Theatre Major

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Program Coordinator/Contact
Laurie Haleta, Department Head
Department of Communication Studies & Theatre
Pugsley Center 115, Box 2218
E-mail: laurie.haleta@sdstate.edu

Click here for additional information.

Program Information
Students in this major are exposed and participate in all aspects of theatre, through a broad-based education. Students will gain practical experience with the newest techniques and technology of theatre. In this major, the hands-on education involves participation in State University Theatre and Prairie Repertory Theatre.

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of their degree, students will be able to:

understand and/or participate in the basic production process in all areas of theatre.
demonstrate familiarity with historical and cultural dimensions of theatre.
possess an understanding and appreciation of the concept of collaboration required for successful theatrical productions.
make informed assessments of quality in theatrical performances and activities
communicate effectively relative to the student’s specific area of particular interest and focus, if that is the case for the individual student.
understand the expectations and demands of the field, whether in an educational setting or the profession.

If applicable, students will be prepared to:

gain entry level positions in the profession in the areas of design, technology, or stage management, or gain entrance to graduate programs for additional training prior to entering the profession.
gain entry level positions as performers or gain acceptance to graduate programs for additional training or to enter the profession.
gain entry level positions in theatre management, promotions/business or gain acceptance to graduate programs for additional training or to enter the profession.

Course Delivery Format
A variety of methods are used in our curriculum, including student engagement and interactive learning, lecture, laboratory, small group, seminar and collaborative activities.

Requirements for Theatre Major: 120 Credits

Bachelor of Science in Arts and Sciences

System General Education Requirements*: 30

Goal #1 Written Communication : Credits: 6
Goal #2 Oral Communication : Credits: 3
Goal #3 Social Sciences/Diversity : Credits: 6
Goal #4 Arts and Humanities/Diversity : (Non THEA) Credits: 6
Goal #5 Mathematics : Credits: 3
Goal #6 Natural Sciences : Credits: 6

Institutional Graduation Requirements**: 5

Goal #1 First Year Seminar: SPCM 109 ** Credits: 2
Goal #2 Cultural Awareness and Social and Environmental Responsibility Credits: 3

College of Arts & Sciences Bachelor of Science Requirements: 34

Bachelor of Science

Natural Science Credits: 14
With 6 credits of Biological Sciences
With 8 credits of Physical Sciences
Social Sciences Credits: 12
Humanities (Non THEA) Credits: 8

SGRs, IGRs, and/or Major coursework may satisfy some or all of the above requirements. Consult program advisor for details. See the College of Arts and Sciences for additional information about Bachelor of Arts Specifications and Bachelor of Science Specifications .

Major Requirements: 45

DANC 131 - Movement 1
Credits: 2
DANC 135 - Dance Activities
Credits: 1
THEA 131 - Introduction to Acting * (COM)
Credits: 3
Three different tech/performance areas. Credits: 3

THEA 135 - Theatre Activities-Acting
⁺
and
THEA 145 - Theatre Activities-Technical
⁺
THEA 240 - Stage Costuming (COM)
Credits: 3
THEA 241-241L - Stagecraft and Lab (COM)
Credits: 3
THEA 250 - Play Analysis
Credits: 3
THEA 351 - Directing (COM)
Credits: 3
THEA 361 - Literature and History of the Theatre I (COM)
Credits: 3
THEA 364 - Literature and History of the Theatre II (COM) (AW)
Credits: 3
THEA 452 - Stage Management (COM)
Credits: 3
THEA 470 - Portfolio and Resume Building
Credits: 3
THEA 480 - Summer Theatre (COM)
⁺Credits: 3
or
THEA 494 - Internship
Credits: 3
THEA Elective Credits: 9
- THEA 100 - Introduction to Theatre * (COM)
  Credits: 3
- THEA 243 - Make-Up (COM)
  Credits: 3
- THEA 351 - Directing (COM)
  Credits: 3
- THEA 375 - Theatre Arts Management
  Credits: 3
- THEA 435 - History of American Musical Theater (COM)
  Credits: 3
- THEA 441 - Scene Design (COM)
  Credits: 3
- THEA 443 - Costume Design
  Credits: 3
- THEA 445-445L - Lighting and Lab (COM)
  Credits: 3
- THEA 455 - Advanced Acting (COM)
  Credits: 3
- THEA 492 - Topics
  Credits 1-5
- DANC - Any DANC course up to 3 credits

Electives: 26

Total Required Credits: 120

Curriculum Notes

⁺ Maximum Activities Credit toward major — 8 hours (from THEA 135, THEA 145, THEA 195, and THEA 480)

* The 30 credit Board of Regents System General Education Requirements (SGRs) must be completed as part of a student’s first 64 credits.

** South Dakota State University has a 5 credit Institutional Graduation Requirement (IGRs).

(G) Globalization Requirement.

(AW) Advanced Writing Requirement.

Students must take the proficiency examination after completing 48 credits. English 101, and a course in each of the General Education areas of social science, mathematics, natural science, and humanities and arts must be taken prior to taking this exam.