This major is not accepting new admits as of Autumn 2023.
The study of theatre provides you with opportunities to explore personal values, develop personal skills, and acquire techniques of insight and critical reasoning — all within a distinctive philosophical and artistic environment.
When you major or minor in Theatre, you will be exposed to a sizable body of dramatic literature, theory, and historical study, leading to the development of an informed perspective of the role of theatre as a social, spiritual, and artistic institution. The experience is a liberalizing one, designed to allow you to explore and develop yourself as both an individual and an artist.
Find out more about this department’s mission, vision, and learning outcomes.
The Theatre major provides you with opportunities to explore personal values, develop personal skills, and acquire techniques of insight and critical reasoning — all within a distinctive philosophical and artistic environment.
- A minimum 80 credits are required for this major and its emphases, including 30 upper-division credits.
- This major includes four emphases: Performance, Production and Design, Theatre Studies, and Teaching.
- The Teaching emphasis provides a foundation toward P-12 Certification or teaching endorsements through the School of Education.
- If you plan to pursue teacher education, maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
- Many of the courses focus on skills associated with performance, playwriting, directing, designing, and technical theatre crafts.
- An extensive production program is maintained.
- You must demonstrate a growing ability in theatrical criticism, artistic awareness, and personal theatrical skills.
- You must complete a Senior Project in acting, directing, design, technical direction, or playwriting. Your project must include both an approved prospectus and some form of public demonstration made during your senior year.
Senior Project
Your Senior Project will be developed with faculty advisor consultation and approved by the theatre faculty. It is expected to be the independent work of a mature student artist.
This project is considered the culmination of your undergraduate training and must be of substantial merit, reflecting an informed artistic sensitivity and philosophy. You may accumulate up to 3 credits of TRE 4961 “Special Projects” in the completion of this requirement.
Costume Design Minor
As a Costume Design minor, you will study general theatre, fashion design, clothing construction, theatre history, clothing history, and more. You will also participate in theatre productions through a series of knowledge- and skill-building classes and experiences.
- A minimum of 35 credits are required for the Costume Design minor, including 18 upper-division credits.
Theatre Minor
The Theatre minor provides you with the foundations of theatre — including performance, production, and playwriting — and with a deeper understanding of the history of theatre. You will participate in theatre productions and, through a series of knowledge- and skill-building classes and experiences, you will grow in your theatrical abilities and confidence.
- A minimum of 35 credits are required for the Theatre minor, including 18 upper-division credits.
Entering and completing a major or minor
In order to earn a degree, you must complete at least one academic major. SPU encourages students to explore various academic paths, so if you change your mind about a major or minor, or want to include an additional program, you are able to do so, as outlined below.
Note that the University encourages you to enter your chosen major(s) and minor(s) by the start of your junior year. Students who transfer as juniors and seniors should enter a major within their first two quarters at SPU.
- If this is your first quarter at SPU and you identified a major in this department as your first choice on your application for admission to the University, you have gained entry to the major. To change or add a major or minor, follow these instructions.
- If you are an SPU student with an SPU cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better, follow these instructions to enter a major or minor in this department.
- Students on academic probation (with an SPU cumulative GPA below 2.0) will not be permitted to enter a new major or minor until they regain good academic standing.
- The University requires a grade of C- or better in all classes that apply to a major or minor; however, programs may require higher minimum grades in specific courses. You may repeat an SPU course only once for a higher grade.
- To advance in this program, meet with your faculty advisor regularly to discuss your grades, course progression, and other indicators of satisfactory academic progress. If your grades or other factors indicate that you may not be able to successfully complete the major or minor, your faculty advisor can work with you to explore options, which may include choosing a different major or minor.
- You must complete the major or minor requirements that are in effect in the SPU Undergraduate Catalog for the year you enter the major or minor.
Certification with elementary education endorsement
- If you plan to teach in an elementary school and are interested in theatre, you must major in the Integrated Studies major with a concentration in the Arts.
- The concentration consists of courses in art, music, and theatre.
- The faculty advisor for the Arts Concentration, Dr. Andrew Ryder (aryder@spu.edu).
- Further information about the Elementary Certification Program is available in the School of Education.
Certification with P-12 endorsement in Theatre
If you plan to obtain Residency Teacher Certification with endorsement in Theatre, you should pursue a BA in Theatre Education, and you must also complete P-12 Certification through the School of Education.
If you plan to become a teacher, visit the School of Education for complete information.