The Undergraduate Program offers a wealth of experience to theatre students.

Classes in acting, directing, scene design, stagecraft, musical theatre, dance, make-up, dramatic literature, costume design, theatre history, playwriting, lighting design, comedy improvisation, audition techniques, movement, stage management, stage speech, singing, scene painting, and specialized seminars lead to a thorough understanding of the theatre process.  Production experience, work with professional guest artists, and involvement in national festivals and conferences are natural extensions of the intensive learning done in the classroom.  Hands-on experiences are plentiful, with opportunities to act, design, direct, and work behind the scenes.  We strongly encourage active involvement in all aspects of production and strive to provide a variety of opportunities which will prepare students both academically and professionally for a successful future in theatre.

 

Degree Conferred: B.A. (DRAM)

 

Requirements for a Major in Drama

A minimum of 40 semester hours to include 18 semester hours in courses numbered 3000 and above or the prescribed program for teacher licensure in speech education. All drama majors must enroll in the following courses:
DRAM 1223 (Introduction to Dramatic Art),
DRAM 1313 (Stage Technology I: Costumes and Makeup),
DRAM 1311L (Stage Technology I Lab),
DRAM 1323 (Stage Technology II: Scenery and Lighting),
DRAM1321L (Stage Technology II Lab),
DRAM 1683 (Acting I),
DRAM 3653 (Directing I), * DRAM 2683 Acting II is required prior to Directing I

or

DRAM 3683 (Stage Management)

DRAM 4233 (History of Theatre I),
DRAM 4333 (History of Theatre II)
DRAM 2313 (Introduction to Design)

A choice of ONE course from the following:
DRAM 3213 (Costume Design I)
DRAM 3733 (Lighting Design I)
DRAM 3903 (Makeup Design)
DRAM 4653 (Scene Design I)

And six hours of courses chosen from
DRAM 3803 (Development of the Drama)
DRAM 4733 (Dramatic Criticism)
DRAM 3433 (Stage Speech)
DRAM 4463 (African American Theatre History)
DRAM 491 (Special Topics in Script Analysis/Synthesis)
One design course, not previously taken, chosen from among DRAM 3213, DRAM 3733, DRAM 3903, DRAM 4653.

In addition, all drama majors are required to take 2 credit hours of Theatre Practicum, DRAM 3001. It is expected that one hour of theatre practicum will be taken per academic year. No drama major may present DRAM 1003 to satisfy the College fine arts requirement.

 

Writing Requirement

The Fulbright College research/analytical paper requirement for drama majors will be fulfilled in DRAM 4233, 4333, 4453, or 4733. Satisfactory completion of an honors project or senior thesis may fulfill the requirement.

 

Requirements for Departmental Honors in Drama

The Departmental Honors Program in Drama provides upper-division undergraduate students with an opportunity to formally participate in creative and scholarly activities in theatre. Honors candidates engage in independent study and research under the guidance of the drama faculty and participate in special honors seminars and colloquia. Outstanding student achievement will be recognized by awarding the distinction "Drama Scholar Cum Laude at graduation. In addition to satisfying the general college requirements for the bachelor's degree with Honors, honors candidates in drama must (1) become a candidate no later than the second semester of their junior year, (2) enroll in honors colloquia when available, (3) enroll in six hours of honors research (DRAM 399V), (4) complete and defend in orals examination an honors thesis based upon the project carried out in DRAM 399V, and (5) achieve a cumulative grade-point average of 3.125. Higher degree distinctions are recommended only in truly exceptional cases and are based upon the candidate's entire academic program. Generally speaking, these are awarded only to students with a cumulative grade-point average of 3.50 whose project demonstrates a high degree of creativity and scholarship.

 

Requirements for a Minor in Drama

A minimum of 18 semester hours in drama, including DRAM 1223 and either 1313/1311, 1323/1321, or 1683. The remaining hours must be selected from courses at the 3000- or 4000- level, the specific courses to be determined by the student in consultation with a Drama Department faculty adviser. The student must notify the Department of his or her intent to minor.