At which campus can I study this program?
Program Description
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre offers two options: Design and Technology, and Stage Management.
Design and Technology Option
The B.F.A. degree in Theatre with the Design and Technology option is intended to develop a level of competence that will enable students who wish to pursue professional careers in theatre design, theatre technology and related entertainment fields to prepare themselves for specialized graduate studies, specialized professional training and/or immediate participation in creative work. The prescribed core curriculum introduces students to each of the theatre design areas and provides them with a basic skill level in technology. The curriculum also features acting, directing, script analysis, theatre history and criticism.
Stage Management Option
For the B.F.A. degree in Theatre with the Stage Management option is intended to provide students with specialized training leading to a high level of competence in the stage management field. Graduates should be able to begin professional work or pursue further training at the graduate level. The Stage Management option is intended to educate students for a career in stage management for theatre.
What is Theatre?
Theatre is a collaborative art form; an art form where different disciplines converge to create a sensorial experience much greater than the sum of its parts. Theatre is history, culture, entertainment and social responsibility. Theatre engages and transforms. Theatre is storytelling, told with equal parts artistry, skill, and technology. A theatre artist is a resourceful problem solver, effective communicator, and a great collaborator. These life skills empower theatre professionals to pursue their individual paths and rise up to their potential, well beyond the theatre walls and into their everyday life.
You Might Like This Program If...
- You are inspired by theatre and story telling.
- You thrive in teamwork and collaboration.
- You are at your best in collaborative environment.
- You are a creative problem solver and you love the combination of artistry and technology.
- You are dynamic and detail oriented.
- You are awestruck by the way all the design and theatrical elements come together.
- You love theatre but not as a performer.
Entrance to Major
Acceptance into the Design and Technology option is based on a faculty interview and portfolio review. Acceptance into the Stage Management option is based on a faculty interview and production book review.
Entrance Procedures
Students interested in pursuing Theatre (B.F.A.) should follow the appropriate first year, change of major, or transfer application instructions found under Theatre (BA, BFA, MFA) Admission Information at https://arts.psu.edu/how-to-apply/#specific.
Degree Requirements
For the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatre, both Design and Technology and Stage Management options require a minimum of 120 credits:
| Requirement | Credits |
|---|---|
| General Education | 45 |
| Electives | 0-6 |
| Requirements for the Major | 70-78 |
0-6 of the 45 credits for General Education are included in the Requirements for the Major. This includes: Sound Design emphasis--3 credits of GN courses and 3 credits of GA courses. Scene Design emphasis--3 credits of GA courses.
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 | ||
| THEA 1S | First-Year Seminar: Theatre Production Practices | 1 |
| THEA 100 | The Art of the Theatre  | 3 |
| THEA 120 | Acting I | 3 |
| THEA 130 | Introduction to Theatre Scenic and Costume Technology | 3 |
| THEA 131 | Introduction to Theatre Sound and Lighting Technology | 3 |
| THEA 150 | Fundamentals of Design for the Theatre | 3 |
| THEA 200 | 2 | |
| THEA 250 | Introduction to Scene Design | 3 |
| THEA 251 | Theatre Drafting Techniques | 2 |
| THEA 260 | Introduction to Costume Design | 3 |
| THEA 270 | Introduction to Lighting Design | 3 |
| THEA 280 | Introduction to Technical Direction for the Theatre | 3 |
| THEA 285 | Introduction to Sound Design | 3 |
| THEA 289 | Theatre Production Practicum | 1 |
| THEA 401 | Theatre History I: Ancient to 1700 | 3 |
| THEA 481 | Stage and Production Management | 3 |
| Requirements for the Option | ||
| Requirements for the Option: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| Select an option | 28-36 | |
Requirements for the Option
Design and Technology Option (33-36 credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| THEA 252 | Design Presentation Techniques | 1 |
