| 253.538.8275 | www.plu.edu/theatre-dance | theatre-dance@plu.edu |
| Amanda Sweger, M.F.A, Chair |
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) with a major in theatre is a pre-professional degree intended to equip students for careers and graduate programs focusing on particular professional fields.
Courses in the Department of Theatre and Dance that satisfy General Education Program Elements
- The following courses from theatre and dance may be used to meet the General Education Program element in the Arts (AR):
- THEA 160, 250, 252, 254, 255, 360, 362, 365, 390, 453 and DANC 170, 222, 240, 251, 252, 254, 255.
- DANC 222, 251, 252, 254, 255 meet the General Education Program element in Fitness and Wellness (FT).
- DANC 301 meets the General Education Program element in Cross-Cultural Perspectives (C).
Declaration of Major
Students wishing to declare a major in theatre (B.A. or B.F.A. degree options) must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.50 or higher. Entrance Audition: to be admitted into a B.F.A. degree, prospective students must audition/interview for the theatre faculty. No prior coursework in theatre is required.
Minor Requirement for Theatre Majors
The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in theatre requires the completion of either a minor approved by the major advisor or a self-directed study program that includes the following areas:
- 4 semester hours in English (Writing)
- 4 semester hours in English (Literature)
- 8 semester hours in social sciences
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Degree
Major in Theatre
44 semester hours, plus a minor
- THEA 160: Introduction to Theatre (4) or THEA 190: FYEP 190: Inquiry Seminar (4)
- THEA 225: Running Crew I (4)
- THEA 250: Acting I – Fundamentals (4)
- THEA 255: Theatrical Production (4)
- THEA 290: Stage Management (2)
- THEA 299: The Profession of Theatre (2)
- THEA 330: Script Analysis (4) or THEA 345: Playwriting (4)
- 4 semester hours from:
- THEA 360: Theatre History: Origins (4)
- THEA 362: Musical Theatre History (4)
- THEA 365: Theatre History: Modernism (4)
- 4 semester hours from:
- THEA 252: Fundamentals of Scenic Design (4)
- THEA 254: Fundamentals of Lighting Design (4)
- THEA 275: Scenic Painting: Techniques (2)
- THEA 276 Scenic Painting: Textures (2)
- THEA 285: Costume Crafts and Construction (4)
- THEA 351: Stage Makeup (4)
- THEA 355: Lighting Design (4)
- THEA 380: Directing I (4)
- THEA 390: Visual History: Period Costume and Décor (4)
- THEA 453: Costume Design (4)
- THEA 455: Scenic Design (4)
- THEA 425: Running Crew II (4)
- THEA 485: Theatre Management (2)
- THEA 499: Capstone (2)
- Electives: 4 semester hours selected in consultation with advisor
- Minor Required: recognized university minor
Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) Degree
Major in Theatre
78 semester hours
Concentrations
Acting/Directing
- THEA 160: Introduction to Theatre (4) or THEA 190: FYEP 190: Inquiry Seminar (4)
- 4 semester hours from any DANC course(s)
- THEA 225: Running Crew I (3)
- THEA 250: Acting I – Fundamentals (4)
- THEA 255: Theatrical Production (4)
- THEA 290: Stage Management (2)
- THEA 299: The Profession of Theatre (2)
- THEA 300: Improvisation (2)
- THEA 330: Script Analysis (4) or THEA 345: Playwriting (4)
- THEA 346: The Audition (2)
- THEA 350: Scene Study (4)
- 4 semester hours from:
- THEA 360: Theatre History: Origins (4)
- THEA 362: Musical Theatre History (4)
- THEA 365: Theatre History : Modernism (4)
- 4 semester hours from:
- THEA 252: Fundamentals of Scenic Design (4)
- THEA 254: Fundamentals of Lighting Design (4)
- THEA 275: Scenic Painting: Techniques (2)
- THEA 276: Scenic Painting: Textures (2)
- THEA 285: Costume Crafts and Construction (4)
- THEA 351: Stage Makeup (4)
- THEA 355: Lighting Design (4)
