Academic Catalog 2024-2025

Slippery Rock University

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

Program Learning Outcomes

Students in the BA Theatre, Theatre Studies concentration will develop a range of theatre knowledge, skills, and competencies.  Students will:

  • achieve intermediate level proficiency in acting, design & technology, and theatre management. (aligns with University Learning Outcomes 1,2,5,6,9)
  • achieve advanced level proficiency in theatre history and at least one area of focus.  (aligns with University Learning Outcome 5)
  • gain the knowledge and skills sufficient to work in both collaborative and individual roles in creating theatre; (aligns with University Learning Outcomes 1,2,5,6,8,9)
  • gain the tools to analyze and develop characters. (aligns with University Learning Outcomes 1,2,5,6,9)
  • gain a working knowledge of a chosen area of theatre design. (aligns with University Learning Outcomes 1,2,5,6)
  • demonstrate the ability to act believably within a set of given/imagined circumstances. (aligns with University Learning Outcomes 1,2,5,6,9)
  • demonstrate proficiency in both freehand drawing and digital drafting/rendering techniques. (aligns with University Learning Outcomes 1,2,5,6)
  • identify and understand the history of theatre, as well as organizational structures, practices, and standard matters related to the theatre management. (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)
  • 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 - Theatre Studies, 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
Modern Language Requirement0-9
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 337Directing3
THEA 425Professional Theatre Practice3
Subtotal18
Theatre Studies - Core
THEA 151Rehearsal and Production1
THEA 151Rehearsal and Production1
THEA 151Rehearsal and Production1
THEA 215Drawing/Drafting/CAD3
Select one of the following:3
Introduction to Theatre Arts Management
Acting II
Playwriting
Costume Technology
Subtotal9
Theatre Studies - Management Coursework
Select one of the following:3
Stage Management and Safety
Studies in Audience Development
Subtotal3
Theatre Studies - Design Coursework
Select one of the following:3
Scene Design
Stage Lighting
Costume Design and History
Subtotal3
Theatre Studies - Advanced Coursework
Select nine credits from the following:9
Acting Technique
Stage Makeup
Acting Shakespeare
Shakespeare Tour
Advanced Stagecraft
Scene Design
Stage Lighting
Costume Design and History
New Play Development
International Theatre Experience
IPA/Dialects
Auditioning
Stage Management and Safety
Projects in Theatre
Studies in Audience Development
History of Musical Theatre
History of Theatre Design and Architecture
Theories of Acting and Directing
Internship
Independent Study
Selected Topics
Subtotal9
Total Hours42
*

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

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 Theatre Studies (THST)
This program is effective as of Summer 2023.
Revised 05.25.2023
UCC 03.21.2023

Recommended Four-Year Plan

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallHours
THEA 132 Stagecraft 2 3
THEA 215 Drawing/Drafting/CAD 2 3
THEA 281 Survey of Dramatic Literature I 3
ENGL 102 Critical Writing 3
ESAP 101 FYRST Seminar * 1
SUBJ 139Foundations of Academic Discovery 1 3
 Hours16
Spring
THEA 131 Fundamentals of Acting 2 3
THEA 283 Survey of Dramatic Literature II 3
ENGL 104 Critical Reading 3
MATH 117 Quantitative Reasoning 3
Select one of the following: 3
Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice
Ethics and Civil Discourse
Civil Discourse and Democracy
 Hours15
Second Year
Fall
THEA XXXTheatre Studies Core Course 3
THEA 151 Rehearsal and Production 1
MODL 101Modern Language 101 3
Rock Studies 2 Requirements 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
Declare a Thematic Thread 3
 Hours16
Spring
THEA 151 Rehearsal and Production 1
THEA XXXTheatre Studies Management Course 3
MODL 102Modern Language 102 3
Rock Studies 2 Requirements 3
Thematic Thread Requirement 3
Elective 3
 Hours16
Third Year
Fall
THEA 33XTheatre Studies Design Course 3
THEA XXXTheatre Studies Advance Course 3
MODL 103Modern Language 103 3
Rock Studies 2 Requirements 3
Thematic Thread Requirement 3
 Hours15
Spring
THEA XXXTheatre Studies Advanced Course 4 3
THEA 337 Directing 3
Rock Studies 2 Requirements 3
Thematic Thread Requirement 3
Elective 3
 Hours15
Fourth Year
Fall
THEA 425 Professional Theatre Practice 3
THEA XXXTheatre Studies Advanced Course 3
Rock Studies 2 Requirements 3
Thematic Thread Requirement 3
Elective 3
 Hours15
Spring
THEA 151 Rehearsal and Production 1
Elective 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

Students should complete THEA 131,THEA 132, and THEA 215 as early as possible in the program.  

Students are highly encouraged to complete a minor or second major course of studies (i.e., Education, Art, Communication, History, etc.)

3

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

4

Students should carefully choose courses to fulfill this requirement in consultation with their Threatre advisor.

*

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: BA Theatre (5 92)
Concentration: Theatre Studies (THST)
Revised 05.30.2024