Theatre, B.A.

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

The Department of Theatre offers a four-year program leading to a B.A. degree in Theatre. An undergraduate degree in Theatre offers valuable preparation for careers in educational or professional theatrical activities, as well as other non related disciplines.

All students are reminded that, in addition to meeting departmental requirements for the major, they must also meet the requirements of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences as well as the Core Curriculum requirements.

Program Requirements

The minimum number of credits (exclusive of the University’s Core Curriculum) required for the major: 58.

Minimum number of credits (exclusive of the University’s Core Curriculum) required for the Theatre major: 58.
Minimum grade requirement for major courses listed below: C.
Minimum GPA requirement for major courses listed below: 2.5.

All majors are required to take THE 140 Entry Year Theatre Workshop (3 credits). Theatre majors must also take .5 credits of Theatre Workshop I (THE 141 ), and/or Theatre Workshop II (THE 142 ), each semester enrolled as a theatre major (maximum of 4 credits required).

Theatre students who fail to maintain a 2.5 overall GPA may not be allowed to participate in department productions in either an acting or technical capacity (except for lab duties or requirements related to coursework). These GPA standards are required for graduation and a grade of C or better is required in all theatre courses.

Students are encouraged to meet with the faculty or staff whenever questions arise or problems occur.

The following courses are required:

Foundations Courses (37 credits total):

THE 101 - Introduction to Theatre and Text Analysis Credits: 3
THE 104 - Practicum in Costuming Credits: 1
THE 105 - Practicum in Stage Lighting Credits: 1
THE 106 - Practicum in Stagecraft Credits: 1
THE 112 - Stagecraft Fundamentals Credits: 3
THE 122 - Fundamentals of Performance Credits: 3
THE 136 - Fundamentals of Design Credits: 3
THE 140 - Entry Year Theatre Workshop Credits: 3
THE 141 - Theatre Workshop I Credits: 0.5 (0.5 credits for four semesters, total: 2 credits)
THE 142 - Theatre Workshop II Credits: 0.5 (0.5 credits for four semesters, total: 2 credits)
THE 201 - Cultural History of Theatre Credits: 3
THE 232 - Introduction to Stage Management Credits: 3
THE 234 - Business of Performing Arts Credits: 3
THE 352 - Dramatic Literature and History of Modern Theatre Credits: 3
THE 495 - Theatre Capstone Credits: 3

Choose 7 Electives from the list below* (21 credits total):

THE 115 - Math & the Theatre Arts Credits: 3
THE 139 - Theatrical Makeup Credits: 3
THE 170 - Public Speaking Credits: 3
DAN 208 - Choreography Credits: 3
THE 220 - Acting Techniques I Credits: 3
THE 225 - Voice and Movement Credits: 3
THE 250 - Playwriting Credits: 3
DAN 266 - The Art of Dance Credits: 3
THE 284 - Acting the Song Credits: 3
DAN 305 - Dance and Health Credits: 4
THE 321 - Acting Techniques II Credits: 3
THE 325 - Directing Credits: 3
THE 330 - Dramaturgy: Creative Research, Development, and Critique Credits: 3
THE 331 - Scene Design Credits: 3
THE 334 - Costume Design Credits: 3
THE 335 - Lighting Design Credits: 3
THE 337 - Sound Design Credits: 3
THE 375 - Devised Theatre Credits: 3
THE 384 - Musical Theatre Scene Study Credits: 3
THE 420 - Acting: Styles Credits: 3
THE 434 - Advanced Design for the Theatre Credits: 3
* 3 credit Special Topics courses are often offered, subjects include Writing Dialogue, Stage Combat, Improvisation, Audio Production, etc.

Major Courses that Satisfy Core Requirements

Students are encouraged to explore Core courses that also count towards their major or minor. Courses listed below are part of this major and also satisfy University Core Curriculum requirements. Course lists that satisfy each requirement can be found on the Core Curriculum webpage.

Writing, Reading, and Inquiry 3: THE 330
Quantitative Reasoning: THE 115
Creative Expression: THE 102 , THE 136 , THE 139 , THE 170 , THE 232 , DAN 101
Cultural Interpretation: THE 101 , DAN 266
Science Exploration: DAN 305
Socio-cultural Analysis: THE 201
Ethical Inquiry, Social Responsibility, and Citizenship: THE 375
Culture, Power, and Equity: THE 201
International: THE 201
Engaged Learning: THE 490 , THE 491 , THE 492 , THE 495
Capstone: THE 495

USM Core Requirements

Students must complete all Core and degree requirements as part of the Graduation Requirements. For more information, see Academic Policies.

The USM Core Curriculum provides a coherent, integrative, and rigorous liberal arts education that fulfills general education requirements. It is designed to help students become globally aware, purposeful, and lifelong learners.

Please Note: Core requirements may be part of your major and/or minor, and Core may have been fulfilled with transfer credit. Please consult your MaineStreet Degree Progress Report (DPR) and review your degree progress with your Advisor. For additional information, access the USM Core webpage.