BFA in Theatre (Emphasis in Acting & Directing, Design and Technology, Teaching Certification) | BFA in Musical Theatre (Emphasis in Theatre, Dance, and Music) | Minor in Theatre | Course Descriptions
Chair: Penelope A. Hasekoester (936) 294-1330
Faculty: Laura Avery, Elizabeth Freese, Kristina Hanssen, Eric Marsh, Maureen McIntyre, David McTier, Thomas Prior, Leslie Swackhamer
Website: www.shsu.edu/~drm_www/
Theatre reflects the human condition in the study of a wide range of behavior, relationships, periods of history, social configurations, and aesthetic styles. Involvement in this collaborative art form finds students growing in theatre skills and techniques, better understanding themselves, solving problems, working within a group and meeting production deadlines.
A theatre major first studies each area of the theatre to gain substantial knowledge of acting, technical theatre, costuming, lighting and scenic design, stage makeup, history, criticism, and directing. From that background, a person can specialize in one of these areas with additional coursework in theatre, and in such fields as music, dance, art, radio and television, or teacher education. Bachelor of Fine Arts degree programs are available in musical theatre with arease of emphasis in theatre, dance and music and theatre with areas of emphasis acting and directing, design technology and theatre technology, and teacher certification.
Students have the opportunity to audition and possibly be cast in shows every semester. As they develop expertise in areas of their primary interests, advanced students are chosen to stage manage, to design lights, sets, costumes, sound, makeup, and to direct major productions. Productions are staged in either the large, 396-seat proscenium theatre or the 90-seat thrust theatre. The theatres themselves, as well as the scene and costume shops are equipped with excellent technical equipment. Guest directors and professional workshops provide students additional contacts with other people in professional theatre. The proximity to Houston also allows students exposure to many venues of professional theatre, opera, dance, film and other forms of entertainment.
Academic Programs
- BFA in Theatre with areas of emphasis in acting-directing, design-theatre technology, and teacher certification
- BFA in Musical Theatre with areas of emphasis in theatre, dance, and music
Advisement
It is recommended that all theatre and musical theatre majors are advised by faculty in the department.Highlights
The Theatre and Musical Theatre programs at Sam Houston State University:- are active in the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival(KCACTF).
- have been invited to participate at the Regional Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival consistently since 2000.
- were invited to perform The Laramie Project at the National KCACTF Festival in Washington, D.C. in 2003.
- have an apprenticeship program with the Theatre Under the Stars in Houston. Two musical theatre students are selected to participate each year.
- have an internship program with STAGES Repertory Theatre in Houston.
- have an internship program with Classical Theatre Company in Houston.
- have an internship program with Texas Repertory Theatre Company in Houston.
- have private auditions on the Sam Houston State University campus for SHSU theatre and musical theatre students by the Broadway Theatre Project and with The Performing Arts Project.
- have guest artists in the areas of acting, directing, playwriting, stage management, and design. These have included Edward Albee, James Black, Andrew Campbell, Rod Caspers, Dave Clemmons, Kevin Cooney, Judy Dolan. Sofia Gomez, Greg Graham, Jean Guy LeCat, Luc LaFortune, Robert Marks, James McLure, Keith Pitts, Mark Ramont, Georgia Stitt, and Michael York.
- Selected graduating senior musical majors participate in a New York showcase.
The program also holds memberships and participates in:
- Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF)
- Musical Theatre Educators Alliance (MTEA)
- National Alliance for Musical Theatre (NAMT)
- Southwest Theatre Association (SWTA)
- Texas Educational Theatre Association (TETA)
- Texas Nonprofit Theatres (TNT)
- United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT)
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the theatre program are well prepared for rewarding careers in professional or educational theatre or for graduate school.
Suggested Minors
There is no minor required for a BFA in Theatre or Musical Theatre.
