Communication Studies and Theatre Arts
B.A. in Theatre Arts
About the Program
The division of theatre arts is committed to providing a strong undergraduate program for its majors and minors in the study and practice of theatre, to supporting the university's general education curriculum and to enhancing the cultural life of the campus community. The Bachelor of Arts combines the traditional objectives of higher education with the creative mandate of a living art. Theatre as the core of a higher education experience is an effective tool for the implementation of these aims. Since Theatre touches all aspects of life, past and present, and because the theatre process is an intense arena for the development of social and practical skills, this program prepares the graduate to adapt to a wide variety of career opportunities.
Students in the major are expected to demonstrate a working knowledge of historical and contemporary theories and practices in dramatic literature, design and performance. A degree in theatre arts provides successful students with a solid background for achievement in graduate studies and career possibilities as performers, artists, managers and technicians in professional theatre and related fields such as film and television. All courses are taught by professionals in the field. The program maintains high professional standards of creativity, work and decorum, and the highest expectations of its students. The quality of work pushes students to their limit.
Typical career opportunities for theatre majors are performing artist, scenic designer; costume designer, lighting designer, script writer and stage manager. While many students hope for careers in the theatre-in fact, a large number of our former students are having exciting theatre careers, the program has a broader aim than professional training. The theatre program's goal is to assist every major develop the skills and values which will serve him/her well in whatever future vocation is chosen.
An area of emphasis must be selected by the student following successful completion of the core curriculum and 60 total credit hours. The three areas, Performance, Design/Technology, and Integrated Theatre Studies, provide students with opportunities for advanced studies in a selected specialization and to develop skills necessary to begin a career in the art of theatre. Upon completion, the student will be prepared to pursue entry level positions in the chosen field, internships, or graduate school.
A bachelor of science in education with a specialization in Communication/Theatre is also available.
Bloomsburg Players is the theatre division's co-curricular producing and support organization. Membership includes majors, minors, and non-majors, students with professional ambition as well as those who share a love of the art and process as an avocation.
Required Courses
General Education
The following course is required for inclusion in the student's course of study as part of the Group A distribution requirement:
- 26.102 Introduction to Theatre
The following courses from the University's general education requirements are strongly recommended for inclusion in the student's course of study:
- 25.103
Public Speaking
- 20.363 Shakespeare
- 20.377 Modern Drama
- 30.101 Introduction to Art
- 35.101 Music Listening
- 46.200 Principles of Cultural Anthropology
- 20.363 Shakespeare
Core Requirements For All Majors
The core curriculum is designed as a sequence of courses which introduce and investigate the theories and history of theatre and dramatic literature providing a solid background for advanced studies in the student's area of emphasis. It also provides a vehicle for planning and assessing each individual's progress as an artist, scholar, and technician. These courses are required of all majors, regardless of area of emphasis.
- 26.101
Career Seminar. A Theatre Life in Bloom
- 26.108 Theatre Practicum
- 26.202 Understanding Plays: Script Analysis
- 26.215 History of Theatre
- 26.270 Fundamentals of Theatre Design
- 26.325 History of Theatre II
- 26.416 Modern Theatre
- 26.401 Career Seminar: A Life in the Theatre
- 26.108 Theatre Practicum
Areas Of Emphasis
Performance - The Performance area of emphasis is provided for students who wish to pursue advanced undergraduate studies as an actor or director. The curriculum offers a sequence of courses which guide the student to augment his or her own abilities by examining and applying techniques and methods of past and current masters. With these explorations, the student is encouraged to develop independently as a critical thinker and risk-taker and as a collaborative creative artist.
- 26.112
Fundamentals of Acting
- 26.200 Voice and Movement
- 26.312 Intermediate Acting
- 26.411 Play Directing
- 26.412 Advanced Acting
- 26.492 Seminar in Performance
- One additional course from the Technical/Design Emphasis listed below
- 05.225 Beginning Ballet
- 35.203 Class Voice
- 26.200 Voice and Movement
Design Technology - The Design Technology area of emphasis is provided for students who wish to pursue advanced undergraduate studies as scenic, costume, and lighting designers and technicians. The curriculum offers a sequence of courses which examines and applies techniques of design concepts in each major area as well as construction and execution for stage production. With these explorations, the student is encouraged to develop independently as a critical thinker and risk-taker and as a collaborative creative artist.
- 26.211
Theatre Production
- 26.277 Costume Construction
- 26.311 Scene Design
- 26.314 Stage Light-Theory
- 26.377 Costume Design
- 26.491 Seminar in Tech. Theatre and Design
- and one other design course
- One additional course from the Performance Emphasis listed above
- 32.111 Drawing
- 54.180 Computer Aided Design and Engineering Graphics
- 26.277 Costume Construction
Integrated Theatre Studies - Integrated Theatre Studies is provided for students who wish to continue the broader course of studies begun in the core curriculum and who wish to pursue advanced studies in each area of production. This option is especially appropriate for students who may wish to pursue careers in stage or theatre management, educational theatre, or theatre for youth. This curriculum offers courses which require theoretical and practical experience in all areas of the discipline.
