Stephen F. Austin State University

School of Theatre

Faculty

Areas of Study & Degrees

The School of Theatre offers a degree program for students wishing to incorporate the study of theatre within the liberal arts tradition, one for students wishing to teach theatre, and one for students wishing to pursue a professional career in theatre. Our degree programs include: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Theatre, a liberal arts degree with theatre emphasis; Bachelor of Arts degree leading to certification for teaching theatre, kindergarten through 12th grade; Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Theatre, a more intensive course of study in acting and directing (performance), in Technical Theatre and Design, or in stage management. The school also offers an 18-24 hour minor program of study.

Objectives

The School of Theatre serves students in four ways: first, it encourages individual development through disciplined creativity; second, it offers training for those students wishing to pursue careers in theatre and related fields; third, it provides experiences through academic and performance activities that aid in the development of individuals desiring vocations featuring communication skills; and fourth, the department presents a diverse curriculum through which the student may study the ideas and passions of man as reflected in many of his most human and thought-provoking creations.

In addition to offering a program of study for majors and minors, the School of Theatre serves a larger function by providing meaningful cultural and entertainment experiences for the university and the people of East Texas.

Definition of Majors and Minors

Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Theatre (125 - 126 hours)

The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a major in theatre is a pre-professional program designed to prepare the student for entry into the theatre profession or for advanced study. Admission and screening procedures for the B.F.A. program normally take place during the spring of the sophomore year. Transfer students will be screened and admitted by the same process in their first semester.

Jury critiques may be required for the following performance courses: THR 221, 223, 321, 420, 421, 424, 427, 428. Jury projects are conducted during the final two weeks of a semester for the purpose of assisting the student in his/her overall development of professional skills.

