Theatre Arts

This is an archived copy of the 2023-24 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.ndsu.edu.

Major Requirements

Major: Theatre Arts

Degree Type: B.A. or B.S.
Minimum Degree Credits to Graduate: 120

University Degree Requirements

  1. Satisfactory completion of all requirements of the curriculum in which one is enrolled.
  2. Earn a minimum total of 120 credits in approved coursework.  Some academic programs exceed this minimum.
  3. Satisfactory completion of the general education requirements as specified by the university.
  4. A minimum institutional GPA of 2.00 based on work taken at NDSU.
  5. At least 30 credits must be NDSU resident credits.  Resident credits include credits registered and paid for at NDSU.
  6. At least 36 credits presented for graduation must be in courses numbered 300 or higher.
  7. Students presenting transfer credit must meet the NDSU residence credits and the minimum upper level credit. Of the 30 credits earned in residence, a minimum of 15 semester credits must be in courses numbered 300 or above, and 15 semester credits must be in the student’s curricula for their declared major.

For complete information, please refer to the Degree and Graduation Requirements section of this Bulletin.

University General Education Requirements

Communication (C)12
College Composition I
College Composition II
Fundamentals of Public Speaking
Upper Division Writing
Quantitative Reasoning (R) 3
Science and Technology (S) 10
Humanities and Fine Arts (A) 6
Social and Behavioral Sciences (B) 6
Wellness (W) 2
Cultural Diversity (D) *†
Global Perspectives (G) *†
Total Credits39
*

 May be satisfied by completing courses in another General Education category.

 General education courses may be used to satisfy requirements for both general education and the major, minor, and program emphases, where applicable.  Students should carefully review major requirements to determine if specific courses can also satisfy these general education categories.

  •  A list of university approved general education courses and administrative policies are available here.

AHSS Degree Requirements                                                                            

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree – The completion of a minor program of study.                                                                            

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Degree – Second year language proficiency at college level required.

Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences College Requirements

An additional 9 credits are required by the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences for a student whose primary degree is a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree in a major from the College of AHSS. These additional 9 credits are not required for the Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree, Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Environmental Design, Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, Bachelor of Music degree, for any student whose primary major or degree is not in the College of AHSS, or the student is earning two majors or two different degrees.

AH&SS College Requirements
Courses used to satisfy any general education requirement cannot be used to also count toward the AH&SS College Requirements. A minimum of three credits is required in each of the 3 following areas for a total of 9 credits. Choose only those courses with the prefixes listed for each area. A course with the WGS prefix can only be used in one area.
Area One: Humanities3
ARB, ENGL, FREN, GERM, HIST, HUM, PHIL, RELS, SPAN, TIPS or WGS
Area Two: Social Sciences3
ANTH, CJ, COMM, EMGT, POLS, SOC, or WGS
Area Three: Fine Arts3
ARCH, ART, ENVD, LA, MUSC, or THEA
Total Credits9

Major Requirements

Core Requirements
THEA 110Introduction to Theatre Arts3
THEA 161Acting I3
THEA 180Dramatic Literature and Style I3
THEA 270
THEA 220
Stagecraft
and Stagecraft Lab
4
THEA 271
THEA 221
Costume Craft
and Costume Craft Lab
4
THEA 280World Theatre3
or THEA 115 World Film
THEA 365Directing I3
THEA 450Capstone Experience3
THEA 480History and Literature of Theatre I3
THEA 371Introduction to Design: Scenic Design *3
or THEA 373 Lighting and Sound Design for the Theatre
or THEA 375 Costume Design for the Theatre
Practicum - 8 credits from the following:8
Theatre Practicum (May be repeated multiple times; 1-2 credits)
Stage Management Practicum and Seminar (May be repeated multiple times; 2 credits)
Option
Select one for the two options listed below to complete this major: Theatre Generalist (15 credits) or Design & Technology (18 credits)15-18

Option One: Theatre Generalist

Select 15 credits from the following courses. A minimum of 9 of the 15 credits must be 300 level or above:15
World Film *
World Theatre
Storytelling
Introduction to Theatrical Rendering
Introduction to Dance
Voice and Movement for the Actor
Drawing for the Theatre
Theatrical Makeup Design
Scenic Painting
Devising
Acting III: Advanced Realism
Dance Styles for Theatre
Advanced Acting
Acting the Song
Technical Theatre Production
Introduction to Design: Scenic Design *
Lighting and Sound Design for the Theatre
Costume Design for the Theatre
Study Tour Abroad
Period Style for Performance
Directing II
Shakespeare
Total Credits15