Student Organizations
- Alpha Psi Omega - honorary national drama fraternity
- United States Institute for Theatre Technology
Internships/Apprenticeships
The Sam Houston State University Department of Theatre and Musical Theatre has a professional internship program with Theatre Under The Stars, Houston. This apprenticeship allows Sam Houston State University students to work with the Humphrey’s School of Musical Theatre and to work with Theatre Under The Stars in a performance as well as an arts administration capacity. In addition a new internship has been developed with STAGES Repertory Theatre and Classical Theatre Company in Houston.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available through the theatre program for theatre and musical theatre majors. Performance, technical and design auditions are held each spring for freshman and transfer students entering in the fall. Continuing scholarships are available for application toward the end of each semester. Contact the department or visit the website for further information.
Student assistantships are available for advanced theatre students who work in scenery, properties, costuming, lighting, and management.
Curriculum
Required Courses for Major
All theatre majors are required to register for THR 114 <1114> or 314 <3114>, theatre workshop, for 4 semesters. All musical theatre majors are required to register for 2 semester hours of production crew.
A Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in Acting and Directing consists of the following requirements: THR 114 <1114>for two semesters, 314 <3114> for two semesters, 160 <1330>, 161 <1331>, 162 <1332>, 164 <1364>, 230 <2330>, 231 <2331>, 232 <2332>, 268 <2368>, 337 <3337>, 365 <3365>. 369 <3369>, 370 <3370>, 372 <3372>, and 433 <4333>, one design course from 260 <2360>, 261 <2361>, 334 <3334>, 430 <4330>, or 461 <4361>; 360 <3360>, 460 <4360>, or 471 <4371>, 463 <4363>, 466 <4366>, 467 <4367>, 3 hours of advanced theatre electives, 3 hours of art or music, and 3 hours of dance, and 3 additional hours of upper division English. A minor is not required in this degree program.
Note: Students should use elective and/or minor hours to satisfy the 42 advanced hour requirement.
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Major in Theatre-Acting
and Directing Emphasis
SHSU Course Number |
Hours |
Recommended Sequence |
Core Curriculum |
||
Component Area I (Communication) |
6 |
Freshman |
Component Area II (Mathematics) |
3 |
Sophomore |
Component Area III (Natural Sciences): |
8 |
Junior |
Component Area IV (Visual/Performing Arts) |
3 |
Freshman |
Component Area IV (Literature or PHL) |
3 |
Sophomore |
Component Area IV (Cultural Studies) |
3 |
Sophomore |
Component Area V (Social/Behavioral Sciences) |
|
|
6 |
Freshman |
|
POL 261 <POLS 2301>, 200-level POL <2000-level POLS> |
6 |
Sophomore |
Behavioral Sciences |
3 |
Junior |
Component Area VI (Institutionally Designated Option |
1 |
Freshman |
Degree Specific Requirements |
||
2 |
Freshman |
|
Music or Art |
3 |
Junior |
ENG <ENGL> (Literature, Adv) |
3 |
Senior |
Major Core |
||
THR 114 <THEA 1114> (2 semesters) |
2 |
Freshman |
THR 160 <THEA 1330>1, THR 161 <THEA 1331>, THR 162 <THEA 1332>, THR 164 <THEA 1364>, THR 230 <THEA 2330> |
15 |
Freshman |
THR 314 <THEA 3114> (2 semesters) |
2 |
Sophomore |
12 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Junior |
|
12 |
Junior |
|
THR 334 <THEA 3334>, THR 430 <THEA 4330>, THR 461 <THEA 4361> (any one) |
3 |
Junior |
THR 433 <THEA 4333>, THR 460 <THEA 4360>, |
15 |
Senior |
| Theatre electives from THR 395 <THEA 3395>, THR 431 <THEA 4331>, THR 432 <THEA 4332>, THR 462 <THEA 4362>, THR 468 <THEA 4368>, THR 469 <THEA 4369>, THR 487 <THEA 4387>, THR 489 <THEA 4389>, THR 492 <THEA 4392> |
9 |
Senior |
Total Hours: 120 |
||
| Notes: 1THR 160 <THEA 1330> satisfies the requirement for Component Area IV (Visual and Performing Arts) and the major requirement. |
||
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Major in Theatre-Design and Technology Emphasis
A Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in Design and Technology consists of THR 114 <1114>for two semesters, 314 <3114> for two semesters, 160 <1330>, 161 <1331>, 162 <1332>, 164 <1364>, 230 <2330>, 231 <2331>, or 268 <2368>, 260 <2360>, 261 <2361>, 331 <3331>, 334 <3334>, 337 <3337>, 360 <3360>, 362 <3362>, 460 <4360> or 471 <4371>, 463 <4363>, 465 <4365>, and 466 <4366>, 9 hours of advanced theatre electives, 9 hours of art, an additional 3 hours of English. No music is required.
