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2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog
Theatre, B.A.
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Program Description
The School of Theatre and Dance offers a B.A. in theatre. A theatre major must fulfill degree and major requirements.
Credit by Examination
A student may earn credit for a course in the School of Theatre and Dance by passing an examination. The school administers credit by examination tests during only the first two weeks of a fall or spring semester. The tests will not be offered during summer sessions. A student can take a credit by examination test only once during a semester.
A student must request permission for credit by examination by the end of the semester that precedes the semester in which they want to take the examination. Theatre majors who want to meet a major requirement through examination must take the examination before their final year of study. The school does not offer credit by examination for performance or design courses such as acting, directing, scene design, lighting design, costume design, makeup, stage management, dance technique, composition and ensembles.
Special Admission and Retention Requirements
Admission to the dance, theatre and musical theatre majors are competitive and an audition/interview is required. Please see the School of Theatre and Dance website for more information: https://www.jmu.edu/theatredance/apply/index.shtml.
All School of Theatre and Dance majors must complete the requirements for a Bachelor of Arts degree and must complete the General Education program. Theatre/Musical Theatre majors cannot take THEA 210. Introduction to Theatre [C2VPA] to meet the visual and performing arts requirements. Dance majors cannot take DANC 215. The Dance Experience [C2VPA] to meet the visual and performing arts requirement. Courses from other academic units may not be counted both for the School of Theatre and Dance majors and for another major.
A minimum grade of “C” is required in all courses that apply to a major in the School of Theatre and Dance.
Degree and Major Requirements
| Degree Requirements |
Credit Hours |
| General Education 1 |
41 |
| Foreign Language classes (intermediate level required) 2 |
0-14 |
| Philosophy course (in addition to General Education courses) |
3 |
| University electives |
8-28 |
| Major requirements |
39 |
Major electives or concentration 3
Total
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9-15
120
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Footnotes
3 Includes nine credit hours of theatre electives or 9-15 credit hours of concentration-specific courses.
Major Requirements
All students pursuing a B.A. degree in theatre must complete the core requirements. Choose one of the following: 2 Credit Hours
Core Requirements Total: 8 Credit Hours
Choose four of the following: 4 Credit Hours
(One credit each from scenery, lighting, costumes, management or performance) Choose one of the following: 3 Credit Hours
Performance Requirements: 3 Credit Hours
(Choose one) Design/Technology Requirements: 3 Credit Hours
(Choose one) Major Requirements Total: 39 Credit Hours
Footnote
1 Theatre Education students must take THEA 355 to fulfill VA licensure requirements.
Concentrations
Theatre majors may fulfill the requirements for one or more concentrations or complete nine THEA credits not already applied to the major.
Students may interview and/or audition into any concentration at the same time as their interview and/or audition into the Theatre Major. Alternatively, incoming students may still be admitted as unconcentrated Theatre Majors and audition/interview for a Theatre Education concentration later in their first year or in a subsequent year. Concentrations are not required. Students may be admitted into multiple concentrations. Students may also be admitted into the Theatre Major, but not admitted into a specific concentration.
Performance concentrators will complete ten credits, including serving in at least one Lab or Studio student production as an assistant designer, designer, assistant technical director, electrician, head carpenter, assistant stage manager, stage manager or dramaturg to expand student understanding of, and proficiency in, multiple areas of theatre practice.
Concentrations include:
Design/Technology Concentration
Choose two courses not already applied to the major:
Choose one course not already applied to the major:
Footnote
1 No more than four hours of practicums (THEA 390 , THEA 490 , THEA 499 ) may be applied to the theatre major, and no more than 10 hours of special studies (including practicums) may be applied to the theatre major.
Design/Technology Concentration Total: 9 Credit Hours
Performance Concentration
Performance Concentration Total: 10 Credit Hours
Theatre Education and Teaching Artistry Concentration
This concentration requires 15 THEA/STAD credits. Students who complete the theatre education and teaching artistry concentration are able to apply for the PreK-12 teaching licensure in theatre program; however, they will need to complete 26 additional credits within the Teacher Licensure in Theatre program to be elible for licensure.
Refer to the Teacher Licensure in Theatre page for licensure requirements.
Theatre Education and Teaching Artistry Concentration Total: 15 Credit Hours
Theatre Studies Concentration
The Theatre Studies Concentration requires nine credits not already applied to the major.
Choose two courses not already applied to the major, from the following list. Choose any three additional DANC or THEA credits not already applied to the major, or any three additional credits of dramatic literature, theatre, performance studies, or critical theory related courses in other programs with your adviser’s permission.
Theatre Studies Concentration Total: 9 Credit Hours
Recommended Schedule for Majors
First Year Total: 30 Credit Hours
Second Year Total: 32 Credit Hours
Third Year Total: 30 Credit Hours
Fourth Year Total: 28 Credit Hours
Program Total: 120 Credit Hours
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