The theatre program at Plymouth State University allows students to concentrate on a theatre discipline while pursuing a liberal arts education. Our program stresses classroom work, first and foremost, in all academic areas. We believe that a fine theatre artist or technician should be versed in numerous disciplines and have a basic understanding of many areas of study and inquiry. To varying degrees, our theatre program options take advantage of every area of academic study offered at Plymouth State.
In addition to the regular requirements for admission to Plymouth State University, applicants must audition or present a portfolio to be accepted into the major (all options). Requirements vary according to Option; therefore, prospective students should contact the Director of Theatre or Department Chair to receive audition guidelines and to schedule an audition.
A list of all courses in the Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance is available through PSU’s online course catalog. All theatre courses begin with the letters “TH.”
Options available in Acting, Contract, Dramatic Writing, Music Theatre Performance and Theatrical Design/Tech.
Curriculum & Requirements
Check all course descriptions for prerequisites before planning course schedule. Course sequence is suggested but not required.
To complete the bachelor’s degree in 4 years, you must successfully complete a minimum of 15 credits each semester or have a plan to make up credits over the course of the 4 years. For example, if you take 14 credits one semester, you need to take 16 credits in another semester. Credits completed must count toward your program requirements (major, option, minor, certificate, general education or free electives).
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | ||
| TH 1600 | Introduction to Theatre | 3 |
| TH 2100 | Technology for Theatre Professionals (TECO) | 3 |
| TH 2500 | Stagecraft Fundamentals (QRCO) | 3 |
| TH 2540 | Introduction to Theatre Design | 3 |
| TH 2600 | Fundamentals of Costume Construction | 3 |
| TH 2820 | Acting I (WECO) | 3 |
| TH 3210 | Script Analysis | 3 |
| TH 3430 | American Theatre (DICO,WRCO) | 4 |
| TH 4610 | Directing for the Stage (INCO) | 3 |
| Theatre History Elective | ||
| TH 4510 | Theatre History I | 3 |
| or TH 4520 | Theatre History II | |
| General Education | ||
| EN 1400 | Composition | 4 |
| IS 1115 | Tackling a Wicked Problem | 4 |
| MA | Mathematics Foundations | 3 |
| PPDI | Past and Present Direction | 3-4 |
| SIDI | Scientific Inquiry Direction | 3-4 |
| SSDI | Self and Society Direction | 3-4 |
| Directions (choose from PPDI, SIDI, SSDI) 1 | 4-8 | |
| GACO | Foreign Language 2 | 6-8 |
| Option Requirements | ||
| Complete one from the following required options: | 54-55 | |
Acting Option | ||
Contract Option | ||
Dramatic Writing Option | ||
Music Theatre Performance Option | ||
Theatrical Design/Tech Option | ||
| Total Credits | 120 | |
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Directions should total 16-17 credits because CTDI is waived for BA Theatre Arts, Acting Option; BA Theatre Arts, Contract Option; BA Theatre Arts, Dramatic Writing Option; BA Theatre Arts, Music Theatre Performance Option; and BA Theatre Arts, Theatrical Design/Tech Option.
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The foreign language requirement for all BA degrees calls for 0-8 credits: one year of one language (6-8 credits); or one 3000/4000 level world language course (3 credits); or being a native speaker of a language other than English (zero credit). American Sign Language I and II fulfill this requirement; however, American Sign Language does not satisfy the Global Awareness Connection.
Acting Option of BA Theatre Arts
The Acting Option provides students with an aptitude for acting, a coherent program of study that will prepare them for a career in this field or for further study at the graduate level. The development of the student actor within the context of the greater liberal arts framework is emphasized. Students wishing to declare this Option may only do so after successfully auditioning for the Theatre faculty.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Option Requirements | ||
| TH 1650 | Practicum in Production (1 credit repeated 3 times) | 3 |
| TH 2200 | Stage Management/Arts Management | 3 |
| TH 2240 | Acting Company (Required to take this twice for a total 4) | 4 |
| TH 2260 | Voice and Diction I | 3 |
| TH 3160 | Stage Movement | 2 |
| TH 3270 | Voice and Diction II | 3 |
| TH 3670 | Advanced Practicum in Production | 2 |
| TH 3900 | Acting II | 3 |
| TH 4810 | Acting III | 3 |
| Group A | ||
| Complete one course from the following: | 3 | |
TH 2860 | Acting for the Camera | |
TH 3660 | Audition Techniques | |
TH 3950 | Acting: Topics | |
| Electives | 25-26 | |
| Total Credits | 54-55 | |
Contract Option of BA Theatre Arts
The Contract Option provides students with the opportunity to design a program of study that will lead them toward a life and/or career path that differs from those that are available through the other options. The program of study in this Option will be developed with the guidance and approval of a member of the Theatre faculty.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Option Requirements | ||
| TH 1650 | Practicum in Production (1 credit repeated 4 times) | 4 |
| TH 3670 | Advanced Practicum in Production (Repeated for a total of 4 credits) | 4 |
| TH | Contract courses (not THDI) 1 | 6 |
| TH | 3000/4000 level Contract courses (not THDI) 1 | 6 |
| Electives | 34-35 | |
| Total Credits | 54-55 | |
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At least six credits of Contract courses must be 3000/4000 level.
