Theatre B.A. Degree - Susquehanna University

Theatre B.A. Degree - Susquehanna University
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Theatre B.A.
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Theatre B.A. Degree
Susquehanna University’s Bachelor of Arts theatre degree allows you to receive professional-quality training in a liberal arts setting. With areas of focus in production & design, theatre performance or theatre studies, the program is designed to be flexible, allowing you to explore your creativity while pursuing a second major or minor that broadens career options.
From your first semester, you’ll engage in productions that immerse you in the world of theatre, whether you’re on stage or behind the scenes. You’ll work with experienced faculty and active theatre professionals who will guide you through the artistic and business sides of the industry. The program’s comprehensive approach ensures you develop not only technical skills but also valuable, transferable abilities such as communication, problem-solving and collaboration.
Should you decide to focus more intensely on your craft, transitioning into Susquehanna’s
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program
is a seamless process.
Susquehanna’s theatre program stages five major performances and several smaller productions annually.
discover the theatre Program at susquehanna university
Whether your passion is on stage or behind the scenes, Susquehanna University’s degrees offer the training and mentorship you need to succeed in your future career.
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SUsquehanna By the Numbers
More Than Metrics
100%
of theatre students who applied to graduate school were accepted
75%
of theatre students attend a conference with theatre faculty before graduation
100%
of theatre students are cast or participate in a faculty-led production their first year
100%
of students receive financial aid through academic merit scholarships and need-based grants
97%
of Susquehanna students study abroad
12%
Top ranked among U.S. colleges for ‘return on investment’ for lifetime earnings of grads
Georgetown Report
Which theatre degree should I choose?
Explore your passion for the performing arts with a range of degree options tailored to different career paths. Each program offers unique opportunities to develop your skills and achieve your professional goals in theatre.
Acting (BFA)
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in acting at Susquehanna University provides intensive, focused training designed to make students competitive in the professional acting world. This program is for driven individuals dedicated to mastering the craft of acting. Learn more by clicking the link below.
Acting (BFA)
Performance (B.A.)
Majoring in theatre with an emphasis in performance offers professional-quality theatre training within a liberal arts setting, allowing students to explore acting while pursuing a second major or minor. It’s ideal for those who want a well-rounded education with a strong emphasis on performance. Learn more by clicking the link below.
Performance (B.a.)
Production & Design (B.A.)
Majoring in theatre with an emphasis in production & design combines hands-on experience in technical theatre with a flexible, interdisciplinary liberal arts education. Students gain practical skills in scenic design and lighting while having the option to double major or add a minor. Learn more by clicking the link below.
production & design (b.A.)
Theatre Management (BFA)
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in theatre management is a highly-specialized degree that prepares students to lead and manage theatre operations. It offers deep interdisciplinary training in collaboration with the
Sigmund Weis School of Business
, perfect for those aiming to run a theatre. Learn more by clicking the link below.
Theatre management (BFA)
Theatre Studies (B.A.)
Majoring in theatre with an emphasis in theatre studies provides a broad, research-focused education in theatre, perfect for students interested in the historical and scholarly aspects of the discipline. This program offers flexibility for double majors and prepares students for diverse career paths or graduate study. Learn more by clicking the link below.
Theatre studies (b.A.)
Explore Your Studies
Program Resources
Theatre Courses
THEA 100
Introduction to Theatre
Fundamental characteristics and function of the theatre. Includes basic roles of the playwright, director, actor, designer, technicians and other professions. 4 SH. CC: Artistic Expression.
THEA 101
The Musical
An ensemble of singers, dancers, and actors that rehearses and performs a fully-realized musical theatre production. Prerequisite: Instructor’s permission, by audition. 1 SH.
THEA 102
Student-Directed Production
An ensemble led by a student director that rehearses and performs a full-length production in the spring semester. Prerequisite: department permission, by audition. 1 SH. CC: Team Intensive.
THEA 103
Acting Workshop
A large ensemble of performers that rehearses and performs a full-realized, challenging piece of dramatic literature in the spring semester. Prerequisite: instructor’s permission, by audition. 1 SH. CC: Team Intensive.
THEA 104
Advanced Acting Workshop
A small ensemble of highly select performers who rehearse and perform a fully-realized, challenging piece of dramatic literature in the fall semester. Prerequisites: instructor’s permission, by audition. 1 SH.
