Theatre Studies, BA

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Program Description-B.A. Program in Theatre Studies:

The Theatre Studies Program combines studies in theatre with broad preparation in the liberal arts.  Students master the fundamentals of acting, directing, history, literature, and design/technology and can use theatre electives to concentrate further in one of these or other areas.  The B.A. program is designed to allow students to take a second major or to pursue minor concentrations in two or three other academic areas.

Because of the strength of the theatre production program in the department, the B.A. theatre studies student is in the particularly advantageous position to acquire a high level of practical, as well as theoretical knowledge-a distinction not afforded theatre students in programs with a lesser production emphasis.  The student is encouraged to diversify in a variety of disciplines; courses throughout the department, as well as production opportunities, are open to these students.

For additional information:

• Theatre Studies, BA
• Department of Theatre, Dance and Motion Pictures
• College of Liberal Arts

Admission Requirements

The Theatre Studies program at Wright State University operates on open admission. If you qualify for admission to Wright State University, you may elect Theatre Studies as your major.

Admissions Process

Prospective students should:

1. Apply online for admission to Wright State University.
2. Provide copies of academic transcripts to Wright State University Admissions and the Department of Theatre, Dance and Motion Pictures.

Transfer Credits

Transfer students may be accepted into the program after a university admissions process. The university generally follows a liberal policy in accepting credits, allowing virtually all credits earned at an accredited institution from courses in which the student earned a “C” or better. The Office of the Registrar is responsible for determining which credits are eligible for transfer.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Ability to critically analyze a work of drama within the contexts of theatre history, dramatic literature and production practice.
• Competence in the fundamental skills of at least one area of technical theatre (costumes, sets, lighting, sound, stage management).
• Competence in fundamental techniques and skills related to the performance process.
• Knowledge of potential employment paths and/or graduate school opportunities related to Theatre Arts.
• An understanding of the collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of theatre-making (including writing, directing, acting, design, and technology).

Program Requirements:

I. Wright State Core: 38 Hours

ELEMENT 1: COMMUNICATION: 6 HOURS

ELEMENT 2: MATHEMATICS: 3 HOURS

ELEMENT 3: GLOBAL TRADITIONS: 6 HOURS

ELEMENT 4: ARTS AND HUMANITIES: 3 HOURS

Required:

• TH 2140 - Theatre in Western Culture Credit Hour(s): 3

ELEMENT 5: SOCIAL SCIENCES: 6 HOURS

ELEMENT 6: NATURAL SCIENCES: 8 HOURS

ADDITIONAL CORE COURSES: 6 HOURS

II. Departmental Requirements: 20 Hours

• TH 1470 - Acting Aesthetics Credit Hour(s): 2
• TH 1480 - Acting Aesthetics Credit Hour(s): 2
• TH 3800 - Theatre History and Literature I Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3810 - Theatre History and Literature II Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 2100 - Theatre Technology Credit Hour(s): 2
• TH 1020 - Stagecraft Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3500 - Directing Credit Hour(s): 3

ADDITIONAL ELECTIVES CHOSEN FROM: 15 HOURS

• TH 3010 - Introduction to Theatrical Design Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3840 - Introduction to Dramatic Writing Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3280 - Decorative Style through the Ages Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3290 - Costume History Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3500 - Directing Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3510 - Stage Management Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3990 - Studies in Selected Subjects Credit Hour(s): 1 to 3
• TH 2220 - Theatre Production Credit Hour(s): 1
• DAN 1070 - Ballet for the Actor I Credit Hour(s): 2
• DAN 1080 - Ballet for the Actor II Credit Hour(s): 2
• DAN 1240 - Jazz for the Actor I Credit Hour(s): 1
• DAN 1250 - Jazz Dance for the Actor II Credit Hour(s): 1
• DAN 2330 - Inside Dance: Dance as Art and Entertainment Credit Hour(s): 3
• DAN 2510 - Dance History I Credit Hour(s): 3
• MP 1310 - The Moving Image Credit Hour(s): 3
• MP 2310 - History of the Motion Picture I Credit Hour(s): 3
• MP 3310 - Studies in Film History Credit Hour(s): 3
• MP 3320 - Studies in Film Authorship Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 2020 - Sound Design Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 2190 - Stage Lighting I Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3210 - Scene Painting I Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3260 - Costume Design Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3340 - Costume Construction Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3350 - Costume Crafts Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3720 - Musical Theatre History and Literature I Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3730 - Musical Theatre History and Literature II Credit Hour(s): 3

•  Note: Other courses may be substituted with permission of the instructor and Theatre Studies adviser

III. Related Requirements

IV. College Requirements: 18 Hours

FOREIGN LANGUAGE: 12 HOURS

Through 2020 level (1010, 1020, 2010, 2020) of one language:

Arabic, Spanish, French, German, Greek, Latin, Chinese, American Sign Language or other.

METHODS OF INQUIRY

• PHL 3000 - Critical Thinking Credit Hour(s): 3

• Research Methods - One course from approved list Credit Hour(s): 3

V. Electives: 29 Hours

Total: 120 Hours

Graduation Planning Strategy

The Graduation Planning Strategy (GPS) has been created to illustrate one option to complete degree requirements within a particular time frame. Students are encouraged to meet with their academic advisor to adjust this plan based on credit already earned, individual needs or curricular changes that may not be reflected in this year’s catalog.

• Theatre Studies (GPS)

• Theatre Studies (3 yr) (GPS)