Theatre (B.A./B.S.)

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Program Coordinator/Contact

J.D. Ackman, Program Coordinator
School of Performing Arts
Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center, Box 2830
605-688-5188

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

In the Theatre major, students will be able to:

Think conceptually and critically about text, performance, and production. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Integrative Learning)
Demonstrate an understanding of playwriting and production processes, aesthetic properties of style, and the way these shape and are shaped by artistic and cultural forces. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis)
Be acquainted with a wide selection of theatre repertory including the principal eras, genres, and cultural sources. (Cross-curricular Skill: Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
Develop and defend informed judgments about theatre. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis)
Demonstrate ability in areas of performance, production, or playwriting appropriate to their individual needs and interests and consistent with the goals and objectives of the program. (Cross-curricular Skill: Problem Solving)
Understand procedures and approaches for realizing a variety of theatrical styles. (Cross-curricular Skill: Critical and Creative Thinking; Problem Solving)

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.
As performers or gain acceptance to graduate programs for additional training or to enter the profession.
In theatre management, promotions/business or gain acceptance to graduate programs for additional training or to enter the profession.

Academic Requirements

Minimum grade of “C” required in all major courses.

Students must complete at least one activity credit each semester by participating in theatre productions.

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 Arts in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

System General Education Requirements

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

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Requirements

One declared minor outside of the major prefix OR a second major OR a teaching specialization. The minor may be a traditional minor within one department or it may be interdisciplinary involving more than one department. The minor can be in a different college. The minor must be declared no later than the student’s third semester of enrollment.
Capstone course in the major discipline
Upper division coursework Credits: 33

Bachelor of Arts Requirements: 9+

Modern Foreign Language Including the 202-Level Credits: 6+
AHSS 111 - Introduction to Global Citizenship and Diversity Credits: 3

Bachelor of Science Requirements: 13+

Natural Sciences Credits: 10+
- Any two lab sciences.
- Coursework must include 2 prefixes.
- MATH and STAT courses do not count toward the science requirement.
AHSS 111 - Introduction to Global Citizenship and Diversity Credits: 3

System General Education and/or major coursework may satisfy some or all of the above requirements. Consult program advisor for details. See the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences for additional information about Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science specifications.

Major Requirements

DANC 131 - Movement 1 Credits: 2
THEA 119 - First Year Seminar Credits: 2
THEA 131 - Introduction to Acting (COM) [SGR #4] Credits: 3
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) Credits: 3
THEA 452 - Stage Management (COM) Credits: 3
THEA 470 - Portfolio and Resume Building Credits: 3 (Capstone)
THEA 480 - Summer Theatre (COM) Credits: 1-5
or THEA 494 - Internship (COM) Credits: 3

Select from the following

Select 4 credits from the following list. Activities required in 3 different tech/performance areas. Credits: 4

DANC 135 - Dance Activities Credits: 1
THEA 135 - Theatre Activities - Acting Credits: 1
THEA 145 - Theatre Activities - Technical Credits: 1

Select from the following

Select 4 credits from the following list. Credits: 4

DANC 336 - Dance Activities Credits: 1
THEA 336 - Theatre Activities - Acting Credits: 1
THEA 346 - Theatre Activities - Technical Credits: 1

Select from the following

Select from the following courses. Credits: 9

Any DANC course up to 3 credits.
THEA 100 - Introduction to Theatre (COM) [SGR #4] Credits: 3
THEA 243 - Make-Up (COM) Credits: 3
THEA 355 - Children’s Theatre (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 (COM) Credits: 3
THEA 445-445L - Lighting and Lab (COM) Credits: 3
THEA 455 - Advanced Acting (COM) Credits: 3
THEA 492 - Topics (COM) Credits: 1-5 (3 credits required)

Electives

Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Total Required Credits: 120

Summary of Program Requirements

Bachelor of Arts in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
System General Education Requirements	30 Credit Hours
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Requirements*	9+ Credit Hours
Major Requirements	51 Credit Hours
Electives**	30 Credit Hours
Bachelor of Science in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
System General Education Requirements	30 Credit Hours
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Requirements*	13+ Credit Hours
Major Requirements	51 Credit Hours
Electives**	32 Credit Hours

*System General Education Requirements, Major Requirements, and Supporting Coursework may satisfy some or all of the above requirements.
**Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements

Academic Advising Guide Sheet

The goal of the academic advising guide sheets and sample plans of study is to promote undergraduate student success by guiding all students to timely completion of an undergraduate degree. Students are not limited to the course sequence provided for their academic program. Instead, the sample plan of study is one possible path to completing your degree and is meant to be used as a guide for planning purposes in consultation with an academic advisor. The plans also help students prepare for meetings with their academic advisor and track their progress in their selected academic program.