| THEA 434 | Introduction to Directing | 3 |
| THEA 454 | Period Research for the Theatre | 3 |
| THEA 459 | Theatre Portfolio & Business Practices II | 2 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| THEA 464 | History of Fashion | 3 |
| or THEA 465 | History of Fashion II | |
| Select 6 credits of the following: | 6 | |
THEA 456 | ||
THEA 457 | ||
THEA 466 | ||
THEA 467 | ||
| Lighting Design for Production | ||
THEA 487 | ||
| Theatre Production Practicum | ||
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas | ||
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| Select 15-18 credits from one of the following emphases a, b, c, d, or e: | 15-18 | |
| a. Costume Design/Technology | ||
| Basic Theatrical Makeup | ||
| Scene Painting | ||
| Introduction to Costume Construction Techniques | ||
| Advanced Topics in Costume Design | ||
| Advanced Topics in Costume Construction and Technology | ||
| History of Fashion | ||
or THEA 465 | History of Fashion II | |
| b. Scene Design | ||
| Scene Painting | ||
| Advanced Topics in Scene Design | ||
| Advanced Scene Painting | ||
Select 3 credits of the following: | ||
| Advanced Topics in Costume Design | ||
| Advanced Topics in Lighting Design | ||
| Advanced Topics in Technical Direction for the Theatre | ||
Select 3 credits of the following: | ||
| Ancient to Medieval Art | ||
| Renaissance to Modern Art | ||
| Drafting, Drawing, and Painting for the Theatre | ||
THEA 458 | ||
| Advanced Topics in Costume Design | ||
| Advanced Topics in Lighting Design | ||
| Advanced Topics in Technical Direction for the Theatre | ||
| Sound for Theatre Production | ||
| c. Lighting Design | ||
| Scene Painting | ||
| Advanced Topics in Lighting Design | ||
| Technical Production - Rigging | ||
| Sound for Theatre Production | ||
| Lighting Technology | ||
| d. Sound Design | ||
| The Science of Music | ||
| Fundamentals of Digital Audio | ||
| Technical Production - Rigging | ||
| Sound Recording Techniques | ||
| Sound for Theatre Production | ||
| e. Scenic Technology | ||
| Scene Painting | ||
| Technical Production - Rigging | ||
| Advanced Topics in Lighting Design | ||
| Advanced Topics in Technical Direction for the Theatre | ||
| Sound for Theatre Production | ||
Stage Management Option (28 credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| THEA 146 | Basic Theatrical Makeup | 2 |
| THEA 220 | Acting II | 3 |
| THEA 289 | Theatre Production Practicum | 1 |
| THEA 322 | Voice and Speech I | 2 |
| THEA 324 | Movement for Actors I | 2 |
| THEA 486 | Stage Management for Production | 9 |
| THEA 496 | Independent Studies | 6 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| Select 3 credits of the following: | 3 | |
THEA 405Y | ||
| Women and Theatre | ||
| History of American Musical Theatre | ||
| African American Theatre | ||
| History of Fashion | ||
| History of Fashion II | ||
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 and Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)
- Quantification (GQ): 6 credits
- Writing and Speaking (GWS): 9 credits
Breadth in the Knowledge Domains (Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)
- Arts (GA): 3 credits
- Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
- Humanities (GH): 3 credits
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 3 credits
- Natural Sciences (GN): 3 credits
Integrative Studies
- Inter-Domain Courses (Inter-Domain): 6 credits
Exploration
- GN, may be completed with Inter-Domain courses: 3 credits
- GA, GH, GN, GS, Inter-Domain courses. This may include 3 credits of World Language course work beyond the 12th credit level or the requirements for the student’s degree program, whichever is higher: 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.
Learning Outcomes
B.F.A. Design and Technology
- Prepare students for the next phase of their career, either as working professionals or graduate students.
- Provide a well-rounded experience and emphasize the value of every area in Design and Technical Theatre.
- Forge a collegial atmosphere that lends itself to effective collaboration and communication throughout the School of Theatre.
- Inspire an interest in other areas of the arts and humanities, and promote a lifelong passion for learning.
- Facilitate the acquisition of life skills, in addition to technical knowledge.
Expected Learning Outcomes for Stage Management
- Learn professional standards of reading a play for production, preparing for rehearsals as well as technical rehearsals.
