Back To Previous
 
   
 

Department of Theater > Requirements

Theater Major
The Theater major seeks a balance between analysis, research, theory and creative skills.

A minimum of ten credits is required for a major.  THTR 220 (Acting) is a prerequisite for most other theater courses. Students must take at least four of the core group of courses: THTR 210 (Design), 220 (Acting), 250 (Directing), 255 (Dramaturgy), 270 (Playwriting).  A minimum of two theater history courses is required, and three additional theater electives, at least two of which are from the following:  308, 330, 336,  337, 338, 340, 370 or 380

First-year students considering a major in theater should take THTR 110 (Origins and Theories of Theater), 120 (Being on Stage), 240 (Theater in Chicago) or FIYS 165 (Chicago Theater Experience) or 181 (Producing Plays at Chicago’s Victory Gardens Theater) as an entry-level course.  While these courses do not count towards the major, they are an excellent way to get an overview of the discipline.

To satisfy the Seniors Studies requirement, theater majors will either take a senior seminar or prepare a senior thesis.  Exceptional students may be permitted to undertake a senior creative project in theater such as playwriting, direction, dramaturgy or design of a full-length production or specialized acting projects.  A senior creative project or thesis of more than one credit may not replace other requirements.

Performance opportunities are available through the co-curricular group Garrick Players.  Participation in Garrick Players productions is encouraged but does not count toward academic credit.  Tutorials, Creative Projects, Research Projects, and Internships may be arranged with a faculty member, but may not replace required courses without the approval of the department chair.

Students planning to focus on a specific concentration should consult with the department chair to plan an effective course of study and consider the following elective course options:

Acting or Directing

  • THTR 221 and THTR 260
  • THTR 222 or THTR 225
  • THTR 224 or THTR 233 
  • THTR 223 or THTR 236
  • THTR 336, 337, 338, 380

Playwriting or Dramaturgy

  • THTR 258
  • THTR 362 and THTR 370
  • THTR 340, 336, 337, 338

Design (sets, lights, costumes)

  • ART 130, ART 131, ART 220
  • THTR 340, 336, 337, 338
  • Technical Theater Internship

Theater Minor
Six courses are required for a minor in theater. At least two courses from the following: 210, 220, 250, 255 or 270.

Up to four additional courses from the following, at least one of which must be at the 300 level: 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 230, 231, 232, 233, 235, 236, 240, 245, 258, 260, 270, 308, 330, 336, 337, 338, 340, 370 or 380.

THTR 390 Internship in theater is also applicable toward a minor in theater.

Creative project in theater, one credit toward a minor in theater via production participation, to be arranged with a faculty member.