  1. Core Curriculum Requirements (42-48 hours)*
    1. Communication (12 to 14 hours)
      1. Six hours from English rhetoric/composition: ENG 131, 132, 133H
      2. Six to eight hours from communication: BCM 247; COM 111, 170; ENG 273; FRE 131, 132; GER 131, 132; GRK 131, 132; ILA 111, 112; LAT 131, 132; SPA 131, 132; SPH 172, 272
    2. Mathematics (3 to 5 hours)
      1. Three to five hours from: MTH 110, 127, 133, 138, 143, 220, 233
    3. Natural Sciences (6 to 8 hours) (Lab Required)
      1. Six to eight hours from: BIO 121, 123, 131, 133, 225, 238; CHE 111, 112, 125**, 133, 134; ENV 110; GOL 131, 132; PHY 101, 102, 110, 118, 125**, 131, 132, 241, 242; AST 105
    4. Humanities & Visual & Performing Arts (3 Hours)
      1. Three hours from visual and performing arts: ART 280, 281, 282; MUS 140; MHL 245**; THR 161, 370; DAN 140, 341
      2. Three hours from: ENG 200 - 233H, 300; PHI 153, 223; HIS 151, 152
    5. Social & Behavioral Sciences (15 hours)
      1. Six hours from U.S. history: HIS 133, 134
      2. Six hours from political science: PSC 141, 142
      3. Three hours from: social/behavioral science: AEC 261**; ANT 231; ECO 231, 232; EPS 380**; FOR 435**; GEO 131, 230; PSY 133, 153; SOC 137, 139
        *Please note: Specific degree programs may direct core curriculum choices due to accreditation requirements or other considerations. Please see core requirements for specific degree programs.
        **These courses are approved for core curriculum credit in a limited number of degree programs. Please see an academic adviser to verify that these courses will apply to your degree program.
  2. College and school requirements for all theatre degrees (four hours)
    1. Four hours from: THR 127, 227
      Note: The B.F.A. in Theatre has three concentrations - Stage Management, Design and Performance. These have slightly different curricular requirements.
      *Consult your adviser for specific information. However, the B.F.A. requires the following:
  3. Advanced work (courses numbered 300-499 inclusive), (36 or more hours). At least 36 hours at SFA.
  4. A minimum of residence (SFA campus) work (36 hours)
  5. The B.F.A. requires 77-78 hours of course work including a professional internship or equivalent (not to exceed 19 hours of credit). Must include 18 advanced hours at least 14 of which must be completed in residence. Grades of C or better in THR 162, 460 and 461.
    1. Theatre Core: 31 semester hours
      1. Nine hours from: THR 162, 221, 231
      2. Two hours from: THR 232
      3. Six hours from: THR 241, 242
      4. One hour from: THR 360 (Note prerequisites (THR 162, 231, 241, 242)
      5. Three hours from: THR 421
      6. One hour from: THR 450
      7. Nine hours from: THR 460, 461, 462
    2. Production: (7- 9 hours)
      1. Design and Stage Management students:
        1. Two hours of THR 150 and three hours of THR 350 are *required, and four hours from THR 151 (one hour) and THR 351 (one to two hours), THR 450 (one to six hours) and THR 425 (three to six hours).
          *Incoming freshmen (declared majors) are required to complete five semesters of Production Lab. Transfer students are required to complete four semesters of Production Lab.
        2. For Performance students: three hours of Production Lab (one to two hours of THR 150 and one to two hours of THR 350) are required, and four hours from THR 151 (one hour), 351 (one to two hours), 425 (three to six hours) and 450 (one to six hours).
    3. Electives: (18-21 hours)
      1. Design and Performance students: six hours to be chosen from THR 301, 370, 425, 429, 463, or 471. Design students will also choose 12 hours from THR 480 (six credit hours required), 420 (required); ART 110, 130, 210, 230, 312, 361, 461; HMS 206, 212, 230, 232, 233, 260, 310.
      2. Performance students: fifteen hours from THR 223 (required), 321, 322, 420 (required), 422, 424, 427, 428. Stage Management students will take 10 hours from THR 223 (required), 301, 425 or 429, and MGT 395; nine hours of electives from MGT 370; CSC 101, 102, or 121; THR 321, 427, 428, 480.
    4. Practicum: (19 hours)
      1. Eight to twenty-four hours: THR 451 Theatre Cooperative-Rose Bruford/ETA, or,
      2. Six to nineteen hours from: THR 452 Practicum (Internship), and/or
      3. Five to nineteen hours from: Cognitive Electives: MUS 109, 119; MTC 151, 161; ART 100, 101, 212, 281, 282, 311; DAN 102, 103, 104, 105, 202, 203, 204; *ENG 200, *300, *326, *346, *361; HIS 318, 341, 424, 425, 451; PSY 275, 385, 493; *SOC 253, 335, 341, 351, 363; COM 302, 304; THR 371
        * Courses offered in general education requirements may not count in both blocks.
  6. Enough additional hours to total *125-126.
  7. A grade of at least C in each freshman English course, a C average at SFA, a C average in work completed in the major and minor fields, considered separately, at SFA. These required averages are based on those courses in each category that are included in the student's official degree plan.
  8. All students must satisfy provisions of the Texas Success Initiative program. See TSI information elsewhere in this bulletin.

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Theatre

The Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Theatre is appropriate for those students who seek a more general course of study with less depth in theatre and more educational breadth than is required by the B.F.A. degree. Though this program does not provide a strong preparation for specialization in the various areas of theatre, it may, when combined with an appropriate minor, provide an education suitable for a number of vocations. The Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre consists of 45 semester hours of theatre courses.

