At which campus can I study this program?
Begin Campus
Any Penn State Campus
End Campus
University Park
Degree Information At Additional Campuses
Program Description
This program offers the theatre student a general background in the various facets of theatre. A broad liberal education is provided and complemented with advanced courses to best serve student interests, talents, and career objectives. Though a strong emphasis is given to the areas of production and performance, majors may also wish to emphasize an area of special interest such as literature, design, dance, playwriting, directing or acting. All B.A. students spend a semester in study abroad studying at the Theatre Academy of London (TAL), a program that balances academic courses with advance studio work.
Students who pursue the B.A. in Theatre learn to research, analyze and synthesize information. Majors develop strong oral and written skills and many go on to postgraduate study not only in theatre but also in areas such as law, business and education.
The B.A. in Theatre degree program includes a Theatre Studies Option and three additional options, Theatre Performance, Dance Performance and Multicultural Performance. All four options are available at University Park; the Theatre Studies and Theatre Performance options only are available at Penn State Berks.
What is Theatre?
Theatre is an interdisciplinary approach to sharing stories through text, design, movement, and more. It's reflective of the cultures and societies that produce it. Theatre is a sensory experience for the viewer and the participant—it brings together art, culture, entertainment, and more in productions that provoke and inspire an audience.
You Might Like This Program If...
- You are interested in all the aspects of performance but don't want to be onstage.
- You love watching theatre and films and then discussing all the elements.
- Can see yourself influencing culture and trends as a producer, agent, or in other jobs behind the scenes.
Entrance to Major
For specific information on entrance procedures, please visit the website for the College of Arts and Architecture.
Degree Requirements
For the Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre, a minimum of 120 credits is required:
| Requirement | Credits |
|---|---|
| General Education | 45 |
| Electives | 10-11 |
| Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements | 24 |
| Requirements for the Major | 44.5-51.5 |
1.5-7.5 of the 45 credits for General Education are included in the Requirements for the Major. This includes: 1.5 credits GHW courses; 0-6 credits of GH courses.
3 of the 24 credits for Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements are included in the Requirements for the Major, General Education, or Electives and 0-12 credits are included in Electives if foreign language proficiency is demonstrated by examination.
General Education
Connecting career and curiosity, the General Education curriculum provides the opportunity for students to acquire transferable skills necessary to be successful in the future and to thrive while living in interconnected contexts. General Education aids students in developing intellectual curiosity, a strengthened ability to think, and a deeper sense of aesthetic appreciation. These are requirements for all baccalaureate students and are often partially incorporated into the requirements of a program. For additional information, see the General Education Requirements section of the Bulletin and consult your academic adviser.
The keystone symbol 
appears next to the title of any course that is designated as a General Education course. Program requirements may also satisfy General Education requirements and vary for each program.
Foundations (grade of C or better is required.)
- Quantification (GQ): 6 credits
- Writing and Speaking (GWS): 9 credits
Knowledge Domains
- Arts (GA): 6 credits
- Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
- Humanities (GH): 6 credits
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 6 credits
- Natural Sciences (GN): 9 credits
Integrative Studies (may also complete a Knowledge Domain requirement)
- Inter-Domain or Approved Linked Courses: 6 credits
University Degree Requirements
First Year Engagement
All students enrolled in a college or the Division of Undergraduate Studies at University Park, and the World Campus are required to take 1 to 3 credits of the First-Year Seminar, as specified by their college First-Year Engagement Plan.
Other Penn State colleges and campuses may require the First-Year Seminar; colleges and campuses that do not require a First-Year Seminar provide students with a first-year engagement experience.
First-year baccalaureate students entering Penn State should consult their academic adviser for these requirements.
Cultures Requirement
6 credits are required and may satisfy other requirements
- United States Cultures: 3 credits
- International Cultures: 3 credits
Writing Across the Curriculum
3 credits required from the college of graduation and likely prescribed as part of major requirements.
Total Minimum Credits
A minimum of 120 degree credits must be earned for a baccalaureate degree. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 credits. Students should consult with their college or department adviser for information on specific credit requirements.
Quality of Work
Candidates must complete the degree requirements for their major and earn at least a 2.00 grade-point average for all courses completed within their degree program.