- THEA 390: Visual History: Period Costume and Décor (4)
- THEA 453: Costume Design (4)
- THEA 455: Scenic Design (4)
- THEA 380: Directing I (4)
- THEA 425: Running Crew II (3)
- THEA 450: Styles (4)
- THEA 480: Directing II (4)
- THEA 485: Theatre Management (2)
- THEA 499: Capstone (2)
- Elective: 16 semester hours selected in consultation with advisor
Design/Technical
78 semester hours
- 4 semester hours from:
- ARTD 101: Drawing I (4)
- ARTD 102: 2D Design/Color Theory (4)
- ARTD 202: 3-D Design (4)
- THEA 160: Introduction to Theatre (4) or THEA 190: FYEP 190: Inquiry Seminar (4)
- THEA 225: Running Crew I (6)
- THEA 250: Acting I – Fundamentals (4)
- THEA 255: Theatrical Production (4)
- THEA 279: Hand Drafting (2)
- THEA 280: Computer-Aided Drafting (2)
- THEA 290: Stage Management (2)
- THEA 299: The Profession of Theatre (2)
- THEA 330: Script Analysis (4) or THEA 345: Playwriting (4)
- 18 semester hours from:
- THEA 252: Fundamentals of Scenic Design (4)
- THEA 254: Fundamentals of Lighting Design (4)
- THEA 275: Scenic Painting: Techniques (2)
- THEA 276: Scenic Painting: Textures (2)
- THEA 285: Costume Crafts and Construction (4)
- THEA 351: Stage Makeup (4)
- THEA 355: Lighting Design (4)
- THEA 388: Special Topics in Theatre (2)
- THEA 389: Special Topics in Theatre (2)
- THEA 390: Visual History: Period Costume and Décor (4)
- THEA 453: Costume Design (4)
- THEA 455: Scenic Design (4)
- 4 semester hours from:
- THEA 360: Theatre History: Origins (4)
- THEA 362: Musical Theatre History (4)
- THEA 365: Theatre History: Modernism (4)
- THEA 425: Running Crew II (6)
- THEA 485: Theatre Management (2)
- THEA 499: Capstone (2)
- Electives: 12 semester hours selected in consultation with advisor
Musical Theatre
78 semester hours
- 10 semester from any DANC course(s)
- MUSI 125: Ear Training I (1)
- MUSI 133: Music Theory and Analysis IA (2)
- MUSI 135: Music Theory and Analysis IB (2)
- MUSI 136: Music Theory and Analysis II (3)
- 2 semester hours from:
- MUSI 151: Keyboard Musicianship I (1)
- MUSI 152: Keyboard Musicianship II (1)
- MUSI 251: Keyboard Musicianship III (1)
- 6 semester hours of MUSI 204/404: Private Instruction Voice (1-4)
- 4 semester hours from:
- MUSI 360: Choir of the West (1)
- MUSI 361: University Chorale (1)
- MUSI 362: University Men’s Chorus (1)
- MUSI 363: University Singers (1)
- MUSI 366: Opera (1)
- Additional credits in MUSI 204/404: Private Instruction Voice (1-4)
- THEA 160: Introduction to Theatre (4) or THEA 190: FYEP 190: Inquiry Seminar (4)
- THEA 225: Running Crew I (2)
- THEA 250: Acting I: Fundamentals (4)
- THEA 255: Theatrical Production (4)
- THEA 299: The Profession of Theatre (2)
- 4 semester hours from:
- THEA 252: Fundamentals of Scenic Design (4)
- THEA 254: Fundamentals of Lighting Design (4)
- THEA 275: Scenic Painting: Techniques (2)
- THEA 276: Scenic Painting: Textures (2)
- THEA 285: Costume Crafts and Construction (4)
- THEA 290: Stage Management (2)
- THEA 351: Stage Makeup (4)
- THEA 355: Lighting Design (4)
- THEA 388: Special Topics in Theatre (2)
- THEA 389: Special Topics in Theatre (2)
- THEA 390: Visual History: Period Costume and Décor (4)
- THEA 453: Costume Design (4)
- THEA 455: Scenic Design (4)
- THEA 485: Theatre Management (2)
- THEA 330: Script Analysis (4) or THEA 345: Playwriting (4)
- THEA 346: The Audition (2)
- THEA 347: The Vocal Audition (2)
- THEA 350: Acting II: Scene Study (4)
- 4 semester hours from:
- THEA 360: Theatre History: Origins (4)
- THEA 362: Musical Theatre History (4)
- THEA 365: Theatre History: Modernism (4)
- THEA 385: Musical Theatre Performance: Golden Age (4)
- THEA 386: Musical Theatre Performance: Modern (4)
- THEA 425: Running Crew II (2)
- THEA 499: Capstone (2)
Minors
Theatre
16 semester hours of any THEA courses; at least 4 semester hours must be upper-division (300 or 400 level).
