Theatre, Minor

Program Code: THEA_UMNR

Program Description

The Theatre minor is designed to be an enhancement to a major area of study and/or personal enrichment. The minor should be particularly attractive to students in the humanities (English), communication (Film, Journalism), and the arts (Music, Architecture). The minor may also be attractive to students who need to demonstrate a wide range of interests.

The Theatre minor requirements total 18 credits. 3 credits of either THEA 100, THEA 105 or THEA 101N, from the core requirement for the minor. These courses give students the option of studying introduction to the art of theatre through either performance focused approach, a general art form overview, or through a social science lens. Students then choose 9 additional credits from any THEA or DANCE course for which they meet the prerequisites. These courses can range from exploration of theatre history, literature and dramaturgy, to entry level courses in various aspects of theatre practice. A list of additional courses taught by units outside of the School of Theatre will be maintained by the registrar to provide further options. Students then select 6 credits of supporting THEA or DANCE courses that must be at the 400 level.

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 want theatre to be part of your college experience.
  • Can't wait to watch the Golden Globes, Tony Awards, or Academy Awards.
  • Sing "Hamilton" on every road trip.
  • Believe the arts and culture are essential to a strong society.

Program Requirements

Requirement Credits
Requirements for the Minor 18

Requirements for the Minor

A grade of C or better is required for all courses in the minor, as specified by Senate Policy 59-10. In addition, at least six credits of the minor must be unique from the prescribed courses required by a student's major(s).

Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
Select 3 credits from the following:3
The Art of the Theatre Keystone/General Education Course
Performance and Society Keystone/General Education Course
Introduction to Theatre Keystone/General Education Course
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better
Select 15 credits of THEA, DANCE, or courses from the approved list. A minimum of 6 credits from the 15 must be at the 400 level. 115
1

The list of department-approved supporting courses can be found at: https://arts.psu.edu/degrees/theatre-minor (please scroll to bottom of page)

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

Mary Sergeant
Academic Adviser
116 Theatre Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-7586
mym7@psu.edu

Berks

James N. Brown
Program Coordinator, Instructor
Franco 143
Reading, PA 19610
610-396-6419
BKTheater@psu.edu

harrisburg

Maria S. Enriquez
Assistant Teaching Professor of Theater
Olmsted Building, W356
Middletown, PA 17057
717-948-6331
mse19@psu.edu

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/

Berks

DIVISION OF HUMANITIES, ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
Franco Building
Reading, PA 19610
610-396-6419
BKTheater@psu.edu

Harrisburg

SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES
Olmsted Building, W356
Middletown, PA 17057
717-948-6331
mse19@psu.edu

https://harrisburg.psu.edu/humanities/theatre-minor