Theatre Studies - B.A. and B.F.A. Download to print

The Bachelor of Arts in theatre studies gives students an opportunity for study in all aspects of theatre and its relationship to other liberal arts studies. This program serves students who seek a wider range of possibilities to fulfill individual creative goals, whether as theatre artists, scholars, educators, and/or contributors in related fields. Students receive thorough grounding in theatre history and theory and learn imaginative and critical thinking, the process of making theatre, and leadership skills. Each student may choose a concentration of elective choices in one of four areas: Performance, Production, Theatre Management or Theatre and Society. The program prepares students to apply their knowledge and learned skills to career choices in the 21st century and in the process enrich their own lives in their chosen communities.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts is designed for students who wish to specialize in a specific area of theatre or dance (design and technology, musical theatre, or dance performance).

Students must audition and be selected for admission into the Bachelor of Fine Arts Musical Theatre program and must complete a minimum of 123 credit hours, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 within the major, and a minimum overall GPA of 2.0 in order to complete the degree. The Musical Theatre program can be successfully completed in 4 years (8 semesters) if an average of 15-16 credit hours are taken per semester.

Design/technology fosters the artistic development of theatre designers, technicians and artisans so they can successfully enter the profession and /or its related fields. Students study both traditional theatre practices and new methods, materials and technologies in order to become flexible, dynamic and creative collaborators in theatre art. Students must demonstrate continued progress through annual portfolio reviews, course work and production responsibilities. B.F.A. design /technology students are expected to complete a significant production assignment each semester. The B.F.A. candidate is expected to develop theatre skills equal to entry-level positions in the profession or as required for admissions into Masters of Fine Arts programs.

The Musical Theatre concentration prepares students for life as working artists in the musical theatre field. Practical training and creative experiences are coupled with an interdisciplinary liberal arts curriculum and a foundation in theatre history, analysis and criticism. The School of Theatre and Dance produces an annual New York City Musical Theatre Showcase. In their senior year, students must audition and be selected in order to participate. The Showcase experience enables students to perform for prospective casting directors, talent managers, and theatrical and commercial agents.

Employment in the theater, and in other performing arts companies, is cyclical—higher in the fall and spring seasons—and concentrated in New York and other major cities with large commercial houses for musicals and touring productions. Also, many cities support established professional regional theaters that operate on a seasonal or year-round basis.

Many smaller, nonprofit professional companies, such as repertory companies, dinner theaters, and theaters affiliated with drama schools, acting conservatories, and universities, provide employment opportunities for local amateur talent and professional entertainers. Auditions typically are held in New York for many productions across the country and for shows that go on the road.

Design special exhibits and film, television, and theatre sets. May study scripts, confer with directors, and conduct research to determine appropriate architectural styles.

Dancers and choreographers worked in a variety of industries, such as public and private educational services, which includes dance studios and schools, as well as colleges and universities; performing arts companies, which include dance, theater, and opera companies; and amusement and recreation venues, such as casinos and theme parks.

(Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)

General Admission for Freshman Students: Admission Requirements at the Kent Campus: The freshman admission policy at the Kent Campus is selective. Admission decisions are based upon the following: cumulative grade point average, ACT and/or SAT scores, strength of high school college preparatory curriculum and grade trends.

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students who graduated from high school three or more years ago. For more information on admissions, visit the Admissions website for new freshmen.

Transfer Students: In addition to meeting the general transfer admission requirement (2.0 cumulative GPA), students wishing to enter the Bachelor of Fine Arts Musical Theatre concentration in Theatre Studies must successfully complete an audition for the B.F.A. in Musical Theatre. Students electing admission to the Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Studies are not required to present an audition. Inquiries can be directed to the Undergraduate Coordinator, School of Theatre Dance, 1325 Theatre Drive, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44240-0001 (or call 330-672-2082).

For more information about admission criteria for transfer, transitioning and former students, please visit the admissions website.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Studies: Applicants in Musical Theatre must pass an audition to enter a B.F.A. degree concentration in the School of Theatre and Dance. Inquiries can be directed to the Musical Theatre Coordinator, School of Theatre Dance, 1325 Theatre Drive, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44240-0001 (or call 330-672-2082).

Musical Theatre and Dance auditions are held every fall and spring. There are also Dance program auditions in August just prior to the start of the fall semester. Students applying for the B.F.A. in Design/Technology may enter the program directly.

The B.F.A. in Theatre Studies with a Musical Theatre concentration is an interdisciplinary program offered in the School of Theatre and Dance and the School of Music. Application to the B.F.A. in musical theatre requires an audition in each of the three performance areas: dance, singing, and acting. The students must display talent and training potential in all areas to be admitted to the program. Students who pass the musical theatre audition will be admitted directly into the B.F.A. program at the beginning of their freshman year. In exceptional cases, students may be admitted to the program in the second semester of their freshman  year. Students who pass the Dance Division auditions are admitted directly into the B.F.A. program at the beginning of their freshman year.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Studies
In order to continue and graduate from the program, B.F.A. candidates are expected develop skills equal to entry-level positions in the profession or as expected for admission into Master of Fine Arts programs. Students should consult the Musical Theatre Student Handbook for additional information regarding skill requirements.

