Theatre Arts

Undergraduate Programs

Description

Theatre Arts is dedicated to two primary goals: 1) to provide students with the highest caliber of training in theatre and dance that will allow them to create performances of any kind at any level and 2) to provide the southern Minnesota region with a multi-faceted, high-quality theatrical experience. These goals interweave to provide entertainment and education to those on both sides of the curtain. 

Majors

 Program Locations Major / Total Credits
Theatre Arts BA BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • Mankato
 59 / 120
Theatre Arts BFA Acting BFA - Bachelor of Fine Arts
  • Mankato
 75 / 120
Theatre Arts BFA Design Technology BFA - Bachelor of Fine Arts
  • Mankato
 76 / 120
Theatre Arts BFA Musical Theatre BFA - Bachelor of Fine Arts
  • Mankato
 75 / 120
Theatre Arts BS BS - Bachelor of Science
  • Mankato
 51 / 120

Minors

 Program Locations Total Credits
Theatre Arts Minor
  • Mankato
 23

Policies & Faculty

Policies

Admission to Theatre BA or Theatre BS is open. Contact the department to declare the major.

Admission to the Theatre BFA is competitive and selective to ensure individual attention necessary for effective professional preparation and training.  

"Acting" and "Musical Theatre Acting" students audition for admission to the program.

"Design/Technology" students interview for admission to the program. 

Auditions/Interviews are held in spring and late summer.

GPA Policy. All theatre majors must maintain a "C" average. BFA students must maintain a GPA of 2.5 overall and 3.0 within the major.

BFA Theatre Progressive Retention Standards 

All students admitted to BFA are reviewed every semester in the program. Students meet with the Theatre faculty to review progress and evaluate the student's status. BFA students are required to: 

  1. Demonstrate appropriate progress in production, performance, and academic work at end-of-semester evaluations. 
  2. Performers must audition for all mainstage productions. 
  3. Demonstrate appropriate professional behavior in class and production work. 
  4. Must participate in 3 mainstage productions per academic year.
  5. Design/Technology students must show an updated portfolio at each spring semester evaluation.

P/N Grading Policy. No more than 2 courses applied to a major or minor in the department may be taken on a P/N basis, except by permission of the chair. 

Limit on Number of Activity Credits. Students must take 5 activity credits from three areas, and no more than 6 activity credits total. No student may take more than 4 practicum credits total. Only one activity or practicum credit is allowed per production. 

Summer Stock Activity Credits. No one may take more than 4 summer stock activity credits per summer. 

Contact Information

201 Earley Center for Performing Arts
Department of Theatre and Dance 

(507) 389-2118
https://carts.mnsu.edu/academics/theatre-arts/
www.MSUTheatre.com

Faculty

Chair
  • Julie Kerr-Berry, Ed.D.
Faculty

100 Level

Credits: 3

Survey of theatre arts; lectures, with lab experience available. Note: Students may not take both THEA 115 and this class.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-06

Credits: 3

Performance scenes and exercises for the beginner.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-06

Credits: 1-2

Acting in a mainstage or approved production. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: Consent 

Goal Areas: GE-11

Credits: 1-2

Work on stage or house management, or public relations. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: Consent 

Goal Areas: GE-11

Credits: 1-2

Serve as Dance Captain, to assist the Choreographer, for a mainstage or approved production. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: Consent

Credits: 1-2

Work on stage crew in a mainstage production. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: Consent 

Goal Areas: GE-11

Credits: 1-2

Work on costumes or wardrobe crew in a mainstage production. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: Consent 

Goal Areas: GE-11

Credits: 1-2

Work on lighting crew in a mainstage production. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: Consent 

Goal Areas: GE-11

Credits: 1-2

Work on sound crew in a mainstage production. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: Consent 

Goal Areas: GE-11

Credits: 3

Performance scenes and acting exercises for the beginning theatre major.

Prerequisites: Consent 

Credits: 1

Private lessons in developing the actor's singing voice. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: Consent

Credits: 1

Instructs the student through a series of movement exercises in body alignment, breathing, flexibility, strength and coordination.

Prerequisites: Consent 

200 Level

Credits: 3

The process of character structuring through script analysis and scene work.

Prerequisites: THEA 110 or consent 

Credits: 2

A group instruction course covering fundamental music theory and skills applicable to the theatre artist including the study of music notation, style, harmony and literature. Skills learned will include basic keyboarding, sight reading and sight singing music. Fall

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 2

A continuation of Music Skill for Theatre I, this course will focus on recent developments in the American Music Theatre while increasing skills learned in the previous class. Spring

Prerequisites: THEA 212

Credits: 1

Study and exercise to prepare actors to sing for the musical theatre with the focus on competence and musicianship.

Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor 

Credits: 2

The development of a repertoire of audition pieces to increase the ability to perform with confidence on short notice.

Prerequisites: THEA 110 or consent 

Credits: 3

Exploration of all aspects of theatrical stage management activities through specific theoretical and practical study.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

Introduction to the theory and practice of directing for the theatre.

Prerequisites: THEA 100 and THEA 101 or THEA 110 

Credits: 3

Introduction to the concepts, process, and practices of theatrical scenic, lighting, and costume design including script analysis and historical overviews.

Prerequisites: THEA 100 

Credits: 3

Introductory course examining the basics of materials and techniques of scenic painting with a large amount of lab time for experimentation with technique.

Prerequisites: Consent 

Credits: 3

Fundamental concepts of technical theatre; an overview of basic stagecraft, costuming, lighting, and sound in the contemporary theatre.

Prerequisites: THEA 100 

Credits: 3

Introduction to theory and practice of construction techniques used in the theatre.

Prerequisites: THEA 100 

Credits: 3

Theory and techniques in stage costume construction.

Prerequisites: THEA 100 

Credits: 1

Fundamental concepts of costume design and production for the Dance.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 2

Theory and practical laboratory work in stage makeup applications.

Prerequisites: Consent 

Credits: 3

The study of lighting technology and its effect on lighting design.

Prerequisites: THEA 100 

Credits: 1

Fundamental concepts of lighting design and production for the Dance.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

The study of sound technology and its affect on sound design.

Prerequisites: THEA 100 

Credits: 1

Fundamental concepts of sound design and production for the Dance.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

A survey of literature, artists and performances with specific regard to the theatre of diversity including, but not restricted to: Feminist Theatre, Gay and Lesbian Theatre, African-American Theatre, Asian American Theatre, Hispanic Theatre, etc.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-06, GE-07

Diverse Cultures: Purple

Credits: 1-4

Work on the actual mounting and performance of a touring theatrical production.

Prerequisites: Consent 

300 Level

Credits: 1-4

Technical work and/or acting in summer theatre productions. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: Consent 

Credits: 1-2

A considerable production responsibility which utilizes skills in script analysis, actor coaching, design coordination and general production management; or assistant directing for a mainstage production. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: Consent 

Credits: 1-2

A considerable production responsibility dealing with the preparation and performance of a major acting role. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: Consent 

Credits: 1-2

Special assignments in stage management, house, and/or concessions management, public relations or related areas. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: Consent 

Credits: 1-2

Preparation and execution of a major scene design assignment. Requires a design and construction schedule, preliminary and final design concepts, and necessary drafting details. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: Consent 

Credits: 1-2

A considerable production responsibility dealing with some technical aspects including technical drawings, budget management, or construction techniques. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: Consent 

Credits: 1-2

Full and assistant costume design assignments for theatre productions. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: Consent 

Credits: 1-2

The construction of costumes for theatre productions. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: Consent 

Credits: 1-2

Preparation and execution of a major lighting design assignment. Requires a design with appropriate schedules, supervision of hanging, focusing and cues. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: Consent 

Credits: 1-2

Preparation and execution of a major sound design assignment including all sound effects, reinforcement and amplification. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: Consent 

Credits: 0

Continuation of THEA 111. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: THEA 111 

Credits: 1

Introduction to the various career opportunities directly in or appertaining to theatrical arts performance.

Prerequisites: THEA 100 

Credits: 3

Intermediate Directing focuses on the semiotics of staging and casting, composition, and artist leadership. Students learn how to lead rehearsals, cast shows, and create powerful and meaningful stage pictures. Actor coaching is developed.

Prerequisites: THEA 235

Credits: 3

Students will build a strong ensemble and work together to create a new production about a specific event or theme relevant to them.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

The study and application of various analytical approaches to play texts in preparation for production.

Prerequisites: THEA 100 

400 Level

Credits: 1

Exploring the techniques of building a working design/technology portfolio and resume.

Prerequisites: Consent 

Credits: 3

Introduction to musical theatre performance techniques for the American Musical Theatre actor.

Prerequisites: THEA 210 or consent 

Credits: 3

Scene studies from the American Musical Theatre, as well as performance techniques for the singing actor.

Prerequisites: THEA 210 and consent 

Credits: 3

Study and exercises in vocal development emphasizing the demands of stage speech.

Prerequisites: THEA 210 or consent 

Credits: 2

A study and practice of vocal dialects most often used in performance.

Prerequisites: THEA 413 

Credits: 2

A continuation of Stage Dialects I.

