Curriculum

The Theatre department curriculum falls into two broad, though inter-related, categories: 1) practice-based courses that develop Performance and Production skills; and 2) academic courses that study Dramatic Literature, Criticism, and Theater History.

The list below includes current and recent courses arranged by major and minor requirement categories. ‘Fundamentals’ are the core of our Theatre education providing a well-rounded educational experience. ‘Performance and Production’ and ‘History, Criticism, and Dramatic Literature’ offer many options and may also be used as electives if you choose to take more than required. ‘Electives’ count only as electives but frequently serve as prerequisites to advanced classes. ‘Production Labs’ are required for everyone and are a great way to get started in Theatre.

If you are seeking additional vocal training in musical theater or opera, see these courses offered in the Music Department. ​Musical Theater Performance (MUSP2750-01)​, BC Opera Workshop (MUSP2850-01)​, Individual Vocal Instruction (MUSP1900), ​Individual Vocal Instruction (MUSP1925).

A complete list of course offerings for the current semester can be found on the Office of Student Services website.

Student Services

Fundamentals

Theatre Majors must take all four of these courses.

Theatre Minors must take Dramatic Structure and Theatrical Process (or Introduction to Theatre THTR1170, in special cases), Acting I, and choose either Elements of Stagecraft OR Elements of Theatrical Design.

CourseCourse TitleCredit
THTR1172Dramatic Structure and Theatrical Process (substitute Introduction to Theatre THTR1170, in special cases)3
THTR1103Acting I: Fundamentals of Performance3
THTR1130Elements of Stagecraft3
THTR1140Elements of Theatrical Design
3

Upper Level Performance and/or Production

Theatre Majors must take 6 credits from this category.   Additional credits will count toward electives. Theatre Minors must take 3 credits from this category. Specialty courses not listed here may be offered when we have visiting artists and guest faculty.  Any course that falls within this number range will count toward this category.

  • THTR3300-THTR3370
  • THTR4400-THTR4470
  • THTR5540 & THTR5548
CourseCourse TitleCredit
THTR3302Movement and Dance for Stage & Screen Performers3
THTR3303Meisner Acting Technique3
THTR3313The Art of the Audition1
THTR3319Musical Theatre Performance3
THTR3321Contemporary Dance II (Prereqquisite: THTR2221 Contemporary Dance I)3
THTR3322Jazz Dance II (Prereqquisite: THTR2222 Jazz Dance I)3
THTR3323Dance for Musicals II (Prereqquisite: THTR2223 Dance for Musicals I)3
THTR3344Stage Design I3
THTR3347Costume Design3
THTR3349Lighting Design (Offered alternate years)3
THTR3362Playwriting I3
THTR3366Directing I4
THTR4403Advanced Meisner Technique3
THTR4462Playwriting II (Prereqquisite: THTR3362 Playwriting I)3
THTR4466Directing II (Prereqquisite: THTR4466 Directing I)4
THTR5546Theater Practicum in Performance3
  • Not all classes are offered every year. Some courses are offered only by demand.
  • Specialty courses in musical theatre, puppetry, event organization, and advanced acting are added depending on the expertise of our guest artists.
  • The Music Department offers voice lessons, musical theater and opera classes.

Upper Level History, Criticism, and/or Dramatic Literature

Theatre Majors must take 12 credits from this category. One of the classes must be History of Theater I or II. Additional credits will count toward electives.

Theatre Minors must take 6 credits from this category. One of the classes must be History of Theater I or II. The second course must be in the 3371 or above level.

Courses between THTR3371-THTR3399 count as an upper level in this category.

CourseCourse TitleCredit
THTR2275History of Theater I
3
THTR2285History of Theater II
3
THTR3371Theater in Boston: the Critical Eye3
THTR3372Contemporary Theater & Drama in London3
THTR3374American Theater & Drama3
THTR3375American Popular Entertainment3
THTR3376American Musical Theatre3
THTR3377Fashion & Decor: A Cultural History3
THTR3378Creative Dramatics3
THTR3382Contemporary American Theatre3
THTR3385African American Theater & Drama3
THTR3386Shakespeare on Stage3
THTR3387Modern Theater and Drama3
  • Not all classes are offered every year.
  • Specialty courses in various topics are added depending on the expertise of our guest artists.

