Theatre Major: Design & Theatre Technology Option (B.A.)

https://cola.unh.edu/theatre-dance/program/ba/theatre-major-design-theatre-technology-option

Design and theatre technology students who show significant progress and ability may earn the opportunity to demonstrate practical application of their studies through the department’s main stage production design assignments. Through classwork, production assignments and problem-solving, this option prepares students for both practical skills and aesthetic sensibilities needed for the creation of visual and technical elements for the performing arts. The challenging coursework provides both fundamental knowledge and critical thinking practice, which are skills that help students pursue a successful profession in theatre and related fields; the core principles of hard work, problem-solving and creativity are transferable to other career paths as well. UNH-trained graduates hold careers across the nation as designers, technical directors, stage managers, property masters, head electricians and scenic artists.

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

Degree Requirements

Minimum Credit Requirement: 128 credits
Minimum Residency Requirement: 32 credits must be taken at UNH
Minimum GPA: 2.0 required for conferral*
Core Curriculum Required: Discovery & Writing Program Requirements
Foreign Language Requirement: Yes

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. 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.

The required minimum overall GPA in major coursework is 2.0.

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 category requirement.

All UNH B.A. degrees require a minimum of 128 credit hours.

Required Courses
THDA 436History of Theatre I4
or THDA 438 History of Theatre II
THDA 459Stagecraft4
THDA 460Elements of Design4
THDA 462Ballet I4
or THDA 463 Theatre Dance I
THDA 551Acting I4
THDA 589Practicum (A- D) 14-8
THDA 799Capstone Project2
Select 12 credits of the following:12
Costume Design for the Theatre
Stage Lighting Design and Execution
Stage Management
Scene Design
Select 12 credits of the following:12
Costume Construction
Stage Makeup
Arts Administration and Entrepreneurship
Costume Design for the Theatre
Stage Lighting Design and Execution
Vectorworks Computer-Aided Design Drafting for the Theatre
Stage Management
Scene Painting for the Theatre
Rendering for the Theatre
Scene Design
Directing
Select 8 credits of the following:8
Principles of Design
Introductory Drawing
Painting Design I: Perceptual Painting and Color Theory
Introductory Digital Photography
Introductory Sculpture
Design and Place
The London Experience
Internship in Theatre and Dance
Independent Study
and Independent Study
Student Research Experience
and Advanced Research Experience
Total Credits58-62
1

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.

Core Student Learning Outcomes for the Bachelor of Arts in Theatre major: 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).

Additional Student Learning Outcomes for Option in Design and Theatre Technology: In addition to the shared department learning outcomes for all THDA students, upon completion of the major with an Option in Design and Theatre Technology, students will:

  • Exhibit an understanding of the general principles and practices for the design/tech area.
  • Apply knowledge of design/tech skills and technologies to the production of theatrical creations.
  • Demonstrate skills in script analysis, research, and critical thinking for design development.
  • Demonstrate development of a creative process as well as practical problem-solving skills for artistic work.
  • Effectively use communication and collaboration skills in writing, speaking, and visual presentation.
  • Utilize critical assessment skills to evaluate the work of other students and to show improvement on their own work as a result of the collective feedback process.
  • Develop a resume, portfolio, and interview skills that reflect professional standards.