Theatre Undergraduate Program

Program Overview

Students design their own majors, choosing from a range of courses and independent study options. The program emphasizes collaboration, artistic expression, and cross-registration with other LVAIC institutions.

Program Outline

• The program offers flexibility through a self-designed major tailored to individual interests.
• It aims to develop communication, creative problem-solving skills, and artistic expression through theatre.
• Collaboration, interpretation, self-awareness, and various theatre aspects are emphasized.

Outline:

Curriculum:

• Introduction to the Discipline: THEA 135 Introduction to Performance.
• Study of Theatre Production: Choose one from:
• THEA 232/ENGL 232 Art of Theatre
• THEA 235 Shakespeare with Swords
• One unit in directing, design, performance, playwriting, or stage management (from Moravian or LVAIC institutions, including special topics, independent study, or internships with program director approval).
• Study of Dramatic Literature or History: Choose one from:
• THEA 330/ENGL 330 Shakespeare
• ENGL 233 Modern Drama and Theater
• ENGL 234 American Drama and Theater
• Special topics in Dramatic Literature or Theatre History with program director approval.
• Elective: Choose one from:
• Second theatre production course
• Full unit of approved Vocal Music courses
• Full unit of approved Dance courses
• Second dramatic literature course
• Specific language courses for foreign language students (with restrictions)
• Approved arts management course
• Internship or Independent Study with program director approval
• Approved LVAIC theatre course
• Other approved courses (e.g., special topics) with advisor approval
• Major Project: THEA 385.
Completing a significant performance, design, stage management role, etc., usually in the senior year. Includes:
• Process journal
• Accompanying readings
• Weekly advisor meetings
• Personal artistic statement reflecting on past experiences, progress, strengths, challenges, and goals.
• Practica (Non-Credit Requirement): THEA 111 Theatre Practicum.
Participation (approved capacity) in two theatre productions with self-evaluation. One practica can be in a related discipline (e.g., Dance Company) with advisor approval.

Notes:

• Only one internship or independent study counts toward the minor.
• Credit-bearing study abroad courses focusing on theatre can replace internships with approval.
• Multiple partial-unit courses can fulfill the elective requirement with approval.
• Student teaching in a high school drama classroom or theatre-related honors project can fulfill the "Major Project" requirement with approval.
• Up to two units in transfer courses outside LVAIC may count toward the minor with prior program director approval.

Teaching:

• Independent Study: Students design courses with faculty guidance on various theatre aspects.
Examples include casting, stage management, directing, screenwriting, multicultural theatre, and playwriting.
• LVAIC Cross-Registration: Students can enroll in theatre courses offered by DeSales University, Cedar Crest College, Lafayette College, Lehigh University, and Muhlenberg College.

Other:

• The program emphasizes communication and creative problem-solving skills through theatre production and performance.
• Collaboration and artistic expression are central themes.
• Students can explore specific interests through elective courses and independent study opportunities.
• The program offers flexibility for students to design their own learning paths within theatre.
• Cross-registration with other LVAIC institutions expands course options.