College of Fine Arts
Kantner Hall 307
Phone: 740.593.4818
Fax: 740.593.4817
theater@ohio.edu
www.finearts.ohio.edu/theater/

Merri Biechler, Director

Mission 

Ohio University School of Theater is committed to the development of the highest quality theater artists and scholars, through rigorous professional training, humanistic inquiry, and creative activity.  We challenge our students to engage critically and creatively with research, the arts, and the world to prepare them for leadership roles as artists and citizens.

Description

The undergraduate theater experience at Ohio University is a blend of core theater studies and practice; intensive training in a selected concentration; and liberal arts experiences, leading to either a professionally oriented Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A) or a broad-based Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree.

The theater is not an island unto itself; it exists as part of and because of a larger world. All theater students devote a portion of their studies to examination of the literature and history of the theater, the role of theater in society, and relationship to other art disciplines. To this end, faculty advisors in Theater strive to guide theater students through programmatic and University General Education requirements in a manner that broadens and deepens their knowledge and contributes to a critical conversation in a world context.

Production activities are considered crucial to the total curriculum planning of a theater major. Students register each semester for a credit-bearing practicum in production. In the first year, this involves participation in productions through technical and management assignments. Second-, third-, and fourth-year students have the opportunity to participate in production as a performer, technician, designer, dramaturg, or stage manager. Theater students are encouraged to pursue internship and off-campus opportunities, including study abroad programs in Theater, College of Fine Arts, Ohio University, or in conjunction with a professional theater, production company, or studio.

Ongoing and individual advising is an extremely important aspect of Theater. Each Theater student meets each semester with an academic advisor (one of the core faculty members in his/her area of study) for academic and programmatic guidance. To maintain the academic and artistic rigor of the programs, all theater students are required to attain a minimum grade of C in any theater course (THAR) required for graduation. Unsatisfactory academic or programmatic progress may result in academic or program probation, removal from a sequence or degree within the School, or denial of further enrollment as a degree candidate in Theater. Careful planning and intelligent course selection might allow pursuit of a minor or second major. In addition, high-achieving, highly motivated students can apply to the Theater Tutorial Program (see Honors Tutorial College for requirements and deadlines at www.honors.ohio.edu/theater.htm

Ohio University is an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Theater.

Theater Admission Requirements

Admission to the School of Theater is contingent on being admitted to Ohio University. Students wishing direct admission to B.F.A. programs in Performance – Acting, Performance – Musical Theater, Playwriting, Stage Management or Production Design and Technology must audition or interview. Please contact the School of Theater (contact information above) for current audition/interview options.

Students wishing to pursue a B.A. in Theater do not need to audition or interview, but for talent scholarship consideration, auditions and interviews are encouraged. First year core curriculum is similar for all students. At the end of the first year, theater students may audition or interview for any of the B.F.A. programs or tracks.  Acceptance will be determined by theater faculty.

Programs

• Theater Major (B.A.)

• Playwriting Major (B.F.A.)
• Production Design and Technology Major (B.F.A.)
• Stage Management Major (B.F.A.)
• Theater Performance Major (B.F.A.)—Acting or Musical Theater Tracks

• Stage Management Minor
• Theater Minor