Performing Arts: Theatre (BA)

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Offered by the Department of Performing Arts , College of Arts and Sciences .

Admission to the Program

Formal admission to the major requires demonstrated talent through an audition portfolio review arranged with the department, preferably prior to beginning university studies. However, a student may enter as an intended major and have an audition or portfolio review during the first year. Students will be accepted based on programmatic approval and written declaration of major.

University Requirements

120 credit hours with a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or better
Completion of college writing requirement
Completion of university mathematics requirement

General Education Requirements

A total of ten courses, consisting of two courses from each of the five foundational areas
At least one course from Area Five: The Natural and Mathematical Sciences must include a laboratory science component
No more than two courses may be taken in the same discipline

Major Requirements

51 credit hours with grades of C or better
- Students who wish to study abroad must receive prior approval from their advisor in order to ensure that appropriate courses will transfer and that scholarships and financial aid will apply.
Participation in a minimum of four department productions in either a performance or technical capacity. One of these must be done as stage manager or assistant stage manager and one must be in another technical capacity.
Tracks: Performance, Design/Production, Arts Management, or Theatre Arts

Course Requirements

Core (24 credit hours)

Tracks (27 credit hours)

Complete one of the following:

Performance

Placement audition required

PERF-308 The Moving Body (3)
PERF-348 Scene Study (3)
PERF-350 Acting Styles (3)
PERF-355 Voice and Speech (3)
PERF-450 Rotating Topics in Theatre (1-3) (taken two times for a total of 6 credit hours)
or
PERF-490 Independent Study Project in Performing Arts (1-6) (3 credit hours required) (may be substituted for one PERF 450 topic)
PERF-452 Directing Techniques (3)
PERF-456 Audition Techniques (3)
PERF-457 Playwriting (3)

Design/Production

Required

ARTH-105 Art: The Historical Experience FA1 (3)
ARTS-100 Art: The Studio Experience FA1 (3)
PERF-362 Lighting Design (3)
PERF-364 Basics of Set and Costume Design (3)
PERF-450 Rotating Topics in Theatre (1-3) (3 credit hours required)
PERF-452 Directing Techniques (3)
PERF-457 Playwriting (3)
PERF-490 Independent Study Project in Performing Arts (1-6) (3 credit hours required)
or
PERF-491 Performing Arts: Internship (1-6) (3 credit hours required)

Specialty

Additional area of specialty course approved by advisor (3)

Arts Management

ACCT-240 Principles of Financial Accounting (3)
ECON-100 Macroeconomics FA4 (3)
PERF-362 Lighting Design (3)
or
PERF-364 Basics of Set and Costume Design (3)
PERF-450 Rotating Topics in Theatre (1-3) or other area of specialty course approved by advisor (for a total of 6 credit hours)
PERF-452 Directing Techniques (3)
PERF-457 Playwriting (3)
PERF-470 Survey of Arts Management (3)
PERF-490 Independent Study Project in Performing Arts (1-6) (3 credit hours required)
or
PERF-491 Performing Arts: Internship (1-6) (3 credit hours required)

Theatre Arts

Required

Specialty

9 credit hours in additional area of specialty courses approved by advisor

Combined Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees

American University offers students the opportunity to earn both undergraduate and graduate degrees through its combined bachelor’s/master’s programs. See Combined Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees for more information.