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Theatre

Courses in this program are listed under THTR .

UMBC’s Theatre Program emphasizes the integration of research and performance. The department provides students a liberal arts education through the study of theatre. The curriculum offers students an in-depth understanding of their chosen theatrical specialty and an equally expansive knowledge of dramatic history, theory and literature. Students come to appreciate dramatic works for their historical and social values, as well as for their artistry. Students may choose to major or minor in theatre, with an emphasis in acting/ performance or in design/ production, which focuses on scenery, costumes, lighting, sound, or stage management. All theatre students are required to take core courses that serve as an intellectual and practical foundation for the more advanced, specialized classes in the department. The synthesis of all aspects of theatre study is through the conceptualization, rehearsal, construction, and performance of the dramatic text. Students are provided with numerous opportunities to display their understanding of their course work through participation in main stage, laboratory and student- directed productions.

Options of Study

The Department of Theatre offers three degree options  for majors. The Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Acting is designed for students who are interested in an intensive performance program leading to the pursuit of graduate study and/or careers in professional theatre. The B.A. in Performance is designed for students who are interested in a broad understanding of all areas of theatre, while maintaining a focus in acting. The B.A. in Design/Theatre Production is offered to theatre majors who focus on one or more of the following areas: set design, set construction, lighting design, sound design, costume design, costume construction, and stage management.  Students also may select to minor in any of these areas, including theatre history and literature.  They may also choose theatre as one of their areas of specialization within the Interdisciplinary Studies Program, in which they design a program of appropriate courses in consultation with a theatre faculty advisor and an advisor in the Interdisciplinary Studies Program. For more information on this option, read the section “Alternative Programs.”

Career and Academic Paths

Graduates of the program regularly are admitted to top conservatories and graduate programs across the country. Alumni also are working in every aspect of professional theatre, film, and television. Professional theatre is only one of the areas in which graduates distinguish themselves. Many graduates ,use the strong liberal arts background, interpersonal, and organizational skills gained in the theatre curriculum to go on to careers in business, government, law education (at all levels),  and human services.

Academic Advising

Upon entering the theatre program, each student is assigned a theatre faculty advisor. All transfer students who plan to be majors must confer with a department advisor before enrolling in any theatre courses. The faculty advisor meets with the student during the semester to provide guidance about theatre and university curricula and course scheduling, and is available for informal conversations about the student’s experiences, concerns, and progress.

B.F.A in Acting

All acting majors take the same theatre courses during their first year of study. During the second semester, theatre faculty will review actors and make recommendations for acceptance into the B.F.A. in Acting Program. B.F.A. in Acting majors must fulfill required studio/performance courses with a grade of “B” or better. Other non-performance courses submitted by a student in fulfillment of the B.F.A. major requirement must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.

These students must complete the following requirements:

• THTR 100 Introduction to Theatre Scenography [3]
• THTR 104 Introduction to Costume [3]
• THTR 202 Introduction to Dramatic Literature [3]
• THTR 220 Craft of Acting I [4]
• THTR 221 Craft of Acting II [4]
• THTR 222 Vocal Training for the Actor I [3]
• THTR 223 Vocal Training for the Actor II [3]

THEATRE 179 Undergraduate Catalog

• THTR 229 Movement for the Actor [3]
• THTR 234 Makeup for the Stage [2]
• THTR 239 Movement II -Alexander Technique [3]
• THTR 244 Script Analysis [3]
• THTR 250 Introduction to Production Techniques [3]
• THTR 310 History of Theatre I [3]
• THTR 311 History of Theatre II [3]
• THTR 324 Craft of Acting III [4]
• THTR 325 Vocal Training for the Actor III [3]
• THTR 329 Movement for the Actor III [3]
• THTR 345 Auditioning and the Business of Acting [3]
• THTR 410 Modern Theatre I – Social Protest [3] OR THTR 411 Modern Theatre II – The Interior World [3]
• THTR 421 Acting Shakespeare [3]
• THTR 460 Senior Capstone [3]

Recommended theatre electives For BFA students:

• THTR 347 Character and Scene Study [4]
• THTR 349 Women and Theatre [3]
• THTR 390 Theatre in Production [3-5]
• THTR 490 Production Workshop [3-6]

TOTAL CREDITS: 65

B.A. Programs

All students seeking a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Theatre must complete the department’s core requirements as well as the requirements for a concentration in performance, or design/ theatre production. All courses submitted by a student in fulfillment of the B.A. major requirement must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.

Core Requirements

• THTR 100 Introduction to Theatre Scenography [3]
• THTR 104 Introduction to Costume [3]
• THTR 202 Introduction to Dramatic Literature [3]
• THTR 234 Makeup for the Stage [2]
• THTR 244 Script Analysis [3]
• THTR 250 Introduction to Production Techniques [3]
• THTR 310 History of Theatre I [3]
• THTR 311 History of Theatre II [3]
• THTR 410 Modern Theatre I – Social Protest [3]
• THTR 411 Modern Theatre II – The Interior World [3]
• THTR 460 Senior Capstone [3]

Core Credits: 32

Note: Stage management of departmental productions may be selected as a substitute for THTR 250 at the discretion of the faculty.