Option Two: Design & Technology

Take a different course from what was taken in the Core Requirements above.
THEA 371Introduction to Design: Scenic Design *3
or THEA 373 Lighting and Sound Design for the Theatre
or THEA 375 Costume Design for the Theatre
Select 15-18 credits from the following courses. A minimum of 9 of the 18 credits must be 300 level or above:15
Introduction to Theatrical Rendering
Drawing for the Theatre
Theatrical Makeup Design
Scenic Painting
Technical Theatre Production (May be repeated twice; 3-6 credits)
Introduction to Design: Scenic Design (can take the final course as an elective)
Lighting and Sound Design for the Theatre
Costume Design for the Theatre
Stage Management
Period Style for Performance
THEA XXX
Internship (3-6 credits)
Shakespeare
Studio Technology Foundations
Graphic Design I
Apparel Construction and Fit
History of Fashion
Total Credits18
*

Student must take one of the courses in the major core requirements and will take a different course in the option.

Degree Requirements & Notes:

  • Students must earn a grade of C or better in all THEA prefix courses.

Major Requirements

Major: Theatre Arts - Design & Tech Theatre Track

Degree Type: B.F.A.
Minimum Degree Credits to Graduate: 120

University Degree Requirements

  1. Satisfactory completion of all requirements of the curriculum in which one is enrolled.
  2. Earn a minimum total of 120 credits in approved coursework.  Some academic programs exceed this minimum.
  3. Satisfactory completion of the general education requirements as specified by the university.
  4. A minimum institutional GPA of 2.00 based on work taken at NDSU.
  5. At least 30 credits must be NDSU resident credits.  Resident credits include credits registered and paid for at NDSU.
  6. At least 36 credits presented for graduation must be in courses numbered 300 or higher.
  7. Students presenting transfer credit must meet the NDSU residence credits and the minimum upper level credit. Of the 30 credits earned in residence, a minimum of 15 semester credits must be in courses numbered 300 or above, and 15 semester credits must be in the student’s curricula for their declared major.

For complete information, please refer to the Degree and Graduation Requirements section of this Bulletin.

University General Education Requirements

Communication (C)12
College Composition I
College Composition II
Fundamentals of Public Speaking
Upper Division Writing
Quantitative Reasoning (R) 3
Science and Technology (S) 10
Humanities and Fine Arts (A) 6
Social and Behavioral Sciences (B) 6
Wellness (W) 2
Cultural Diversity (D) *†
Global Perspectives (G) *†
Total Credits39
*

 May be satisfied by completing courses in another General Education category.

 General education courses may be used to satisfy requirements for both general education and the major, minor, and program emphases, where applicable.  Students should carefully review major requirements to determine if specific courses can also satisfy these general education categories.

  •  A list of university approved general education courses and administrative policies are available here.

Major Requirements

Professional Major Requirements
Students must earn a minimum grade of a ‘C’ in all THEA prefix courses.
ART 111Introduction to Art History (May satisfy general education category A and G)3
MUSC 100Music Appreciation (May satisfy general education category A)3
or MUSC 103 Introduction to Music History
THEA 110Introduction to Theatre Arts3
THEA 161Acting I3
THEA 230Introduction to Theatrical Rendering3
THEA 180Dramatic Literature and Style I3
THEA 270
THEA 220
Stagecraft
and Stagecraft Lab *
4
THEA 271
THEA 221
Costume Craft
and Costume Craft Lab *
4
THEA 272Drawing for the Theatre *3
THEA 275Theatrical Makeup Design *3
THEA 279Scenic Painting *3
THEA 280World Theatre (May satisfy a general education category D)3
or THEA 115 World Film
THEA 365Directing I3
THEA 370Technical Theatre Production (Take 3 credits 2 times) *6
THEA 371Introduction to Design: Scenic Design3
THEA 373Lighting and Sound Design for the Theatre3
THEA 375Costume Design for the Theatre3
THEA 376Theatrical Design Studio I: Theatrical Drawing and Rendering *3
THEA 377Theatrical Design Studio II: Collaboration of the Designer *3
THEA 385Period Style for Performance3
THEA 450Capstone Experience3
THEA 480History and Literature of Theatre I3
Practicum- 8 credits from the following:8
Theatre Practicum (Repeatable, 1-2 credits) *
Stage Management Practicum and Seminar (2 credits) *
Related Area:
ENGL 380Shakespeare3
Total Credits82
*

Students must earn a minimum grade of a ‘B’ in these Design and Technology courses.

