School of Theater
Welcome to the School of Theater's catalog section. The School of Theater has had a longstanding track record of success with its graduates. Alumni from our undergraduate programs have gone on to very successful careers in the professional theater, television, and film. The degree programs also give you the competitive edge to enter the best graduate schools in theater. The undergraduate theater programs are National Association of Schools of Theater approved and designed for completion over a period of four years.
The undergraduate theater major at Ohio University experiences a blend of intensive training in an area of concentration with core courses in theater studies. These are coordinated with general education liberal arts courses leading to a professionally oriented Bachelor of Fine Arts degree through the College of Arts and Sciences.
The School of Theater advises theater majors to complete the University's general education requirements in a manner that broadens the individual student's perspective and worldview. Within the discipline of theater, all undergraduate students enroll in core courses that examine the literature and history of theater, all undergraduate students enroll in core courses that examine the literature and history of theater, the role of theater in society, and the relationship of theater to other disciplines in the arts.
Production activities are considered crucial to the total curriculum planning of a theater major. Majors register each quarter for a credit-bearing practicum in production. In the first year of training, this involves participation in productions through technical and management assignments. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors have the opportunity to participate as a performer, technician in lighting or sound, designer, or in theater or stage management. Some practicum assignments are available for the summer at Monomoy Theater in Cape Cod, which is affiliated with Ohio University.
Your progress is evaluated quarterly by your advisor and faculty in your training area. All theater majors are required to attain a minimum grade of C in any theater course required for graduation. Unsatisfactory progress may result in academic probation, recommendation for transfer to another sequence or degree within the school, modification of the program, or denial of further enrollment as a degree candidate in the School of Theater.
A minor or second major is possible in some cases if you have used careful advising procedures and made intelligent use of the elective options and General Education requirements. Highly motivated and talented students can pursue their degree work in the School of Theater through the Honors Tutorial College, if the tutorial mode of instruction is appropriate for the particular student.
Admission Requirements
Once you have been admitted to Ohio University, you may enter the School of Theater as a general theater major. For scholarship consideration, auditions and interviews are conducted during the fall and winter quarters of each year for students considering entrance the following fall. You are assigned a faculty advisor when you enroll.Procedure for Admission BFA Programs
At the end of the freshman year, you are expected to declare a degree program. Under normal circumstances, you must complete all the 100-level theater core requirements to be considered for entry into a degree program. Students audition, interview, or present portfolios for entry into the Bachelor of Fine Arts programs (performance, management, playwriting, or production design and technology). You may also enroll in a course of study leading to the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree through the College of Arts and Sciences.Provisional acceptance into BFA programs:End of freshman year.
After acceptance into one of these programs, retention is based on periodic review of the student's progress, with a major review at the end of the sophomore year.
Theater Core Courses (Required of all B.F.A. majors)
THAR 090 Lunchbag Theater Seminar Series 0 THAR 101 Intro to Profession 1 THAR 111 ( * ) Improvisation I 2 THAR 110 Intro to Performance 2 THAR 112 ( * ) Intro to Perf. Warm-up 2 orTHAR 213 Acting Fundamentals I THAR 130 Intro to Design 3 THAR 131 Intro to Stagecraft 3 THAR 151 Fundamentals of Playwriting 3 THAR 171 Play Analysis 3 THAR 172 Elements of Performance 3 THAR 270, 271, 272 Theater History I, II, III 12 THAR 420 Directing 4 Two seminars from 470 series 8 Two English courses at the 200 level or above 8 * For students interested in auditioning for the performance program. Students may fulfill the acting component of the theater core by completing 110, 111, and 112 or completing 110 and 213. PracticumFreshman Two 100-level practica Two courses, 3 credit hours each (winter, spring) 6 Sophomore Three 200-level practica Three courses, 2 credit hours each (fall, winter, spring) 6 Junior Two 300-level practica Two courses, 3 credit hours each (any quarters) 6 Senior Three 400-level practica Three courses, 2 credit hours each (fall, winter, spring) in area of emphasis 6Minimum total practicum credits: 24
All majors are required to enroll for Lunchbag Theater Seminar each quarter of residence.