Dance
16 semester hours, including:
12 semester hours of DANC courses plus 4 semester hours chosen from: additional DANC courses, KINS 277, 280, FTWL 223, 224, 225, MUSI 101, 120, THEA 250, 254, 285, 355, 453. At least 4 semester hours must be upper-division (300 or 400 level).
Dance (DANC) - Undergraduate Courses
DANC 170 : Introduction to Dance - AR
An introduction to Western concert dance forms. The course combines discussion and movement practice. (4)
DANC 190 : FYEP190: Inquiry Seminar
A four-credit seminar to introduce students to the methods and topics of study within a particular academic discipline or field. Students practice the academic skills that are at the center of the General Education Program. (4)
DANC 222 : Beginning/Intermediate Musical Theatre Dance - AR, FT
Students practice musical theatre and jazz dance technique, musical theatre and jazz choreography, and learn the history of musical theatre and jazz dance. Designed for students who have never taken a musical theatre or jazz dance class before, as well as for more experienced dancers. Repeatable for credit up to 4 times. Fulfills one course towards the FT GenEd Element. Cross-listed with FTWL 222. (2)
DANC 240 : Dance Concert Ensemble - AR
Students perform in the faculty-directed dance concert. Repeatable for credit up to 4 times. (0 to 1)
DANC 251 : Beginning/Intermediate Ballet - AR, FT
Students practice ballet technique, ballet choreography, and learn the history of ballet. Designed for students who have never taken a ballet class before, as well as for more experienced dancers. Repeatable for credit up to 4 times. Fulfills one course towards the FT GenEd Element. (2)
DANC 252 : Beginning/Intermediate Contemporary - AR, FT
Students practice contemporary dance technique, contemporary choreography, and learn the history of contemporary and modern dance. Designed for students who have never taken a contemporary dance class before, as well as for more experienced dancers. Repeatable for credit up to 4 times. Fulfills one course towards the FT GenEd Element. (2)
DANC 254 : Beginning/Intermediate Tap - AR, FT
Students practice tap dance technique, tap choreography, and learn the history of tap dance. Designed for students who have never taken a tap dance class before, as well as for more experienced dancers. Repeatable for credit up to 4 times. Fulfills one course towards the FT GenEd Element. (2)
DANC 255 : Beginning/Intermediate Hip Hop - AR, FT
Students practice hip hop dance technique, hip hop choreography, and learn the history of hip hop. Designed for students who have never taken a hip hop dance class before, as well as more experienced dancers. Repeatable for credit up to 4 times. Fulfills one course towards the FT GenEd Element. (2)
DANC 287 : Special Topics in Dance
Provides undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
DANC 291 : Directed Study
To provide individual undergraduate students with introductory study not available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as DS: followed by the specific title designated by the student. (1 to 4)
DANC 301 : Dance and Culture - C
An examination of the history and culture of dance forms and choreographic methods from around the world. A seminar-based class that includes physical movement. (4)
DANC 322 : Advanced Musical Theatre Dance
Designed for intermediate/advanced students, this course further develops musical theatre and jazz dance technique and performance. Repeatable for credit up to 4 times. Prerequisite: consent of instructor or DANC 222. (2)
DANC 340 : Dance Composition and Choreography
A study of the principles of dance composition. Students engage in concentrated creative practice through choreographic projects, exercises, and guided improvisation. (2)
DANC 351 : Advanced Ballet
Designed for intermediate/advanced students, this course further develops ballet technique and performance. Repeatable for credit up to 4 times. Prerequisite: consent of instructor or DANC 251. (2)
DANC 352 : Advanced Contemporary
