Theater & Dance Pathways Through the Major

EXPLORATION

By exploring our curriculum early on, students may discover connections between courses in different topics, and/or a new interest. Therefore, majors and potential majors should take courses in different areas as early as possible. For example, a student with a primary interest in acting should consider taking a course in design, playwriting, or dance before pursing more advanced study in acting. Also as soon as possible, potential majors should take a course emphasizing collaboration and improvisation (e.g., THDA 110 or 111).

THE ADVISING RELATIONSHIP

Share your interests and course experiences with your advisor regularly as you make progress through the major. Your advisor will be able to offer new perspectives on your studies overall, as well as helping you make more informed choices about course sequences, complementary courses, and your overall learning goals.

Focus Area

Majors develop a focus area for their studies in consultation with their major advisor. The most common examples would include directing, choreography, performance practice (acting/dancing), design, and playwriting. However, uniquely defined focus areas are also possible.

A focus area consists of...

• at least four courses in the focus area, and 

• at least one course in an especially useful complementary area.

In addition: 

• At least two of the three required courses in critical and contextual studies should be related to the focus area.

• At least one course at the 300-level or above should be in the major's focus area. The required 100-level course in collaboration and improvisatory techniques may not count as a focus area course.

Guide to Focus Areas

Please see the document below for examples of possible focus areas within the major.  This document is meant as guide; students may, working with their advisor, define a focus area that differs from any of the examples, as long as the guidelines above are followed.