Theatre Major, B.A.

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Department of Theatre and Dance

College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

Available Program Format(s): In-Person

About the Program

Theatre is “Equipment for Living.” That’s the philosophy behind the MSU Denver Theatre program.

A Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre not only prepares you to tell powerful, transformative stories, but it also imparts the ability to work in teams, communicate artfully, plan large projects and think analytically - skills employers crave.

As a Theatre major, you study the academic side of Theatre as well as receive opportunities to perform and work in campus productions, serve as a production dramaturge, become part of an MSU Denver touring company, intern at local theatres and participate in regional and national theatre competitions.

MSU Denver’s Theatre program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre. The program not only prepares you for further graduate studies, but also provides the training necessary for careers in voice, film and theatre and other media. Many Theatre majors also translate their Theatre degrees into careers such as teaching, sales, law, business, communications and more.

Student Outcomes

Demonstrate a solid understanding of the business of theatre as it applies to one’s chosen concentration, especially an understanding of how to secure and maintain employment.
Demonstrate the ability to exercise the skills of one’s chosen concentration with other theatre skill areas.
Demonstrate the ability to think logically and critically.
Demonstrate the ability to verbalize and/or write coherent and insightful criticism of dramatic literature and theatre production.
Articulate the role of the arts, and theatre specifically, in diverse cultures represented in the city, state, and country.
Work effectively and productively as a member of groups.
Demonstrate the discipline, attitude, perseverance, and focus necessary for a career in the theatre.

General Degree Requirements

To earn a degree, students must satisfy all requirements in each of the four areas below, in addition to their individual major requirements.

Program Requirements

A total of 120 semester hours are required for graduation.
A grade of C- or better is required for each course in this program to count toward the bachelor’s degree. Students should note that programs differ in the minimum grade required.

General Studies Requirements: 33 credits

Students should consult the General Studies Requirements for a list of courses that fulfill the General Studies Requirements for degree completion.

Written Communication (6 credits)
Oral Communication (3 credits)
Quantitative Literacy (3 credits)
Arts and Humanities (6 credits)
Historical (3 credits)
Natural and Physical Sciences (6 credits)
Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 credits)
Global Diversity (0 or 3 credits**)

** Students will fulfill the global diversity requirement by taking an approved course within one of the following categories: arts and humanities; historical; natural and physical sciences; or social and behavioral sciences.

Ethnic Studies & Social Justice Requirement: 0 or 3 credits

Students should consult the Ethnic Studies & Social Justice Graduation Requirement for a list of courses that fulfill the ESSJ Requirement for degree completion.
Students should consult with their advisor to determine what program courses may fulfill this requirement.

Required Core Courses for all Theatre Majors: 43 credits

THE 2201 - The Speaking Voice in Performance Credits: 3
THE 2210 - Introduction to Theatre Credits: 3
THE 2215 - Self-Care in Theatre Credits: 3
THE 2220 - Acting I Credits: 3
THE 2240 - Stagecraft Credits: 3
THE 2248 - Wardrobe Technology for Everyone Credits: 3
THE 2270 - Production Analysis: Process and Technology Credits: 3
THE 2280 - Theatre Career Development Credits: 3
THE 3211 - Theatre History, Theory, and Criticism I Credits: 3
THE 3212 - Theatre History, Theory, and Criticism II Credits: 3
THE 3220 - Stage Movement Credits: 3
THE 3222 - Devised Theatre Credits: 3
THE 3234 - Audition Techniques Credits: 3
or
THE 4202 - Career Skills for Theatre Technology and Design Credits: 3
THE 4230 - Stage Directing Credits: 3
THE 4260 - Theatre: Practicum I Credits: 1

Major Electives: 8 credits

All courses with a “THE” prefix, except those courses required for the major, including internships, may be selected in consultation with an approved Theatre advisor within the Department of Theatre and Dance.

Senior Experience: 3 credits

THE 4230 - Stage Directing Credits: 3 (credits counted in major)

Summary of Requirements

General Studies Requirements	33 credits
ESSJ Requirement	0-3 credits
Major Required Courses	43 credits
Major Electives	8 credits
Senior Experience	(counted in major)
Unrestricted Electives	33-42 credits
Total for the Theatre Major, B.A.	120 credits

Required courses for the major may also count for General Studies and ESSJ requirements, so the total credits listed may be greater than the number required to complete the degree. Therefore, it is important that you work with your advisor to make sure you are meeting requirements for your degree.