Performance (Theatre), Emphasis

B.F.A. in Theatre with a major in 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”.

Course Requirements

Bison image - General Education Course

Cap graduation image - Milestone course: a key success marker for your major. See your advisor to discuss the importance of this course in your plan of study.

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/.

Course List
Code	Title	Credit Hours
Core Curriculum
Core 1: 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
THE 220	Stage Movement I: Foundations	3
THE 221	Stage Voice I: Foundations	3
THE 222	Acting I: Foundations	3
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
THE 230	Auditioning Techniques	3
THE 320	Acting II: Scene Study	3
THE 322	Stage Voice II: Dialects	3
THE 423	Acting Styles	3
THE Elective		3
THE Elective		3
THE Elective		3
THE Elective		3
THE Elective		3
Electives Outside of the Major		13
Non-THE Elective		3
Non-THE Elective		3
Non-THE Elective		3
Non-THE Elective		4

Major Information

Students desiring entry into the B.F.A. degree must be formally admitted to the program. This admittance is based upon an audition or portfolio review in the student’s area of emphasis and an interview with the area faculty. 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.

B.F.A. Theatre majors must complete seventy-three (73) credit hours of coursework in theatre and related disciplines in addition to the general distributional requirements and free electives. The theatre courses are divided into the theatre core curriculum of forty-six (46) hours and the student’s choice of areas of emphasis (performance or production) with twenty-seven (27) hours.

B.F.A. Theatre majors must enroll in Theatre Internship THE 490 Professional Theatre Residency) for a total of four (4) credit hours and successfully complete an approved internship prior to initiating the senior capstone THE 499 Senior Capstone Project) experience. Internships are approved by the faculty advisor and the school director. All students must have completed a minimum of ninety (90) hours of coursework before enrolling in the senior capstone THE 499 Senior Capstone Project experience. Students who are juniors must discuss the capstone experience with their advisors prior to the second semester of their junior year.

Four-Year Plan