Theatre and Dance (B.A.)
The Department of Theatre and Dance provides a comprehensive course of study that integrates theory and training within a liberal arts framework. Our core requirements immediately involve students in the practice of collaboration, critical thinking, and creative projects.
Students can specialize in Acting, Arts Management, Directing, Design and Technical Theatre, Dance Education or Choreography and Performance. Each specialization provides numerous opportunities for interconnection between dance and theatre. The dynamic curriculum ensures student development as an artist/scholar and cultivates an environment that fosters open inquiry, student engagement, and artistic excellence.
Our graduates are working professionals, artists, administrators, and educators who believe in the power of performance to change our world. We value inclusiveness and do not require auditions for students interested in performance specializations. Sophomore performance majors are required to participate in a Mid-level Review.
Mid-Level Review
Admission to the program does not require an audition, but all Theatre and Dance performance majors must complete a Mid-Level Review before entering their junior year. The Review usually takes place in the fourth semester or the completion of 24 credits of major requirements. The Mid-Level Review includes enrollment in TAD-292 Mid-Level Review, the presentation of a portfolio of work to illustrate student growth and progression towards the realization of program learning objectives and outcomes. Students present portfolio materials for their faculty committee followed by an interview. Each student portfolio includes specific specialization-based artifacts, as well as a resume, transcripts, and a personal statement.
The purpose of the Mid-Level Review is to assess students’ academic and artistic progress. Also, students identify personal goals and the faculty provides guidance and support to aid student success. The arts management specialization does not require a Mid-Level Review.
Integrative Studies Requirements
40 credits minimum
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Optional Integrative Studies Opportunities for Theatre and Dance Majors | ||
| IATAD-100 | Theatre: the Art of Imagination | 4 |
| IATAD-102 | Acting: Identity & the Creative Process | 4 |
| IATAD-113 | Dance As a Way of Knowing | 4 |
| IATAD-372 | Arts Mgt: Organizatns & Entrepreneurship | 4 |
| IATAD-374 | Arts Mgt: Marketing, Development, & Comm | 4 |
Theatre and Dance (TAD) Core Course Requirements
A major in Theatre and Dance must fulfill all core course requirements and one specialization within the Theatre Arts Option or the Dance Option. The Theatre and Education specialization is designed specifically for Elementary Education or Early Childhood Development Education majors.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| TAD Core Courses (19 credits) | ||
| TAD-105 | Foundations | 4 |
| TAD-121 | Introduction to Technical Theatre | 4 |
| TAD-123 | Theatre Scene Shop Laboratory | 1 |
| TAD-124 | Theatre Costume Laboratory | 1 |
| TAD-140 | Voice and Movement | 4 |
| TAD-397 | Production Process | 1 |
| TAD-112 | Modern Dance/Composition I | 4 |
| or IATAD-113 | Dance As a Way of Knowing | |
| Total Credits | 19 | |
Theatre Arts Option: Acting Specialization
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Acting Specialization | ||
| TAD Core Courses (see above) | 19 | |
| TAD-231 | Theatre History and Literature I | 4 |
| TAD-232 | Theatre History and Literature II | 4 |
| TAD-250 | Beginning Acting | 3 |
| TAD-255 | Ensemble Voice and Movement I | 1 |
| TAD-292 | Mid-Level Review | 0 |
| TAD-350 | Intermediate Acting | 3 |
| TAD-355 | Ensemble Voice and Movement 2 | 1 |
| TAD-398 | Performance Process | 4 |
| TAD-450 | Advanced Acting | 3 |
| TAD-455 | Ensemble, Voice, and Movement 3 | 1 |
| TAD-492 | Capstone | 4 |
| Total Credits | 47 | |
Theatre Arts Option: Arts Management Specialization
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Arts Management Specialization | ||
| TAD Core Courses (see above) | 19 | |
| ISECON-104 | Introduction to Macroeconomics 1 | 4 |
| MGT-140 | Quantitative Decision-Making (a grade of C or higher is required) 2 | 4 |
| MGT-215 | Accounting for Sustainable Business | 4 |
| IATAD-372 | Arts Mgt: Organizatns & Entrepreneurship 1 | 4 |
| IATAD-374 | Arts Mgt: Marketing, Development, & Comm 1 | 4 |
| IATAD-375 | The Regional Creative Economy 1 | 4 |
| TAD-393 | Theatre Internship | 4 |
| or TAD-492 | Capstone | |
| Total Credits | 47 | |
- 1
May potentially fulfill an Integrative Studies requirement.
- 2
May be used to fulfill IQ Integrative Studies requirement.
