Theatre, B.A.

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The Theatre Major is designed to provide a thorough undergraduate study in all aspects of the theatrical arts. It prepares students for successful participation in professional theatre activities after graduation or for further study in graduate school. Auditions for theatre productions are open to all SUNY Potsdam students.

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

Theatre B.A. students will be able to:

   • apply the knowledge of safe technical theatre practices to the construction of costumes or sets.
   • analyze and interpret performance and dramatic literature effectively.
   • create a successful performance with others.
   • create a design portfolio using design elements and principles.

All courses must be passed with a grade of 2.0 or higher to count towards the major.

The Theatre major is designed to provide a thorough undergraduate study in all aspects of the theatrical arts. It prepares students for successful participation in professional theatre activities after graduation or for further study in graduate school.

The required courses, integrated with an active production program, introduce students to the theoretical and practical aspects of acting, directing, technical theatre, design, history and dramatic literature. Additional advanced course offerings, participation in theatrical productions, and internships provide further opportunities to individualize and broaden the student’s undergraduate experience and skills.

Auditions for the theatre productions are open to all SUNY Potsdam students. Interested students, regardless of major, are also invited to join the Student Government Association organization, Theatre Guild. Theatre Guild sponsors student-directed productions, and its members participate by directing, designing, and performing.

Students majoring in theatre may also elect to complete a minor in Acting or Design and Production, Non-theatre majors may pursue their interests by minoring in Acting, Design and Technical Theatre, or Theatre Studies.

Program Requirements

Required Courses: 25 Credits

DRAM 101 - Introduction to Performance Studies 3 Credit(s)
or
DANC 101 - Introduction to Performance Studies 3 Credit(s)
DRAM 206 - Fundamentals of Technical Theatre 4 Credit(s)
or
@DRAM 223 - Costume Construction 4 Credit(s)
or
@DANC 223 - Costume Construction 4 Credit(s)
@DANC 207 - Technical Theatre Production I 1 Credit(s)
or
@DRAM 207 - Technical Theatre Production I 1 Credit(s)
DRAM 210 - Interpretation and Analysis of Plays 3 Credit(s)
DRAM 251 - Foundations of Design for the Stage 3 Credit(s)
@DANC 307 - Technical Theatre Production II 1 Credit(s) (2 credits are required)
or
@DRAM 307 - Technical Theatre Production II 1 Credit(s) (2 credits are required)
DRAM 312 - History of the Theatre I 3 Credit(s)
DRAM 313 - History of Theatre II 3 Credit(s)
DRAM 414 - Contemporary Theatre Topics 3 Credit(s)

Performance Requirement: 3 Credits

DANC 120 - Performance Explorations 3 Credit(s)
or
DRAM 120 - Performance Explorations 3 Credit(s)
or
DRAM 235 - Introduction to Acting 3 Credit(s)

Electives: 9 Credits Minimum

chosen from the following

DRAM 237 - Spoken Word I 3 Credit(s)
@DANC 244 - Stage Management 3 Credit(s)
or
@DRAM 244 - Stage Management 3 Credit(s)
DRAM 302 - Directing I 3 Credit(s)
DANC 314 - Costume History 3 Credit(s)
or
DRAM 314 - Costume History 3 Credit(s)
@DRAM 323 - Advanced Costume Construction 3 Credit(s)
DRAM 331 - Costume Design 3 Credit(s)
DRAM 333 - Stage Makeup and Mask Design 4 Credit(s)
DRAM 337 - Shakespeare and Verse 3 Credit(s)
DRAM 338 - Audition Techniques 3 Credit(s)
DRAM 339 - Devising Theatre 3 Credit(s)
DRAM 343 - Advanced Stagecraft and Production 3 Credit(s)
DRAM 351 - Design with Computer Models 3 Credit(s)
DRAM 353 - Scene Design 3 Credit(s)
DANC 355 - Lighting Design for the Stage 3 Credit(s)
or
DRAM 355 - Lighting Design for the Stage 3 Credit(s)
DRAM 363 - Theatre for Young Audiences 3 Credit(s)
DRAM 364 - Applied Theatre 3 Credit(s)
DRAM 365 - Theatre and Community 3 Credit(s)
DRAM 403 - Directing II 4 Credit(s)
DRAM 438 - Acting for Camera 3 Credit(s)
DRAM 439 - Comedy & Comic Styles 3 Credit(s)
DRAM 441 - Pivotal Playwrights 3 Credit(s)

Capstone Course: 3 Credits

All students are required to complete a Capstone Experiential/ Applied Learning Course. It may be taken as one of the Senior Projects courses (DRAM 485 , DRAM 497 ) or as an Internship (INTD ***) or a study abroad program with approval of the academic adviser, department chair and, when applicable, the Director of Internships. The option of Senior Project in Theatre Arts during the senior year is with approval of the academic adviser and the department faculty for a minimum of three credits.

Theatre Major Policies on Student Grades and Performing:

Any student receiving a grade of 1.0 or less for any course offered through the Theatre and Dance Department will be ineligible for casting in any student directed or choreographed production during the semester immediately following the semester in which the failing grade is issued. Eligibility in faculty directed or choreographed productions will be left to the discretion of the directing faculty member and the Department Chair.

Note(s)

Some courses have required Prerequisites.
All students are required to complete a Senior Project in Theatre Arts during the Senior year with approval of a faculty adviser and the department (for a minimum of three credits). The project may be taken as one of the Senior Projects courses (DRAM 485 -DRAM 497 ) or as an Internship (INTD ***) with approval of the Director of Internships or a study abroad program.
Theatre majors are required to attend all Theatre and Dance productions.