Liberal Arts Requirements for Theater Majors
In addition to the Tier I, II, and III requirements, all majors in the School of Theater are required to take two English courses at the 200 level or above. Two Shakespeare courses are strongly advised and may be required in a specific program. (Tier I junior composition does not fulfill this requirement.)
Total: 78
Minimum Grade Requirement
All theater majors are required to attain a minimum grade of C in any theater course required for graduation.Electives
Distribution of elective hours will vary depending upon degree requirements of a particular area. You are encouraged to use your elective choices in a manner that expands upon the liberal arts experience, particularly with choices in the areas of literature, philosophy, history, and psychology. If you are in acting, you also are advised to strengthen your personal talents in the areas of music, dance, and art.Theater Performance (Acting) Major
Major code BF5161
(Admission by application and audition only) The B.F.A. in theater performance is a rigorous program fostering creative, cognitive, and artistic skills. It is intended to advance the education and training of motivated, curious, self-reliant, adaptable theater artists capable of dealing with all aspects of theater and contributing to the relationship between theater and society. Theater and performance serve as the basis of the undergraduate fine arts education. Theater is approached technically as craft and art, but also as a way of looking at, interpreting, organizing, and expressing one's ideas and thoughts. We seek serious, disciplined students interested in demanding technical training, who want the art of theater and performance to be at the core of their education.
Formal application and audition into the Theater Performance Program (TPP) takes place during the freshmen year. Transfer students from other programs and institutions are accepted provided they can meet the requirements of the program, the school, and University General Education.
In addition to the University and theater core requirements, you are required to include additional electives from a broad range of areas and to maintain minimum academic and artistic standards. Tier II classes can be counted toward meeting these requirements. The B.F.A. in performance fosters diversification within the theater curriculum and in disciplines essential to a liberal education. Careful and consistent faculty supervision and advising are an integral part of the program.
Preparation for Admission to TPP
Freshman performance classes emphasize preparation and examination, i.e., preparation for the audition into the TPP and examination of your skills, interests, and talents. Assisted by an assigned faculty advisor, you may select coursework designed to allow broad exposure to diverse courses in the University while building a strong foundation in acting.During the freshmen and and sophomore years, you will complete most of the Tier I and II University requirements as well as the freshman and sophomore components of the theater core. After your freshman year (or first quarter of residency in the case of a transfer student), you are eligible to audition for all school productions. Required coursework in acting is available to theater majors who do not join the performance program.
Transfer Students
Though it is rare to accept a transfer beyond the sophomore year, transfer students should be prepared to present a transcript, resume and a formal auditiona s soon as possible. After acceptance to the University, program acceptance and placement will depend upon assessment by the faculty of the candidate's past training and experience and the candidate's potential to fulfill our programmatic requirements. In most cases, transferring students should be prepared to expect some foundation course work in their programs.Theater Performance Program
The B.F.A. in theater performance offers a curriculum of rigorous technique instruction with an emphasis on international and ensemble theater. Complementing a faculty of working professionals are an important visiting artist program and a developing internship program that includes internships in the United States and abroad. In your senior year, you are required to complete your practicum requirements in acting. The culminating experiences of the B.F.A. degree program are three quarters of acting practicums and the senior project.Required studio performance courses are the core of the program at all three year levels. The sophomore year is dedicated to the acting foundation and the junior year to classical ensemble, leading to a senior year that emphasizes new work from original scripts to ensemble collaboration. There is programmatic interaction with the MFA programs in Directing, Playwriting, and Acting.
There is constant communication among the faculty to evaluate your progress, confirm individual progress decisions, and resolve any issues germane to your success in the program. If you are struggling academically or programmatically, you may receive a letter of concern or be placed on probation. Continued concern indicates doubt about the appropriateness of your continuation in the TPP.
