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Morris Campus

Theatre Arts B.A.

Division of Humanities - Adm
Division of Humanities
  • Program Type: Baccalaureate
  • Requirements for this program are current for Fall 2023
  • Required credits to graduate with this degree: 120
  • Required credits within the major: 38 to 40
  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts
The discipline encompasses theatre as an artistic form and as a social and cultural institution. The study of theatre arts enables the individual to develop a creative imagination, an inquiring mind, a sense of social responsibility, professional discipline, a collaborative attitude, artistic standards and judgment, and a respect for the art form. The curriculum explores the fundamentals of acting, design and directing with electives that delve deeper into each area of theatre. The discipline produces multiple production each year, providing students with opportunities to act and design. In addition, student theatre and improvisation groups produce performances each semester. Objectives The theatre arts curriculum is designed to ensure that students *understand the theories and process of theatrical production; *are able to apply theories and skills learned in the classroom to the practice of theatre both through discipline productions and other venues; *gain the physical and intellectual skills necessary to embody character, interpret a play, or envision the visual and aural elements of the world of the play; *are able to analyze a theatrical text so that they may in turn conceptualize and execute its design and performance; *learn to collaborate as a team in the production of theatre and, through critical thinking, learn how to solve the problems that must be addressed throughout the process; develop competence in the technologies necessary to the design and production of theatre; *learn the historical and cultural significance of theatre and theatrical literature; *are competent in oral and written communication; and *are adequately prepared for graduate or professional school. Program Student Learning Outcomes * understand the theories and process of theatrical production; * are able to apply theories and skills learned in the classroom to the practice of theatre both through discipline productions and other venues; * gain the physical and intellectual skills necessary to embody character, interpret a play, or envision the visual and aural elements of the world of the play; * are able to analyze a theatrical text so that they may, in turn, conceptualize and execute its design and performance; * learn to collaborate as a team in the production of theatre and, through critical thinking, learn how to solve the problems that must be addressed throughout the process; * develop competence in the technologies necessary to the design and production of theatre; * learn the historical and cultural significance of theatre and theatrical literature; * are competent in oral and written communication Sustainability Learning Outcome Students will develop an understanding of sustainability (including social and environmental dimensions) from a Theatre Arts discipline perspective.
Program Delivery
This program is available:
  • via classroom (the majority of instruction is face-to-face)
Admission Requirements
For information about University of Minnesota admission requirements, visit the Office of Admissions website.
General Requirements
All students are required to complete general University and college requirements. For more information, see the general education requirements.
Program Requirements
Students are required to complete 2 semester(s) of any second language. with a grade of C-, or better, or S, or demonstrate proficiency in the language(s) as defined by the department or college.
Up to 4 credits of coursework with a grade of D or D+ may be used to meet the major requirements if offset by an equivalent number of credits of A or B. Courses may not be taken S/N unless offered S/N only. A minimum GPA of 2.00 is required in the major to graduate. The GPA includes all, and only, University of Minnesota coursework. Grades of "F" are included in GPA calculation until they are replaced.
Required Courses
TH 1101 - The Theatre Experience: An Introduction [FA] (4.0 cr)
TH 1111 - Fundamentals of Acting [ART/P] (4.0 cr)
TH 1301 - Fundamentals of Design [ART/P] (4.0 cr)
TH 2101 - Fundamentals of Directing [ART/P] (4.0 cr)
TH 2301 - Stagecraft [ART/P] (4.0 cr)
TH 3101 - World Theatre: History and Literature I [FA] (4.0 cr)
TH 3102 - World Theatre: History and Literature II [FA] (4.0 cr)
TH 3201 - Advanced Acting [ART/P] (4.0 cr)
or TH 3202 - Advanced Directing [ART/P] (4.0 cr)
TH 4901 - Senior Project (2.0-4.0 cr)
Elective Courses
Take 4 or more credit(s) from the following:
· TH 2111 - Creative Drama with Children [ART/P] (4.0 cr)
· TH 2112 - Drama in the Classroom [ART/P] (2.0 cr)
· TH 2113 - Costume Design [ART/P] (2.0 cr)
· TH 2114 - Sound Design [ART/P] (2.0 cr)
· TH 2201 - Voice and Movement [ART/P] (4.0 cr)
· TH 2211 - Oral Interpretation [ART/P] (4.0 cr)
· TH 2212 - Interpretation for Performance [ART/P] (2.0 cr)
· TH 2221 - Readers' Theatre [ART/P] (4.0 cr)
· TH 2223 - The Sounds of Musicals: The History and Literature of Musical Theatre [FA] (4.0 cr)
· TH 2231 - Playwriting [ART/P] (4.0 cr)
· TH 3001 - Theatre Scene Painting Studio [FA] (4.0 cr)
· TH 3003 - Stage Management [ART/P] (4.0 cr)
· TH 3006 - Costume Crafts: Exploration in Fantasy Clothing and Puppetry [ART/P] (4.0 cr)
· TH 3201 - Advanced Acting [ART/P] (4.0 cr)
· TH 3202 - Advanced Directing [ART/P] (4.0 cr)
· TH 3301 - Stage Lighting [ART/P] (4.0 cr)
· TH 3303 - Computer-Assisted Drawing [ART/P] (4.0 cr)
· TH 3307 - Artistic Portfolio (2.0 cr)
· TH 3308 - Advanced Lighting Design (2.0 cr)
· TH 3309 - Scenic Design [FA] (4.0 cr)
Other Requirements
At least one para-programmatic theatre experience that is arranged through a theatre arts faculty member and may take any number of forms, e.g., internship with a theatre company, study abroad, or theatre tour to New York (TH 1040) or Ireland (Th 3450) or London (TH 1050).