Designed for intermediate/advanced students, this course further develops contemporary dance technique and performance. Prerequisite: DANC 252 or consent of instructor. Repeatable for credit up to 4 times. (2)
DANC 440 : Dance Concert Choreography
Students choreograph original works for the faculty-directed dance concert. Repeatable for credit up to 4 times. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. (0 to 2)
DANC 487 : Special Topics in Dance
Provides undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
DANC 491 : Independent Study
Provides individual undergraduate students with advanced study not available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as IS: followed by the specific title designated by the student. (1 to 4)
Theatre (THEA) - Undergraduate Courses
THEA 160 : Introduction to Theatre - AR
An exploration of live theatre and its many elements; including, the contributions of its writers, directors, performers, designers, technicians, and audiences. (4)
THEA 190 : FYEP190: Inquiry Seminar
A four-credit seminar to introduce students to the methods and topics of study within a particular academic discipline or field. Students practice the academic skills that are at the center of the General Education Program. (4)
THEA 225 : Running Crew I
A practicum course, students work backstage or in production shops on a faculty-directed production. Repeatable for a maximum of 8 semester hours. (1-8)
THEA 250 : Acting I - Fundamentals - AR
An introductory course to acting in which students perform scenes and monologues and learn about scene selection, memorization, imagination, character, and presentation. (4)
THEA 252 : Fundamentals of Scenic Design - AR
An introduction to the process used by scenic designers to create a physical environment for the stage. (4)
THEA 254 : Fundamentals of Lighting Design - AR
An introductory examination of the controllable properties of light and their application to the functions of theatrical lighting. (4)
THEA 255 : Theatrical Production - AR
An introduction to the backstage elements of theatre; including, costumes, scenery, props, lighting, and makeup. (4)
THEA 275 : Scenic Painting: Techniques
Color theory and hands-on painting techniques for theatrical productions. (2)
THEA 276 : Scenic Painting: Textures
Painting techniques and texture painting for theatrical productions. (2)
THEA 279 : Hand Drafting
Hand drafting techniques to create light plots or scenic draftings for theatrical applications. (2)
THEA 280 : Computer-Aided Drafting
The use of computers and software to create light plots or scenic draftings for theatrical applications. Prerequisite: THEA 279. (2)
THEA 285 : Costume Crafts and Construction
Costume production techniques, including sewing, use of equipment, knowledge of available materials, dyeing, and 3-D. (4)
THEA 287 : Special Topics in Theatre
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
THEA 290 : Stage Management
The study and practice of stage management and its vital role in the theatrical production process. (2)
THEA 291 : Directed Study
To provide individual undergraduate students with introductory study not available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as DS: followed by the specific title designated by the student. (1 to 4)
THEA 299 : The Profession of Theatre
An introduction of the various elements necessary to prepare for a life in the theatre, including portfolio and audition materials, agents and unions, graduate schools and the profession. (2)
THEA 300 : Improvisation
Long and/or short form improvisation techniques in addition to a variety of exercises exploring terminology, character work and elements of comedy. (2)
THEA 330 : Script Analysis
Discussion of the ideas, forms, structures, and elements of contemporary plays and musicals. (4)
THEA 345 : Playwriting
Techniques for writing short plays and an analysis of dramatic structure. (4)
THEA 346 : The Audition
Techniques for choosing and preparing effective audition material, cold and prepared readings, and head shots and résumés for stage, television, and film. (2)
THEA 347 : The Vocal Audition
