Theatre Studies Major
John Zerbe, Professor, Chair
David Hammond, Professor
Tad Feekes, Visiting Assistant Professor
Timothy Hanna, Visiting Assistant Professor
The Department of Theatre Studies cultivates the capacity of students to create and appreciate theatre that explores and illuminates the human condition. The course of study seeks to produce creative artists with intellectual acuity, refined craft and a heightened appreciation for theatre as an instrument of social change. We nurture individuals who want to make a difference in the world by taking constructive action through the art form of theatre.
The program offers both majors and non-majors the chance to experience the collaborative process by which actors, designers, directors, scholars and technicians interpret a playscript and translate a shared vision of its meaning into the medium of theatrical production. Classes develop the skills essential to that process:
• critical thinking
• research methods
• intuitive reasoning
• communication
• project planning and time management
• problem-solving
• team work
• leadership
The integration of theory and practice is fundamental to the program, as it is to successful theatre, and the conceptual learning of formal course work is therefore augmented by laboratory work in the form of theatrical productions. Productions are chosen with attention to the developmental needs of the current student population. In a four-year period, students will experience a broad range of styles and periods of dramatic literature in performance.
Faculty members have worked as practicing theatre artists in the professional theatre as actors, directors, designers or technicians.
Recognizing that guest artists are essential to the vitality of any theatre program, the department brings practicing theatre artists of high caliber to the campus to work with students. Recent guest artists include Edward Albee, Ken Burns and Sidney Poitier for part of a celebration called “The Year of the Arts.” Each gave public lectures and met students in small groups. We have held a panel discussion called “Theatre That Makes a Difference” that explored theatre’s power to effect positive social and political change in a multicultural world. Participants included Tony Kushner, Maria Irene Fornes, Gerald Freedman, David Hammond and others. We’ve also hosted Elizabeth Wichmann-Walczak, director of the Asian theatre program at the University of Hawaii, as she gave a series of lectures and workshops on jingju (Beijing Opera). Other guests have included actors, designers, directors and writers with national profiles. Visits like these deepen student learning and allow and help build a bridge from academia to the profession. Indeed, several recent alumni have won prestigious national internships, employment opportunities and entrance into graduate programs in part because of the relationships forged during such residencies.
Degrees Offered
The Bachelor of Arts degree is offered in theatre studies.
Major Requirements
Every student majoring in theatre studies will fulfill the core requirements and one of the three possible tracks.The major requires a minimum of 45-46 credit hours (12 courses).
Structure and Core Requirements of All Theatre Studies Majors |
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1. Technical Production |
4 credits |
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2. Performance |
4 credits |
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3.-4. History and Literature |
8 credits |
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5. Design |
4 credits |
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6. Analysis and Interpretation |
4 credits |
7. Practicum |
6 credits |
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8-9. Senior Capstone |
4 credits |
Total credits required for Structure and Core requirements |
34 credits |
Additional Courses Required for Students Selecting a Performance Track |
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10.-11. Two courses from the following intermediate options |
8 credits |
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12. One course from the following advanced options |
4 credits |
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Total credit hours required for A.B. degree in theatre studies: acting track |
46 credits |
Additional Courses Required for Students Selecting a Design/Tech Track |
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10.-11. Two courses from the following intermediate options |
7-8 credits |
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12. One course from the following |
4 credits |
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Total credit hours required for A.B. degree in theatre studies: design/tech track |
45-46 credits |
Additional Courses Required for Students Selecting a History/Literature Track |
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10.-11. Two courses from the following |
8 credits |
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12. Any course on a playwright or drama taught in a foreign language |
4 credits |
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Total credit hours required for A.B. degree in theatre studies: history/literature track |
46 credits |
Summer internships in professional theatre are strongly encouraged as an integral part of a theatre education. Where appropriate, such internships may be used to fulfill part of the practicum requirement.