Summary of Minimum Requirements
Sophomore Year Acting Ensemble Foundation 20THAR 210 Acting I 4 THAR 211 Acting II 4 THAR 212 Acting III 4 THAR 216 Intro to Movement 2 THAR 217 Intro to Voice 6 Junior Year Classical Ensemble 25THAR 310 Audition Technique and Practice 3 THAR 312 Scene Study 4 THAR 314 Theater Performance: Selected Topics 3 THAR 316 Movement Theater I (taken twice) 6 THAR 317A, B, C Voice for the Stage I, II, III 9 Senior Year Ensemble 21THAR 410 Scene Study: Selected Topics 4 THAR 411 Acting IV 3 THAR 414 Acting V 3 THAR 415 * Acting Practicum 6 THAR 416 Movement Theater II 2 THAR 417 Advanced Voice Training 2 THAR 418 Senior Project 2 Total Minimum Requirements 67 * In additon to theater core requirements. Additional ElectivesYou are required to include electives in your program plan and are encouraged to choose from the areas listed below. Your advisor will monitor the progress of this requirement. Foreign Language/Culture Third World Culture, International Studies Philosophy, including, but not limited to, philosophy of art Anthropology/ Political Science/History Literature (nondramatic) Music and Music History Studio Art and Art History
Management
(stage management and theater management)
Major code BF5167
The purpose of the management program (stage management and theater management) is to prepare students for entry into the professional theater as a stage manager and in the business side of theater. The internship with a theater organization is an important part of the program, because the students will use this to make contacts for their entry into the professional theater. In addition to select courses in the management and theater areas, the program provides pracatical experience to develop techniques, skills, and insight in stage management, production state management, and the business side of theater. The independent study and practicum courses will be used for the student to specialize in stage management of theater management by assigning students projects in their area of interest. During the first two years, you should complete much of the theater core and University general education requirements to gain a broad exposure to all areas of theater. In addition to the course work, students will have ongoing guidance, counseling, and evaluation from their advisor. The advisor will help the student track their prograss in meeting the necessary goals for entry into the stage management profession. Part of the process will include an evaluation of the student's ability to meet these goals and continue in the program.
Student will be admitted into the program based on a resume, two letters of recommendation, completion of application form, and an interview.
In addition to University and theater core requirements, you are required to complete the following courses:
Management: 66 creditsTwo courses selected from: THAR 230 Stagecraft: Scenery 6 orTHAR 231 Stagecraft: Lighting orTHAR 232 Stagecraft: Costume THAR 330 Elem of Technical Direction 4 THAR 402 Theater Management 4 THAR 405 Practicum in Mgt. 4 orTHAR 427 Practicum in Stage Mgt. THAR 409 Ind. Studies in Admin. 6 THAR 426 Stage Management I 3 THAR 440 Professional Theater Internship 12 THAR 428 Stage Management II 4 ACCT 101 Financial Accounting 4 ECON 103 Prin. of Microeconomics 4 MGT 202 Management 4 MGT 430 Management Systems-- Decision Making 4 MKT 202 Marketing Principles 4 PESS 227 First Aid 3
Playwriting
Major code BF5165
(Interview, writing samples, and letter of recommendation from Fundamentals of Playwriting instructor required at the end of freshman year for admission) The B.F.A. in playwriting is designed as an intensive introduction to the art of dramatic writing for the stage. Study in this major focuses upon dramatic structure, its relationship to literature, and how the spoken word functions on the stage and in performance. Students accepted in to B.F.A. playwriting program must complete a wide range of courses in addition to the core series of playwriting courses. The additional required courses include acting, theatrical design, literature, and courses in other disciplines, specifically English.
During the first two years, you should coplete much of the theater core and general education requirements. In consultation with your advisor, you may also enroll in 200- and 300-level English courses that focus upon writers and literature related to your area of interest. At the end of your freshman year, you must interview, present writing samples and a letter of recommendation from the Fundamentals of Playwriting instructor for acceptance into the program. Your work will be reviewed at the end of your sophomore and junior years. Students must demonstrate significant progress int eh development of dramatic writing skills for continued success int eh program.
