Theatre, B.A.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Theatre is to prepare students to pursue lives as professional theatre artists, seek further advanced study in graduate programs and/or apply their training to the career of their choice. The program provides students with rigorous training in acting, musical theatre, design and production and physical theatre.

Theatre students must exhibit technical competence, a broad knowledge of theatre, sensitivity to artistic style, and an insight into the role and importance of theatre in the life of humankind.

The program embraces the teacher-scholar model, places primary emphasis on high quality teaching and engaged learning, and supports faculty research, creative activities, and expert collaboration in the community, state, nation, and world. This focus enables faculty and staff to mentor students in collaborative research, professional opportunities, and internships.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students who earn the B.A. in theatre will be expected to:

1. Demonstrate foundational knowledge of theatre history, dramatic literature, performance and stagecraft.
2. Demonstrate technical skills and applied knowledge in one or more aspects of theatre (e.g. design/technology/production, performance, scholarly work, applied theatre) appropriate to individual needs and interests.
3. Demonstrate the ability to think conceptually/analytically about works of theatre and to effectively communicate ideas.
4. Synthesize knowledge, skills and conceptual understanding in theatrical production, applied theatre, or scholarly work.

A grade of ‘C’ or better must be earned in each course within the major.