Theatre, B.A.

Students earning a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre choose one of three tracks: Performance, Design and Technology, or Theatre Studies. In our small classes, students focus on developing a rigorous approach to the art of theatre-making, the honing of a personal, creative practice, and an understanding of theatre across history and the world. All students take classes in design, performance, playscript analysis, and technology, and are encouraged to pursue their own interest in advanced study in classes including lighting design, costume design, scenic design, acting for the camera, stage management, devising, and directing. Unique department offerings include Shakespeare and Autism, Intimacy Direction, Voice and Movement, and specific seminars in Theatre History. We offer minors in Dance and in Theatre, and we teach a range of classes from Ballet to Modern to The Business of Dance. All students, regardless of major, are welcome to audition for our mainstage productions and to work on our shows.

Oral Communication Requirement

To satisfy the oral communication requirement for the B.A. degree in Theatre with an option in performance a student must successfully complete THR 486 . To satisfy the oral communication requirement for the B.A. degree in Theatre with an option in design and technology a student must successfully complete THR 487 . To satisfy the oral communication requirement for the B.A. degree in Theatre with an option in theatre studies a student must successfully complete THR 486 or THR 487 .

Applied Learning Requirement

To satisfy the applied learning requirement for the B.A. degree in Theatre a student must successfully complete THR 110 .

Requirements for a Major in Theatre

Students must complete a core curriculum consisting of courses listed below. In addition, a student must complete one of the following options to fulfill degree requirements. In each option, a student must complete at least 18 hours of THR at the 300-400 level. Must have 24 THR hours at UNCW or through an approved study abroad program.

Theatre Core Courses (22 Credit Hours)

THR 110 - Introduction to Theatre Technology
THR 125 - Introduction to Design
THR 165 - Playscript Analysis for Production
THR 230 - Fundamentals of Acting
Or
THR 231 - Craft of Acting I - Self-discovery and Truth
Theatre majors may enroll in either 231 or 230. Performance track majors are required to enroll in 231 or the equivalent at a prior institution
THR 242 - Production Studio I
THR 321 - A Social History of Western Theatre I
Or
THR 322 - A Social History of Western Theatre II
THR 486 - Senior Seminar: Performance
Or
THR 487 - Senior Seminar: Design, Technology, and Theatre Studies

1 of the Following Theatre History/Literature classes (3 Credit Hours)

Theatre Studies Option (27 Credit Hours)

This option allows students to develop individualized plans of study tailored to their specific academic and professional interests as well as career goals. This is the best approach for students who wish to combine multiple subject areas.

1 of the Following (3 Credit Hours)

1 of the Following Design (3 Credit Hours)

1 of the Following Technology (3 Credit Hours)

1 of the Following Theatre History/Literature (3 Credit Hours)

Must be different from Core choices.

Theatre Elective Courses (15 Credit Hours)

18 additional hours of THR courses at the 200-400 level.

9 hours in related courses from other departments may be considered for Theatre electives 200-400 level in consultation with your advisor and approval of Chair.

Performance Option (27 Credit Hours)

This option offers students pre-professional training in stage and film performance which prepares them for a pluralistic range of outcomes including professional employment in theatre, film or television, future advanced or graduate study, or skills leading to work in allied performance fields of interest.

The gateway to enter the performance track requires an audition (a monologue from a play, approximately 60 seconds), and interview with performance faculty, a B or higher in Acting II (THR332) and Voice and Movement 1 (THR301), followed by an essay/application outlining your commitment to the track.
Students in the performance option must apply to continue to stay in this option, in the Spring of their first year after completing THR 231, THR 301 and while enrolled in THR 302 and THR 332. The application form will be available online and sent to the Chair by March 1. Decisions will be made by March 20.
Fall semester (THR 231 & THR 301) & Spring semester (THR 302 & THR 332) concurrent in first year of study in this option. Must have B or better in each of these classes to continue in the performance option.

In addition to the core requirements, the student must complete the following.

2 of the Following Courses (6 Credit Hours)

Design and Technology Option (27 Credit Hours)

Students in the production design and technology option will develop the knowledge of all aspects of design including scenic, costume, lighting and sound as well as gain the skill sets to create and realize their work. They will be given the opportunity to collaborate on productions with the assistance of the faculty.

In addition to the core requirements, the student must complete:

Design and Technology Core (3 Credit Hours)

THR 242 - Production Studio I
THR 242 (1hour) must be taken again in addition to the THR 242 core requirement.
THR 491 - Directed Individual Study
2 hours in specialized technical theatre

1 of the Following Design Courses (3 Courses Hours)

6 of the Following Courses (18 Credit Hours in Consultation with Theatre Advisor)

Theatre Elective Courses (3 Credit Hours)

Additional 3 hours of Theatre courses at the 200 - 400 level.

Total Credit Hours: 49

Additional Information

A “C” (2.00) is required in each course counted toward the major unless noted otherwise.

Double Majors: Students who have selected a primary major in another discipline should request from the Department of Theatre chair an advisor from the option area they have selected.