Department of Theater > Requirements

“We believe that theater as an academic field is interdisciplinary, and that making performance requires vision, knowledge, and discipline.” The theater curriculum seeks a balance between analysis, research, theory, and creativity. Students are expected to develop experience in multiple areas and techniques.

Read about minoring in Theater

Majoring in Theater at Lake Forest College

To declare a major in Theater, students must complete 10 THTR credits*

FOUNDATION – 2 credits

  • THTR 120 Acting I  (offered at least once every year)
  • THTR 130 Origins & Theories of Theater  (offered yearly in the fall)


COMMITMENT (literature/history core) – 2 credits

  • THTR 230 History of Drama I: Greeks to Shakespeare  (offered yearly in the spring)
  • THTR 231 History of Drama II: Moliere to Chekhov  (offered yearly in the fall)

Please note that tutorials may not be substituted for the above requirements.

PRACTICUM – 1 credit
  THTR 200 Technical Theater Practicum  (three semesters for 1/4 credit each)

  • sec 01   Set Construction
  • sec 02   Lighting and Sound
  • sec 03   Properties and Paint Techniques
  • sec 04   Costumes, Makeup, and Hair

  THTR 205 Artistic Theater Practicum (one semester for 1/4 credit)

  • sec 01   Stage Performance
  • sec 02   Stage Management
  • sec 03   Production Dramaturgy
  • sec 04   Assistant Directing


EXPLORATION – 2 credits
  ONE 200-level THTR course from the “practice” list:

  • THTR 220 Acting II: Realism
  • THTR 222 Voice and Diction
  • THTR 224 Performance Art Techniques
  • THTR 225 Acting for the Camera
  • THTR 226 Improvisational Techniques
  • THTR 255 Dramaturgy
  • THTR 260 Design for the Stage: Designing Ideas
  • THTR 270 Playwriting

  ONE 200-level THTR course from the “literature” list

  • THTR 235 Topics in 20th Century Theater (rotating topic)
            including:
          - Musical Theater
          - GLBT Voices
          - Shaw to Kushner
          - Performance Art
          - American Celebrations
  • THTR 236 Shakespeare
  • THTR 237 Women in Theater
  • THTR 241 African-American Drama & Theater
  • THTR 242 Violence in Theater and Film
  • THTR 251 Introduction to Performance Studies
  • THTR 252 World Performance
  • THTR 257 Theater Criticism


CONNECTIONS – 2 credits

  • TWO 300-level THTR courses that combine practice and literature


SENIOR STUDIES – 1 credit

  • either THTR 480 Senior Seminar
  • or THTR 492 Senior Project
  • or THTR 494 Senior Thesis

Application may be made to the Department Chair for credit to be granted for tutorials, independent studies, or non-Lake Forest courses.

*Students who entered the College in Spring 2009 or earlier have different requirements for the major.  Please see a departmental advisor or the appropriate transitional requirements page.

 

Minoring in Theater at Lake Forest College

To declare a minor in Theater, students must complete 6 THTR credits*

COMMITMENT (literature/history core) – 2 credits

  • THTR 230 History of Drama I: Greeks to Shakespeare  (offered yearly in the spring)
  • THTR 231 History of Drama II: Moliere to Chekhov  (offered yearly in the fall)


CONNECTIONS – 1 credit

  • ONE 300-level THTR course that combines practice and literature


ELECTIVES – 3 credits

  • THREE additional THTR electives, at any level

*Students who entered the College in Spring 2008 or earlier have different requirements for the minor.  Please see a departmental advisor or the appropriate transitional requirements page.