Limitations on Source and Time for Credit Acquisition
The college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. Credit used toward degree programs may need to be earned from a particular source or within time constraints (see Senate Policy 83-80). For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for your intended program.
B.A. Degree Requirements
Foreign Language (0-12 credits): Student must attain 12th credit level of proficiency in one foreign language. See the Placement Policy for Penn State Foreign Language Courses.
B.A. Fields (9 credits): Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Arts, Foreign Languages, Natural Sciences, Quantification (may not be taken in the area of the student's primary major; foreign language credits in this category must be in a second foreign language or beyond the 12th credit level of proficiency in the first language)
Other Cultures (0-3 credits): Select 3 credits from approved list. Students may count courses in this category in order to meet other major, minor, elective, or General Education requirements, except for the General Education US/IL requirement.
Requirements for the Major
A grade of C or better is required for all courses in the major. To graduate, a student enrolled in the major must earn at least a C grade in each course designated by the major as a C-required course, as specified by Senate Policy 82-44.
Common Requirements for the Major (All Options)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| DANCE 170 | Conditioning for Dancers | 1.5 |
| THEA 1S | First-Year Seminar: Theatre Production Practices | 1 |
| THEA 289 | Theatre Production Practicum | 1 |
| THEA 401 | Theatre History I: Ancient to 1700 | 3 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| THEA 100 | The Art of the Theatre | 3 |
| or THEA 105 | Introduction to Theatre | |
| THEA 102 | Fundamentals of Acting | 3 |
| or THEA 120 | Acting I | |
| THEA 107 | Introduction to Dramatic Structure | 2-3 |
| or THEA 200 | Script Analysis | |
| THEA 130 | Introduction to Theatre Scenic and Costume Technology | 3 |
| or THEA 131 | Introduction to Theatre Sound and Lighting Technology | |
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas | ||
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| THEA 499 | Foreign Studies--Theatre Arts | 12 |
| or DANCE 499 | Dance Foreign Study | |
| Requirements for the Option | ||
| Requirements for the Option: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| Select an option | 15-21 | |
Requirements for the Option
Theatre Studies Option (15 credits)
Available at the following campuses: Berks, University Park
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| THEA 150 | Fundamentals of Design for the Theatre | 3 |
| THEA 402 | Theatre History II: From 1700 to Present | 3 |
| THEA 434 | Introduction to Directing | 3 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| Select 6 credits of the following: | 6 | |
| Theatre History: American Theatre | ||
| Women and Theatre | ||
| History of American Musical Theatre | ||
| African American Theatre | ||
| History of Fashion | ||
Theatre Performance Option (21 credits)
Available at the following campuses: Berks, University Park
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| THEA 150 | Fundamentals of Design for the Theatre | 3 |
| THEA 402 | Theatre History II: From 1700 to Present | 3 |
| THEA 434 | Introduction to Directing | 3 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| THEA 121 | Fundamentals of Acting II | 3 |
| or THEA 289 | Theatre Production Practicum | |
| Select 3 credits of the following: | 3 | |
| Theatre History: American Theatre | ||
| Women and Theatre | ||
| History of American Musical Theatre | ||
| African American Theatre | ||
| History of Fashion | ||
| Select 6 credits (with permission of adviser/instructor) of the following: | 6 | |
| Acting II and Acting III and Voice and Speech I and Movement for Actors I | ||
| Introduction to Scene Design and Theatre Drafting Techniques and Design Presentation Techniques and Introduction to Costume Design and Introduction to Lighting Design | ||
| Play Analysis and Directorial Processes and Artistic Staff for Production | ||
| Principles of Playwriting | ||
Dance Performance Option (18 credits)
Available at the following campuses: University Park
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| DANCE 410 | Dance History | 3 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| Select 9 credits of the following: | 9 | |
| Intermediate Modern Dance I | ||
| Intermediate Modern Dance II | ||
| Advanced Modern Dance I | ||
| Advanced Modern Dance II | ||
| Select 6 credits of the following: | 6 | |
| From Africa to Hip Hop- The Evolution of African American Dance History | ||
| Basic Theatrical Makeup | ||
| Theatre History II: From 1700 to Present | ||
| Theatre History: American Theatre | ||
| Women and Theatre | ||
| History of American Musical Theatre | ||
