Bachelor of Arts in
Theatre

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Department of Communication and Media Studies

Request Info
Apply
Visit

About

Theatre

The Bachelor of Arts in Theatre offers the study of theatre with a focus on acting, stage management, and directing within a liberal arts environment. This degree prepares students for successful entry into careers in theatre and film, as well as advanced academic study.

 

 

Minors

  • Theatre

Required Semester Hours 120

Program Highlights

Small classes taught by industry professionals

Only program in the state with a Theatre Design concentration within the Visual Art Department

Theatre budget that is dedicated completely to undergraduate education

Providing acting, directing, and stage management experience to students in each production

Featured Courses

❮❯

THEA 201  Voice for the Actor

This course will focus on the development of the actor’s voice and speech techniques for stage and film. Emphasis will be placed on how the voice is connected to the mind (impulse), emotion, and body. Linklater voice work, among other techniques, will be explored. Methods such as relaxation, alignment, breathing, phonation, resonation, articulation, vocal range, inflection and rhythm skills will be developed through daily vocal warm-up and workout activities. Students will learn the American sounds of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). IPA will then be applied to learning standard American dialect which dialect, which will serve as a basis for applying IPA to other dialects.

THEA 240  Stage Movement

A foundational course on the dynamics of the performer’s body as a vital, expressive instrument in theatrical production. Course focus is on building performer awareness of the body, personal physical habits, and efficacy of the body as well as building performer strength, flexibility, endurance, and release of unnecessary body tensions. This preparatory work enables the student for further development in storytelling and character development using physical approaches in tandem with character analysis; in augmenting performer presence; and in creating ensemble and solo movement compositions through improvisation and crafting. Course activities include investigation of various techniques of physical preparation, improvisation, ensemble development, reading responses, journaling, class discussion, and original compositions. Techniques may include but are not limited to Viewpoints, Grotowski Method, mask improvisation, Eastern and Western conditioning and focus exercises, elements of composition, body language, Laban Movement Analysis, and other techniques of improvisation.

THEA 250  Stage Management

The course is an introduction to stage management techniques and practical application during the pre-production, rehearsal, and performance processes.  Students will explore the core functions and responsibilities of stage management including blocking and calling techniques, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, and methods for documentation and communication of the process.

THEA 332  Acting for the Camera

An in-depth study of the techniques required for performing before the camera. Special attention paid to the technical considerations specific to film/television acting.

THEA 340  Acting and Directing Workshop

A laboratory course designed to explore the collaborative process in theatre making, drawing on skills of performance, directing, and dramaturgy. Students will examine various scenes and develop short performance pieces to present in class. Various methods for devising performance will be investigated: text based, image based, improvisation, site-specific, object-based, and character-based.

Employment

What Can You Be

Types of Jobs

  • Actor
  • Director
  • Theatre Manager
  • Production Manager
  • Production Assistang
  • Stage Manager
  • Producer
  • Theatre Educator
  • Casting Agent
  • House Manager
  • Artistic Director
  • Technical Director
  • Acting Coach
  • Drama Critic
  • Promoter
  • Voice Actor
  • Production Designer

Types of Employers

  • Theatres
  • Film and Television Production Studios
  • Universities
  • Talent Agencies
  • Private Schools
  • Advertising Agencies
  • Parks and Museums
  • Set Construction Companies

 

 

Show More

Involved

Student Orgs & Activities

Alpha Psi Omega National Theatre Honor Society

Inkslinger Playwriting Competition

 

CONTACT

Dale Newkirk, Department Head & Professor of Sculpture                                    (985) 549-2193
dnewkirk@southeastern.edu

East Stadium, Room 116
SLU Box 10765
Hammond, LA 70402

Similar Programs

Theatre Design Concentration

Bachelor of Art in Art

Music

Bachelor of Music in Music

Photography

Bachelor of Arts in Art