Dramatic Writing Option of BA Theatre Arts
The Dramatic Writing Option provides students with an aptitude for writing for performance, a coherent program of study, which will prepare them for a career in this area or for further study at the graduate level. The development of the student writer within the context of the greater liberal arts framework is emphasized. Students wishing to declare this Option may do so after an evaluation of submitted writing samples and successfully interviewing with the Theatre faculty.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Option Requirements | ||
| TH 1650 | Practicum in Production (1 credit repeated 4 times) | 4 |
| TH 3670 | Advanced Practicum in Production (Repeated for a total of 4 credits) | 4 |
| Dramatic Writing Electives | ||
| Complete 12 credits from the following: | 12 | |
TH 3340 | Writing for Performance (Topics) 1 | |
EN 3685 | Scriptwriting | |
| Electives | 34-35 | |
| Total Credits | 54-55 | |
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The subjects covered in Topics courses vary from semester to semester. Course may be repeated as long as topic covered is different.
Music Theatre Performance Option of BA Theatre Arts
The Music Theatre Performance Option provides a program of study that prepares students for a career in this area or for further study at the graduate level. The development of the student music theatre performer within the context of the greater liberal arts framework is emphasized. Students wishing to declare this Option may only do so after successfully auditioning. Specific policies concerning Performance Study examinations (called “Jury Exams”) and Recital Attendance are fully explained in the Music Student Handbook.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Option Requirements | ||
| TH 1650 | Practicum in Production (two enrollments) | 2 |
| TH 2260 | Voice and Diction I | 3 |
| TH 3160 | Stage Movement | 2 |
| TH 3170 | Musical Theatre Singing Techniques | 2 |
| TH 3900 | Acting II | 3 |
| MU 1420 | Vocal Performance Lab I | 0 |
| MU 1320 | Introduction to Reading Music | 3 |
| MU 1510 | Voice Performance Studies (two enrollments) 1 | 2 |
| MU 2370 | The Music Theatre Company (two enrollments) | 2 |
| MU 2510 | Voice Performance Studies (two enrollments) 1 | 2 |
| MU 3420 | Vocal Performance Lab II (three enrollments) | 0 |
| MU 3510 | Voice Performance Studies (two enrollments) 1 | 2 |
| MU 4510 | Voice Performance Studies (two enrollments) 1 | 2 |
| Ensemble Experiences | ||
| Complete two enrollments in any combination from the following: | 2-4 | |
MU 2380 | Chamber Singers | |
MU 2440 | University Chorale | |
DN 3080 | Dance Project | |
| Dance | ||
| One enrollment per semester- eight enrollments total. | ||
| DN 3201 | Theatrical Tap and Jazz Dance (Required each semester) | 16 |
| Electives | 10-11 | |
| Total Credits | 54-55 | |
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One two-credit semester of Voice Performance Studies may not substitute for two semesters of one-credit Voice Performance Studies.
Theatrical Design/Tech Option of BA Theatre Arts
The Theatrical Design/Tech Option provides students with an aptitude for design/tech, a coherent program of study that will prepare them for a career in this area or for further study at the graduate level. The development of the student designer/technician within the context of the greater liberal arts framework is emphasized. Students wishing to declare this Option may only do so after successfully interviewing with the Theatre faculty.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Option Requirements | ||
| TH 1650 | Practicum in Production (1 credit repeated 4 times) | 4 |
| TH 2200 | Stage Management/Arts Management | 3 |
| TH 3670 | Advanced Practicum in Production (Repeated for a total of 4 credits) | 4 |
| Theatre Topics | ||
| Complete 9 credits from the following: | 9 | |
TH 3300 | Design for the Theatre (Topics) | |
TH 3310 | Theatre Technology: Topics | |
| Electives | 34-35 | |
| Total Credits | 54-55 | |
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The subjects covered in Topics courses vary from semester to semester. Course may be repeated as long as topic covered is different.
Explore Program Details
- Students must demonstrate an overall understanding as well as specific knowledge of theatre as an art form and business.
- Along with understanding how each area of the theatre functions, they must know how their specific option relates to the greater whole.
- Students must show basic knowledge and general proficiency in various areas including:
- Acting
- Technology
- Design
- Script Analysis
- Directing
- Critical Writing
- Students must demonstrate an ability to work collaboratively on theatre productions and over the course of their study, serve productions by working in positions related to the design, technical, publicity, and/or management areas.
Academic
- Annual Juries
- Ask about Practicum (electronic form)
Production
- Online Theatre Callboard
- Theatre Productions at PSU
- Participating in Theatre Productions
- Current Season Calendar
- Photo Archive
Forms in MS Word Format
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Voice Performance Studies InstructorPhone: 603-535-2334
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Explore Today.
Realize Tomorrow.