In addition to University and theater core requirements, you are required to complete the following courses:
Playwriting: 59 credits
THAR 213 Acting Funadmentals II 4 THAR 250 Playwriting I 4 THAR 313 Acting Studies I 4 THAR 320 Directing II 4 THAR 350 Playwriting II 4 THAR 418 Senior Project 2 THAR 438A Historical Bases of Design I 4 orTHAR 438B Historical Bases of Design II THAR 450 Advanced Playwriting 4 THAR 451 Playwriting Workshop 3 THAR 459 Independent Studies in Playwriting 6 THAR 470 Tragedy 4 orTHAR 471 Comedy orTHAR 472 Forms of Drama orTHAR 473 Seminar in Theater History and Drama: Selected Topics orTHAR 477 American Theater and Drama Two Eng. Electives( * ) (200 level or above) 8 Two Eng. Electives( * ) (300 level or above) 8
*Can be used to fulfill Tier II requirements.
Production Design and Technology
Major code BF5162
(Interview and portfolio review by the end of the freshman year required for admission) The B.F.A. in production design and technology is available with an emphasis on the environmental aspects of performance. Design and technology in scenery, costumes, lighting, properties, sound, stage management, and makeup are taught in a series of courses and special projects throughout the four-year curriculum. Productions are prepared under the close personal advisement and participation of the production faculty and staff. Qualified students are challenged with major creative responsibilities.
During the first two years, you should complete much of the theater core and general education requirements. In consultation with your advisor, you may also enroll in selected production design technology courses at the 200 level and above. At the end of your freshman year, you interview and present your portfolio for provisional acceptance into the program. At the end of your sophomore year, you will again present your portfolio and interview for continuing status in this program. Portfolio examples of Design and Technical work from THAR 130, 131 and 135 classes should be presented in addition to other examples of art work or technical work at the Production Design and Technoogy audition interveiw. At the end of your sophomore year, you will again present your portfolio and interview for continuing status in this program. Continuing in the program is contingent upon successful annual portfolio reviews.
In addition to the University and theater core requirements, you are required to complete the following:
THAR 230 Stagecraft: Scenery 3 THAR 231 Stagecraft: Lighting 3 THAR 232 Stagecraft: Costume 3 THAR 233 Theatrical Design Skills 3 THAR 338 History of Costume 4 orTHAR 438A Hist. Bases of Design I orTHAR 438B Hist. Bases of Design II THAR 431 Lighting Design II 4 orTHAR 432 Costume Design II orTHAR 434 Scene Design II At least two of the following three: THAR 331 Theory of Lighting 4 THAR 332 Costume Design I 4 THAR 334 Scene Design 4A minimum additional 15 credits selected from production design and technology classes numbered 300 and above, or areas related to production design and technology approved by your advisor.
Total: 43
Minor in Theater
Minor code ORTHAR
The School of Theater offers a minor designed for those students who are majoring in other fields but who wish, in the course of their formal education, to experience work in the theater. Students who wish to declare a minor in Theater must consult with their major advisor, in addition to the advisor for minors in the School of Theater andto pursue the program. Any student declaring a minor in the School of Theater must maintain a 2.0 g.p.a. in the minor.
Required Core Courses: 13
THAR 110, 111 Intro to Performance 2 orTHAR 113 Acting Fundamentals THAR 170 The Theater Exper. 4 orTHAR 172 Elem. of Performance or3 Practicum 6 (minimum of 3 experiences; at least 1 in PD&T or Mgt)At least one course (not less than 3 credits) in each of the following groups:
1 THAR 130, 131 (3)
2 Playwriting, Directing, Acting (200 level or above) or THAR 218 A, B, C (Voice) (4)
3 THAR 270, 271, 272; THAR 470 series (4)
Total required groups: 11
Electives: 6
Chosen from any available courses in the School of Theater.
Mininum credit hours required for minor: 30
Theater (Bachelor of Arts)
See "Theater" in the College of Arts and Sciences section for information regarding the Bachelor of Arts in Theater.The B.F.A. degrees are issued by the College of Fine Arts.
The B.A. degree is issued by the College of Arts and Sciences.
(https://www.ohio.edu/catalog/04-05/colleges/thear.htm) on September 16, 2004.
Athens, OH 45701
(740) 593-1000