| African American Theatre | ||
| Principles of Playwriting | ||
Multicultural Performance Option (21 credits)
Available at the following campuses: University Park
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| DANCE 411 | From Africa to Hip Hop- The Evolution of African American Dance History | 3 |
| THEA 412 | African American Theatre | 3 |
| THEA 495 | Internship Practicum | 3 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| Select 3 credits of the following: | 3 | |
| World Literatures | ||
| Introduction to World Drama and Performance | ||
| Race, Gender, and Identity in World Literature | ||
| Select 6 credits of the following: | 6 | |
| Intercultural Communication | ||
| Virtual Worlds: Antiquity to the Present | ||
| Literature and the Other Arts: International and Comparative Perspectives | ||
| Modern Drama | ||
| African Drama | ||
| Cultures of Globalization | ||
| Fantastic Worlds: International and Comparative Perspectives | ||
| Narrative Theory: Film and Literature | ||
| Ethics, Justice, and Rights in World Literature | ||
| Tragedy | ||
| Comedy | ||
| Modern Continental Drama | ||
| Literary Adaptation: International and Comparative Perspectives | ||
| Introduction to African Dance and Culture | ||
| Intermediate Mojah Fusion Dance | ||
| Alternative Voices in American Literature | ||
| Latina and Latino Border Theories | ||
| From Folk Shouts and Songs to Hip Hop Poetry | ||
| Introduction to LGBTQ Studies | ||
| Chicana and Chicano Cultural Production: Literature, Film, Music | ||
| Black American Writers | ||
| Performing Arts | ||
| West African and African American Arts: from the 1960s to the present | ||
| Evolution of Jazz | ||
| Introduction to World Musics | ||
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas | ||
| Select 3 credits in consultation with adviser | 3 | |
Learning Outcomes
- Understand theatre as a cultural art form in relationship to society, politics, pop culture, and other art forms.
- Comprehend and analyze the historical context of theatre, drama, and performance, including plays, major figures, costumes, scenic innovations, and theoretical approaches, and how these relate to contemporary society and culture.
- Demonstrate an ability to compare and contrast different cultures, points of view, and social systems through the analysis of historical and contemporary approaches to theatre and performance.
Academic Advising
The objectives of the university’s academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.
Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee’s unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.
READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY
University Park
Elisha Halpin
Associate Director for Instruction and Curriculum
116 Theatre Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-0414
etc3@psu.edu
Berks
James N. Brown
Program Coordinator, Instructor
Franco 143
Reading, PA 19610
610-396-6419
jnb20@psu.edu
Suggested Academic Plan
Theatre Studies Option at University Park Campus
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| ENGL 15 or 30‡ | 3 | DANCE 170 (GHW)* | 1.5 |
| THEA 1S | 1 | THEA 289* | 1 |
| THEA 100 or 105* | 3 | THEA 150* | 3 |
| THEA 102 or 120* | 3 | THEA 200 or 107* | 2-3 |
| Foreign Language or Elective | 4 | Foreign Language or Elective | 4 |
| General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 | General Education Course | 3 |
| 15.5 | 14.5-15.5 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| THEA 401* | 3 | THEA 130 or 131* | 3 |
| BA Knowledge Domain Course | 3 | BA Knowledge Domain Course | 3 |
| Foreign Language or Elective | 4 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CAS 100, 100A, 100B, or 100C* | 3 | Semester Abroad | |
| Additional Course for Option (see list)*1 | 3 | THEA 499 or DANCE 499* | 3 |
| BA Knowledge Domain Course | 3 | THEA 499 or DANCE 499* | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | THEA 499 or DANCE 499* | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | THEA 499 or DANCE 499* | 3 |
| Elective | 2 | ||
| 15 | 14 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D‡ | 3 | THEA 402* | 3 |
| Additional Course for Option (see list)*1 | 3 | THEA 434* | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Other Cultures Course | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 120-121 | |||
* Course requires a grade of C or better for the major
‡ Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education
# Course is an Entrance to Major requirement
† Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement
| 1 | ADDITIONAL COURSES (6 credits) |
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.
Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.
All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL/CAS 137 in the fall semester and ENGL/CAS 138 in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and replace both ENGL 30 and CAS 100. Each course is 3 credits.