Portfolio review in the third year.
Six major production responsibilities (four of which must be in a faculty-directed production, all others must be pre-approved by faculty, and three must be in the junior and senior years).
 
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TH 1101 - The Theatre Experience: An Introduction (FA)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Fundamental examination and practical application of the theory, history, and practice of theatrical performance as a reflection of society. Focus is on the theatre event as a collaborative effort and transitory art form. (lect, 2 hrs practicum)[Note: practicum two hours per week, selected from M-Th from 2:00-5:00 pm]
TH 1111 - Fundamentals of Acting (ART/P)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Approaches characterization from a physical and psychological view. Focus is on use of imagination, text analysis, body and voice to develop characters from modern realistic dramatic literature. prereq: 1101, theatre arts major or minor or instr consent
TH 1301 - Fundamentals of Design (ART/P)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Problem-solving approach to elements, principles, and functions of design; their place in the theatre and elsewhere.
TH 2101 - Fundamentals of Directing (ART/P)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Introduces the practical components of the director as artist, teacher, and collaborator. Focus is on the craft of directing modern realistic dramatic literature through text analysis, communication of concepts, and stylistic techniques. prereq: 1111, theatre arts major or minor or instr consent
TH 2301 - Stagecraft (ART/P)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Development of stagecraft from the Greeks to the present. Basic forms of stage scenery and their functions in the theatre. Tools, materials, and techniques employed in creating the visual environment of the stage. (3 hrs lect, 3 hrs practicum) [Note: materials fee required]
TH 3101 - World Theatre: History and Literature I (FA)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Theatrical practice and dramatic literature from origins through late 17th century, tracing the roots leading to, and influences on, early modern European theatre practice and dramatic literature, as well as examining select Asian, African, and/or pre-Columbian American theatrical practice.
TH 3102 - World Theatre: History and Literature II (FA)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Theatrical practice and dramatic literature from the late 17th century to the present, examining select Asian, African, and/or Western Hemisphere theatrical practice, as well as tracing the roots leading to, and influences on, current world theatre practice and dramatic literature.
TH 3201 - Advanced Acting (ART/P)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Begins with advanced acting techniques based in psychological realism and moves to an exploration of select classical and non-realistic forms. Styles to be examined are chosen from a list, including ancient Greek, Elizabethan, comedy of manners, absurdism, postmoderism, musical theatre, etc. prereq: 1101, 1111, 2101
TH 3202 - Advanced Directing (ART/P)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Begins with advanced directing techniques based in psychological realism and moves to an exploration of select classical and non-realistic forms. Styles to be examined are chosen from a list, including ancient Greek, Elizabethan, comedy of manners, absurdism, postmoderism, musical theatre, etc. prereq: 1101, 1111, 2101
TH 4901 - Senior Project
Credits: 2.0 -4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Culminating activity to demonstrate the student's competence in some area of theatre arts. Projects may be completed independently (e.g., a research paper, a solo acting performance) or as part of a group effort. Acting, scenery, lighting, costume design, playwriting, and theatre history are some areas in which the project may be undertaken. prereq: theatre arts major, instr consent
TH 2111 - Creative Drama with Children (ART/P)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Development of classroom skills in the use of dramatic techniques to teach a broad range of subjects to children. Exercises, presentations, and experiential learning techniques are modeled and practiced in class. prereq: 1101 or theatre or elem ed major or instr consent
TH 2112 - Drama in the Classroom (ART/P)
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Development of classroom skills in the use of dramatic techniques to teach a broad range of subjects to children. Exercises, presentations, and experiential learning techniques are modeled and practiced in this 2-credit half-semester class.
