Theatre, B.A. Learning Outcomes

Program Educational Objectives

Students will demonstrate the following:

• Production. Students must acquire: (a) Technical skills requisite for artistic self-expression in at least one major area of production (for example, acting, design/technology, playwriting, directing) and those skills must be progressively developed to the highest level appropriate to the particular area of concentration. Technical proficiency standards should be established for each level of study. (Will vary based on student interest) (b) An overview understanding of the major aspects, techniques, and directions in the area of concentration. (c) Fundamental, comprehensive understanding of the various elements and basic interrelated processes of creation, interpretation, performance, and production.
• Repertory. Students must acquire: (a) familiarity with theatre literature of various historical periods, cultural sources, and modes of presentation. (b) Experience with specific repertoires and comparative standards of production quality through performance, academic study, and attendance at productions.
• Practical and Historical Studies. (a) Students must acquire: (1) The ability to analyze plays perceptively and to evaluate them critically. (2) An understanding of the common elements and vocabulary of theatre and of the interaction of these elements, and be able to employ this knowledge in analysis, including analyses of their productions. (3) The ability to place works of theatre in historical and stylistic contexts and have some understanding of the cultural milieu in which they were created. (4) The ability to develop and defend informed judgments about theatre. (b) Understanding of the dramaturgy, performance studies, movement, anatomy and kinesiology, and arts administration. (c) Ability to understand historical concepts in designs and influences.
• Technology. Students must acquire a working knowledge of technologies and equipment applicable to their area(s) of specialization. (Will vary based on student interest)
• Synthesis. While synthesis is a lifetime process, by the end of undergraduate studies students should be able to work independently on a variety of professional problems by combining, as appropriate to the issue, their capabilities in performance, repertory, theory, history, and technology, as well as other fields they have studied.