Concentration in Performance Emphasis

Students wishing to pursue the B.A. in Performance degree must complete the following additional requirements:

• THTR 220 Craft of Acting I [4]
• THTR 221 Craft of Acting II [4]
• THTR 222 Vocal Training for the Actor I [3]
• THTR 223 Vocal Training for the Actor II [3]
• THTR 229 Movement for the Actor [3]
• THTR 234 Makeup for the Stage [2]
• THTR 239 Movement II Alexander Technique[3]

Credits: 22

TOTAL CREDITS: 54

Performance majors in the B.A. program may be permitted to enter upper-level performance classes with the permission of the course instructor. They are encouraged to work closely with their theatre advisor to select appropriate electives.

All theatre majors with a concentration in performance or students in the BFA program must audition for departmental productions and, if selected, participate in them. All students so selected, whether majors or non-majors, must register under the appropriate production course number. Permission of the instructor is required.

Concentration in Design and Theatre Production

Five areas of design/theatre production are offered:

• Stage management
• Scenery
• Costuming
• Lighting
• Sound

These majors have numerous opportunities to work as design assistants and (with recommendations) designers on faculty-directed productions. Other opportunities include work as a stage manager, master carpenter, master electrician, props master, draper, craftsperson and stitcher. Students wishing to pursue the B.A. degree with a concentration in design and theatre production must complete the following additional requirements:

• THTR 110 Introduction to Acting [3]
• THTR 230 Drawing for the Theatre [3]
• THTR 231 Drafting for the Theatre: Hand and CAD [3]
• THTR 234 Makeup for the Stage [2]
• Three 200-level design courses [9]
• One 300-level design course [3]

Theatre majors with a theatre production emphasis are strongly advised to consult with their advisor regarding the order in which courses should be taken.

Note: Laboratory assignments on all department productions will be required of all design majors. See the department technical director.

CREDITS: 23

TOTAL CREDITS: 55

B.A. Concentration in Design/Theatre Production ELECTIVES:

The theatre department places great emphasis upon the selection of electives outside and within the department. These courses must be chosen in consultation with an advisor.

All courses submitted by a student in fulfillment of the B.A. major requirement must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.

THEATRE 180 Undergraduate Catalog

Minor Program

All theatre minors must complete the following core courses

• THTR 100 Introduction to Scenography [3]
• OR THTR 104 Introduction to Costume [3]
• THTR 110 Introduction to Acting [3]
• THTR 202 Introduction to Dramatic Literature [3]
• THTR 310 History of Theatre I [3]
• OR THTR 311 History of Theatre II [3]
• Three other lower- or upper-level theatre courses [9]

Core Credits for the Theatre Minor: 21

Alternative Programs Theatre is by nature a composite art. As such, it points to many avenues of connection with other disciplines. Students interested in exploring areas common to theatre and one or more of the other arts may want to explore alternative programs available through the interdisciplinary studies major and should submit proposals to the Interdisciplinary Studies Program.

Special Opportunities

The theatre department has been an active participant inthe American College Theatre Festival. UMBC productions are judged and have been selected to be performed at the regional festivals and at the national festival at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. The regional festival  allows student cast and crew members to attend workshops,to interact with students from other universities and to participate in competitions in acting, all facets of design, stage management and dramaturgy. Theatre students also become involved in a range of activities on and off campus. They may create a theatre piece with a faculty director and tour high schools. They may lead workshops for area school children. They may perform projects in political theatre. How much is done depends upon the students' creativity and innovation.

Internships

During summers and following graduation, many theatre majors participate in full-time internships at professional theatres in the Baltimore/Washington area.

Scholarships

There are a number of merit-based scholarship awards available to theatre students entering the department and during matriculation.The Linehan Artist Scholars Program is for incoming freshmen who show high artistic and intellectual ability and who seek to develop their creative talents in the context of a strong liberal arts education.In addition to filling out an application for admission, a separate application for this scholarship program must be submitted to the scholarship office by a deadline in January. Candidates may request this application from the scholarship office or download it from the UMBC web site, www.umbc.edu. The Fine Arts Scholarship is offered to talented incoming freshmen intending to major in theatre. After acceptance to the university,candidates should audition or have their portfolio reviewed by theatre department faculty.

Theatre Department Scholarships

Any theatre major who has participated in the program for a minimum of two semesters may apply for this award.Applications are reviewed by the theatre faculty, at which time the student’s participation in classes and in other department activities is evaluated. Scholarships are applied to tuition for one semester and may be awarded no more than twice to any individual student.

Anderson/Fitzsimmons Theatre Scholarship

Small scholarships are available to all theatre majors.