Academic Catalog 2024-2025

Slippery Rock University

Theatre, Bachelor of Arts (BA) - Concentration in Acting

Program Learning Outcomes

Students in the BA Acting  and BFA Acting programs will acquire the techniques necessary for the confident, skilled performance of dramatic roles. Students will:

  • gain the tools to analyze and develop characters, and to create a meaningful personal connection to their roles. (aligns with University Learning Outcomes 1,2,5,6,9) 
  • master the ability to listen and respond truthfully in the moment. (aligns with University Learning Outcomes 1,2,5,6,9) 
  • gain the tools necessary to achieve a flexible, strong, and controlled voice and body to be used effectively as instruments for characterization. (aligns with University Learning Outcomes 1,2,5,6,9)

ACTING – Acting Concentration, BFA

Students in the BFA Acting, Acting concentration will acquire the specific skills necessary for a career as a theatre performer. Students will:

  • achieve the highest possible level of performance as an actor. (aligns with University Learning Outcomes 1,2,5,6,9) 
  • achieve professional, entry-level competence in acting including significant technical mastery, and the capability to solve professional problems independently. (aligns with University Learning Outcomes 1,2,5,6,9) 

THEATRE DEPARTMENT, OVERALL

  • Communication: Students will learn to communicate effectively by developing and defending informed viewpoints about theatre. Students will gain an understanding of the common elements and vocabulary of theatre and of the interaction of these elements, giving them the ability to analyze both dramatic literature and live performance perceptively and to evaluate them critically. (aligns with University Learning Outcomes 1,2,5,6,9)
  • Creation/Production/Performance: Students will gain an overview of the collaborative elements of theatre and will demonstrate an understanding of the production process.  Students will explore and experience different values, perspectives, and aesthetics allowing them to problem solve, create, perform and produce theatre. Students will successfully execute job duties related to the performance of a role, crew position and/or design assignment. (aligns with University Learning Outcomes 1,2,5,6,7,8,9)
  • Professional Proficiency: Students will acquire the entrepreneurial skills necessary to assist in the development and advancement of careers in theatre. Students will learn to apply knowledge and skills to meet professional competencies in the field of theatre.  Students will learn procedures and develop skills that enable them to conduct themselves in a manner accepted in the professional theatre community. (aligns with University Learning Outcomes 1,2,5,6,8,9)
  • Historical Knowledge: Students will acquire familiarity with theatre literature of various historical periods, cultural sources, and modes of presentation. Students will learn the essential elements of the historical development of theatre and drama. Students will relate, connect, integrate, and contextualize knowledge acquired in theatre courses. (aligns with University Learning Outcomes 1,2,5,6,9) 
  • Degree Program Writing Competency: Students will gain the ability to write clearly and effectively. (aligns with University Learning Outcomes 1,5)

Related Links

Theatre - Concentration in Acting, BA Program Page

Professional Licensure/Certification Page

Curriculum Guide

GPA Requirement

Major GPA: 2.00 or higher
Overall GPA: 2.00 or higher

Summary*

Rock Studies 2 Requirements42
Other Basic Requirments0-3
Major/Concentration Requirements42
Electives36

* All undergraduate degree programs require a minimum of 120 credits.  Some courses meet multiple requirements, but are only counted once toward the 120 credit total required to graduate.

Rock Studies 2 Requirements

The Rock
SUBJ 139Foundations of Academic Discovery 13
ENGL 102Critical Writing3
ENGL 104Critical Reading3
MATH 117Quantitative Reasoning3
Select one of the following:3
Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice
Ethics and Civil Discourse
Civil Discourse and Democracy
Subtotal15
Integrated Inquiry
Creative and Aesthetic Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Humanities Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Social Science Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Natural Science Inquiry
SCI 101Science of Life3
Physical Science Inquiry
SCI 102Understanding the Physical World3
Subtotal15
Thematic Thread
Select 12 Credits 212
Subtotal12
Total Hours42
1

Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course in first major subject.

2

One course from each category; six credits must be 300-level or above; no more than 4 credits from one subject area; specific courses required in first major, regardless of prefix of course, cannot be used to satisfy thread requirements; any course with same prefix as first major cannot be used to satisfy thread requirements, even if it is not a course in the first major.

BA Modern Language Requirement

BA degree requires language proficiency at the 103 class level. Exemption by placement or examination is possible.

Complete 0-9 credits0-9
Total Hours0-9

Basic Math Requirement

Check with your adviser or a current degree audit report to see if you have been exempted from this course. The credit earned in this course will not be counted toward the 120 credit hour minimum needed to earn a degree.

Complete one of the following:0-3
Meet required minimum SAT or ACT math score OR
Beginning Algebra
Total Hours0-3

DIVERSITY,  EQUITY,  AND INCLUSION REQUIREMENT

Students must take and pass a course with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) designation prior to graduation.  Students can meet this requirement by taking any DEI - designated course in any program at any time during their undergraduate career. 