Bachelor of Arts Requirements:
Bachelor of Arts students must take 9 credits in Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Fields (Humanities; Social and Behavioral Sciences; Arts; World Languages [2nd language or beyond the 12th credit level of proficiency in the 1st]; Natural Sciences; Quantification). The B.A. Fields courses may not be taken in the area of the student’s primary major. See your adviser and the Degree Requirements section of this Bulletin.
Bachelor of Arts students must take 3 credits in Other Cultures.
See your adviser and the full list of courses approved as Other Cultures courses.
Multicultural Performance Option at University Park Campus
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| ENGL 15, 15A, or 30‡ | 3 | CMLIT 10, 12, or 101 (GH)† 1 | 3 |
| THEA 1S* | 1 | DANCE 170* | 1.5 |
| THEA 100 or 105* | 3 | THEA 289* | 1 |
| THEA 102 or 120* | 3 | Foreign Language or Elective | 4 |
| Foreign Language or Elective | 4 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 | General Education Course | 3 |
| 15.5 | 15.5 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| THEA 200 or 107* | 2-3 | THEA 130 or 131* | 3 |
| THEA 401* | 3 | THEA 412 or AFAM 412* | 3 |
| Foreign Language or Elective | 4 | Additional Course for Option (see list)1 | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | BA Knowledge Domain Course | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| 15-16 | 15 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CAS 100A, 100B, or 100C* | 3 | Semester Abroad | |
| BA Knowledge Domain Course | 3 | THEA 499 or DANCE 499* | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | THEA 499 or DANCE 499* | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | THEA 499 or DANCE 499* | 3 |
| Supporting Course for Option2 | 3 | THEA 499 or DANCE 499* | 3 |
| Elective | 2 | ||
| 15 | 14 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D‡ | 3 | DANCE 411* | 3 |
| Additional Course for Option (see list)1 | 3 | THEA 495* | 3 |
| BA Knowledge Domain Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| Other Cultures Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 120-121 | |||
* Course requires a grade of C or better for the major
‡ Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education
# Course is an Entrance to Major requirement
† Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement
| 1 | ADDITIONAL COURSES (9 credits) |
| 2 | SUPPORTING COURSES AND RELATED AREAS (3 credits) |
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.
Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.
All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL/CAS 137 in the fall semester and ENGL/CAS 138 in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and replace both ENGL 30 and CAS 100. Each course is 3 credits.
Bachelor of Arts Requirements:
Bachelor of Arts students must take 9 credits in Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Fields (Humanities; Social and Behavioral Sciences; Arts; World Languages [2nd language or beyond the 12th credit level of proficiency in the 1st]; Natural Sciences; Quantification). The B.A. Fields courses may not be taken in the area of the student’s primary major. See your adviser and the Degree Requirements section of this Bulletin.
Bachelor of Arts students must take 3 credits in Other Cultures.
See your adviser and the full list of courses approved as Other Cultures courses.
Career Paths
Penn State's Theatre Studies major develops a foundation that serves as a strong base for careers ranging from educator to scholar to entrepreneur. With our required semester in London, you are prepared to be a global player in your chosen area of focus. The program provides a broad base that gives you the opportunity to bring together multiple interests.This degree prepares you with integral skills such as creative and theoretical thinking, collaboration, and synthesizing new information quickly.
Careers
In many ways theatre is the ultimate liberal arts major – and can help to prepare you for almost any career from medicine to law to writing for television. Additionally, many students choose to continue their education by pursuing a master of fine arts (M.F.A.) or doctorate (Ph.D.) in theatre.
Opportunities for Graduate Studies
Graduates with a Theatre Studies degree may opt to pursue a variety of postbaccalaureate or graduate studies programs in specialized topics or focus areas, such as dramaturgy, history, literature and criticism, and performance and cultural studies.
Accreditation
The Bachelor of Arts in Theatre is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST).
Founded in 1965, the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST) is an organization of schools, conservatories, colleges, and universities with approximately 188 accredited institutional members. It establishes national standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees and other credentials for theatre and theatre-related disciplines, and provides assistance to institutions and individuals engaged in artistic, scholarly, educational, and other theatre-related endeavors.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOLS OF THEATRE
Contact
University Park
SCHOOL OF THEATRE
116 Theatre Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-7586
theatre@psu.edu
Berks
DIVISION OF HUMANITIES, ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
Franco Building
Reading, PA 19610
610-396-6419
jnb20@psu.edu