- Demonstrate skills for managing and maintaining performances and performance levels.
- Create an environment for the collaboration of artists, developing teams, and building team dynamics.
- Learn the fundamentals of management and financial for performance and events.
- Gain an understanding of organizational structure as well as the union structure of the entertainment industry.
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
First Year Advising
Mary Sergeant
Academic Adviser
116 Theatre Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-7586
mym7@psu.edu
Theatre Design and Technology Option
Milagros Ponce de León
Head, B.F.A. Design and Technology, Associate Professor of Scenic Design
116 Theatre Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-1455
mxp62@psu.edu
https://arts.psu.edu/directory/milagros-ponce-de-leon
Stage Management Option
Ronda Craig
Instructor in Charge - Stage Management
116 Theatre Building
University Park, PA 16802
rlc26@psu.edu
Suggested Academic Plan
The suggested academic plan(s) listed on this page are the plan(s) that are in effect during the 2024-25 academic year. To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition.
Design and Technology Option, Emphasis in Costume Design: Theatre, B.F.A. 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 |
| THEA 1S* | 1 | THEA 120* | 3 |
| THEA 100* | 3 | THEA 200* | 2 |
| THEA 130* | 3 | THEA 251* | 2 |
| THEA 131* | 3 | THEA 252* | 1 |
| THEA 150* | 3 | GQ‡ | 3 |
| THEA 289* | 1 | General Education Course | 3 |
| ENGL 15, 15A, or 30H‡ | 3 | ||
| 17 | 14 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| THEA 260* | 3 | THEA 146* | 2 |
| THEA 253* | 1 | THEA 250* | 3 |
| THEA 489* | 1 | THEA 261* | 3 |
| GQ‡ | 3 | THEA 460* | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | THEA 489* | 1 |
| General Education Course | 3 | CAS 100‡ | 3 |
| 14 | 15 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| THEA 270* | 3 | THEA 454* | 3 |
| THEA 401* | 3 | THEA 465* | 3 |
| THEA 464* | 3 | THEA 461* | 3 |
| THEA 489* | 1 | THEA 489* | 1 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| THEA 280* | 3 | THEA 481* | 3 |
| THEA 459* | 2 | THEA 285* | 3 |
| THEA 434* | 3 | THEA 489* | 1 |
| THEA 489* | 1 | General Education Course | 3 |
| ENGL 202‡ | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | ||
| 15 | 13 | ||
| Total Credits 120 | |||
- *
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
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity 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.
General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.
All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.
Design and Technology Option, Emphasis in Lighting Design: Theatre, B.F.A. 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 |
| THEA 1S* | 1 | THEA 120* | 3 |
| THEA 100* | 3 | THEA 200* | 2 |
| THEA 130* | 3 | THEA 251* | 2 |
| THEA 131* | 3 | THEA 252* | 1 |
| THEA 150* | 3 | THEA 472* | 3 |
| THEA 289* | 1 | GQ‡ | 3 |
| ENGL 15, 15A, or 30H‡ | 3 | ||
| 17 | 14 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| THEA 253* | 1 | THEA 250* | 3 |
| THEA 270* | 3 | THEA 285* | 3 |
| THEA 280* | 3 | THEA 470*2 | 3 |
| THEA 482* | 3 | THEA 476* | 1 |
| THEA 476* | 1 | General Education | 3 |
| THEA 4511 | (1) | GQ‡ | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | ||
| 14 | 16 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| THEA 401* | 3 | THEA 434* | 3 |
| THEA 485* | 3 | THEA 470*2 | 3 |
| THEA 477 or 489 | 1 | THEA 481* | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | THEA 477* | 1 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| CAS 100‡ | 3 | ENGL 202‡ | 3 |
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| THEA 260* | 3 | THEA 470*2 | (3) |
| THEA 459* | 2 | THEA 454* | 3 |
| THEA 464* | 3 | THEA 477* | 1 |
| THEA 477* | 1 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| 15 | 13 | ||
| Total Credits 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
THEA 451 is optional but suggested in the Fall of the second year
- 2
THEA 470 Advanced Topics in Lighting Design needs to be taken twice to satisfy the degree requirements, but maybe taken a 3rd time is desired. This is a rotating topic course.