  1. Core Curriculum Requirements (42-48 hours)*
    1. Communication (12 to 14 hours)
      1. Six hours from English rhetoric/composition: ENG 131, 132, 133H
      2. Six to eight hours from communication: BCM 247; COM 111, 170; ENG 273; FRE 131, 132; GER 131, 132; GRK 131, 132; ILA 111, 112; LAT 131, 132; SPA 131, 132; SPH 172, 272
    2. Mathematics (3 to 5 hours)
      1. Three to five hours from: MTH 110, 127, 133, 138, 143, 220, 233
    3. Natural Sciences (6 to 8 hours) (Lab Required)
      1. Six to eight hours from: BIO 121, 123, 131, 133, 225, 238; CHE 111, 112, 125**, 133, 134; ENV 110; GOL 131, 132; PHY 101, 102, 110, 118, 125**, 131, 132, 241, 242; AST 105
    4. Humanities & Visual & Performing Arts (3 hours)
      1. Three hours from visual and performing arts: ART 280, 281, 282; MUS 140; MHL 245**; THR 161, 370; DAN 140, 341
      2. Three hours from: ENG 200 - 233H, 300; PHI 153, 223; HIS 151, 152
    5. Social & Behavioral Sciences (15 hours)
      1. Six hours from U.S. history HIS 133, 134
      2. Six hours from political science: PSC 141, 142
      3. Three hours from social/behavioral science: AEC 261**; ANT 231; ECO 231, 232; EPS 380**; FOR 435**; GEO 131, 230; PSY 133, 153; SOC 137, 139
        *Please note: Specific degree programs may direct core curriculum choices due to accreditation requirements or other considerations. Please see core requirements for specific degree programs.
        **These courses are approved for core curriculum credit in a limited number of degree programs. Please see an academic adviser to verify that these courses will apply to your degree program.
  2. College and school requirement for all theatre degrees
    1. Four hours from: THR 127, 227
  3. Advanced work (courses numbered 300-499 inclusive), (36 or more hours)
    1. At least 36 hours at SFA.
  4. A minimum of residence (SFA campus) work. (36 hours)
  5. Forty-five semester hours of Theatre courses as specified below. At least 11 of the advanced hours must be completed in residence (on campus). Grade of C or better in THR 162, 460, 461.
    1. Theatre Core: 31 semester hours
      1. Eighteen hours from: THR 162, 221, 223, 231, 241, 242
      2. One hour from: THR 360 *Prerequisites (THR 162, 231, 241, 242)
      3. Twelve hours from: THR 421, 460, 461, 471
    2. Production: 5 semester hours from
      1. Two to three hours required: THR 150
      2. One to two hours required: THR 350
      3. One hour from: THR 450
    3. Electives: 9 semester hours
      1. No more than six hours may be taken in the same area of study as indicated. Any 300-400 level course may be taken as a general elective but will not count toward the major. It is recommended that the majority of general elective courses not be theatre.
    4. Acting/Directing area
      1. Up to six hours from: THR 321, 322, 422, 427, 428, 429
    5. Design/Tech area
      1. Up to six hours from: THR 301, 232, 480
    6. Theory and History area
      1. Up to six hours from: THR 370, 371, 462, 471, 491 (one to three hours)
    7. Individual areas
      1. Up to six hours from: THR 425, 463
  6. An academic minor of at least 18 semester hours, but not more than 23 semester hours, with at least nine hours advanced and at least six hours advanced at SFA.
  7. Enough additional hours to make a total of at least 120 semester hours.
  8. Maintenance of a C average at SFA, a grade of C or better in each freshman English course, and a C average in work completed in the major and minor fields, considered separately, at SFA. These required averages are based on those courses in each category that are included in the student's official degree plan.
  9. All students must satisfy provisions of the Texas Success Initiative program. See TSI information elsewhere in this Bulletin.

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Theatre with All-Level (Grades K-12) Teacher CertificationAll Level Theatre (48 hours) Grades K-12

