Theatre Arts (B.F.A.)
The Bachelor of Fine Arts is a rigorous training program for students wishing to pursue a career in the professional theatre. The program offers two areas of emphasis: performance (acting) and DTM (design, theatre technology, and management). Individual courses are selected in consultation with an advisor, so the degree is tailored as closely as possible to a student's specific needs and interests. Students are encouraged to seek out internships with professional theatre companies as part of their program of study.
Admittance to the B.F.A. program in Theatre requires an audition or portfolio review and faculty approval. Student progress is closely monitored through performance juries and portfolio reviews each semester.
To be eligible for admittance, continued candidacy, and graduation, the B.F.A. candidate must achieve a minimum grade of C in each THE course required for the major. To participate in departmental productions, a student pursuing the B.F.A. must maintain a minimum 3.00 GPA overall.
Required coursework includes:
- the university requirements (see regulation J-3),
- the Theatre Arts core courses listed below, and
- a 30-credit area in either DTM or Performance of departmental-approved coursework.
Theatre Arts Core
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| THE 1010 | Introduction to the Theatre | 3 |
| THE 1020 | Introduction to Design | 3 |
| THE 1030 | Theatre Technology | 3 |
| THE 1040 | Costume Technology | 3 |
| THE 1050 | Basics of Performance I | 3 |
| THE 1060 | Basics of Performance II | 3 |
| THE 3710 | Play Analysis | 3 |
| THE 3900 | Design, Technology, and Management Practicum | 2 |
| THE 4520 | Theatre Historiography | 3 |
| THE 4530 | Topics in World Theatre History | 3 |
| THE 4830 | Senior Capstone Project | 1 |
| Elective | 2 | |
| Select two of the following courses: | 6 | |
| Scene Design I | ||
| Costume Design I | ||
| Lighting Design I | ||
| Theatre Management | ||
| Total Hours | 38 | |
Courses to total 120 credits for this degree
| Fall Term 1 | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 1101 | Writing and Rhetoric I | 3 |
| THE 1010 | Introduction to the Theatre | 3 |
| THE 1030 | Theatre Technology | 3 |
| THE 1050 | Basics of Performance I | 3 |
| Mathematical Ways of Knowing Course | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring Term 1 | ||
| THE 1020 | Introduction to Design | 3 |
| THE 1040 | Costume Technology | 3 |
| THE 1060 | Basics of Performance II | 3 |
| ENGL 1102 | Writing and Rhetoric II | 3 |
| Oral Communication Course | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Fall Term 2 | ||
| THE 3900 | Design, Technology, and Management Practicum | 1 |
| Social and Behavioral Ways of Knowing Course | 3 | |
| Humanistic and Artistic Ways of Knowing Course | 3 | |
| Elective Course | 3 | |
| Scientific Ways of Knowing Course | 4 | |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Spring Term 2 | ||
| THE 3710 | Play Analysis | 3 |
| THE 3900 | Design, Technology, and Management Practicum | 1 |
| Elective Course | 2 | |
| Scientific Ways of Knowing Course | 4 | |
| Social and Behavioral Ways of Knowing Course | 3 | |
| THE 2010 OR THE 2020 OR THE 2050 OR THE 3200 | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Fall Term 3 | ||
| THE 4520 | Theatre Historiography | 3 |
| DTM or Performance, Major Elective Course | 3 | |
| American Experience Course | 3 | |
| DTM or Performance, Major Elective Course | 3 | |
| THE 2010 OR THE 2020 OR THE 2050 OR THE 3200 | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring Term 3 | ||
| THE 4530 | Topics in World Theatre History | 3 |
| International Course | 3 | |
| DTM or Performance, Major Elective Course | 3 | |
| Elective Course | 3 | |
| DTM or Performance, Major Elective Course | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Fall Term 4 | ||
| Elective Course | 3 | |
| DTM or Performance, Major Elective Course | 3 | |
| Elective Course | 3 | |
| DTM or Performance, Major Elective Course | 3 | |
| DTM or Performance, Major Elective Course | 3 | |
| Elective Course | 1 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring Term 4 | ||
| THE 4830 | Senior Capstone Project | 1 |
| Elective Course | 3 | |
| DTM or Performance, Major Elective Course | 3 | |
| DTM or Performance, Major Elective Course | 3 | |
| DTM or Performance, Major Elective Course | 3 | |
| Elective Course | 1 | |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
The degree map is a guide for the timely completion of your curricular requirements. Your academic advisor or department may be contacted for assistance in interpreting this map. This map is not reflective of your academic history or transcript and it is not official notification of completion of degree or certificate requirements. Please contact the Registrar's Office regarding your official degree/certificate completion status.
- Students will demonstrate a knowledgeable awareness of the interconnectedness of theatre history, dramatic theory, and production practices. They will distinguish and apply terminologies, processes, and traditions specific to Theatre Arts.
- Students will articulate insights about Theatre Arts and specific theatre events. Students will also demonstrate collaboration skills in production and performance leadership roles.
- Students will demonstrate self-reflection; they will clearly articulate the role of theatre in their lives and their personal commitment to theatre as a professional vocation.
- Students will articulate a personal philosophy about theatre practice, its cultural impact on society, and their responsibility as an artist.