2023-2024 Undergraduate/Graduate Catalog

Theatre with Specialization in Performance, B.F.A.

In addition to developing a foundation in theatre – its history and the process of creating -- this specialization focuses on training the voice, body, and inner life of the actors so they may live authentically within the imaginary world. Understanding human behavior, relating to the given circumstances, specifying actionable objectives, and justifying motivations are some of the core principles addressed in this specialization.

A minor is not required with this major.

The B.F.A. consists of Theatre Core Courses, Performance Core Courses, and Directed Electives

Requirements: (60 credits)

Audition/Interview Requirement:

All students choosing to pursue the BFA in Theatre must audition/interview for the Department of Theatre to enroll. The audition/interview process is an opportunity to demonstrate an adequate proficiency to craft. For more details about interviews/auditions, please see the Theatre Department website.

If a student chooses to pursue the BFA in Theatre and has not yet successfully competed the audition/interview, their degree program will be listed as pre-BFA Theatre.

Theatre Core (27 credits):

TH 111Stagecraft

3

TH 117Lighting

3

or

TH 121Costuming

3

TH 145Acting I

3

TH 147Theatre Design Fundamentals

3

TH 253Script Analysis for the Theatre

3

TH 260Directing for the Stage

3

TH 274History of Theatre I

3

TH 276History of Theatre II

3

and 3 credits of:

TH 115Play Production

1-2

As part of the core, B.F.A. students will take TH 115 for a total of 3 credits.

TH 115 can be worth 1 or 2 credits, depending on the production role. Whenever possible, students will be assigned to different production roles to gain a well-rounded experience. For example, a student may be assigned to help paint scenery one semester and assist with lighting in another. With each play production, students will learn and refine new skills related to theatre production. 

Performance Core (21 credits):

TH 126Makeup I

3

TH 135Speaking Voice I

3

TH 143Improvisation and Ensemble

3

TH 235Movement for Actors I

3

TH 246Acting II

3

TH 347Acting III: Scene Study

3

TH 488Thesis Project in Acting or Directing

1

TH 488 (Thesis Project in Acting or Directing) will be taken in a single semester for 3 credits. 

Directed Electives (12 credits) including but not limited to the following:

DAN 151Beginning Modern Dance

2

DAN 152Beginning Ballet

2

DAN 157Beginning Jazz Dance

1

DAN 235Movement for Performers

2

DAN 236Principles of Choreography

2

DAN 252Intermediate Ballet

2

DAN 377Modern Dance and Theory

2

DAN 480Project: Dance

1

ENG 220Shakespeare

3

ENG 460/CINE 460Shakespeare and Film

3

MUS 109Fundamentals of Music

3

TH 146Theatre for Social Change

3

TH 251Stage Management

2

TH 335Stage Combat

3

TH 338Speaking Voice II

3

TH 435Movement for the Actor II

3

TH 447Acting IV: Shakespeare

3

TH 456Acting V: Acting for Recorded Media

3

TH 465Creative Dramatics for the Classroom

3

TH 472Business of Theatre

3

TH 474Studies in NY Theatre Workshop

3

TH 475Studies in London Theatre

3

TH 487Projects: Research

3

TH 488Thesis Project in Acting or Directing

1

TH 495Theatre Internship

3-6

Total Credit Hours: 60