THEA 105
Experimental Acting Workshop
This ensemble course will challenge students with demanding roles in a bare-bones acting environment to bring out their best talent in a no-frills, cutting edge performance experience. Prerequisites: instructor’s permission, by audition. 1 SH.
THEA 142
Stagecraft
Students explore production process, management and leadership skills preparing scenery, properties, special effects, sound and costumes for university theatre productions. The course offers hands-on training, exploring practical applications of artistic and structural design, project management, team development, construction techniques, and resource coordination. Expectations are eight hours of lab each week with possible evening rehearsal and performance assignments. 4 SH.
THEA 143
Lighting Production and Technology
Students explore the production process for lighting design and technology by executing designs for university theatre productions. This course focuses on the maintenance, installation, and operation of theatre lighting equipment. Hands-on training. Expectations are up to six hours of lab each week with possible evening rehearsal and performance assignments. 4 SH.
THEA 144
Costume Production
Students explore the production process for executing costume designs for university theatre productions. The model of a professional costume shop and its personnel is used in order to provide hands-on training in costume construction, costume shop operations, team building and organization, analyzing, and problem-solving. The course focuses on the practice of basic skills in costume production, repair, and maintenance all within a collaborative atmosphere. 4 SH.
THEA 151
Acting Fundamentals
This course explores a broad spectrum of skills in the creative process of acting. These skills (including expansion of vocal and physical abilities, emotional and sensory awareness, improvisational skills, etc.) will be focused toward introducing the prospective actor to the six basic steps in Stanislavski’s “System of Acting.” Prerequisite: Theatre major, theatre minor, or department’s permission. 4 SH.
THEA 160
Theatrical Design Fundamentals
This course is an overview and examination of the basic principles and elements of design and how they are related to and used in scenic, costume, and lighting design for theatre. Topics will include the design process, research methods, and practical considerations for executing designs. 4 SH
THEA 200
Dramatic Literature
An introduction to world dramatic literature through study of the development of drama and its various forms with a focus on dramatic movements and theatrical innovations, as well as the cultural aesthetic, literary, and political contexts of individual works. 4 SH. CC: Literary Expression, Diversity Intensive.
THEA 240
Theatre and Violence
Through the reading and analysis of various genres of play texts written by a diverse collection of playwrights, this course analyzes theatre’s unique ability to engage with both the agenda and the trauma of violence. Students in this course will learn to consider violence as a tool of oppression that reinforces power structures and as an expression of trauma by those un-empowered by the same societal power structures. Same as WGST-241. 4 SH. CC: Diversity Intensive, Ethics Intensive.
THEA 241
Costume Design
Portfolio projects in costume design beginning with script analysis and research and culminating with finished renderings and realized design components for the student’s portfolio. 4 SH.
THEA 245
Scenic and Lighting Design
THEA-245 Scenic and Lighting Design. This course will explore scenic and lighting design and the responsibilities of the scenic and lighting designer in the production process. Students will be introduced to the art and practice of advanced design through practical projects in script analysis, literary research, technical drawing, rendering and modeling. Prerequisite: THEA-160 Theatrical Design Fundamentals. 4 SH.
THEA 251
Acting II: Voice and Movement
An in-depth exploration of the basic principles of acting and the creative process introduced in Acting I. These skills (including expansion of improvisational skills, action and text analysis, character analysis and transformation, communion, etc.) will be focused toward advanced work in scene and monologue study, specifically dealing with early and contemporary realism. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing and THEA-151. 4 SH.
THEA 254
Race, Identity, and the American Stage
This course surveys the theatre history of underrepresented and marginalized populations as a reflection of their culture and experience. For example, the course will examine the history of African-American theatre and the African-American practitioner’s role in theatre from slavery to modern times by comparing these to the impact of gay playwrights in contemporary theatre and the works of Latin American playwrights. Through the study of dramatic literature, the course examines various dramatic genres (comedy, tragedy, and melodrama), historic and contemporary themes and developments in African-American theatre, LGBTQ plays, and dramatic works of other disempowered voices, including plays that both uplifted underrepresented voices and perpetuated stereotypes in popular imagination. 4 SH. CC: Diversity, Historical Perspectives.
THEA 258
From Page to Stage
An exploration of dramatic literature with a concentration in play analysis. The analysis will focus on the structure of dramatic art and how it can be applied by the theatre artist. Prerequisite: THEA-151. 4 SH. CC: Writing Intensive.
