2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Oct 31, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

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

Location(s): Brookings Main Campus


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Students performing a play.

Program Coordinator/Contact

Jim Wood, Program Coordinator
School of Performing Arts
Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center 189N, 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.

Accreditation, Certification, and Licensure

Accreditation

South Dakota State University’s theatre program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre. 

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.

Student Learning Outcomes


In the Theatre major, students will be able to:

  • Think conceptually and critically about text, performance, and production.
  • 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.
  • Be acquainted with a wide selection of theatre repertory including the principal eras, genres, and cultural sources.
  • Develop and defend informed judgments about theatre.
  • 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.
  • Understand procedures and approaches for realizing a variety of theatrical styles.

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.

Requirements for Theatre Major: 120 Credits


Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Science

System General Education Requirements


College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Requirements


  • One declared minor outside of the major discipline OR a second major OR a teaching specialization. The minor may be a traditional minor within one department or school or it may be interdisciplinary involving more than one department or school. 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: 6+

  • Modern Foreign Language Including the 202-Level Credits: 6+ 

Bachelor of Science Requirements: 10+

  • Natural Sciences  Credits: 10+
    • Any two lab sciences.
    • Coursework must include 2 prefixes.
    • MATH and STAT courses do not count toward the science requirement.

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.

Select from the following


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

Select from the following


Select 4 credits from the following list. Credits: 4

Electives


Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Total Required Credits: 120


Summary of Program Requirements


Bachelor of Arts

System General Education Requirements* 30 Credit Hours
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Requirements** 6+ Credit Hours
Major Requirements 51 Credit Hours
Electives*** 33 Credit Hours

Bachelor of Science

System General Education Requirements* 30 Credit Hours
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Requirements** 10+ Credit Hours
Major Requirements 51 Credit Hours
Electives*** 35 Credit Hours

*System General Education Requirements for students pursuing a baccalaureate degree shall include a minimum of 30 credit hours. Some general education coursework may be counted for Major Requirements, Supporting Coursework, and College Requirements.
**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.