Program Guide

Theatre, BA

College: Fine Arts, Theatre
Degree: BA
Specialized Admission: No

*Please Note: Face-to-face/in-person instruction of this program is available ONLY at the main campus in Tallahassee, FL. This program is NOT available via Online/Distance Learning.*

The Bachelor of Arts program at the School of Theatre at FSU offers diversified and rigorous studies of practical, historical, and cultural contexts of theatre and theatre-making. Building on a strong liberal arts foundation, the BA program fosters expressive skills, creative mindsets, and theoretical and critical thinking essential to success in theatre and other professions. With close faculty contact, students pursue areas of interest that may include acting, directing, writing, musical theatre, devised theatre, design, production, stage management, performance theory, and cultural studies.

Students in the BA program will:
• Develop essential and holistic skills as theatremakers -- as performers, designers, managers, critics, and technicians
• Become familiar with key historical and contemporary plays
• Explore global theatre traditions and histories and their influences on contemporary performance and media
• Practice creative expression, critical thinking, and communication skills
• Interrogate the role of theatre in a changing world
• Develop projects and events through collaboration, conceptualization, and creativity

Prerequisite Coursework: None
There are no common prerequisites to the BA in Theatre program at FSU.

Note: State-wide common prerequisites are always under review. For the most current information and for acceptable alternative courses, visit the “Common Prerequisites Manual.” This is available from the “Student Services” section of http://www.flvc.org .

Requirements for Progression to the Upper-Division Major
To be admitted, students must complete at least 52 hours of credit with an adjusted GPA of 3.00 and successful completion of at least half of the required hours in General Education requirements, including all English and math, or an A.A. degree.

* An audition is not needed for the B. A. Program. *

Major Program of Studies at FSU: (46-49 hours)
Prerequisites to advanced courses must be passed with a grade of C minus or better. A grade of C minus or higher is required in all courses to be counted toward the major. 3.00 GPA must be maintained in major requirements. Overall 3.00 must be maintained.

BA Theatre Core (25 hours)

All of the following:
THE 2020 (3) Introduction to Theatre for Majors (final grade of B minus or higher required)
TPA 2000 (3) Introduction to Design for Theatre
TPA 2322 (3) Technical Theatre Practices I
TPA 2323 (3) Technical Theatre Practices II
TPP 2100 (2) Performance I
TPP 2190L (1) Theatre Rehearsal and Performance
THE 3213 (3) World Theatre History I
THE 3214 (3) World Theatre History II (should be taken as part of General Education)
THE 4303 (3) Play Analysis
THE 4954 (1) Culminations
THE 4990 (0) All School Events (Fall and Spring Semesters)

The Track of Focus provides advanced level coursework in a particular area of study within the vast art of theatre. By focusing on a singular thread of study, the student is given the tools to explore deeper and engage in a greater understanding of an area.

Track Offerings: (21-24 credits each)

• The Performance Track offers the student practical, exploratory engagement with the tools of the acting process. We study theatre-making as actors, directors, and story-tellers, developing expressive skills, devising performances, and expanding our notions of theatre.

• The Design & Production Track brings the student behind the stage to experience the artistry of theatrical creation in design, media, and technology. We study theatre-making as artistic practitioners, exploring design challenges through technical solutions in a hands-on framework.

• The Stage Management Track places the student in the core of the production process. We study theatre-making as managers and leaders, supporting the artistic and technical teams through creative solutions and organizational management.

• The Theatre Theory & Studies Track offers the student critical skills in theory, dramaturgy, and the transformation of documents into performance. We study theatre-making as critics and writers, dismantling stereotypes, surveying genres, and analyzing structures.

Foreign Language Requirement: A modern or classical foreign language through the 2220 (or equivalent) level (up to 12 hours) is required; may be satisfied through coursework or examination.

Digital Literacy: (0 hours beyond major requirements)
THE4954 (1) Culminations meets this requirement for students in this major.

Oral Communication Competency: (0 hours beyond major requirements)
THE2020(3) Introduction to Theatre for Majors meets this requirement for students in this major.

E-Series/“W”: (3 hours beyond major requirements)
THE3214: World Theatre History 2 meets 3 of the 6 total hours for this requirement.
Students must choose a University approved course to meet the remaining 3 hours for this requirement.

Diversity: (6 hours beyond major requirements)
Students must choose two University approved courses to meet this requirement.

Scholarship in Practice: (3 hours beyond major requirements)
THE3214: World Theatre History 2 meets 3 of the 6 total hours for this requirement.
Students must choose a University approved course to meet the remaining 3 hours for this requirement.

Natural Science Lab: (1 hour beyond major requirements)
Students must choose a University approved course to meet this requirement.

Upper-Division Writing: (0 hours beyond major requirements)
THE4303 (3) Play Analysis meets this requirement for students in this major.

Minimum Program Requirements - Summary
Total Hrs. Required 120
General Education 36*
Major Coursework 46-49*
Foreign Language 0-12 (depending on placement)
Digital Literacy 0 hours beyond major requirements
Oral Competency 0 beyond major coursework
Electives to bring total hours to 120

*NOTE: The required THE 3214 may be used to fulfill requirements of both General Education and the major. 24 hours of electives (including foreign language) must be in non-theatre courses.

Mapping is FSU’s academic advising and monitoring system. Academic progress is monitored each Fall and Spring semester to ensure that students are on course to earn their degree in a timely fashion. Transfer students must meet mapping guidelines to be accepted into their majors. You may view the map for this major at www.academic-guide.fsu.edu/.

1. A minimum of 45 hours at the 3000 level or above, 30 of which must be taken at this University.
2. Half of the major course semester hours must be completed in residence at this University.
3. The final 30 hours must be completed in residence at this University.

Salary Information: For more information go to: National Association of Colleges and Employers (www.naceweb.org) or the Occupational Outlook Handbook (www.bls.gov/ooh/home.htm) provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Representative Job Titles Related to this Major: Actor/Actress, Stage Hand, Managing Director, Director, Make-up Artist, Property Manager, Producer, Wardrobe Mistress, Public Relations Manager, Playwright-Writer, Stage Manager, Teacher, Light Designer/Technician Scenery Painter, Drama Critic, Scene Designer, Box Office Manager, Artistic Director, Sound Technician, House Manager

Representative Employers: Theatre Companies, Regional Theatres, Stock Companies, Dinner Theatres, Opera Companies, Movie Producers, Television Studios, Theme Parks, Universities, Community Colleges, High Schools, Newspapers.