THEA 260
The Choreopoem
Inspired by the original choreopoem by Ntozake Shange, this course introduces the choreopoem form, investigating the concept of the living text as it applies to collaboration across multiple disciplines. Using literary analysis, creative writing, and theatre, students research the choreopoem form, write one as a class, and publicly perform it, reflecting on the tension of intention vs. impact in performance spaces. Same as WRIT-260 and AFRC-260. Sophomore or higher standing required. 4 SH. CC: Interdisciplinary, Diversity Intensive, Team Intensive.
THEA 340
Stage Management & Theatre Operations
Survey of stage management and theatre administration, exploring the relationship between the artistry of theatre as a fine arts discipline and the execution of management principles in theatre operations. Topics to be studied include stage management, theatre organization, professional unions, production management, publicity/marketing, and box office and house management. Prerequisites: Instructor’s permission and junior standing. 4 SH. CC: Interdisciplinary.
THEA 342
Stage Make-Up
Porfolio projects in make-up design, beginning with script analysis and research and culminating with realized and conceptual projects. Projects in make-up design will expose students to the techniques of traditional, prosthetic, and wig applications. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or instructor’s permission. 4 SH.
THEA 351
Acting III: Period Styles
Advanced training in acting with an emphasis on effective vocal/rhetorical techniques and on the use of poetic rhythm and imagery in creating a role psychologically as well as physically. Definition of style/language analysis, Greek period style, the comic impulse/Commedia Dell’arte, Renaissance/Elizabethan period style, 17th-century French farce, and Restoration/Georgian “Comedy of Manners.” Prerequisites: Sophomore standing and THEA-151. 4 SH.
THEA 352
World Theatre 1
Historical survey from the fifth century B.C.E. to the mid-19th century and the rise of realism, studying the theatre and drama of Europe and its colonies, including (but not limited to) Canada, the United States and Mexico. Integrates the study of the history of the theatre through representative plays and their production. Students view live performances, tapes and films to gain an on-stage perspective. Field trips involved with some costs; waiver possible. CC: Artistic Expression. 4 SH.
THEA 353
World Theatre 2
Survey of the indigenous and postcolonial theatre and drama of Asia, Africa, the Middle East and the Americas, among others. Integrates the study of the history of the theatre through representative plays and their production. Students view live performances, tapes and films to gain an on-stage perspective. Field trips involved with some costs; waiver possible. 4 SH. CC: Artistic Expression, Diversity.
THEA 451
Directing
Study of the basic processes of play directing, script selection, blocking, rehearsal procedure, casting, directorial function, and the history of directing. Direction of in-class scenes and presentations of a single all-class scene program at the end of the term for the public. Prerequisites: THEA-151 and either THEA-252 or THEA-258, or instructor’s permission. 4 SH.
THEA 452
Seminar in Theatre
Issues and topics in theatre. Emphasizes research and analysis. 4 SH.
THEA 453
Dramatic Theory and Criticism
Students will engage in a focused examination of the major literary and theoretical movements found in drama, spanning the late 19th century to the present. Prerequisites: Senior standing. 4 SH. CC: Diversity Intensive, Writing Intensive.
THEA 501
Production Lab
Applied projects in theatre design, technical production, or theatre management, completed in conjunction with Department of Theatre productions. The student and the supervising professor will determine and tailor projects to ensure both mastery of the student’s project (or assignment) and a general understanding of the complexities of theatre. All projects require departmental approval, are critically assessed by the supervising faculty member as well as the student, and must be completed to the satisfaction of the theatre faculty. Four semesters of Production Lab are required for graduation with the Production and Design emphasis of the B. A. in theatre (may be waived at the discretion of the department). 1 SH.
THEA 502
Dramaturgy
1-4
1-4
In-depth exploration of selected topics in theatre with faculty guidance allows students to focus on topics outside normal sequence of course offerings. Prerequisite: department-designated faculty director’s permission. May be repeated. 1-4 SH.
THEA 503
Honors Study
Independent study for candidates accepted into the departmental honors program. Candidates work under faculty direction, develop and submit a written or production thesis, and defend their thesis orally. 4 SH.
THEA 504
Internship
1-8
1-8
Supervised work in fields related to professional and/or not-for-profit theatre. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing and internship coordinator’s permission. Variable credit.
