Theatre and Performance Studies
Undergraduate Program
Major in Theatre and Performance Studies
The major in Theatre and Performance Studies 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. TPS majors often complete double majors in
combination with many other departments and programs.
The TPS major consists of eleven course credits and related requirements, as follows:
- Foundational Course — 3 credits (ideally taken
1st or 2nd year)
- TPS 01 — Intro to Theatre
- TPS 02 — Foundations in Theatre:
Process, Performance, and Production
- TPS 10, 11, or 12 (class of
2021-2023 only)
- TPS Special Topics — From Page to
Stage (class of 22-24 only)
- Theory, Culture, and History — 9 credits
- 3 credits must be an Inquiry in Power, Identity,
and Culture
- 3 credits may cover exclusively Film/TV/other
media
- Practical Performance: 6 credits of classroom
experience
- Theatre Technology and Production: 3 credits
- Visual Design: 3 credits
- TPS 70 Scene Design
- TPS 71 Costume Design
- TPS 72 Lighting Design
- Stage Production Experience: total of 2 credits
- Must take both TPS 80 Preparation Crew and TPS 81
Run Crew (1 credit each)
- Electives/Specialization: 9 credits
- Must include an upper-level course (numbers over
100)
- May include up to 3 credits of practicums
- May include capstone or thesis project credits
We expect each Theatre and Performance Studies 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 TPS major
complete their foundational course 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 Theatre and Performance Studies 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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