Electives Only

These courses only count towards electives. Upper level courses will also count toward electives if more than the required number of courses are taken.

CourseCourse TitleCredit
THTR1120Elements of Dance3
THTR1125Beginning Ballet I3
THTR1126Beginning Ballet II3
THTR1128Ballroom Dance: Mid-19th Century1
THTR2210Improvisation for Stage I1
THTR2211Improvisation for Stage II1
THTR2213The Spoken Voice: On Stage & Off3
THTR2220Stage Movement for Actors3
THTR2221Contemporary Dance I3
THTR2222Jazz Dance I3
THTR2223Dance for Musicals I3
THTR2225Intermediate Ballet I3
THTR2226Intermediate Ballet II3
THTR2239Stage Management Basics1
THTR2247Makeup Design for the Stage3
THTR2251Principles of Theatre Management3
THTR2255Theatre Skills: Sound Design Basics3
THTR2268Theatre for Youth3

Theatre Production Labs

All are welcome, majors and non-majors alike, to sign up for a one credit lab. You will learn skills backstage building costumes, scenery, paint, props, lights or sound. Or sign up to be backstage as ‘run crew’ during a performance. No experience is necessary to sign up for a lab and the supervisor will convey specific requirements for what is expected. It is open to everyone although some areas require the permission of the instructor. One-credit production labs are graded on a pass/fail basis.

You may register anytime up through the drop/add period. It is recommended that anyone who is auditioning for a show sign up for a production lab after the auditions on the first weekend of the semester.

A theater major is required to earn six laboratory credits in order to complete the major.

CourseCourse TitleCredit
THTR1011THEATRE PRODUCTION LAB I: SCENERY RUN1
THTR1012THEATRE PRODUCTION LAB: WARDROBE RUN1
THTR1013THEATRE PRODUCTION LAB: ACTING PRACTICUM1
THTR1014THEATRE PRODUCTION LAB I: ELECTRICS RUN1
THTR1015THEATRE PRODUCTION LAB I: SOUND RUN1
THTR1016THEATRE PRODUCTION LAB I: SPECIAL TOPICS RUN1
THTR1021THEATRE PRODUCTION LAB II: SCENERY PREP1
THTR1022THEATRE PRODUCTION LAB II: COSTUMES PREP1
THTR1023THEATRE PRODUCTION LAB II: PROPS/PAINT PREP1
THTR1024THEATRE PRODUCTION LAB II: ELECTRICS PREP1
THTR1025THEATRE PRODUCTION LAB II: SOUND PREP1
THTR1026THEATRE PRODUCTION LAB II: SPECIAL TOPICS PREP1
THTR1027THEATRE PRODUCTION LAB II: DRAMATURGY1
THTR1031THEATRE PRODUCTION LAB III:ASSISTANT SCENIC DESIGNER1
THTR1032THEATRE PRODUCTION LAB III:ASSISTANT COSTUME DESIGNER1
THTR1034THEATRE PRODUCTION LAB III:ASSISTANT LIGHT DESIGNER1
THTR1035THEATRE PRODUCTION LAB III:ASSISTANT SOUND DESIGNER1
THTR1038THEATRE PRODUCTION LAB III: ASSISTANT DIRECTOR1
THTR1039THEATRE PRODUCTION LAB III:ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGMENT1
THTR1040THEATRE PRODUCTION LAB III: CHOREOGRAPHY1
THTR1041ADVANCED PRODUCTION LAB: SCENIC DESIGN2
THTR1042ADVANCED PRODUCTION LAB:COSTUME DESIGN2
THTR1044ADVANCED PRODUCTION LAB: LIGHT DESIGN2
THTR1045ADVANCED PRODUCTION LAB: SOUND DESIGN2
THTR1049ADVANCED PRODUCTION LAB: STAGE MANAGER2
THTR1051ADVANCED PRODUCTION LAB: TECHNICAL DIRECTOR2