Major/Concentration Requirements

  • 21 major credits must be taken at SRU or PASSHE
  • 21 major credits must be taken at the 300 level or above
Core Requirements
THEA 131Fundamentals of Acting3
THEA 132Stagecraft3
THEA 281Survey of Dramatic Literature I3
THEA 283Survey of Dramatic Literature II3
THEA 337Directing *3
THEA 425Professional Theatre Practice *3
Subtotal18
Acting Concentration Core
THEA 151Rehearsal and Production1
THEA 151Rehearsal and Production1
THEA 151Rehearsal and Production1
THEA 222Acting II *3
THEA 322Acting Technique *3
THEA 324Stage Makeup *3
THEA 328Acting Shakespeare *3
THEA 351Movement for the Actor *3
OR
Voice for the Actor *
THEA 394Theories of Acting and Directing3
Subtotal21
BA Acting Electives
Select three credits from the following:3
Wellness for the Actor
Introduction to Theatre Arts Management
Drawing/Drafting/CAD
Costume Technology
Musical Theatre Song Repertoire **
Playwriting
Acting for Song I **
Acting III *
Acting for the Camera *
Acting Technique Repeatable for max of 12 credits.
Shakespeare Tour **
New Play Development **
International Theatre Experience **
IPA/Dialects *
Auditioning *
Stage Management and Safety *
Movement for the Actor *
Voice for the Actor *
Projects in Theatre
Studies in Audience Development
Internship *
Independent Study
Selected Topics (Scene Painting)
Subtotal3
Total Hours42
*

Some courses may require pre-requisites. Please see course descriptions to determine if there are any pre-requisites for that specific course.

**

Some courses may require permission from the instructor in order for students to register.

Co-curricular and Experiential Learning

Students are encouraged to explore additional curricular and co-curricular opportunities. There is a strong correlation between long-term student success and participation in the following types of programs and activities:

  1. International study programs International study programs (including Edinburgh, Scotland, Fringe Festival Trip)
  2. SRU Theatre Department Productions
  3. Theatre internships and summer theatre employment
  4. High-Impact Practice (HIP) designated classes
  5. Student-faculty research
  6. Student leadership development
  7. Department field trips
  8. Theatre Department Student Staff
  9. Student Lab Productions in Sheehy Theatre
  10. Guest Artist lectures, workshops, and productions

Important Curriculum Guide Notes

This Curriculum Guide is provided to help SRU students and prospective students better understand their intended major curriculum. Enrolled SRU students should note that the My Rock Audit may place already-earned and/or in progress courses in different, yet valid, curriculum categories. Enrolled SRU students should use the My Rock Audit Report and materials and information provided by their faculty advisers to ensure accurate progress towards degree completion. The information on this guide is current as of the date listed. Students are responsible for curriculum requirements at the time of enrollment at the University.

PASSHE - Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Institutions

THEATRE - BA (5 92)
Concentration in Acting (ACTI)
This program is effective as of Summer 2022.
Revised 01.31.2023
UCC 03.21.2023

Recommended Four-Year Plan

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallHours
THEA 131 Fundamentals of Acting 3
THEA 132 Stagecraft 3
ENGL 102 Critical Writing 3
ESAP 101 FYRST Seminar * 1
SUBJ 139Foundations of Academic Discovery 1 3
Rock Studies 2 Requirement 3
 Hours16
Spring
THEA 222 Acting II 3
ENGL 104 Critical Reading 3
Rock Studies 2 Requirement 3
Rock Studies 2 Requirement 3
Elective 3
 Hours15
Second Year
Fall
THEA 281 Survey of Dramatic Literature I 3
THEA 322 Acting Technique ( or Rock Studies Requirement) 3
THEA 328 Acting Shakespeare 3
BA Acting Elective 3
Modern Language 101 3
Declare a Thematic Thread 2
 Hours15
Spring
THEA 151 Rehearsal and Production 1
THEA 283 Survey of Dramatic Literature II 3
THEA 324 Stage Makeup 3
Modern Language 102 3
Rock Studies 2 Requirement 3
Elective 3
 Hours16
Third Year
Fall
THEA 151 Rehearsal and Production 1
Select one of the following: 3
Movement for the Actor
Voice for the Actor
Elective
THEA 394 Theories of Acting and Directing 3
Modern Language 103 3
Rock Studies 2 Requirement 3
Thematic Thread Requirement 3
 Hours16
Spring
THEA 337 Directing 3
Select one of the following: 3
Movement for the Actor
Voice for the Actor
Elective
Rock Studies 2 Requirement 3
Thematic Thread Requirement 3
Elective 3
 Hours15
Fourth Year
Fall
THEA 425 Professional Theatre Practice 3
Rock Studies 2 Requirement 3
Thematic Thread Requirement 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
 Hours15
Spring
THEA 151 Rehearsal and Production 1
Thematic Thread Requirement 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
 Hours13
 Total Hours**121
1

Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course in first major subject

2

Work with your Academic Adviser to declare a Thematic Thread by the end of your fall semester in your second year.

3

Students may also select a Rock Studies 2 Thematic Thread Course.

*

Students are encouraged to take ESAP 101 as a Free Elective.

** This document is meant to serve as a guide. Some planners may show more than 120 credits because faculty have created flexibility in choosing courses.  However, only 120 credits are required to obtain a degree. Please consult with your academic adviser and refer to your curriculum guide prior to registering for courses. This plan should be reviewed, and verified, by you and your academic adviser at least once each academic year. 

Major Code: 5 92
Concentration: ACTI
Revised: 05.30.2024