Theatre, B.F.A.

Program Code: THRFA_BFA

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

Incoming First Year Students

Incoming first year students must apply to Penn State first. Undergraduate applications for admission to Penn State must be complete and submitted before uploading the required documentation for application to the major. Within the B.F.A. degree in Theatre, students have two options to pursue: Theatre Design and Technology option (with emphasis areas in costume design, lighting design, set design, sound design or technical direction) or Stage Management option. All application materials for either of the two options should be uploaded at least two weeks prior to an applicant’s preferred interview date.

B.F.A. Theatre, Design and Technology option application information can be found at: https://arts.psu.edu/how-to-apply/#specific.

B.F.A. Theatre, Stage Management option application information can be found at: https://arts.psu.edu/how-to-apply/#specific.

Interviews are required for both options, and applicants will have the opportunity to choose from several interview dates scheduled every year between November and February. Applicants who are accepted will be directly admitted to the Theatre, B.F.A. major and pursue their training at University Park.

Change of Major/Change of Campus Students

Change of Major/Change of Campus students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or above to be eligible for the Theatre, B.F.A. major. Within the B.F.A. degree in Theatre, students have two options to pursue: Theatre Design and Technology option (with emphasis areas in costume design, lighting design, set design, sound design or technical direction) or Stage Management option. Application materials for either of the two options should be uploaded at least two weeks prior to an applicant’s preferred interview date.

B.F.A. Theatre, Design and Technology option application information can be found at: https://arts.psu.edu/how-to-apply/#specific.

B.F.A. Theatre, Stage Management option application information can be found at: https://arts.psu.edu/how-to-apply/#specific.

Interviews are required for both options and applicants should contact the program head to schedule an interview. Change of Major/Change of Campus requests are reviewed on a semester by semester basis, applicants who are accepted will be directly admitted to the Theatre, B.F.A. major and pursue their training at University Park.

Transfer Students

Transfer students must apply to Penn State first. Within the B.F.A. degree in Theatre, students have two options to pursue: Theatre Design and Technology option (with emphasis areas in costume design, lighting design, set design, sound design or technical direction) or Stage Management option. Application materials for either of the two options should be uploaded at least two weeks prior to an applicant’s preferred interview date.

B.F.A. Theatre, Design and Technology option application information can be found at: https://arts.psu.edu/how-to-apply/#specific.

B.F.A. Theatre, Stage Management option application information can be found at: https://arts.psu.edu/how-to-apply/#specific.

On-campus interviews are required, and applicants will have the opportunity to choose from several interview dates scheduled every year between November and February. Applicants who are accepted will be directly admitted to the Theatre, B.F.A. major and pursue their training at University Park.

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)

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
THEA 1SFirst-Year Seminar: Theatre Production Practices1
THEA 100The Art of the Theatre Keystone/General Education Course3
THEA 120Acting I3
THEA 130Introduction to Theatre Scenic and Costume Technology3
THEA 131Introduction to Theatre Sound and Lighting Technology3
THEA 150Fundamentals of Design for the Theatre3
THEA 200Script Analysis2
THEA 250Introduction to Scene Design3
THEA 251Theatre Drafting Techniques2
THEA 260Introduction to Costume Design3
THEA 270Introduction to Lighting Design3
THEA 280Introduction to Technical Direction for the Theatre3
THEA 285Introduction to Sound Design3
THEA 289Theatre Production Practicum1
THEA 401Theatre History I: Ancient to 17003
THEA 481Stage and Production Management3
Requirements for the Option
Requirements for the Option: Require a grade of C or better
Select an option28-36

Requirements for the Option

Design and Technology Option (33-36 credits)
Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
THEA 252Design Presentation Techniques1
THEA 434Introduction to Directing3
THEA 454Period Research for the Theatre3
THEA 459Theatre Portfolio & Business Practices II2
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
THEA 464History of Fashion3
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
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 Keystone/General Education Course
Renaissance to Modern Art Keystone/General Education Course
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 Keystone/General Education Course
Fundamentals of Digital Audio Keystone/General Education Course
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)
Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
THEA 146Basic Theatrical Makeup2
THEA 220Acting II3
THEA 289Theatre Production Practicum1
THEA 322Voice and Speech I2
THEA 324Movement for Actors I2
THEA 486Stage Management for Production9
THEA 496Independent Studies6
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 Keystone/General Education Course 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/faculty/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 2023-24 academic year. To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition (Note: the archive only contains suggested academic plans beginning with the 2018-19 edition of the Undergraduate Bulletin).