Techniques for choosing and preparing effective audition songs and cuttings for musical theatre. (2)
THEA 350 : Scene Study
Analyzing and performing scenes and monologues to deepen performances and prepare audition material. Prerequisite: THEA 250 or consent of instructor. (4)
THEA 351 : Stage Makeup
Basic techniques in theatrical makeup application including corrective, aging, three-dimensional, and special effects. (4)
THEA 355 : Lighting Design
A practical application of electrical, programming, and artistic skills needed for theatrical lighting design. Prerequisite: THEA 254. (4)
THEA 360 : Theatre History: Origins - AR
A survey of theatre's origins as an institution that reflects history while forming new social values and ideas. (4)
THEA 362 : Musical Theatre History - AR
A survey of Broadway musical theatre as an institution that reflects history while forming new social values and ideas. (4)
THEA 365 : Theatre History II - AR
A survey of theatre in modern and contemporary times as an institution that reflects history while forming new social values and ideas. (4)
THEA 380 : Directing I
The process of analyzing and making choices about scripts, casting, revealing the focus of scenes, and constructing the mood, rhythm, pace and main idea of productions. Prerequisite: THEA 250. (4)
THEA 385 : Musical Theatre Performance: Golden Age
An exploration of singing musical theatre from America's Golden Age in a studio setting. (4)
THEA 386 : Musical Theatre Performance: Modern
An exploration of singing musical theatre from America's modern era in a studio setting. (4)
THEA 387 : Topics in Theatre
This course will be offered as needed, and it will allow the faculty and guest artists to explore areas of expertise and interest that are not normally taught as part of the curriculum. Concentrated study of a major theatrical period, movement, author, theme, genre, performance style, culture, or technology. (2 to 4)
THEA 390 : Visual History: Period Costume and Décor - AR
A survey of the architecture, interiors, clothing, culture, and aesthetic of the western world through exposure to art, historical documents, and popular perspectives. (4)
THEA 400 : Theatre Rehearsal and Performance
Students perform in a faculty-directed production. Repeatable for a maximum of 12 semester hours. (0-4)
THEA 425 : Running Crew II
A practicum course, students work on intermediate and advanced-level running crew assignments or in production shops on a faculty-directed production. Repeatable for a maximum of 8 semester hours. (1-8)
THEA 450 : Styles
Analyzing and performing styles of acting representing various time periods and genres. Prerequisites: THEA 250 or consent of instructor. (4)
THEA 453 : Costume Design - AR
Development of artistic and technical abilities in the field of costume design incorporating history, patterns, and renderings. (4)
THEA 455 : Scenic Design
Explores the process used by scenic designers to create a physical environment for the stage through analyzing a theatrical text, formulating and expressing an approach through research, and executing their ideas through models and simple drafting. Prerequisite: THEA 252. (4)
THEA 480 : Directing II
Builds on techniques learned in Directing I to develop stage productions. This includes interpreting text, analyzing premise, developing visual concepts, translating words and concepts into actions, and the process of communication between actors and designers. Prerequisite: THEA 380. (4)
THEA 485 : Theatre Management
The study of issues related to managing a theatre company and producing plays. (2)
THEA 491 : Independent Studies
Investigations or research in area of special interest not covered by regular courses; open to qualified junior or senior students. Requires pre-registration approved by a departmental sponsor. (1 to 4)
THEA 495 : Internship in Theatre
Internship or cooperative education experiences in the theatre. (1 to 4)
THEA 499 : Capstone - SR
Preparation of portfolios and project work that reflects both academic and practical knowledge gained through the study of theatre. (2)