Major Requirements

Major: Theatre Arts - Musical Theatre Track

Degree Type: B.F.A.
Minimum Degree Credits to Graduate: 120

University Degree Requirements

  1. Satisfactory completion of all requirements of the curriculum in which one is enrolled.
  2. Earn a minimum total of 120 credits in approved coursework.  Some academic programs exceed this minimum.
  3. Satisfactory completion of the general education requirements as specified by the university.
  4. A minimum institutional GPA of 2.00 based on work taken at NDSU.
  5. At least 30 credits must be NDSU resident credits.  Resident credits include credits registered and paid for at NDSU.
  6. At least 36 credits presented for graduation must be in courses numbered 300 or higher.
  7. Students presenting transfer credit must meet the NDSU residence credits and the minimum upper level credit. Of the 30 credits earned in residence, a minimum of 15 semester credits must be in courses numbered 300 or above, and 15 semester credits must be in the student’s curricula for their declared major.

For complete information, please refer to the Degree and Graduation Requirements section of this Bulletin.

University General Education Requirements

Communication (C)12
College Composition I
College Composition II
Fundamentals of Public Speaking
Upper Division Writing
Quantitative Reasoning (R) 3
Science and Technology (S) 10
Humanities and Fine Arts (A) 6
Social and Behavioral Sciences (B) 6
Wellness (W) 2
Cultural Diversity (D) *†
Global Perspectives (G) *†
Total Credits39
*

 May be satisfied by completing courses in another General Education category.

 General education courses may be used to satisfy requirements for both general education and the major, minor, and program emphases, where applicable.  Students should carefully review major requirements to determine if specific courses can also satisfy these general education categories.

  •  A list of university approved general education courses and administrative policies are available here.

Major Requirements

Students must earn a minimum grade of a ‘C’ in all THEA or MUSC prefix courses.

Professional Major Requirements
ART 111Introduction to Art History3
MUSC 100Music Appreciation3
or MUSC 103 Introduction to Music History
MUSC 130Theory and Analysis I3
MUSC 132Ear Training & Sight Singing I1
MUSC 160Piano Class I ((Possible to test out of this requirement))1
MUSC 167Applied Voice (2 credits in different semesters)2
MUSC 267Applied Voice (2 credits in different semesters)2
MUSC 367Applied Voice (2 credits in different semesters)2
MUSC 467Applied Voice1
THEA 110Introduction to Theatre Arts3
THEA 161Acting I 13
THEA 180Dramatic Literature and Style I3
THEA 228Development of Musical Theatre 13
THEA 263Dance Studio (take one each of Jazz, Lyrical Ballet, Tap) 13
THEA 364Advanced Acting3
THEA 266Voice and Movement for the Actor 13
THEA 270
THEA 220
Stagecraft
and Stagecraft Lab (Taken with THEA 270 Stagecraft)
4
THEA 271
THEA 221
Costume Craft
and Costume Craft Lab (Taken with THEA 271 Costume Craft)
4
THEA 275Theatrical Makeup Design3
THEA 280World Theatre3
or THEA 115 World Film
THEA 362Dance Styles for Theatre (Take 2 times) 14
THEA 365Directing I3
THEA 367Acting the Song (Take 3 credits 2 times)6
THEA 368Business of Acting3
THEA 450Capstone Experience3
THEA 462Acting Styles3
THEA 466Advanced Voice for the Actor 13
THEA 467Advanced Movement for the Actor 13
THEA 480History and Literature of Theatre I3
Select one from the following:3
Introduction to Design: Scenic Design
Lighting and Sound Design for the Theatre
Costume Design for the Theatre
Theatre Practice - 8 credits from the following:8
Theatre Practicum (Repeatable 1-2 credits) 2
Stage Management Practicum and Seminar (Repeatable - 2 credits)
Total Credits95
1

Students must earn a minimum grade of ‘B’ in these music, dance and performance courses.

2

 First year students taking THEA 220 or THEA 221 will not take Practicum 210. When students take THEA 222, 223 or 224 they will take Practicum 210 for 1 cr.

Major Requirements

Major: Theatre Arts - Performance Track

Degree Type: B.F.A.
Minimum Degree Credits to Graduate: 120

University Degree Requirements

  1. Satisfactory completion of all requirements of the curriculum in which one is enrolled.
  2. Earn a minimum total of 120 credits in approved coursework.  Some academic programs exceed this minimum.
  3. Satisfactory completion of the general education requirements as specified by the university.
  4. A minimum institutional GPA of 2.00 based on work taken at NDSU.
  5. At least 30 credits must be NDSU resident credits.  Resident credits include credits registered and paid for at NDSU.
  6. At least 36 credits presented for graduation must be in courses numbered 300 or higher.
  7. Students presenting transfer credit must meet the NDSU residence credits and the minimum upper level credit. Of the 30 credits earned in residence, a minimum of 15 semester credits must be in courses numbered 300 or above, and 15 semester credits must be in the student’s curricula for their declared major.

