Degree Programs

Course of Study
Theatre students may take classes in a wide range of theatrical emphasis including theatre history, acting, directing, technical theatre, graphic expression for theatre, and design. Classes focus on the fundamentals of theatre as a collaborative art form. Students are encouraged to keep their education broad throughout their time at CSU but upper division classes do give students an opportunity to pursue more specific interests. There are two emphases that students may choose from although many students pursue both simultaneously.

Emphasis in Acting/Directing
Those students pursuing acting as a focus have a number of upper division credit opportunities available to them. Advanced acting classes include comedic acting, classical acting, and advanced modern acting. Building on the basics of acting these classes allow students to expand their range and technique. Through interactive and demonstrative coursework students hone their acting talents. Also available to upper division students are classes in advanced directing. The directing classes are geared to giving the student director in class opportunities to direct other students in small scenes or one-act plays. Students are able to develop their directing skills in a safe, constructive environment.

Emphasis in Technical Theatre/Design
Students interested in pursuing the technical and design fields of theatre will find an array of classes available to them. Upper division students may choose from a range of design and technical courses to enhance their skills. Classes in Advanced Technical Theatre, Advanced Costume and Makeup, Advanced Design, Scenic Painting and Applied Theatre Production in Design are offered to allow the student to build their design and technical skills. These courses give students opportunities to delve more specifically into their areas of interest. There are also many occasions for students to hone their talents outside of the classroom.

Additional Areas of Study
Students also have the option of pursuing theatre research as an emphasis. Classes in theatre history as well as Study abroad help students understand the origins, evolution, and modern day applications of theatre as an art form in the United States and internationally. Interest in these areas may lead to an emphasis in theatre research or dramaturgy. Classes in playwriting and page-to-stage analysis are also offered and provide the student with additional tools to aid them in their theatrical education. The Page-to-stage analysis course exposes the student to the process involved with taking a written manuscript and transforming it into a production. Actors, Directors, Designers and Technicians alike find this type of analysis to be very valuable.

Co-curricular Training
In addition to coursework four primary opportunities for hands-on and advanced learning are available practicum / independent study credits The Theatre Program strongly encourages students to get involved with the many theatrical opportunities available outside of the classroom. A student may receive credit for many of these. This allows students to gain practical experience and expand their interests while fulfilling the academic requirements of their major. All students are required to obtain a set number of practicum credits, however the way in which those credits are obtained is highly variable. The scene shop, costume shop, and paint shop all allow students to work for credit. Class level and experience are factors in determining the kind of credit the student is qualified to receive but there are opportunities for all students. Design practicum credit may be obtained through assisting a faculty designer or through designing for the experimental theatre. Acting practicum credit may be obtained through acting in a CSU Theatre Program sponsored production. Directing practicum is obtained through assisting a faculty director or directing a production in The Studio Theatre. Working in a shop is one method by which students may obtain technical practicum credit. Another method is to work on production crews. Lighting, sound, running, prop and wardrobe crew members can all obtain practicum credit for their work. Crew positions tend to require less experience and are great ways for new students to get involved in the program. The second type of extracurricular credited work available to students is Independent Study. This type of credit is offered to allow students to expand their learning opportunities within the theatrical arts. Independent study credit can be obtained in any theatrical field and allows students to seek further instruction beyond what they learn in the classroom. These credits are geared toward upper classmen, are coordinated through the student’s advisor and are awarded on a case-by-case basis. Independent study may be given for work done within the theatre program or without.

Senior Thesis
The senior thesis is the culmination of a student’s work in the Theatre Program. In order to graduate from the CSU Theatre Program each student is required to complete a senior thesis. The design of the senior thesis is to allow the student to showcase his or her individual skills and is therefore flexible. Possibilities for a senior thesis include writing an essay or play, performing in a mainstage or experimental production or in an acting recital under faculty supervision, creating a major design project, working at a professional theatre, or directing a full length play in the Studio Theatre. Each student is advised on their senior thesis early in their academic career in order to give them ample time and guidance to choose a thesis that fits their individual talents and interests.