  1. Core Curriculum Requirements (42-48 hours)*
    1. Communication (12 to 14 Hours)
      1. Six hours from English rhetoric/composition: ENG 131, 132, 133H
      2. Six to eight hours from communication: BCM 247; COM 111, 170; ENG 273; FRE 131, 132; GER 131, 132; GRK 131, 132; ILA 111, 112; LAT 131, 132; SPA 131, 132; SPH 172, 272
    2. Mathematics (3 to 5 Hours)
      1. Three to five hours from: MTH 110, 127, 133, 138, 143, 220, 233
    3. Natural Sciences (6 to 8 hours) (Lab Required)
      1. Six to eight hours from: BIO 121, 123, 131, 133, 225, 238; CHE 111, 112, 125**, 133, 134; ENV 110; GOL 131, 132; PHY 101, 102, 110, 118, 125**, 131, 132, 241, 242; AST 105
    4. Humanities & Visual & Performing Arts (3 hours)
      1. Three hours from visual and performing arts: ART 280, 281, 282; MUS 140; MHL 245**; THR 161, 370; DAN 140, 341
      2. Three hours from: other ENG 200 - 233H, 300; PHI 153, 223; HIS 151, 152
    5. Social & Behavioral Sciences (15 hours)
      1. Six hours from U.S. history: HIS 133, 134
      2. Six hours from political science: PSC 141, 142
      3. Three hours from social/behavioral science: AEC 261**; ANT 231; ECO 231, 232; EPS 380**; FOR 435**; GEO 131, 230; PSY 133, 153; SOC 137, 139
        *Please note: Specific degree programs may direct core curriculum choices due to accreditation requirements or other considerations. Please see core requirements for specific degree programs.
        **These courses are approved for core curriculum credit in a limited number of degree programs. Please see an academic adviser to verify that these courses will apply to your degree program.
  2. College and school requirement for all theatre degrees (four hours)
    1. Four hours from: THR 127, 227
  3. Twenty-four semester hours Education. (See Secondary Education section of this bulletin).
  4. Advanced work (courses numbered 300-499 inclusive). (36 or more hours)
    1. At least 36 hours at SFA.
  5. A minimum of 36 semester hours residence (SFA campus) work.
  6. Forty-eight semester hours of theatre courses as specified below. At least 11 of the advanced hours must be completed in residence (on campus). Grade of C or better in THR 162, 460, 461.
    1. Theatre Core: 31 hours
      1. Twelve hours from: THR 162, 221, 223, 231
      2. Two hours from: THR 232
      3. Six hours from: THR 241, 242
      4. One hour from: THR 360 Prerequisites THR 161, 231, 241, 242
      5. Three hours from: THR 421
      6. One hour from: THR 450
      7. Six hours from: THR 460, 461
    2. Theatre Education Core: 6 hours
      1. Six hours from: THR 411, 429
    3. Theatre Production: 5 hours
      1. Two hours from: THR 150 (one hour required), THR 350 (one hour required)
      2. Three hours from: THR 425
    4. Electives (6 hours)
      1. THR 301 Stage Management
      2. THR 321 Intermediate Acting
      3. THR 425 Repertory Theatre (three to six hours)
      4. THR 427 Advanced Acting
      5. THR 428 Advanced Directing
      6. THR 462 Advanced Play Analysis
      7. THR 480 Design for the Theatre
        For certification requirements, see the Education section of this bulletin.
  7. Maintenance of a C average at SFA, and a grade of C or better in each freshman English course, in courses in the first and second teaching fields, and in the required Education courses. These required averages are based on those courses in each category that are included in the student's official degree plan.
  8. Enough additional semester hours to total 120.
  9. All students must satisfy provisions of the Texas Success Initiative program. See TSI information elsewhere in this bulletin.

Courses in Theatre (THR)

Unless otherwise indicated, courses are 3 semester hours credit, 3 hours lecture per week.

127.

Stage Movement I - Two semester hours, one hour lecture, two hours lab per week. Basic postural alignment and movement, emphasis on body awareness and rhythm.

150.

Production Laboratory (DRAM 1120) - One semester hour, three hours lab per week. Assigned duties in theatre practicum related to department productions. May be repeated for a maximum of four semester hours credit.

151.

Rehearsal and Performance I - One semester hour. (Production) Credit for participation in Main Stage productions as an actor or technician. Repeatable three hours maximum.

161.

Theatre Appreciation (DRAM 1310) - Intended primarily for non-theatre majors.

