Theatre (BA)

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Affiliation: School of Arts & Letters
Degree Offered: Bachelor of Arts
Minor Offered: Theatre

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 professional training program in performance or design/technical theatre, the degree program will prepare students for advanced study in theatre and allied fields and, in some cases, will lead directly to work in professional theatre.

Liberal Studies Program Requirements: 34-58 Credit Hours

Missouri Statute Requirement: 1-3 Credit Hours

Bachelor of Arts Requirements: 0-6 Credit Hours

Intermediate proficiency in ONE foreign language

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS: 40 Credit Hours

THEA 175 - Freshman Theatre Seminar Credits: 1 hour
*
THEA 276 - Stage Makeup Credits: 1 hour
THEA 277 - Acting I: Elements of Acting Credits: 3 hours
THEA 371 - History and Literature of the Theatre I Credits: 3 hours
THEA 372 - History and Literature of the Theatre II Credits: 3 hours
THEA 373 - History and Literature of the Theatre III Credits: 3 hours
THEA 391 - Stagecraft Credits: 3 hours
THEA 393 - Stage Lighting Credits: 3 hours
THEA 395 - Basic Costuming Credits: 3 hours
THEA 399 - Theatre Practice Credits: 1 hour
THEA 491 - Play Direction Credits: 3 hours
THEA 495 - Senior Theatre Seminar Credits: 2 hours

Choose one of the following:

THEA 278 - Acting II: Advanced Scene Study Credits: 3 hours
Or
THEA 478 - Costume Design Credits: 3 hours
Or
THEA 480 - Scene Design Credits: 3 hours

Select a minimum of six hours from the following courses:

ENG 315 - Studies in Shakespeare Credits: 3 hours
THEA 359 - Acting III: Lyric Performance Credits: 3 hours
THEA 374 - History and Literature of the Theatre IV Credits: 3 hours
THEA 478 - Costume Design Credits: 3 hours
THEA 480 - Scene Design Credits: 3 hours
THEA 481 - Advanced Studies and Projects in Theatre Credits: 1-3 hours
(may be repeated)

Electives to Total: 124 Credit Hours

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 Credit Hours:

COMM 276 - Oral Advocacy and Debate Credits: 3 hours

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.

A grade of “F” may not be applied toward a Theatre major.

Currently, a student may NOT pursue an MAE in Theatre.
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 another field of study.