Major Requirements

The Theater major is an integrated program of study, one that provides a solid knowledge of the different areas of expertise that are involved in stage production and criticism. Gateway courses provide an introduction to theater techniques, principles, literatures, and discourses. Advanced courses prepare students to articulate their visions of theater both on stage and in writing. Honors theses, essays, and creative endeavors present majors with the opportunity to engage in in-depth scholarly and/or artistic research.

Students with strong interest in both theater and other fields of study may wish to pursue a double major. The option offers attractive possibilities for maximizing the benefits of Wesleyan's broad curriculum. Such an option is not uncommon but requires careful and early planning.

Application to become a Theater major is usually made in the second semester of the sophomore year, when students are assigned an academic advisor from among the department faculty. Potential majors are encouraged to engage in Theater Department productions and enroll in introductory theater courses in their first year at Wesleyan.

Gateway Courses (must be completed by the spring semester of sophomore year):

    THEA105: Production Lab. One .50 credit in the technical aspects of Scenic, Costume,
                        and Lighting Design
    THEA203: Special Topics in Theater History
    THEA245: Acting I

Requirements:

• One course in Scenic, Costume, or Lighting design
• THEA302: Contemporary Theater: Theories and Aesthetics. Please note that certain courses in departments may fulfill one of two theater history prerequisites (the gateway THEA203 or THEA302) only if approved by the Theater faculty. Please consult the section "Courses cross-listed with other Wesleyan departments, colleges, and programs" in the Theater handbook.
• Two courses in dramatic literature, visual literacy, theory, criticism, and/or service learning. One of them may be an FYI course. Specialty courses in other departments may fulfill one of the two requirements only if approved by the Theater faculty. Please consult the section "Courses cross-listed with other Wesleyan departments, colleges, and programs" in the Theater handbook.
• One credit of THEA329/331: Technical Practice (earned in .25- and .50-credit increments)
• One credit of THEA427/431/433/435/437, Performance Practice

Additional Recommended Courses in the Theater Department

• A second course in Design
• Directing I
• Major's Lab and Colloquium (particularly for those interested in pursuing Honors in Theater)
• A course in Service Learning (Civic Engagement or Community Outreach)