Theatre and Performance Studies
Undergraduate Program
Major in Drama
The major in drama provides a balanced mix of study and practice,
understanding and process, thinking and doing. Students will enjoy
the opportunity to take on a variety of roles in the production
process, and to expand their knowledge of theatre history and
dramatic literature.
Our program also provides useful skills for those planning to pursue
graduate school or professional training or to work in a theatre
arts specialization. Drama majors often complete double majors in
combination with many other departments and programs.
The drama major consists of eleven course credits and related requirements, as follows:
- One course in Foundational Theatre
History and/or Theory of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies. DR 2,
3, or 4 (or equivalent course)
- Three courses in Theatre and related
Arts, History and Theory (or equivalent course)
- Six Credits in Practical Performance
- One Theatre Technology Course
- One Visual Design Course
- Nine credits in or related to the student's
specific area of interest, chosen in consultation
with their major adviser. One of these must be an
upper level course.
- Two required crews (0 credit, pass/fail) on a
faculty-directed major production
Review
an approved list
of courses for each requirement.
We expect each Drama major to gain experience in the creative
aspects of drama and/or dance through involvement in the
department's production program. Graduation magna cum laude or summa
cum laude with a drama major is contingent not only on scholastic
achievement, but also on significant participation in productions.
We strongly recommend that students considering a drama major
complete DR 2, 3 or 4, the crew requirement, and an
introductory-level course in either studio dance/acting or
design/technology by the end of the sophomore year. This will allow
greater flexibility in scheduling coursework and more opportunities
for advanced-level production projects.
We also encourage students who plan to pursue professional training
or graduate study to take more than the minimum number of course
credits, especially in their area of specialization.
By the time students complete a major in Drama they should
be able to:
- Demonstrate a broad knowledge of world theatre history,
literature, and performance practices
- Understand the individual and collective roles of the artistic
and production team
- Engage in artistic processes and basic techniques utilized by
theatre artists and technicians
- Formulate and communicate ideas through visual
presentation, interpersonal communication and clear
writing
- Collaborate on creative projects effectively
- Implement organizational and problem solving skills to both
classroom and production experiences
- Analyze how scripts and performances construct gender, race,
class, and environment in varied eras and cultures
- Articulate the connection between theatre and civic engagement in
different eras, cultures and societies
- Conduct independent research and apply this research to practical
projects and/or scholarly papers
- Identify connections between theatre and other disciplines,
community, and personal and career goals
The Application Process
The application process does not require an audition or interview;
tapes and portfolios are not accepted. On a visit to the
campus, you are welcome to observe Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies classes and meet
with a faculty member. Arrangements should be made in advance
through the Department Office, by calling 617.627.3524, or you can
email the
Department Administrator.
Please see the
Office of Undergraduate Admissions for more
information.
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