Theatre Major: Musical Theatre Option (B.A.)

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

The musical theatre option is designed to cultivate and nurture the creative artistry of those highly motivated students who wish to develop their combined talent as singers, actors and dancers. Students in the musical theatre option will thrive in this intense and dynamic program of coursework, practical application, performance-based projects, faculty- and student-directed productions, and special workshops with guest artists and instructors. Students will be expected to fully integrate their rigorous training as actors, dancers and singers with the outstanding liberal arts education they will receive at UNH to become well-rounded and marketable musical theatre artists.

Contact John Berst, Paul Creative Arts Center, (603) 862-3288, john.berst@unh.edu.

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.

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.

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, directing, acting).

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

• Achieve at minimum an intermediate proficiency in fundamental skills related to theatrical performance.
• Utilize critical thinking and writing skills to analyze plays for both the performance of roles and the direction of productions in a range of styles and genres.
• Effectively communicate and collaborate with all participants in the interactive and creative process of theatre.
• Form, communicate and defend verbally and in writing value judgments about quality and aesthetics of performance and directing in works of theatre.
• Demonstrate knowledge of basic terminology and history of acting and directing as well as leading practitioners and theorists of the acting and directing process.

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

• Develop an awareness of proper dance technique, physical expression and kinesthetic exploration.
• Apply choreographic phrases and compositional skills through performance.
• Demonstrate a foundation in dance pedagogy.
• Demonstrate a reflective and critical awareness of dance history.
• Effectively apply dance principles to critical writing via journals, performance critiques, research assignments and a senior thesis.

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.

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

• Utilize a healthy vocal technique and demonstrate the ability to read music.
• Effectively analyze a dramatic script.
• Apply knowledge of musical theatre history through practical use in selection of repertoire and demonstrate the ability to write critically about musical theatre.
• Demonstrate the ability to perform dance choreography.
• Apply acting techniques both in writing and in practice.
• Demonstrate the skills and create the elements necessary to compete in the professional theatrical world, including a professional resume and audition book.

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

• Develop and compile effective lesson plans and teaching materials appropriate to student developmental levels and individual learning styles.
• Define a personal teaching philosophy.
• Demonstrate effective teaching strategies.
• Evaluate teaching abilities through analysis and reflection.
• Develop directing and production skills.
• Match to teaching materials the appropriate national educational standards for arts and non-arts subjects.

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

• Develop and compile effective lesson plans and teaching materials appropriate to student developmental levels and individual learning styles.
• Define a personal teaching philosophy.
• Demonstrate effective teaching strategies and established skills as a group leader in dramatic activities.
• Evaluate teaching abilities through analysis and reflection.
• Demonstrate technical skills in storytelling and puppetry performance techniques.
• Match to teaching materials the appropriate national educational standards for arts and non-arts subjects.