Theatre, BA

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The Bachelor of Arts in Theatre will provide students with a comprehensive overview of the theory and practice of contemporary Western theatre. Students will study theatrical processes from a variety of perspectives in order to gain an understanding of, and experience in, the work of the various disciplines involved in mounting theatrical productions. To that end, students will take courses in developing performance skills, theoretical and historical study, the art and craft of design and technical theatre, and the conceptual and organizational skills involved in directing for the theater. At every opportunity, students are encouraged to put into practice what they are learning in the classroom through hands-on engagement in the preparation and presentation of performances produced in the department. In the classroom, students work with a faculty of working professionals who bring their experience to the art, craft, and business of the theater. This pragmatic approach prepares students to face the challenging realities of making a life in the performing arts. Students graduate with knowledge of how to look for work, with the desire and ability to do the work, and with an understanding of the need to grow as an artist beyond graduation.

Students pursuing the BA in Theatre may opt to choose a concentration in Theatre Design or Theatre Technology. Students must maintain a C or better to move forward in any sequenced classes.

For students who have completed a Bachelor’s degree, a Second Bachelor of Arts in Theatre is offered in all concentration areas.

Students must maintain standards of performance.

Program Requirements | Transfer Planning Tool | Department Website

Concentrations

Theatre Design

The Theatre Design concentration emphasizes design as a collaborative process that requires close cooperation among each designer, the director, the technical team, and the performers.

Upon successful completion of this concentration, students should:

Demonstrate a working understanding that design is a collaborative process that requires close co-operation between the designers, the director, technical team and performers on a theatrical production.
Demonstrate familiarity with multiple design disciplines (costume, lighting or scenic design) though students may focus their work in one area.
Demonstrate a fluent knowledge of technical theatre and theatrical drawing, including rendering and drafting.
Articulate knowledge of art and theatre history and dramatic theory.
Have experienced a range of production responsibilities provided to the theatrical design students by the ample opportunities to work on Departmental productions.

Students may focus their work in the area of costumes, lighting, or scenic design, but they must take classes in each area to gain familiarity with all three design disciplines. Classes are also required in the areas of makeup, technical theatre, rendering and drawing, art and theatre history, and beginning acting. There are ample opportunities for these students to work on departmental productions, from the-bare bones workshop level to fully budgeted main stage shows. In addition, assistant design and internship opportunities are available for students to work on productions in the larger Chicago theatre community. These opportunities often become available through the influence of our faculty of working professionals. Upon graduation, students with a concentration in Theatre Design have developed a strong portfolio of work that can be used to seek admission to graduate school or to look for work in professional theatre.

Students must maintain standards of performance.

Degree Requirements | Transfer Plan BA Theatre Design

Technical Theatre

The Technical Theatre concentration will provide students with a comprehensive overview of the practice of technical theatre and production and stage management.

Upon successful completion of this concentration, students will be able to:

Demonstrate the ability to facilitate the work of designers in multiple design disciplines (costume, lighting or scenic design).
Demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively with all theatre artists within a theatrical production.
Be able to articulate a working knowledge of theatre history and dramatic theory.
Have experienced a range of production responsibilities provided to the technical theatre students by the ample opportunities to work on Departmental productions.

We emphasize theatre as a collaborative process that requires close cooperation among all members of a production team. Students take classes that advance their technical knowledge of sound, costumes, lighting, and scenic construction to prepare them to facilitate the work of designers. Students may focus their learning through classes in stage management, scenic or costume construction, and technical direction. Classes in theatre history, beginning acting, and theatre design provide breadth. There are ample opportunities for students to work on departmental productions as stage managers, technical directors, or production managers, from the bare-bones workshop level to fully budgeted main stage shows. In addition, freelance and internship opportunities are available for students to work on productions in the larger Chicago theater community. These opportunities often become available through the influence of our faculty and staff of working professionals. Upon graduation, students who earn a concentration in Technical Theatre have developed a strong résumé of practical experiences that can be used to seek admission to graduate school or to look for work in professional theatre.

Students must maintain standards of performance.

Degree Requirements | Transfer Planning Tool