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity 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.
General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.
All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.
Advising Notes:
AE 461 Architectural Illumination Systems & Design may be taken in the Fall of the Third or Fourth year and can count as 3 credits of Gen Ed Science (GN).
Design and Technology Option, Emphasis in Scene Design: Theatre, B.F.A. 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 |
| THEA 1S* | 1 | THEA 120* | 3 |
| THEA 100* | 3 | THEA 200* | 2 |
| THEA 130* | 3 | THEA 251* | 2 |
| THEA 131* | 3 | THEA 252* | 1 |
| THEA 150* | 3 | GQ‡ | 3 |
| THEA 289* | 1 | General Education Course | 3 |
| ENGL 15, 15A, or 30H‡ | 3 | ||
| 17 | 14 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| THEA 253* | 1 | THEA 250* | 3 |
| THEA 280* | 3 | THEA 401 | 3 |
| THEA 260* | 3 | THEA 489* | 1 |
| THEA 489* | 1 | General Education Course | 3 |
| THEA 4511 | (1) | General Education Course | 3 |
| GQ‡ | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | ||
| 14 | 16 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| THEA 450* | 3 | THEA 285* | 3 |
| THEA 453* | 2 | THEA 454* | 3 |
| ARTH 111, THEA 485, THEA 458, or THEA 451* | 3 | ARTH 112, THEA 460, THEA 470, or THEA 480* | 3 |
| THEA 489* | 1 | THEA 489* | 1 |
| CAS 100‡ | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| 15 | 16 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| THEA 270* | 3 | THEA 464 or 465* | 3 |
| THEA 434* | 3 | THEA 481* | 3 |
| THEA 450* | 3 | THEA 489* | 1 |
| THEA 459* | 2 | General Education Course | 3 |
| THEA 489* | 1 | General Education Course | 3 |
| ENGL 202‡ | 3 | ||
| 15 | 13 | ||
| Total Credits 120 | |||
- *
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
THEA 451 is optional but suggested in the Fall of the second year
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity 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.
General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.
All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.
Design and Technology Option, Emphasis in Scenic Technology: Theatre, B.F.A. 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 |
| THEA 1S* | 1 | THEA 120* | 3 |
| THEA 100* | 3 | THEA 200* | 2 |
| THEA 130* | 3 | THEA 251* | 2 |
| THEA 131* | 3 | THEA 252* | 1 |
| THEA 150* | 3 | GQ‡ | 3 |
| THEA 289* | 1 | General Education Course | 3 |
| ENGL 15, 15A, or 30H‡ | 3 | ||
| 17 | 14 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| THEA 270* | 3 | THEA 285* | 3 |
| THEA 280* | 3 | THEA 451*1 | (0) |
| THEA 482* | 3 | THEA 480* | 3 |
| THEA 489* | 1 | THEA 489* | 1 |
| THEA 253* | 1 | General Education Course | 3 |
| GQ‡ | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | ||
| 17 | 13 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| THEA 401* | 3 | THEA 470* | 3 |
| THEA 485* | 3 | THEA 454* | 3 |
| THEA 464* | 3 | THEA 250* | 3 |
| THEA 489* | 1 | THEA 489* | 1 |
| General Education Course* | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| CAS 100‡ | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| THEA 434* | 3 | THEA 480* | 3 |
| THEA 459* | 2 | THEA 481* | 3 |
| THEA 489* | 1 | THEA 489* | 1 |
| ENGL 202‡ | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| THEA 260* | 3 | ||
| 15 | 13 | ||
| Total Credits 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
THEA 451 is optional but suggested in the Fall of the second year
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity 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.
General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.
All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.