162.

Play Analysis and Dramatic Literature - Dramatic structure and literature for the theatre practitioner. Required of all theatre majors. Fall.

221.

Beginning Acting (DRAM 1351) - Three semester hours, one hour lecture, four hours lab per week. Emphasis on the understanding and exploration of the actor’s tools and the application of the actor’s basic skills through the creative process.

223.

Theatre Speech (DRAM 2336) - Study of voice and diction for the actor.

227.

Stage Movement II - Two semester hours, one hour lecture, two hours lab per week. Exploration of movement styles, including musical, period, combat, partner, and group. Prerequisite: THR 127.

231.

Costume Technology (DRAM 1342) - Three semester hours, one hour lecture, four hours lab per week. Introduction to costume construction and coordination; includes pattern development, theatrical sewing techniques, crew organization, and special problems.

232.

Stage Makeup (DRAM 1241) - Two semester hours, one hour lecture, two hours lab per week. Introduction to the techniques of theatrical makeup application and design, including production planning and organization.

241.

Stage Craft (DRAM 1330) - Three semester hours, one hour lecture, four hours lab per week. Introduction to the fundamentals of modern scenic construction, drafting, rigging and handling. Basic scene shop operation and procedure.

242.

Lighting Technology - Three semester hours, one hour lecture, four hours lab per week. Introduction to the fundamentals of modern lighting craft, including basic electricity, principles of light, instrumentation and functions. Laboratory procedure and application.

243.

Sound Technology - Two semester hours, one hour lecture, two hours lab per week. Introductory level class covering use of current tools used to create and employ sound for theatrical performances.

301.

Stage Management - Three semester hours. Study of the duties and principles of stage management. Prerequisite: Lower-division theatre core or permission of instructor.

321.

Intermediate Acting - Three semester hours, one hour lecture, four hours lab per week. Designed to give the student actor the opportunity to explore the acting process through modern realistic dramatic literature and to continue his/her development of a method for building an honest and believable character. Prerequisites: THR 221 and 223 or permission of instructor.

322.

Advanced Theatre Speech - Advanced study of voice and diction for the actor with specialization on Shakespearean text. Three semester hours in a lecture/lab format. Prerequisite: lower-division theatre core or permission of instructor.

350.

Production Lab II - One semester hour, three hours lab per week. Assigned duties in theatre practicum related to departmental productions. May be repeated for a maximum of four semester hours credit.

351.

Rehearsal and Performance II - One semester hour. (Production) Credit for participation in productions as an actor or technician. Repeatable for three hours maximum.

360.

Principles of Design for the Theatre - One semester hour. Principles of color, elements of design, basics of 3-D composition, development of imagination and application of principles to theatre design and technology, design aesthetics. Prerequisites: THR 162, 231, 241, 242.

370.

History of the Cinema - Three semester hours, two hour lecture, two hours lab per week. Study of the history of the motion pictures from their inception to the present. Lecture-discussion class with laboratory periods dedicated to the viewing and study of classic motion pictures.

371.

History of the Cinema II - Three semester hours, two hour lecture, two hours lab per week. A study of the history and development of motion pictures from 1941 to the present. A lecture/discussion class with laboratory periods dedicated to the viewing and study of important modern motion pictures. Prerequisite THR 370.

411.

Theatre for Children - Three semester hours. Principles and methods of inventing theatre with and for children. Prerequisite: Lower-division theatre core or nine hours elementary education.

420.

Auditions/Designers Portfolio - One semester hour, two hours lab per week. Organization, preparation and presentation of the audition process. Organization of the portfolio, résumés, presentation of designs and interviewing. Prerequisite: lower-division theatre core or permission of instructor.

421.

Introduction to Play Directing - Three semester hours, one hour lecture, four hours lab per week. Introduction to the art and craft of directing with specific consideration of the major elements of the director’s work: play analysis, stage composition, visualization and blocking, rehearsal techniques, and the nature of collaboration. Prerequisites: lower-division theatre core or permission of instructor.