SHSU Course Number |
Hours |
Recommended Sequence |
Core Curriculum |
||
Component Area I (Communication) |
6 |
Freshman |
Component Area II (Mathematics) |
3 |
Freshman |
Component Area III (Natural Sciences) |
8 |
Freshman/Sophomore |
Component Area IV (Visual/Performing Arts) |
3 |
Sophomore |
Component Area IV (Literature or PHL) |
3 |
Sophomore |
Component Area IV (Cultural Studies) |
3 |
Sophomore |
Component Area V (Social/Behavioral Sciences) |
|
|
6 |
Freshman/Sophomore |
|
POL 261 <POLS 2301>, 200-level POL <2000-level POLS> |
6 |
Sophomore |
Behavioral Sciences |
3 |
Junior |
Component Area VI (Institutionally Designated Option) |
1 |
Freshman |
Degree Specific Requirements |
||
ENG <ENGL> (Literature, Advanced) |
3 |
Junior |
3 |
Senior |
|
6 |
|
|
Major Core |
|
|
THR 114 <THEA 1114> (2 semesters) |
2 |
Freshman |
THR 160 <THEA 1330>1, THR 161 <THEA 1331>, |
15 |
Freshman |
THR 314 <THEA 3114> (2 semesters) |
2 |
Sophomore |
6 |
Sophomore |
|
6 |
Sophomore |
|
9 |
Junior |
|
6 |
Junior |
|
3 |
Senior |
|
6 |
Senior |
|
3 |
Senior |
|
Theatre Electives from THR 330 <THEA 3331>, THR 335 <THEA 3335>, THR 365 <THEA 3365>, |
12 |
Senior |
Total Hours: 120 |
||
| Notes: 1ART 163 satisfies the requirement for Component Area IV (Visual and Performing Arts) and the degree specific. |
||
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Major in Musical Theatre
With Theatre Emphasis
A Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in musical theatre is available with an emphasis in theatre, music, or dance. The theatre emphasis requires 48 hours of theatre, 16 to 27 hours of dance and 24 hours of music. The dance emphasis requires 30 to 48 hours of dance, 31 hours of theatre, and 24 hours of music. The music emphasis requires 40 hours of music, 31 hours of theatre, and 19 to 27 hours of dance.
Entry into the musical theatre program is by audition only, and those auditions are scheduled toward the end of every semester. Contact the Theatre Program for information.