In addition to 36 credit hours of Kent Core requirements, Musical Theatre majors are expected to complete courses in musical theatre performance, voice, singing, making theatre, fundamentals of production, dance, acting process, music theory, script analysis, piano, character and scene study, theatre history and complete design and performance practicums. Students must demonstrate continuous skill development and growth in all areas of the musical theatre program. Students are required to participate in annual School screening auditions and, if qualifying, must participate in at least one unified audition. Students are required to participate in biannual B. F. A. evaluations/interviews/meetings. Students are-required to audition for all main-stage theatre productions and accept roles as cast.

Students may be subject to probation or dismissal from the B.F.A. Musical Theatre program for failing to audition for mainstage productions, for not accepting a role that is offered, or for failure to demonstrate continuous skill development and growth in all areas of the program as defined by the Musical Theatre Student Handbook. At the time a student is placed on probation he or she will be provided written information regarding specific areas for improvement. Students on academic probation may not participate in any School of Theatre and Dance productions. Students in each ofthe Bachelor of Fine Arts program areas may be immediately dismissed from the program for fa ilure to maintain a 2.500 GPA within the major (B.F.A. students should strive to maintain a 3.000 overall GPA).

The students in the design/technology concentration must pass yearly portfolio reviews and are expected to participate in at least one mainstage production per semester (this may be in addition to any production design assignment).

Please refer to the Not Permitted to Continue policy in the Academic Policies section in the University Catalog.

The Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Studies requires a minimum 120 total credit hours  and  39 upper-division hours for graduation. As well as a minimum 2.000 GPA overall and 2.500 GPA in major required for graduation.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Studies requires 120 total credit hours for the Design and Technology concentration and 123 for the Musical Theatre concentration. Both concentrations require a minimum 39 upper-division hours for graduation, as well as a minimum 2.000 GPA overall and 2.500 GPA within the major to qualify for graduation.

Graduates of the B.A. program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of procedures and approaches for realizing a variety of theatrical styles and techniques.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of playwriting and production processes, aesthetic properties of style, and the way these shape and are shaped by artistic and cultural forces
3. Develop intermediate to advanced competence in one or more theatre specializations in creation, performance or scholarship.
4. Become acquainted with a diverse selection of theatre repertory including the principal eras, genres, and cultural sources.
5. Demonstrate (through both verbal and written articulation of ideas and vocabulary as well as in actual practice) an understanding of the basic process involved in mounting a theatre production.
6. Demonstrate ability to form and defend value judgments about theatre.
7. Demonstrate knowledge of common theatrical elements and the interaction of those elements through both written and practicum work.
8. Demonstrate the ability to think conceptually and critically about text, performance, and production.

B.F.A.:

Graduates of the Design and Technology concentration will be able to:

1. Demonstrate ability to conceptualize and realize a design aesthetic consistent with the overall artistic concepts of a production.
2. Demonstrate ability to understand and articulate basic elements and principles of design theory.
3. Demonstrate ability to understand and articulate basic elements and principles of composition related to line, shape, color, texture and sound.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the aesthetic use of color.
5. Demonstrate understanding of aesthetic use of sound.
6. Demonstrate ability to communicate design ideas and realities to other personnel involved in the production, including directors, other designers, stage managers and actors.
7. Demonstrate ability to produce and communicate design ideas with freehand drawings.
8. Demonstrate ability to provide formalized, accurate production models and drawings by hand and/or through the use of current industry standard software programs.
9. Demonstrate fundamental knowledge of the total design process, including the progression of raw materials through multiple design "shops" and the roles that various craftspeople play in the creation of a finished product.
10. Acquire knowledge of federal, state and local health and safety codes, best practices, and industry standards as they relate to theatrical venues and production elements.
11. Prepare and present a professional resume and a portfolio of design- and technology-related work that demonstrate one's abilities, strengths, processes, and experiences.
12. Acquire experiences in the design/technology aspects of theatre in a variety of formal and informal settings.

Graduates of the Musical Theatre concentration will be able to:

In order to continue and graduate from the B.F.A. in Musical Theatre students must:

1. Demonstrate proficiencies that are equal to entry-level positions in the profession or as expected for admission into Master of Fine Arts programs as a singer/actor/dancer as evidenced in auditions conducted by faculty and guest professionals, as well as course and production work.
2. Demonstrate and articulate proficiency and understanding in and of music performance and theory, basic dance performance and technique, and acting and acting theory/systems.
3. Demonstrate understanding of how acting and storytelling are the foundation of all three interrelated areas of performance (acting, singing, and dance).
4. Demonstrate correct and aesthetically pleasing technique in movement and dance.
5. Demonstrate and articulate correct and aesthetically pleasing technique in the execution of vocal performance, sight-singing, musicianship, and music theory.
6. Demonstrate and articulate correct and aesthetically pleasing technique in acting and acting theory/systems.
7. Perform in workshops and full productions of musical theatre in a variety of formal and informal settings.
8. Perform a significant role in at least one full production prior to graduation.
9. Develop substantial and appropriate audition repertoire.
10. Demonstrate proficiency in audition technique.
11. Demonstrate professional behavior in respect for the craft.

National Association of Schools of Theatre