Acting Specialization

Theatre (BFA/BA)

Specialize in Acting and shine on stage

(B.F.A. 60 credits min., B.A. 36 credits min.)

The Acting Specialization offers courses for individuals pursuing work in the theatre, musical theatre, and film or television. With a foundation in both contemporary acting approaches and methodologies, and an overview of historical acting styles, this program combines academic training with performance opportunities in both mainstage and laboratory theatre environments.

Theatre Core (18):

  • Explores the nature and existence of theatre as a collaborative art form: its artists, craftsmen, practices, products, traditions and historical perspectives.

  • A survey class examining the various technical and artistic facets of a live theatrical production.

  • Beginning technical theatre lab with focus on backstage operations and crew assignments. Emphasis on practical application in actual productions. (Repeatable course). TH majors and minors only.

  • An eclectic, performance-oriented course designed to introduce, develop, and reinforce fundamental acting skills and techniques.

  • A history of theatre production from Aeschylus to Shakespeare, with selected readings from Greek, Roman, Medieval, and Renaissance dramatic literature. Same as ENG 439.

  • A history of theatre production from Restoration to Realism, with selected readings from French neo-classical comedy and tragedy, English restoration comedy and Continental realism. Same as ENG 440.

  • An integrative experience to assist the theatre major in preparation for graduate study or professional work.

Acting Specialization Requirements (12):

  • A full examination of vocal production and movement techniques for the actor.

  • Emphasis on the development and use of techniques for in-depth research and analysis of characters. Prerequisite: TH 155.

  • A workshop course designed to reinforce performance techniques through the performing of selected scenes. Prerequisite: TH 255

  • This course will introduce the student to the improvisation techniques of social awareness, individual connection, and mental agility. These will be achieved through basic short and long form games, sketch writing and stand-up writing/performance. CREDITS: 3

  • The course will offer guidelines for the study of dramatic structure and methods of script analysis as a preparation for writing, directing, designing, and performing. It will focus on understanding the complexity of a play's construction. CREDITS: 3

    COREQUISITE: ENG-112 or ENG-210 TH-100 or TH-155

Acting Specialization Electives (BFA: 30 credits min. BA: 6 credits min.) :

  • Involvement in a full-length play on the mainstage. Admission by audition or faculty approval. (Repeatable Course)

  • Advanced course designed to enrich the student’s understanding and appreciation of the theatre as an art form. This course can include but is not exclusive to Stage Combat, Playwriting, or Theatre Management.

  • Emphasis on the development and use of techniques for in-depth research and analysis of characters. Prerequisite: TH 155.

  • A workshop course designed to reinforce performance techniques through the performing of selected scenes. Prerequisite: TH 255

  • This course is specifically designed to explore the topic of Theatre for Social Change. Since its beginnings, theatre has been an active social force. It has been used to educate the public, mold public opinion, and incite theatre goers to action.

  • Involvement in a full-length play on the mainstage. Admission by audition or faculty approval. (Repeatable Course)

  • Advanced course focusing on various dramatic genres, styles, playwrights, and/or script analysis. Content to be determined. (Repeatable course)

  • Design theories and techniques, drafting and related paperwork for theatre and dance lighting, with emphasis on practical application in the form of light plots and production work. Prerequisites: TH 185 and TH 105.

  • Theory of designing stage sets. Study of drafting and rendering techniques needed to execute a design. Emphasis upon portfolio enhancement, theoretical projects, and production work. Prerequisites: TH 105. Theatre Majors/Minors only.

  • On-camera workshop focusing on specific acting techniques relevant to film, TV, and commercials. Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor.

  • Opportunity to showcase area of specialization, culminating in a studio level production or demonstration of developed work. Faculty approval required. (Repeatable course)

  • On-site experience in a professional theatre or with an approved organization. Prerequisites: Senior status (90+ credits); faculty approval required. Requires 40 hours of experience for each credit hour. CR/NC grade only.

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