422.

Acting for the Camera - Three semester hours, one hour lecture, four hours lab per week. Practicum/study of techniques and procedures needed for those who perform before the camera. Prerequisites: lower-division theatre core or permission of instructor.

424.

Dialects - Two semester hours in a lecture/lab format. Study and use of dialects for the stage. Prerequisites: lower-division theatre core or permission of instructor.

425.

Repertory Theatre - Three semester hours, one hour lecture, four hours lab per week. Practicum in all phases of theatre production for public presentation. Levels A and B. May be repeated for credit but for no more than nine hours in B.F.A. major block.

427.

Advanced Acting - Three semester hours, one hour lecture, four hours lab per week. Study of period acting styles. Prerequisites: Lower-division theatre core or permission of instructor.

428.

Advanced Directing - Three semester hours, one hour lecture, four hours lab per week. Study of problems related to the directing of period plays. Prerequisite: THR 421.

429.

Directing Theatre for Youth - Three semester hours, one hour lecture, four hours lab per week. Study of the special problems in directing young actors during a workshop situation. Offered second summer session only. Prerequisite: THR 421 or permission of instructor.

450.

Theatre Projects - One to three semester hours. May be repeated: Directing, Design, Technical Production, Stage Management, Stage Performance. No more than six hours may be included in the B.F.A. major block. Prerequisite: Lower-division theatre core and permission of instructor.

451.

Theatre Cooperative. Rose Bruford/ETA - Eight to twenty-four credits. Dramaturgical/theatrical analysis and intensive practical work in voice, movement and music. Exposure from one to three areas of study: Elizabethan/Jacobean, Restoration/18th century, and forms of contemporary theatre. Technical/design, stage management, costume design and wardrobe, scenic construction and properties, theatre design, and music technology.

452.

Practicum (Theatre Internship) - Six to nineteen credits. Practicum with a professional theatre company. Practical work in acting, theatre management, dramaturgy, directing, box office, publicity, stage management, lighting, scenery, sound, costume and make-up, set-property construction. List of internships available through the Department of Theatre.

460.

History of the Theatre I - Three semester hours. Study of the history of the theatre from primitive times to 1700. Includes a study of the physical theatre, acting styles, costumes and sets, representative plays, and theories of drama applicable to the various periods under consideration. Prerequisite: nine hours theatre and/or English literature.

461.

History of the Theatre II - Three semester hours. Study of the history of the theatre from 1700 to 1940. Includes a study of the physical theatre, acting styles, costumes and sets, representative plays and theories of drama applicable to the various periods under consideration. Prerequisite: nine hours theatre and/or English literature.

462.

Advanced Play Analysis - Three semester hours. Advanced critical analysis of selected plays from the modern era as blueprints for theatrical production. Course emphasis both in scripts examined and critical methodologies will be on 20th century alternatives to Aristotelian structure. Prerequisites: junior status and completion of THR 162 with a grade of C or better.

463.

Playwriting - Three semester hours. Introductory course in writing for the stage. Consists of a series of practical, short writing exercises in characterization, dialogue, plot, etc., culminating in a one-act play. Prerequisites: Lower-division theatre core or any creative writing course or permission of instructor.

464.

Screenwriting - Three semester hours. Principles and techniques of writing for the screen with emphasis on standard structures, formats and practices currently used by major American studios.

471.

Topics in the Theatre and Drama - Three semester hours. Specialized topics in the history, literature, theory and practice of theatre. May be repeated twice for credit provided topics are different. Prerequisite: nine hours of theatre including THR 162 or consent of the instructor.

480.

Design for the Theatre - Three semester hours, one hour lecture, four hours lab per week. May be repeated. Study of advanced techniques in design of scenery, costumes, makeup, and lighting. Prerequisites: Lower-division theatre core or permission of instructor.

491.

Independent Studies - One to three semester hours. Prerequisite: nine hours of theatre and consent of instructor.