Theatre, B.F.A.
Bachelor of Fine Arts with a Major in Theatre
The mission of the School of Theatre and Dance at Marshall University is consistent with its identity as a professionally oriented program within the College of Arts and Media. The School of Theatre and Dance at Marshall University offers rigorous degree programs while fostering a broad liberal arts approach to study.
In addition to formal coursework, the theatre program provides laboratory experience through productions during the academic year.
Theatre Performance
The Marshall University Theatre performance program (B.F.A. degree) takes the conservatory approach to actor training. Using 21st century as well as tried-and-true trends in actor training such as: The Method, The Meisner Approach, Bogart Viewpoints, Alexander Technique, Linklater, and Lessac – students in performance develop their craft according to current expectations in the American theatre, film and television industries. Guided by faculty of outstanding professional credentials, Marshall University Theatre students are given careful, individual attention as well as shared insight and mentorship in the practical side of the “business”.
Theatre Production
The production program at Marshall University is centered on the belief that the best theatre experiences are based on the collaborative efforts of well-informed theatre artists. Marshall’s production students are presented with a sequential series of courses unique to their chosen discipline. Curricula and carefully crafted production calendars are designed to develop an advanced understanding of the art of theatre, focused study within the discipline and applied production opportunities. The success of this approach is sufficient for us to require that our B.F.A. students apply for, and receive, internships and/or professional contracts in their field of study prior to receiving their degree.
Admission Requirements
Students desiring entry into the B.F.A. degree must be formally admitted to the program following the completion of a review second semester of the sophomore year. This admittance is based upon an audition or portfolio review in the student’s area of emphasis and an interview with the area faculty. This audition or portfolio review may occur at any time, but typically takes place during the second semester of the student’s sophomore year. Theatre majors returning after having not enrolled in theatre study for two or more consecutive semesters must re-audition/interview before permission to continue in the major will be granted. Students should consult the theatre program website for specific audition/portfolio requirements.
Graduation Requirements
Theatre majors must complete all work in the major with a minimum grade of C. A student who receives a D or an F in a theatre course must repeat it and earn at least a C before graduation or before using that course as a prerequisite.
Students must earn at least 120 credit hours.
Candidates for graduation must have a Grade Point Average of 2.0 or higher in all work attempted at Marshall University.
Thirty-nine (39) credit hours must be earned in courses numbered 300-499.
No course in the major requirements for graduation may be taken Credit/Non-Credit unless the course is so specified.
Students will complete a capstone as part of this degree.
Course Requirements
The Core Curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking skills and introduce students to basic domains of thinking that transcend disciplines. The Core applies to all majors. Information on specific classes in the Core can be found at https://www.marshall.edu/gened/.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Curriculum | ||
| Core I: Critical Thinking | ||
| FYS 100 | First Yr Sem Critical Thinking | 3 |
| MTH 121 | Concepts and Applications (CT) | 3 |
| Critical Thinking | 3 | |
| Core 2 | ||
| ENG 101 | Beginning Composition | 3 |
| ENG 201 | Advanced Composition | 3 |
| CMM 103 | Fund Speech-Communication | 3 |
| MTH 121 | Concepts and Applications (CT) | 3 |
| Core II Phys./Natural Science | 4 | |
| Core II Humanities | 3 | |
| Core II Social Science | 3 | |
| Core II Fine Arts | 3 | |
| Additional University Requirements | ||
| Writing Intensive | 3 | |
| Writing Intensive | 3 | |
| Multicultural/International | 3 | |
| THE 499 | Senior Capstone Project | 3 |
| Major Requirements | ||
| Theatre Major | 46 | |
| THE 101 | Introduction to Theatre | 3 |
| THE 151 | Tech Theatre Lab | 1 |
| THE 152 | Tech Theatre Lab | 1 |
| THE 201 | Crit Analysis Theatre Lit | 3 |
| Nine (9) credits from the following: 1 | 9 | |
| Stage Movement I: Foundations | ||
| Stage Voice I: Foundations | ||
| Acting I: Foundations | ||
| Drafting & Rendering | ||
| THE 240 | Stage Lighting I | 4 |
| THE 245 | Intro to Technical Theatre | 3 |
| THE 250 | Introduction to Costuming | 3 |
| THE 270 | Theatre Practicum | 1 |
| THE 270 | Theatre Practicum | 1 |
| THE 270 | Theatre Practicum | 1 |
| THE 370 | Theatre Practicum | 1 |
| THE 370 | Theatre Practicum | 1 |
| THE 370 | Theatre Practicum | 1 |
| THE 440 | Theatre History To 1660 | 3 |
| THE 441 | Theatre Hist Since 1660 | 3 |
| THE 490 | Professional Theatre Residency | 4 |
| THE 499 | Senior Capstone Project | 3 |
| Emphasis Area Requirements | 27 | |
| Electives Outside of the Major | 13 | |
- 1
Course selection depends upon emphasis area.