UNDERGRADUATE BULLETIN 1999 - 2002	[ Previous Page | Table of Contents | Next Page ]

The course of study in theatre arts is based on the conviction that "if you know a thing theoretically but don't know it practically, then you don't really know its whole theory; and if you know it practically but don't know it theoretically, then you don't really know its whole practice" (C.E. Montague). Accordingly, the theatre arts major is required to participate in University Theatre productions, as well as to complete the required courses in theatre arts. Academic credit is awarded for practical theatre work done under the supervision of faculty members. Theatre history and criticism courses will introduce students to the study of drama as a separate artistic mode (different in form and function from literature), and to the theatre as an institution whose development has been influenced by a complex of social and cultural forces. The department stresses that it is not a professional training school; it does, however, provide experiences in many areas of theatrical production and is good preparation for graduate, professional, or apprenticeship training. Department-affiliated activities include three to four mainstage shows directed by faculty members or special guest directors each year; several workshops directed by advanced graduate students; and numerous labs directed by graduate or advanced undergraduate students. Auditions for all productions are open to anyone interested in theatre. At present, career opportunities in educational theatre are expanding in the areas of technical theatre and design and in creative dramatics and children's theatre. It is very difficult, by contrast, to find a job as an actor. Most available positions require academic work beyond the BA or equivalent experience. For more information on the major and the Department of Theatre Arts, see http://www.pitt.edu/~play/.

• Major Requirements

  The major consists of 46-50 credits, distributed as follows:

  • Core Courses
    • THEA 0810 (Introduction to Dramatic Art)
    • THEA 0840 (Introduction to Theatre Design)
    • THEA 1102 (Acting 1)
    • THEA 1225 (Stagecraft 1)
    • THEA 1240 (Costume Crafts)
    • THEA 1341 (History of Theatre 1)
    • THEA 1342 (History of Theatre 2)
    • THEA 1360 (Theatre Criticism, W-course)

  • Theatrical Production Courses

    At least one credit per term, to be chosen from among:
    

    • THEA 0880 (Theatrical Production)
    • THEA 1480-1484 (Directed Project in Scenery/Props, Costume/Makeup, Lighting/Sound, Direction/Performance, Business Management)
    • THEA 1488 (Theatre Production)
    • No more than two credits may be earned for acting. At least one credit must be at the 1480-1484 technical production level.

  • Additional Courses

    Three credits must be chosen from among the following theatre (THEA) courses:
    

    • 1241 (History of Costume)
    • 1338 (Music for Theatre)
    • 1340 (Native American Theatre)
    • 1350 (American Theatre)
    • 1351 (Greek and Roman Theatre)
    • 1352 (Medieval Theatre)
    • 1353 (Continental Renaissance Theatre)
    • 1354 (English Theatre 1558-1642)
    • 1355 (Restoration Theatre)
    • 1356 (18th-Century Drama)
    • 1357 (19th-Century Drama)
    • 1358 (Modern Theatre to WWII)
    • 1359 (Contemporary Theatre)
    • 1361 (Forms of Japanese Theatre)
    • 1373 (Design for Film)

  • Additional Performance Credits

    Three additional performance credits are required, either THEA 1103 (Acting 2) or 1110 (Directing 1).

  • Electives

    Twelve credits of electives are required and may be selected from among performance classes, history, literature, criticism, or technical theatre and design.

  • In addition, theatre arts majors should adhere to these rules and requirements:
    • Students are encouraged to declare this major early and register with the departmental advisor.
    • Majors must maintain at least a 2.00 QPA in all theatre arts courses.
    • Students must check with the program advisor to determine the appropriateness of using the S/N grade option in departmental courses.
    • Majors must complete a CAS required 12-credit related area. Any area that corresponds with the student's interests is appropriate, but studio arts is strongly suggested. Also recommended are anthropology, Africana studies, classics, English, history of art and architecture, foreign language, history, music, philosophy, psychology, sociology, and rhetoric and communication.

UNDERGRADUATE BULLETIN 1999 - 2002	[ Previous Page | Table of Contents | Next Page ]