Design and Technology Option, Emphasis in Sound Design: Theatre, B.F.A. 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 |
| THEA 1S* | 1 | THEA 120* | 3 |
| THEA 100* | 3 | THEA 200* | 2 |
| THEA 130* | 3 | THEA 251* | 2 |
| THEA 131* | 3 | THEA 252* | 1 |
| THEA 150* | 3 | THEA 285* | 3 |
| THEA 289* | 1 | ENGL 15, 15A, or 30H‡ | 3 |
| INART 258A (GA)*† | 3 | ||
| 17 | 14 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| THEA 280* | 3 | THEA 250 | 3 |
| THEA 482* | 3 | THEA 484* | 3 |
| THEA 485* | 3 | THEA 489* | 1 |
| THEA 489* | 1 | MUSIC 11Z (Linked with INART 50Z) | 3 |
| GQ‡ | 3 | GQ‡ | 3 |
| INART 50Z (GN)*† | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| THEA 270 | 3 | THEA 434 | 3 |
| THEA 464 | 3 | THEA 401 | 3 |
| THEA 485 | 3 | THEA 489 | 1 |
| THEA 489 | 1 | General Education Course (GA) | 3 |
| CAS 100‡ | 3 | General Education Course (GN) | 3 |
| General Education Course (GHW) | 3 | General Education Course (GN) | 3 |
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| THEA 459 | 2 | THEA 481* | 3 |
| THEA 489 | 1 | THEA 454 | 3 |
| THEA 260 | 3 | THEA 489 | 1 |
| ENGL 202‡ | 3 | General Education Course (GH) | 3 |
| General Education Course (GS) | 3 | General Education Course (GH) | 3 |
| 12 | 13 | ||
| Total Credits 120 | |||
- *
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
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity 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.
General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.
All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.
Stage Management Option: Theatre, B.F.A. 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 30H‡ | 3 | THEA 120* | 3 |
| THEA 100* | 3 | THEA 130 or 131* | 3 |
| THEA 1S* | 1 | THEA 150* | 3 |
| THEA 130 or 131* | 3 | THEA 200* | 2 |
| THEA 146* | 2 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | ||
| 15 | 14 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CAS 100A, 100B, or 100C‡ | 3 | THEA 250* | 3 |
| THEA 220* | 3 | THEA 251* | 2 |
| THEA 322* | 2 | THEA 289* | 1 |
| THEA 324* | 2 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D‡ | 3 | THEA 280* | 3 |
| THEA 260* | 3 | THEA 401* | 3 |
| THEA 270* | 3 | THEA 486* | 3 |
| THEA 285* | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| THEA 289* | 1 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | ||
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| THEA 486* | 3 | THEA 481* | 3 |
| THEA 496* | 3 | THEA 486* | 3 |
| Additional Course for Option (see list)*1 | 3 | THEA 496* | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 |
| General Education Course | 3 | Elective | 2 |
| General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 | ||
| 16.5 | 12.5 | ||
| Total Credits 120 | |||
- *
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 (3 credits)
Select 3 credits from: THEA 405Y(3), THEA 406(3), THEA 407 US(3), THEA 408(3), THEA 412 US(3), THEA 455(3), THEA 464(3), THEA 465(3) (Sem: 4-8)
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity 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.
General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.
All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.
Career Paths
Careers
The Theatre Design & Technology option prepares students to pursue successful careers in the live entertainment industry including theatre design and technology, film and television, corporate design, and other related fields such as exhibit design, multimedia and projection design, concerts, national and international tours and production companies.
The Stage Management option prepares students to pursue professional careers in the live entertainment industry including theatre, film and television; and succeed as arts managers, tour and arena managers, casting directors, and event and production managers.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT POTENTIAL CAREER OPTIONS FOR GRADUATES OF THE THEATRE DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY OPTION
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT POTENTIAL CAREER OPTIONS FOR GRADUATES OF THE STAGE MANAGEMENT OPTION
Opportunities for Graduate Studies
While Penn State graduates in Design and Technology or State Management may opt to pursue advance graduate studies, such as Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) degree; professional opportunities are readily available to recent B.F.A. graduates. Furthermore, upon graduation our students join a prestigious alumni network of theatre and live entertainment professionals working in every area of design, production, and management across the country.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATE STUDIES
Professional Resources
Accreditation
The Bachelor of Fine 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