Theatre Arts Option: Design & Technical Theatre Specialization
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Design & Technical Theatre Specialization | ||
| TAD Core Courses (see above) | 19 | |
| TAD-223 | Theatre Technology Workshop | 4 |
| TAD-224 | Theatrical Design Studio | 4 |
| TAD-231 | Theatre History and Literature I | 4 |
| TAD-232 | Theatre History and Literature II | 4 |
| TAD-292 | Mid-Level Review | 0 |
| TAD-361 | Scenic Design | 3 |
| TAD-362 | Lighting Design | 3 |
| TAD-363 | Costume Design | 3 |
| TAD-371 | Scenic Design Laboratory | 1 |
| TAD-372 | Lighting Design Laboratory | 1 |
| TAD-373 | Costume Design Laboratory | 1 |
| TAD-398 | Performance Process | 1 |
| TAD-492 | Capstone | 4 |
| Total Credits | 52 | |
Theatre Arts Option: Theatre & Education Specialization
Note: For Elementary Education or Early Childhood Development Majors only.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Theatre & Education Specialization | ||
| TAD Core Courses (see above) | 19 | |
| TAD-231 | Theatre History and Literature I | 4 |
| TAD-232 | Theatre History and Literature II | 4 |
| TAD-250 | Beginning Acting | 3 |
| TAD-255 | Ensemble Voice and Movement I | 1 |
| TAD-292 | Mid-Level Review | 0 |
| TAD-350 | Intermediate Acting | 3 |
| TAD-355 | Ensemble Voice and Movement 2 | 1 |
| TAD-460 | Directing | 3 |
| TAD-465 | Ensemble Voice and Movement 4 | 1 |
| Select one of the following design courses and labs: | 4 | |
| Scenic Design and Scenic Design Laboratory | ||
| Lighting Design and Lighting Design Laboratory | ||
| Costume Design and Costume Design Laboratory | ||
| Total Credits | 43 | |
Theatre Dance Option: Choreography & Performance Specialization
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Choreography & Performance Specialization | ||
| TAD Core Courses (see above) | 19 | |
| TAD-235 | Dance History | 4 |
| TAD-292 | Mid-Level Review | 0 |
| TAD-318 | Research in Choreography | 4 |
| TAD-398 | Performance Process | 2 |
| TAD-495 | Modern Dance Seminar | 4 |
| Select 20 credits of the following: | 20 | |
| Modern Dance/Composition II | ||
| Ballet/Experiential Anatomy | ||
| Modern Dance/Composition III | ||
| Modern Dance/Composition IV | ||
| Modern Dance/Composition V | ||
| Modern Dance/Composition VI | ||
| Total Credits | 53 | |
Theatre Dance Option: Dance Education Specialization
This TAD major specialization is appropriate as a second major for students completing the Elementary Education or Early Childhood Development options in the Education major. However, an Education major is not required.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Dance Education Specialization | ||
| TAD Core Courses | 19 | |
| TAD-212 | Modern Dance/Composition II | 4 |
| TAD-216 | Jazz Dance | 4 |
| TAD-217 | Ballet/Experiential Anatomy | 4 |
| TAD-235 | Dance History | 4 |
| TAD-292 | Mid-Level Review | 0 |
| TAD-312 | Modern Dance/Composition IV | 4 |
| TAD-318 | Research in Choreography | 4 |
| TAD-398 | Performance Process | 2 |
| TAD-412 | Modern Dance/Composition VI | 4 |
| Select four credits of the following: | 4 | |
| Dance Education Practicum I * | ||
| Dance Education Practicum II * | ||
| *Students in TAD-496 and TAD-497 Practicum must complete both Primary level and Intermediate level. | ||
| Total Credits | 53 | |
Effective fall 2023, there will be no admission to the TAD: Directing Specialization for both current and prospective students as this program is on administrative hold.
Theatre Arts Option: Directing Specialization
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Directing Specialization | ||
| TAD Core Courses (see above) | 19 | |
| TAD-231 | Theatre History and Literature I | 4 |
| TAD-232 | Theatre History and Literature II | 4 |
| TAD-250 | Beginning Acting | 3 |
| TAD-255 | Ensemble Voice and Movement I | 1 |
| TAD-292 | Mid-Level Review | 0 |
| TAD-350 | Intermediate Acting | 3 |
| TAD-355 | Ensemble Voice and Movement 2 | 1 |
| TAD-398 | Performance Process | 1 |
| TAD-460 | Directing | 3 |
| TAD-465 | Ensemble Voice and Movement 4 | 1 |
| TAD-470 | Directing 2 | 3 |
| TAD-475 | Ensemble Voice and Movement 5 | 1 |
| TAD-492 | Capstone | 4 |
| Select one of the following design courses and labs: | 4 | |
| Scenic Design and Scenic Design Laboratory | ||
| Lighting Design and Lighting Design Laboratory | ||
| Costume Design and Costume Design Laboratory | ||
| Total Credits | 52 | |
Degree Requirements:
120 credits for B.A.
139 credits for a B.S., in combination with an education major
Electives
Select courses to reach a total of 120 credits for the degree.
Degree Requirements
120 credits
40 credits at the upper-level
Upon completion of the Theatre and Dance major student will:
Knowledge of theory
- Student will make an accurate observation of the topic
- Student will make a personal and unique interpretation of the topic
- Student will create a coherent and organize analysis of the topic
- Student will formulate a conclusion based on the analysis of the topic
Application of craft
- Students will be able to translate varied sources of inspiration into artistic expression
- Students will be able to explore multiple approaches to an idea
- Students will be able to devise new uses for existing patterns or structures
- Students will be able to develop systematic methods to find individualized solutions to specific problems
Collaboration
- Students will be able to create well-crafted works in partnership with other students
- Students will be able to Perform with common intention as part of a unified ensemble
Growth through Self-Awareness
- Student will develop a better understanding of their own individuality as they reflect on their creative process
- Students will be able to investigate self as source for creative production
- Students will be able to identify his/her own individual creative process
- Students will be able to communicate personal experience of class material in discussion and writing