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
FallCreditsSpringCredits
THEA 1S*1THEA 120*3
THEA 100*3THEA 200*2
THEA 130*3THEA 251*2
THEA 131*3THEA 252*1
THEA 150*3GQ3
THEA 289*1General Education Course3
ENGL 15, 15A, or 30H3 
 17 14
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
THEA 260*3THEA 146*2
THEA 253*1THEA 250*3
THEA 489*1THEA 261*3
GQ3THEA 460*3
General Education Course3THEA 489*1
General Education Course3CAS 1003
 14 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
THEA 270*3THEA 454*3
THEA 401*3THEA 465*3
THEA 464*3THEA 461*3
THEA 489*1THEA 489*1
General Education Course3General Education Course3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
 16 16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
THEA 280*3THEA 481*3
THEA 459*2THEA 285*3
THEA 434*3THEA 489*1
THEA 489*1General Education Course3
ENGL 2023General Education Course3
General Education Course3 
 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
FallCreditsSpringCredits
THEA 1S*1THEA 120*3
THEA 100*3THEA 200*2
THEA 130*3THEA 251*2
THEA 131*3THEA 252*1
THEA 150*3THEA 472*3
THEA 289*1GQ3
ENGL 15, 15A, or 30H3 
 17 14
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
THEA 253*1THEA 250*3
THEA 270*3THEA 285*3
THEA 280*3THEA 470*23
THEA 482*3THEA 476*1
THEA 476*1General Education3
THEA 4511(1)GQ3
General Education Course3 
 14 16
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
THEA 401*3THEA 434*3
THEA 485*3THEA 470*23
THEA 477 or 4891THEA 481*3
General Education Course3THEA 477*1
General Education Course3General Education Course3
CAS 1003ENGL 2023
 16 16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
THEA 260*3THEA 470*2(3)
THEA 459*2THEA 454*3
THEA 464*3THEA 477*1
THEA 477*1General Education Course3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
 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
FallCreditsSpringCredits
THEA 1S*1THEA 120*3
THEA 100*3THEA 200*2
THEA 130*3THEA 251*2
THEA 131*3THEA 252*1
THEA 150*3GQ3
THEA 289*1General Education Course3
ENGL 15, 15A, or 30H3 
 17 14
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
THEA 253*1THEA 250*3
THEA 280*3THEA 4013
THEA 260*3THEA 489*1
THEA 489*1General Education Course3
THEA 4511(1)General Education Course3
GQ3General Education Course3
General Education Course3 
 14 16
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
THEA 450*3THEA 285*3
THEA 453*2THEA 454*3
ARTH 111, THEA 485, THEA 458, or THEA 451*3ARTH 112, THEA 460, THEA 470, or THEA 480*3
THEA 489*1THEA 489*1
CAS 1003General Education Course3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
 15 16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
THEA 270*3THEA 464 or 465*3
THEA 434*3THEA 481*3
THEA 450*3THEA 489*1
THEA 459*2General Education Course3
THEA 489*1General Education Course3
ENGL 2023 
 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
FallCreditsSpringCredits
THEA 1S*1THEA 120*3
THEA 100*3THEA 200*2
THEA 130*3THEA 251*2
THEA 131*3THEA 252*1
THEA 150*3GQ3
THEA 289*1General Education Course3
ENGL 15, 15A, or 30H3 
 17 14
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
THEA 270*3THEA 285*3
THEA 280*3THEA 451*1(0)
THEA 482*3THEA 480*3
THEA 489*1THEA 489*1
THEA 253*1General Education Course3
GQ3General Education Course3
General Education Course3 
 17 13
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
THEA 401*3THEA 470*3
THEA 485*3THEA 454*3
THEA 464*3THEA 250*3
THEA 489*1THEA 489*1
General Education Course*3General Education Course3
CAS 1003General Education Course3
 16 16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
THEA 434*3THEA 480*3
THEA 459*2THEA 481*3
THEA 489*1THEA 489*1
ENGL 2023General Education Course3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
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
FallCreditsSpringCredits
THEA 1S*1THEA 120*3
THEA 100*3THEA 200*2
THEA 130*3THEA 251*2
THEA 131*3THEA 252*1
THEA 150*3THEA 285*3
THEA 289*1ENGL 15, 15A, or 30H3
INART 258A (GA)*†3 
 17 14
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
THEA 280*3THEA 2503
THEA 482*3THEA 484*3
THEA 485*3THEA 489*1
THEA 489*1MUSIC 11Z (Linked with INART 50Z)3
GQ3GQ3
INART 50Z (GN)*†3General Education Course3
 16 16
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
THEA 2703THEA 4343
THEA 4643THEA 4013
THEA 4853THEA 4891
THEA 4891General Education Course (GA)3
CAS 1003General Education Course (GN)3
General Education Course (GHW)3General Education Course (GN)3
 16 16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
THEA 4592THEA 481*3
THEA 4891THEA 4543
THEA 2603THEA 4891
ENGL 2023General Education Course (GH)3
General Education Course (GS)3General 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
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 15, 15A, or 30H3THEA 120*3
THEA 100*3THEA 130 or 131*3
THEA 1S*1THEA 150*3
THEA 130 or 131*3THEA 200*2
THEA 146*2General Education Course3
General Education Course3 
 15 14
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CAS 100A, 100B, or 100C3THEA 250*3
THEA 220*3THEA 251*2
THEA 322*2THEA 289*1
THEA 324*2General Education Course3
General Education3General Education Course3
General Education3General Education Course3
 16 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D3THEA 280*3
THEA 260*3THEA 401*3
THEA 270*3THEA 486*3
THEA 285*3General Education Course3
THEA 289*1General Education Course3
General Education Course3 
 16 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
THEA 486*3THEA 481*3
THEA 496*3THEA 486*3
Additional Course for Option (see list)*13THEA 496*3
Elective3General Education Course (GHW)1.5
General Education Course3Elective2
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

https://arts.psu.edu/academics/school-of-theatre/