SHSU Course Number |
Hours |
Recommended Sequence |
Core Curriculum |
||
Component Area I (Communication) |
6 |
Freshman |
Component Area II (Mathematics) |
3 |
Freshman |
Component Area III (Natural Sciences) |
8 |
Sophomore, Junior |
Component Area IV (Visual/Performing Arts) |
3 |
Freshman |
Component Area IV (Literature or PHL) |
3 |
Junior |
Component Area IV (Cultural Studies) |
3 |
Senior |
Component Area V (Social/Behavioral Sciences) |
|
|
6 |
Sophomore, Junior |
|
POL 261 <POLS 2301>, 200-level POL <2000-level POLS> |
6 |
Junior |
Behavioral Sciences |
3 |
Senior |
Component Area VI (Institutionally Designated Option) |
1 |
Freshman |
Major Core |
||
THR 114 <THEA 1114> (2 semesters) |
2 |
Freshman |
THR 160 <THEA
1330>1, THR 161
<THEA 1331>, or |
3 |
Freshman |
3 |
Freshman |
|
THR 317 <THEA 3117>* |
8 |
Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior |
DNC <DANC> (2 semesters) |
4-9 |
Freshman |
<MUEN 3112> (2 Semesters) |
2 |
Junior, Senior |
<MTVO 1101> (4 semesters) |
8 |
Sophomore |
THR 314 <THEA 3114> (1 semester) |
1 |
Sophomore |
THR 230 <THEA 2330>, THR 231 <THEA 2336>, |
9 |
Sophomore |
<DANC> (2 semesters) |
4-6 |
Sophomore |
MUS 126 <MUSI 1226>, MUS 115 <MUSI 1115>, |
6 |
Sophomore |
3 |
Junior |
|
| THR 370 <THEA 3370> or THR 372 <THEA 3372> | 3 |
Junior |
| THR 431 <THEA 4331> | 3 |
Junior or Senior |
DNC <DANC 3333> (2 semesters) |
4-9 |
Junior |
<MTVO 3301> (4 semesters) |
8 |
Junior, Senior |
THR 432 <THEA 4332>, THR 466 <THEA 4366>, |
9 |
Junior, Senior |
DNC <DANC>(2 semesters) |
4-9 |
Senior |
Senior Showcase Seminar (1 semester-audition only) |
1 |
Senior |
Total Hours: 138-143 |
||
Notes:
1 THR 160 <THEA 1330> satisfies the requirement for Component Area IV (Visual and Performing Arts) and the degree specific.
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Major in Theatre
With Teaching Certification
A Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with secondary teaching certification requires a minor in another academic area (18-24 hrs.) beyond the courses listed below.
SHSU Course Number |
Hours |
Recommended Sequence |
Core Curriculum |
||
Component Area I (Communication) |
6 |
Freshman |
Component Area II (Mathematics) |
3 |
Freshman |
Component Area III (Natural Sciences) |
8 |
Sophomore |
Component Area IV (Visual/Performing Arts) |
3 |
Freshman |
Component Area IV (Literature or PHL) |
3 |
Sophomore |
Component Area IV (Cultural Studies) |
3 |
Junior |
Component Area V (Social/Behavioral Sciences) |
|
|
6 |
Freshman |
|
POL 261 <POLS 2301>, 200-level POL <2000-level POLS> |
6 |
Sophomore |
Social Sciences |
3 |
Senior |
Component Area VI (Institutionally Designated Option) |
1 |
Freshman |
Major Core |
||
THR 114 <THEA 1114> (2 semesters) |
2 |
Freshman |
THR 160 <THEA
1330>1, THR 161
<THEA 1331>, |
15 |
Freshman |
2 |
Freshman |
|
THR 314 <THEA 3114> (2 semesters) |
2 |
Sophomore |
THR 231 <THEA 2336>, THR 232 <THEA 2337>, |
15 |
Sophomore |
THR 337 <THEA 3337>, THR 360 <THEA 3360>, |
12 |
Junior |
THR 334 <THEA 3334>, THR 430 <THEA 4330>, |
6 |
Junior |
3 |
Junior |
|
6 |
|
|
THR 463 <THEA 4363>, THR 460 <THEA 4360> or |
12 |
Senior |
SED 394 <CISE 3394>, SED 464 <CISE 4364>, |
15 |
Senior |
3 |
Senior |
|
Total Hours: 132 |
||
| Notes: 1THR 160 <THEA 1330> satisfies the requirement for Component Area IV (Visual and Performing Arts) and the degree specific. |
||
Theatre Minor
A Minor in Theatre usually consists of the following courses: One course three hours (THR 160 <THEA 1330>, 161 <1331>, 162 <1332>), three one hour crews (scene shop, costume shop, box office), one course three hours in THR 463 <THEA 4363> (Theory & Criticism) or THR 492 <THEA 4392> (Dramaturgy), one course in acting three hours THR 164 <THEA 1364> (Acting I), one course in management three hours THR 365 <THEA 3365> (Stage Management), One three hour course from THR 337 <THEA 3337>, THR 360 <THEA 3360> or 460 <4360> (Costume History, Theatre History 1 or 2),and three three hour theatre electives (nine hours) whose focus is the student’s area of interest.
Auditions
Auditions for productions are open to all SHSU students.