THEA 505
Capstone Portfolio
The Capstone Portfolio course is a faculty-guided independent study overview of student achievement in academic work including aspects of theatre operations, design and technology, performance, dramaturgy, and research and writing. A student and a supervising faculty member will tailor portfolios to reflect a student’s individual achievements within the theatre curriculum and production work. This course is a reflective and forward-looking experience with content derived from the student’s academic experiences both in the classroom and in practice-based learning. By participating in this course students will enhance their artifacts of academic and production achievement to create and present a comprehensive portfolio of their work and career trajectory. 2 SH. Capstone.
Dance Courses
DANC 101
Conditioning
Development of strength and muscular endurance, as well as lengthening of muscle groups and release of unnecessary tension. 2 SH.
DANC 140
Jazz/Tap
Fundamental technique, practice, and appreciation of jazz and tap dance. 2 SH.
DANC 150
Modern Dance
Introduction to the technical skills, practice, and application of modern dance. Vocabulary, movement, floorwork, various dance patterns, and movement combinations included. 2 SH.
DANC 155
Contemporary Ballroom Dance
Fundamental technique, training, and appreciation of ballroom dances, including the foxtrot, the waltz, the rumba, the cha cha, and others. 2 SH.
DANC 250
Historical Partner Dance
Fundamental technique, training, and appreciation of historical partner dances, including the minuet, quadrille, polonaise, gavotte, mazurka, and others. 2 SH.
DANC 301
Advanced Topics in Dance
A contemporary dance class focusing on challenging improvisation, movement, and technical exercises, designed to introduce students to the demands of professional contemporary and modern dance in the context of supporting academic performance activity for majors and elective exploration for non-majors. Specific topics may vary from semester to semester. May be repeated once for credit. 2 SH.
When you enroll at Susquehanna, you’ll be paired with an advisor and application tool to guide you in your course planning and scheduling. The following is an excerpt from the
complete course catalog
. Enrolled students follow the requirements of the course catalog for the academic year in which they declare each major and/or minor, consult with their advisor(s).
Learning Goals
Students will learn to articulate artistic, scholarly and production related vocabularies, methods and theories of theatrical practice in order to support their continued study and practice of theatre.
Students will develop proficiency in script analysis, production conceptualization, the history of theatre and theatre’s importance to society.
Students will learn how to contribute to the discipline and practice of theatre, and to society by recognizing and employing relevant and pertinent theatre and interdisciplinary sources to inform their creative and scholarly activities.”
Double-counting Restriction
Students may not have a B.A. and a BFA within the department.
Major in Theatre
Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in Theatre
Susquehanna offers a B.A. in theatre with three emphases: performance, production & design, and theatre studies. Majors complete university Central Curriculum requirements plus 52 semester hours of courses in one of the three theatre emphases. These include introductory courses and specific emphasis requirements. A grade of C- or better is required for any course to apply to the major or minor. Courses may count toward only one emphasis or minor. The department also expects theatre majors and minors to participate each semester in department theatre productions and activities supervised by department faculty.
Theatre Major Emphases
Students fulfill the university Central Curriculum requirements, participate fully in department productions and successfully complete the following courses:
Department Requirements
4 THEA-151 Acting Fundamentals
4 THEA-160 Theatrical Design Fundamentals
4 THEA-258 From Page to Stage
4 THEA-340 Stage Management and Theatre Operations
4 THEA-352 World Theatre 1
4 THEA-353 World Theatre 2
4 THEA-505 Capstone Portfolio
Students also choose one of the following options:
Option One:
Performance Emphasis
Option Two
: Production & Design Emphasis
Option Three
: Theatre Studies Emphasis
Option One: Performance Emphasis
4 THEA-251 Acting II: Voice and Movement
4 THEA-351 Acting III: Period Styles
4 THEA-451 Directing
4 semester hours chosen from the following:
1 THEA-101 The Fall Musical
1 THEA-102 Student-directed Production
1 THEA-103 Acting Workshop
1 THEA-104 Advanced Acting Workshop
