Theatre (BA)

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Affiliation: School of Arts and Humanities

Consistent with the liberal arts and sciences mission of the University, the objectives of the Theatre program are as follows:

To provide a high quality, broadly-based program of study in theatre in the humanistic tradition as the focus of a liberal arts education. Such study shall generally provide the bases of intellectual training and communicative skills that may be applied to a wide area of advanced education and careers.
To prepare the student for graduate study, advanced professional training, or entry level positions in theatre and its allied fields through instruction and practice in performances skills, theatrical design and technology, dramaturgy, and criticism.
To offer courses in dramatic literature to enrich the educational experience of students of English and comparative literature.
To grant opportunities for theatrical study to all students of the University as part of their general education.
To make available to all students the possibility for extracurricular participation in theatrical productions.
To foster cultural enrichment for all members of the University community and the general public through high quality public performances of a well-balanced program of world drama.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS:

The study of theatre provides a focus for a liberal arts education leading to careers and advanced education in many areas. Although the BA in Theatre is not intended to be a conservatory training program in performance or design/technical theatre, the degree program prepares students for professional theatre work, as well as graduate study in theatre and allied fields. Theatre majors will gain hands-on experience in all areas of theatre, through work on theatre productions and in classes.

THEATRE COMMUNICATION

Theatre majors will develop their skills as speakers and writers. Our students write script studies, character analyses, directorial and/or design approach papers, research papers, dramaturgical projects, journals, performance reviews, and other documents that serve to help students cultivate critical thinking and analytical skills. Both oral and written communication are developed through self-and-peer evaluations associated with: scene and monologue performances, individual and group papers and presentations, performance postmortems, and other assignments. Students are encouraged to express themselves with the aid of multi-media and computer-generated designs. Students learn early how to be receptive to feedback, and they receive and contribute to numerous critique sessions in oral, written and video formats, and in both formal and informal interview contexts.

Dialogues Requirements: 42-61 Credits

Missouri Statute: 0-4 credits

Bachelor of Arts Requirement: 0-8 Credits

Intermediate proficiency in ONE foreign language

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS: 43 Credits

THEA 175 - Freshman Theatre Seminar Credit(s): 1 *
THEA 276 - Stage Makeup Credit(s): 1
THEA 277 - Acting I: Elements of Acting Credit(s): 3
THEA 371 - History and Literature of the Theatre I Credit(s): 3
THEA 372 - History and Literature of the Theatre II Credit(s): 3
THEA 391 - Stagecraft Credit(s): 3
THEA 393 - Lighting Design Credit(s): 3 or THEA 310 - Sound Design Credit(s): 3
THEA 395 - Basic Costuming Credit(s): 3
THEA 491 - Play Direction Credit(s): 3
THEA 495 - Senior Theatre Seminar - Capstone Credit(s): 2

Choose 9 credits from the following:

THEA 399 - Theatre Practice: Technical/Production Credit(s): 1-4 (at least 5 credits must be taken)
THEA 397 - Theatre Practice: Rehearsal Credit(s): 1-4 (at least 1 credit from Rehearsal or Musical Performance must be taken)
THEA 398 - Theatre Practice: Musical Performance Credit(s): 1-4 (at least 1 credit from Rehearsal or Musical Performance must be taken)

Choose one of the following:

THEA 278 - Acting II: Advanced Scene Study Credit(s): 3
THEA 478 - Costume Design Credit(s): 3
THEA 480 - Scene Design Credit(s): 3

Select a minimum of six credits from the following courses:

THEA 301 - Arts Administration Credit(s): 3
THEA 340 - Voice and Movement for the Actor Credit(s): 3
THEA 359 - Acting III: Lyric Performance Credit(s): 3
THEA 360 - Acting for Musical Theatre Credit(s): 3
THEA 374 - Contemporary Trends in Theatre Credit(s): 3
THEA 393 - Lighting Design Credit(s): 3 or THEA 310 - Sound Design Credit(s): 3
THEA 420 - Playwriting Credit(s): 3
THEA 478 - Costume Design Credit(s): 3
THEA 480 - Scene Design Credit(s): 3
THEA 481 - Advanced Studies and Projects in Theatre Credit(s): 1 to 3 (may be repeated)

Electives to Total: 120 Credits

BA in Theatre Requirements (for state certification only):

The BA in Theatre must be augmented by the following requirements in order to receive state certification:

Communication Electives: 9 Credits

COMM 276 - Oral Advocacy and Debate Credit(s): 3

Notes:

*Transfer students or students who declare a Theatre major as juniors or seniors may substitute THEA 399 or THEA 481 for THEA 175, with permission of the Theatre Department.

Students who would like to teach speech/theatre in the secondary school may do so by earning a BA in Theatre and subsequently pursuing an MAE in Speech/Theatre.