Theatre Major (B.A.)

The Theatre Major at UNH offers a comprehensive education in performance, theatre history, elements of design, and theatre technology. With a flexible credit load, students can pair theatre studies with another major. The program features award-winning faculty and various performance opportunities, including student productions. Enrichment opportunities involve pursuing independent study to deepen learning regarding areas of interest; applying for R.E.A.C.H. financial assistance to help subsidize practical internships; experiencing a 10-day January Term study-abroad program in London.

There is no area of human endeavor that the theatre does not touch; to teach and learn about theatre is to teach and learn about human life. Whether you live for the stage, have a love of costumes, or see yourself running things behind the scenes, a theatre degree will allow you to engage with your passion for the performing arts and for the life that the performing arts imitate. You’ll study performance, theatre history, and the elements of design and theatre technology. The program was designed with a relatively light credit load, allowing you to combine your theatre studies with another major.

The UNH Department of Theatre and Dance offers a variety of performance opportunities every year in musicals, plays and dance concerts, including student productions. The curriculum allows for flexibility to independently study a broad range of interests.  Financial assistance provides access to internship opportunities with professional theatre or dance organizations, and our January Term study abroad program immerses students in London theatre as well as gaining insights into politics and societal issues.

Contact Szu-Feng Chen, Paul Creative Arts Center, (603) 862-4445.

Degree Requirements

All Major, Option and Elective Requirements as indicated.
*Major GPA requirements as indicated.

Major Requirements

In the freshman and sophomore years, students should enroll for at least two major and two Discovery courses per semester.

The minimum grade requirement for major courses is C- per course. Any grade lower than C- will not count toward the major.

The required minimum overall GPA in major coursework is 2.0.

Under department policy, students who complete both COMM 401 American Sign Language I and COMM 502 American Sign Language II satisfy the bachelor of arts language proficiency requirement.

All majors must take courses in the following areas: performance, design/theatre technology and theory/history as well as fulfill between four and eight practicums and complete a capstone course.  Although timing will vary with each option, it is strongly suggested that all introductory courses be taken prior to the end of the student's sophomore year.  Students must also complete a digital portfolio that demonstrates fulfillment of student learning outcomes related to their area of study.

Candidates for a degree must satisfy all of the University Discovery Program requirements in addition to satisfying the requirements of each individual major program. Bachelor of arts candidates must also satisfy the foreign language proficiency requirement.

Theatre department majors may use one major-required course to satisfy one Discovery Program category requirement.

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The practicum ensures a breadth of experience in the major, including sets, costumes, lighting, props, box office, marketing, and performing.  Students must register for practicum every semester.  They are notified of their practicum assignment at the beginning of each semester.

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Includes those in Sections II, III, and IV

Sample Degree Plan

This sample degree plan serves as a general guide; students collaborate with their academic advisor to develop a personalized degree plan to meet their academic goals and program requirements.

Program Learning Outcomes

On completion of the B.A. in Theatre, students will:

• Recognize and distinguish between various styles and forms of theatre or dance that have shaped the evolution of these disciplines.
• Effectively communicate artistic ideas and/or critical analysis of theatre or dance works through appropriate oral, written or practical means.
• Demonstrate knowledge and fundamental skill level of the basic areas of theatre or dance production in areas related to performance, design, technology or management.
• Create and demonstrate informed and personal artistic choices in coursework and productions (i.e., design, dance, directing, acting).