Wesleyan University's Theater Department explores theater from both a scholarly and practical viewpoint, emphasizing a world view of performance in a liberal arts context. Classes are offered in theory; history and literature of drama and theater; playwriting; criticism; costume, set, and lighting design; and directing and acting. Our sponsored productions reflect the diverse interests of the faculty and students, offering direct participation in creative endeavor where process, performance, and understanding are equally stressed. The department produces contemporary adaptations of classical theater texts, adaptations of literary works for the stage, Latin American theater, collaborations with the Music Department on contemporary and classical operatic works, puppet-theater, and the use of multimedia, solo performance, and performance art.

Recommended course sequences. Students interested in dramatic art are advised to enroll in Basic Production Techniques (THEA105) in either semester of their first year. In addition, students interested in double majoring in theater and film are advised to enroll in Basic Production Techniques (THEA105) the first semester of their freshman year. FYI courses are also recommended and are open to only first-year students during both semesters. Acting I (THEA245) is open to first-year students in the spring term, when two sections are usually offered. Admission is by audition. A limited number of first-year students (five) may enroll spring semester in History of Drama and Theater II (THEA302). Some places are usually available for interested first-year students in Directed Experiences in Acting (THEA183). This is a half-credit course and is only offered pass/fail. Add slips will be signed during the first class.

Each year the department sponsors play productions and other events in a variety of theatrical forms; some are directed by faculty members or guest artists, while others are directed by advanced undergraduates. The department makes regular use of two theater facilities: the Theater in the Center for the Arts, a modern, highly sophisticated 400-seat space, and the Patricelli '92 Theater a flexible and recently renovated studio space. Second Stage, an extracurricular student theater group, has its headquarters and also sponsors productions in the Patricelli '92 Theater, in cooperation with the Theater Department. Performances are also given in many alternative spaces on campus by members of the lively and diverse Wesleyan theater community.

Many students participate in some aspect of theater during their years at Wesleyan. The most seriously interested become theater majors, while others take only a few courses or work solely on an extracurricular basis. All types of involvement are desired and welcomed. It is not necessary to become a theater major to take many courses in the department or to participate in its productions.

Major program. Application to become a major is usually made in the second semester of the sophomore year. Students must normally take Basic Production Techniques (THEA105) and Script Analysis (THEA280) before acceptance into the major; those declaring late must take them in their first semester as majors.

The theater major is an integrated program of study, and each student develops an acquaintance with the art that is both broad and deep. The major, then, would not be appropriate for a student who wants to focus entirely on only one aspect of theater. Students with strong interest in both theater and other fields of study may find it worth while to plan a double major; in the past, theater majors have completed double majors in combination with many other departments and programs. Such an option requires careful planning but offers attractive possibilities for maximizing the benefits of Wesleyan's broad curriculum.

Each theater major selects an advisor from among the department faculty.

Requirements. The departmental requirements for the major are designed to ensure that students will have (1) a broad overview of the field; (2) a knowledge of many of its important traditions, basic literatures, and theoretical principles; (3) an orientation to production practices in a variety of technical areas; (4) experience in performing; and (5) a more advanced level of expertise in a least one of the theater subdisciplines. The following courses, or their direct equivalents, are required:

• THEA105 Basic Production Techniques
• THEA280 Script Analysis
• One course in theater design
• Two courses in theater history (normally THEA301 and THEA302; they do not need to be taken in sequence)
• One course in acting (normally THEA245)
• Two courses in dramatic literature, theory, criticism, and ethnography in addition to the two courses of theater history
• One credit of intermediate technical theater practice (earned in 0.25- and 0.50-credit increments)
• Advanced practice or project (at least one credit, total earned after declaring major)
• A total of nine credits over the 200 level are required, at least five of which must be earned within the Theater Department. No more than two credits earned in any single other program may be counted.

Honors in theater. Preliminary honors proposals with a bibliography are due the Monday after spring break in the junior year. Students can submit proposals for either critical or creative honors theses.

Preliminary proposals will be judged based on clearly expressed objectives and evidence of research and preparation. Judgments will be based equally on preliminary research, clarity of the objectives of the process, and rationale for staging a given production.

Students whose preliminary proposals are accepted will be given the opportunity to submit more fully documented proposals and papers/essays in the fall of their senior year. The fully documented proposals and papers/essays are due by the beginning of the third week of classes in September.

Students proposing a critical honors thesis should then submit a fully developed thesis, rationale, and outline of their papers, as well as an expanded bibliography.

Students proposing a creative honors thesis should then submit a clear statement of the artistic objectives of the project accompanied by an essay. Essays accompanying practical theater projects will consist of a fully documented discussion of the theatrical traditions and artists that provide a historic context for the project being proposed.

By the Monday before fall break, students will be informed whether or not their honors proposals have been accepted. Productions will be assigned spaces for performance according to availability and need.

Final deadlines for papers and productions in the spring are determined by the Honors College.

Beyond completing the major requirements, prerequisites to apply for honors theses are: