Readings with Theater Faculty.

Theater Production Crew Requirement


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Theater Majors must fulfill 2 (two) THEA 199  assignments, and must fulfill at least one 199 assignment prior to declaring a Theater major.

  • This is a non-credit bearing requirement. Theater 199 is defined as working on a designated production from tech rehearsals through strike.
  • These production crew assignments include all Theater Department productions (both Mainstage and LABseries), or major Dance Department concerts, limited to ODC, Fall Forward, and Spring Back.
  • 199s do not include Operas or extra-curricular productions.
  • Because this requirement is intended, in part, to broaden our students’ backstage experience, the two 199 assignments should ideally be for two different kinds of crew positions (for instance, they should not both be for operating the light board).
  • Students may receive credit for Stage Management or Assistant Stage Management of a Theater Department production as well as one 199 provided they meet the requirement of working all tech rehearsals through strike.
  • 100% attendance, punctuality and commitment are required for all 199s (and are neither negotiable nor optional);
  • Any student failing to satisfactorily complete a 199 assignment will not receive credit.
  • The staff supervisor will determine the number and kinds of positions for each show at the beginning of each season, allowing any interested majors to sign up well in advance.
  • Because these assignments often conflict with departmental casting, it is recommended that students fulfill BOTH 199’s before the end of their third year
  • Procedure: At the beginning of each semester, the staff supervisor will announce a mandatory meeting at which 199 assignments will be distributed. Students must attend this meeting in order to receive a 199 assignment for a given semester.