Prerequisites: THEA 413 

Credits: 3

Advanced scene studies with a focus on analysis and the varied approaches to developing motivations.

Prerequisites: THEA 210 or consent 

Credits: 3

The development of individual performance craft and advanced acting methodologies.

Prerequisites: THEA 210 or consent 

Credits: 3

The development of individual performance craft and advanced acting methodologies.

Prerequisites: THEA 210 or consent 

Credits: 3

Advanced scene studies in classical and stylized dramatic literature.

Prerequisites: THEA 210 or consent 

Credits: 3

Development of performance craft for the media.

Prerequisites: THEA 210 and consent 

Credits: 2

An exploration of basic skills involved in unarmed combat and a variety of historical weapons systems with primary emphasis on theatricality and safety.

Prerequisites: Consent 

Credits: 3

Exposes students to the functions of theatre managers through case studies, discussions, practical application and readings.

Prerequisites: THEA 235 

Credits: 1-2

Serve as Choreographer for a mainstage or approved production. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: Consent

Credits: 1-2

Serve as Musical Director for a mainstage or approved production. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: Consent

Credits: 1-2

Serve as Dramaturg for a mainstage or approved production. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: Consent

Credits: 3

Advanced studies in script analysis, actor psychology and staging techniques culminating in performance projects with critical analysis.

Prerequisites: THEA 235 and consent 

Credits: 3

Development of techniques and skills in the creation of scenery.

Prerequisites: THEA 240 or consent 

Credits: 3

Refinement of model building and drawing skills in theatrical design.

Prerequisites: THEA 440 

Credits: 3

A visual appreciation of assorted cultures through the study of their architecture, decoration, furniture, utensils, etc.

Prerequisites: Consent 

Credits: 3

Provides information on materials and techniques of scenic painting with a large amount of lab time for experimentation with technique.

Prerequisites: THEA 252 or consent 

Credits: 3

Exploring compositional organization of the two-dimensional surface by experimenting with a variety of media, materials, forms, approaches and subjects as a means for theatrical communication.

Prerequisites: THEA 240

Credits: 3

Enhances the advanced theatre student's ability to show complex elements of a theatrical design in a clear manner using accepted theatrical drafting methods.

Prerequisites: Consent 

Credits: 3

Explores all facets of technical direction, construction techniques, and project management.

Prerequisites: THEA 255 

Credits: 3

Explores advanced facets of technical direction including entertainment engineering and technology currently in use in the field.

Prerequisites: THEA 455

Credits: 3

Theory and techniques in costume design and execution.

Prerequisites: THEA 240 or consent 

Credits: 3

Advanced costume design theory and techniques.

Prerequisites: THEA 460 

Credits: 3

Survey of costume history from ancient Egypt to 1900.

Prerequisites: Consent 

Credits: 3

Practical application of advanced makeup techniques.

Prerequisites: THEA 265 

Credits: 3

The study of lighting equipment, usage, techniques and stage lighting design.

Prerequisites: THEA 270 

Credits: 3

Solving particular lighting design challenges.

Prerequisites: THEA 470 

Credits: 3

Computer realization for virtual lighting design to enhance practical production quality.

Prerequisites: THEA 470. Permission of Instructor

Credits: 3

A study of the concepts behind digital audio and an exploration of their practical uses.

Prerequisites: THEA 275

Credits: 3

Production and sound effects, electronic sound reinforcement of live performance, choice and operation of sound equipment, as well as basic music styles and terminology.

Prerequisites: consent 

Credits: 3

Integrated sound design to support and enhance theatrical production.

Prerequisites: THEA 475 

Credits: 3

Survey of theatrical history from its origins to 1700.

Prerequisites: THEA 100 

Credits: 3

This course examines how all global performance styles and techniques influence each other. Focusing on the last 250 years, students will examine how performance practices from all around the world have merged (sometimes in a celebratory way, sometimes due to appropriation) to become the performing arts of today.

Prerequisites: THEA 100 

Diverse Cultures: Purple

Credits: 3

Survey of the history of the American Musical Theatre from its origins to the present.

Prerequisites: THEA 100 and consent 

Credits: 3

This class teaches how to access historical information and present it to directors, actors, or designers in a way that will help them make informed and practical artistic choices.

Prerequisites: THEA 100 and consent

Credits: 3

Writing the short and long play.

Prerequisites: THEA 100. Permission of instructor.

Credits: 1-3

Special topics not covered in other classes. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: THEA 100. Permission of Instructor

Credits: 1-8

.

Prerequisites: Consent 

Credits: 1-3

.

Prerequisites: Consent