TH 2113 - Costume Design (ART/P)
Credits: 2.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Exploring how costumes impact a theatrical performance. Students will design costumes for theoretical productions. Various mediums will be explored via visual research as well as hand and computer rendering.
TH 2114 - Sound Design (ART/P)
Credits: 2.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Explore how sound impacts our perception of storytelling. Students will use sound editing software to explore various means of storytelling using only sound as their artistic medium.
TH 2201 - Voice and Movement (ART/P)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Explores the use of the voice and the body as means for expression in performance and everyday communication. Focus is on expansion and enhancement of vocal and physical skills through release of tension, posture, vocal exercises, and muscle extension. prereq: 1111, theatre arts major or minor or instr consent
TH 2211 - Oral Interpretation (ART/P)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
offered alternate yrs
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Introduces the study of literature through text analysis and performance. Focus is on the student's discovery of the aesthetic, communicative, and performative elements of a variety of personal narratives, prose, and poetry.
TH 2212 - Interpretation for Performance (ART/P)
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Course Equivalencies: Th 2211/Th 2212
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Introduces students to the study of performance through voice, body movement, and emotions by using their interpretations of literary texts (prose, poetry, drama, music) as well as a memorized program on a theme. [Note: no credit for students who received credit for Th 2211]
TH 2221 - Readers' Theatre (ART/P)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Explores the theory and practice of adapting literature into group performance. Focus is on text analysis, script development, directing, and performing both dramatic and non-dramatic literary texts.
TH 2223 - The Sounds of Musicals: The History and Literature of Musical Theatre (FA)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
A survey of American musical theatre history and literature. Trace the roots of musical theatre, a uniquely American artform, from the late 19th century to the present, through a study of the libretti and scores of important contributions to the field.
TH 2231 - Playwriting (ART/P)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Introduces the process for writing and revising an original play. Focus is on writing, revising, and presenting a short play, including idea generation, invention, drafting, and peer response.
TH 3001 - Theatre Scene Painting Studio (FA)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Fall Odd Year
Instruction in a systematic approach to painting theatrical scenery. Traditional techniques and the tools and paints that have been developed to support those techniques. [Note: materials fee required]
TH 3003 - Stage Management (ART/P)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Introduces the principles of theatrical stage management; explores the stage manager's functions and duties through all phases of the production process including pre-production, rehearsal, and performance. prereq: instr consent
TH 3006 - Costume Crafts: Exploration in Fantasy Clothing and Puppetry (ART/P)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Exploration of different methods of soft sculpture, foam patterning, and painting to create various pieces used in theatrical events as well as fantasy gatherings. This course requires a large amount of independent work outside of class. [Note: materials fee required]
TH 3201 - Advanced Acting (ART/P)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Begins with advanced acting techniques based in psychological realism and moves to an exploration of select classical and non-realistic forms. Styles to be examined are chosen from a list, including ancient Greek, Elizabethan, comedy of manners, absurdism, postmoderism, musical theatre, etc. prereq: 1101, 1111, 2101
TH 3202 - Advanced Directing (ART/P)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Begins with advanced directing techniques based in psychological realism and moves to an exploration of select classical and non-realistic forms. Styles to be examined are chosen from a list, including ancient Greek, Elizabethan, comedy of manners, absurdism, postmoderism, musical theatre, etc. prereq: 1101, 1111, 2101
TH 3301 - Stage Lighting (ART/P)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Fall Even Year
History and development of lighting for the stage. Theory and concepts of lighting as a visual art and its function in the theatre. Lighting design as a creative process and practical solution of lighting design problems. Lighting equipment and its use. [Note: materials fee required] prereq: 1301, 2301
TH 3303 - Computer-Assisted Drawing (ART/P)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Theory, concepts, and practice of using a computer as a drawing and drafting tool. [Note: materials fee required.]
TH 3307 - Artistic Portfolio
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Designed for students in the arts who are working towards performance and/or design degrees. Students are tasked with creating an online portfolio for their work to be used beyond their time at UMN Morris. prereq: accumulation of a substantial body of creative work is recommended
TH 3308 - Advanced Lighting Design
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Throughout this course, students work with faculty on various hands-on lighting projects in a lab-based environment. Topics explored include programming, networking, and application. prereq: 3301 or instr consent
TH 3309 - Scenic Design (FA)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Designing scenery as an expressive environment for the theatre. Elements and functions of design and principles of composition. Problems in coordination and execution of design in the interpretation of dramatic literature using a variety of staging techniques. Study of various styles of historical and contemporary stage productions and theatre architecture through the writings and designs of such artists and theorists as Appia, Craig, Meyerhold, Jones, and Svoboda. [Note; no cr for students who have received cr for Th 4301] prereq: 1301, 2301