Communication and Theatre Arts—
Theatre Major
If indeed “all the world’s a stage,” the Theatre major offers many ways
to successfully “make an entrance.” The Department of Communication and
Theatre Arts (CATA) offers a theatre major that includes the skills
necessary to produce excellent theatre (acting, directing, design,
management) along with experiences relevant to life long learning
(creativity, working in a collaborative environment, achieving
self-expression, and increasing self-confidence). For all students, the
major stresses both general knowledge in the process of theater and
skillful development in the creation of theater. In addition to course
work, students gain practical experience as they immediately assume
positions required to support the creation of productions in the Theatre
program. Theatre majors find themselves working in a wide variety of
businesses including: entertainment, performing and public speaking, on
and back stage, public relations, in education, event planning, media,
and law. Theatre is both a profession and an art and, whether it be
graduate study, working the “business” or using theatre in other
endeavors, Theatre majors will offer creative solutions to life’s
challenges.
Theatre Major Requirements
A major in theater consists of 40 semester hours, including THEA 274,
and THEA 376 (both taken twice), THEA 278 and THEA 377. In addition,
majors must complete courses selected from the following options: THEA
277 or THEA 279, two courses from THEA 370, 371, 372, an independent
study or internship and acceptance of a senior, electronic portfolio.
Finally, theatre majors are required to complete nine hours of
additional course work from outside THEA to be approved by the Director
of Theatre.
Theatre Minor Requirements.
A minor in theatre consists of 16 semester hours including THEA 274,
278, 376, 377 and one of the following three courses THEA 370, 371, 372.
Teacher Certification
Students seeking teacher certification in drama should confer as early
as possible with Professor Bill Wallace of the Communication and Theatre
Arts department and Professor Craig Vivian, chair of the Education
department, to ensure that their program will meet state standards.
Other requirements for certification are described in the catalogue.
(Note: Secondary certification in a “primary teaching field” requires a
minimum of 32 semester hours.) A second teaching field in a related area
of study is recommended.
Internships and Independent Studies
Internships and Independent Studies are an integral part of the THEA
major. All majors are required to complete an internship experience or
an independent study project. Internships can be taken in a wide variety
of job settings—from stage management at a local theatre company, to
publicity, assistant directing, or teaching youth theatre classes. A
listing of recent internships in the department can be viewed at the
CATA web site’s internship page. The internship experience usually
occurs in the junior or senior year or in the summer between. THEA
faculty routinely advise and assist students in finding good
internships. An internship is normally for three semester hours of
credit. Typically students spend between 125 and 150 hours at the
internship site or about eight to ten hours per week.
Facilities and Activities
The Wells Theater, is a state-of-the-art facility featuring computerized
lighting control, a counterweighted fly system, large scenic and costume
shops, lighting and scenery design labs with a CAD system and large
format printer, and computerized front-of-house operations.
Additionally, the “WIT” experimental (Black Box) theatre allows
substantial opportunities for student directing, playwriting, acting and
designing. This 100 seat facility has computerized lighting, a modern
sound system and allows for both arena and thrust structure to broaden
the student’s performance opportunities.
As the technical changes of the music and film industry have blended
with the world of theatre, theatre majors are encouraged to use the
Computer/Media laboratory in Wallace Hall. The facility has
Windows-based design and editing stations for 20 students, including
computers equipped with software for audio/video editing, multi-media
production, graphic design, web authoring and other applications.
Crimson Masque, the department’s drama society, involves well
over 100 students each year in four faculty directed productions.
Alpha Psi Omega, a national theatre honor society, recognizes the
dedication of those theatre students who show exceptional dedication to
the creation of theater at Monmouth College. Students regularly attend
the American College Theatre Festival, competing with their regional
counterparts in the areas of acting, critique, stage management,
directing and design. |
