Theatre Studies, BA (THEATSTU-BA)

Program Description

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 BA 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 BA 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.

Admissions Process

Prospective students should:

Apply online for admission to Wright State University.
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 Objectives

Students enrolled in the Theatre Studies program will learn to

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

Program Learning Outcomes

As a result of their learning experience, graduates of the Theatre Studies program can

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

For More Information

Program Requirements:

I. Wright State Core: 36 Credit Hours

As a part of the requirements for a bachelor’s degree at Wright State University, all students must complete the Wright State Core, a general education curriculum. Most programs require 36 hours in the Core, some programs may require additional hours.

Specific Core classes in some of the Elements may be required by some majors. When this occurs, the specific Core courses required will be listed below. In Elements where a specific course is not required, students can choose any course from the Wright State Core Program Requirements.

Element 1: Communication: 6 Credit Hours

Element B - Mathematics, Statistics, and Logic: 3 Credit Hours

Element 3: Global Traditions: 6 Credit Hours

Element C - Arts and Humanities: 3 Credit Hours

Required:

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

Element D - Social Sciences: 6 Credit Hours

Element E - Natural Sciences: 8 Credit Hours

Additional Core Courses: 5 Credit Hours

Students will select up to 5 additional credit hours from Elements A-E from the approved Wright State Core Program Requirements to reach the 36 minimum hours required in the Core. Unless specified by the student’s major, these are selected by the student. When a major has required courses in this area, the specific Core course(s) required will be listed below.

LA 1020 - First-Year Seminar in Liberal Arts Credit Hour(s): 3

II. Departmental Requirements: 18 - 22 Credit 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

III. Additional Electives Chosen From: 15 Credit 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

IV. College Requirements: 18 Credit Hours

Foreign Language: 12- 16 Credit Hours

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

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

Methods of Inquiry: 6 Credit Hours

PHL 3000 - Critical Thinking Credit Hour(s): 3
Research Methods - One course from approved list Credit Hour(s): 3

V. Electives: 27 - 31 Credit Hours

Total: 120 Credit 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.