Department of Theatre

John Mayer, Ph.D., Chair

Professors: Mayer, O’Donnell, Wendt
Associate Professors: Everett
Assistant Professor: Broadwater, Mercier

Office: Drama Building — D15
Phone: (209) 667-3451

Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts (General)
Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts with an emphasis in Acting or Technical Theatre
Minor in Theatre Arts (General)
Liberal Studies degree concentration in Theatre

The General BA degree track trains undergraduates as general practitioners in the art of Theatre. The curriculum balances theoretical and practical work while featuring a close relationship between courses and production. The students and faculty work together on all aspects of production in a 300-seat mainstage theater and a 100-seat studio theater.

The Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts with an Acting Emphasis offers a strong general theatre core curriculum while instilling a comprehensive approach to Acting, Voice, Movement, and Stage Combat. The Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts with a Technical Theatre Emphasis offers a strong general theatre core curriculum while instilling a comprehensive approach to aspects of Technical Theatre and Technical Theatre Design.

Students in all three areas will need to take 6 units of Rehearsal and Performance (THEA 4350, which is a one-unit course.) Upon achievement of sophomore status in the University, students will be required to take at least 1 unit of Rehearsal and Performance each semester they are in residence in the Theatre major. Students may enroll in more than one unit of Rehearsal and Performance in one semester by enrolling in two different sections of Rehearsal and Performance (upon approval of instructor or Department Chair). Transfer students must be enrolled in Rehearsal and Performance every semester they are in residence in the program and must complete 6 units of Rehearsal and Performance to graduate.

Upon completion of the Theatre major, a student should be able to collaborate with others in the operation of a theatre or to qualify for further professional training as an artist or as a scholar. Courses in the theatre curriculum also provide aesthetic and cultural enrichment for Liberal Arts students.

Liberal Studies Concentration in Theatre

Please refer to the Liberal Studies section of this catalog.

Secondary School Teacher’s Certificate in Drama

View information for the Certificate for Teaching Drama .

Learning Objectives

Students will demonstrate:

Knowledge of the history and traditions of theatre.
Knowledge of techniques of script and character analysis in the context of a theatrical production/activity.
Through practical projects, realizations of design and technical work, from both a traditional and contemporary perspective.
Understanding of shop equipment, safety and techniques through elaboration of production in the scene and costume shops of the department.
The ability to perform in a variety of studio/stage settings.
The integration of learning goals through senior projects.
A strong understanding of teamwork and collaboration.