1 THEA-105 Experimental Acting Workshop
4 semester hours chosen from the following:
4 THEA-142 Stagecraft
4 THEA-143 Lighting Production and Technology
4 THEA-144 Costume Technology
4 semester hours chosen from the following:
1 THEA-101 The Musical
1 THEA-102 Student-directed Production
1 THEA-103 Acting Workshop
1 THEA-104 Advanced Acting Workshop
1 THEA-105 Experimental Acting Workshop
4 THEA-240 Theatre and Violence
4 THEA-241 Costume Design
4 THEA-245 Scenic and Lighting Design
4 THEA-254 Race and Identity in Theatre
4 THEA-342 Stage Makeup
4 THEA-452 Seminar in Theatre
Option Two: Production & Design Emphasis
4 THEA-142 Stagecraft
4 THEA-143 Lighting Production and Technology
4 THEA-501 Production Lab
8 semester hours chosen from the following:
4 THEA-241 Costume Design
4 THEA-245 Scenic and Lighting Design
4 THEA-342 Stage Makeup
4 semester hours chosen from the following:
4 THEA-144 Costume Technology
4 THEA-240 Theatre and Violence
or
THEA-254 Race and Identity in Theatre
4 THEA-452 Seminar in Theatre (repeatable with topic change)
Option Three: Theatre Studies Emphasis
4 THEA-200 Introduction to Dramatic Literature
4 THEA-240 Theatre and Violence
4 THEA-254 Race and Identity on the American Stage
2 THEA-502 Dramaturgy
4 semester hours chosen from the following:
4 THEA-200 Introduction to Dramatic Literature
4 THEA-240 Theatre and Violence
10 semester hours may be chosen from the courses below:
4 THEA-142 Stagecraft
or
THEA-143 Lighting Production and Technology
or
THEA-144 Costume Technology
4 THEA-241 Costume Design
or
THEA-342 Stage Makeup
4 THEA-245 Scenic and Lighting Design
4 THEA-251 Acting II: Voice and Movement
4 THEA-260 The Choreopoem
4 THEA-451 Directing
4 THEA-452 Seminar in Theatre (repeatable once with department head approval)
1 THEA-502 Dramaturgy (repeatable once)
1 THEA-501 Production Lab (repeatable once)
No more than 4 semester hours from the following may be included:
1 THEA-101 The Musical
1 THEA-102 Student-Directed Production
1 THEA-103 Acting Workshop
1 THEA-104 Advanced Acting Workshop
1 THEA-105 Experimental Acting Workshop
Honor Society
Students who meet the requisite national and local standards are eligible to join Alpha Psi Omega.
When you enroll at Susquehanna, you’ll be paired with an advisor and application tool to guide you in your course planning and scheduling. The following is an excerpt from the
complete course catalog
. Enrolled students follow the requirements of the course catalog for the academic year in which they declare each major and/or minor and consult with their advisor(s).
Minor in Theatre
Students are expected to participate in departmental theatre productions and complete 20 semester hours:
4   Choose 4 semester hours from:
4   THEA-142 Stagecraft
4   THEA-151 Acting Fundamentals
4   THEA-352 World Theatre 1
4   THEA-353 World Theatre 2
16    Choose 16 additional semester hours from:
1   THEA-101 The Musical
1   THEA-102 Student-Directed Production
1   THEA-103 Acting Workshop
1   THEA-104 Advanced Acting Workshop
4   THEA-142 Stagecraft
4   THEA-143 Lighting Production and Technology
4   THEA-144 Costume Technology
4   THEA-151 Acting Fundamentals
4   THEA-160 Theatrical Design Fundamentals
4   THEA-240 Theatre and Violence
4   THEA-241 Costume Design
4   THEA-245 Scenic and Lighting Design
4   THEA-251 Acting II: Voice & Movement
4   THEA-352 World Theatre 1
4   THEA-353 World Theatre 2
4   THEA-258 From Page to Stage
4   THEA-340 Stage Management & Theatre Ops
4   THEA-342 Stage Makeup
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Beyond Susquehanna
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center
Open Stage Harrisburg
TodayTix
Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble
Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey
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Straight from the Nest
“I love Susquehanna. The community here is incredible. I love being able to walk around and wave to people I know from my major, outside my major and other classes I’ve taken.”
Emily Chambers ’26
Theatre
EMPHASIZING THE SOCIAL RELEVANCE OF THEATRE
At Susquehanna, theatre is a living, breathing discipline that extends beyond the stage.
Meet the Faculty
Anna Andes
Associate Professor of Theatre
Kevin Crowe
Assistant Professor of Theatre
Callie Lythgoe
Lecturer in Theatre
Jen Rock
Assistant Professor of Theatre in Lighting Design
Erik Viker
Professor of Theatre
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Theatre
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Selinsgrove, PA 17870
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Location
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Department Head
Erik Viker
570-372-4548
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