For complete information, please refer to the Degree and Graduation Requirements section of this Bulletin.

University General Education Requirements

Communication (C)12
College Composition I
College Composition II
Fundamentals of Public Speaking
Upper Division Writing
Quantitative Reasoning (R) 3
Science and Technology (S) 10
Humanities and Fine Arts (A) 6
Social and Behavioral Sciences (B) 6
Wellness (W) 2
Cultural Diversity (D) *†
Global Perspectives (G) *†
Total Credits39
*

 May be satisfied by completing courses in another General Education category.

 General education courses may be used to satisfy requirements for both general education and the major, minor, and program emphases, where applicable.  Students should carefully review major requirements to determine if specific courses can also satisfy these general education categories.

  •  A list of university approved general education courses and administrative policies are available here.

Major Requirements

Students must earn a minimum grade of a ‘C’ in all THEA prefix courses.

Professional Major Requirements
ART 111Introduction to Art History3
ENGL 380Shakespeare3
MUSC 100Music Appreciation3
or MUSC 103 Introduction to Music History
THEA 110Introduction to Theatre Arts3
THEA 161Acting I *3
MUSC 162Voice Class1
or MUSC 167 Applied Voice
THEA 180Dramatic Literature and Style I3
THEA 262Introduction to Dance 11
THEA 263Dance Studio (take 2 times) 12
THEA 266Voice and Movement for the Actor 13
THEA 270
THEA 220
Stagecraft
and Stagecraft Lab
4
THEA 271
THEA 221
Costume Craft
and Costume Craft Lab
4
THEA 275Theatrical Makeup Design3
THEA 280World Theatre3
or THEA 115 World Film
THEA 361Acting III: Advanced Realism 13
THEA 364Advanced Acting3
THEA 365Directing I3
THEA 368Business of Acting 13
THEA 450Capstone Experience3
THEA 461Acting Shakespeare 13
THEA 462Acting Styles 13
THEA 466Advanced Voice for the Actor 13
THEA 467Advanced Movement for the Actor 13
THEA 480History and Literature of Theatre I3
Theatre Practice - Repeatable for 8 credits:8
Theatre Practicum (1-2 credits)
Stage Management Practicum and Seminar ( 2 credits)
Select two of the following:6
Storytelling
Development of Musical Theatre 1
Devising
Select one from the following:3
Introduction to Design: Scenic Design
Lighting and Sound Design for the Theatre
Costume Design for the Theatre
Total Credits86
1

Students must earn a minimum grade of ‘B’ in these dance and performance courses.

Minor Requirements

Minor: Theatre Arts

Standard Option or

Dance Option

Required Credits: 20

Standard Option

Theatre Appreciation: Select 2 courses from the following:6
Introduction to Theatre Arts
Dramatic Literature and Style I
World Theatre
Theatre Practicum or Labs: Select 2 credits from the following2
Theatre Practicum
Stage Management Practicum and Seminar
Stagecraft Lab
Costume Craft Lab
Electives: Select 12 credits from the following:12
World Film
Storytelling
Acting I
Development of Musical Theatre
Introduction to Dance
Dance Studio (repeatable up to 6 cr)
Voice and Movement for the Actor
Stagecraft
Costume Craft
Theatrical Makeup Design
Scenic Painting
Devising
Dance Styles for Theatre (repeatable up to 3 cr)
Advanced Acting
Directing I
Introduction to Design: Scenic Design
Lighting and Sound Design for the Theatre
Costume Design for the Theatre
Study Tour Abroad
Shakespeare
Total Credits20

Minor Requirements and Notes

  • A minimum of 8 credits must be taken at NDSU.

Dance Option

Required Credits: 20

Theatre Appreciation: Select 2 courses from the following:6
Introduction to Theatre Arts
Acting I
Dramatic Literature and Style I
World Theatre
Theatre Practicum or Labs: Select 2 credits from the following2
Theatre Practicum
Stage Management Practicum and Seminar
Stagecraft Lab
Costume Craft Lab
Dance Credits: Select 12 credits from the following:12
Introduction to Dance
Dance Studio (Can take up to 6 times)
Dance Styles for Theatre (Can take up to 3 times)
Total Credits20

 Minor Requirements and Notes

  • A minimum of 8 credits must be taken at NDSU.