Academic Catalog

Theater Major

Major Requirements

Core

Complete the following courses:

THEA 105Introduction to Performance Studies
THEA 130Introduction to Design
THEA 132Theater Technology
THEA 261Introduction to Acting

Theater Practicum

Complete one credit of THEA 290 Practicum or THEA 299 Process & Production.

All theater majors are required to participate in at least one Theater department production in a non-performative capacity. This may include roles in stage management, design, technical theater, or dramaturgy. Students must also participate in a second Theater department production, which may be in another non-performance area or in a performance role.

Theory and Cultural Context

Complete one course from the following:

DANC 250Dance Histories of the United States
DANC 252Contemporary Issues in Dance
HIST 253Dance Histories of the United States
THEA 211Refugee Theatre and Performances
THEA 217Theatrical Things: Material Culture and Performance
THEA 223Play Analysis in Action
THEA 238Race and Ethnicity in Modern and Contemporary American Drama
THEA 269Hamilton and Beyond: Theater and History, and Theater Histories

Elective

Complete one credit from the following:

  • Any additional 200-level or above Theater course
  • Any additional 200-level or above Dance course

Area of Focus

All students must complete one of the following Areas of Focus:

Acting

Complete the following courses:
THEA 202Introduction to Devising Performance
THEA 263Introduction to Voice and Speech
THEA 362Advanced Acting

Design, Technology, and Management

Complete three courses from the following:
THEA 170Introduction to Digital Media
THEA 223Play Analysis in Action
THEA 229Advanced Design Studio
THEA 232Lighting Design
THEA 235Fashion: A Survey of Western Culture
THEA 295Stage Management for the Performing Arts
THEA 299Process & Production
THEA S27Scenic Painting

Directing

Complete the following courses:
THEA 202Introduction to Devising Performance
THEA 250Introduction to Directing
THEA 350Advanced Directing

theater studies

Complete the following:
THEA 223Play Analysis in Action
Any 2 of the Theory and Cultural Context courses

playwriting

Complete the following courses:
THEA 223Play Analysis in Action
THEA 240Introduction to Playwriting
THEA 339Advanced Playwriting

Senior Thesis

Complete one course from the following:
THEA 457
Senior Thesis
THEA 458
Senior Thesis

All production/performance thesis projects are subject to departmental discretion. To be eligible for a production/performance thesis, students must have completed at least eight of the ten required courses, including the requirements above specific to the particular focus of study (e.g., Acting, Design, Directing, Theater Studies/Dramaturgy, Playwriting, Stage Management, Technical Theater). Topics for a production/performance thesis should involve a substantial artistic project in acting, design, directing, dramaturgy, stage management, playwriting, or technical theater. The thesis features a written component or a portfolio/website examining the theoretical basis and the process/product of the research. Projects are always subject to departmental approval and resources. Students who are solely a Theater major must complete a written component.

Courses Taken Outside of Bates

With prior permission of the department, students may apply Study Abroad credit towards the Elective requirement.

Pass/Fail

Students may apply one course taken as Pass/Fail to the Elective requirement.

Declaration Restrictions

Students who have declared the Theater major may not declare the following:

  • Theater minor
  • Theater Arts (C028) concentration

Other Considerations

Students may apply up to two Short Term courses toward the major.

Students should be aware that although a single course may fulfill multiple requirements, it can only be counted once toward the major.