Western Washington University · Bellingham, Washington
Theatre, BA
What Is the Study of Theatre?
The Department of Theatre Arts strives to give students a well-rounded education. In addition to a core of practical theatre courses, students focus on one or more concentrations to hone their skills within specific areas of interest. Declared students reinforce their major studies through hands-on application of their skills. With an abundance of student programs and seasonal production opportunities, theatre students rarely find themselves without a project to do. The central goal of the degree is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of theatre, including knowledge of its history, the means by which theatre is realized, and the role of theatre in forming the past, present and future of society.
Why Should I Consider this Major?
The major is grounded in fundamentals and a student chooses one or more areas of specialization (Acting, Dramatic Writing, Educational Theatre, Technical Theatre, Theatre Management, Stage Management, Costume Design, Lighting Design and Scenic Design). In addition to preparing majors for careers in the academic or professional theatre, the lessons acquired through this course of study are readily transferable to careers in teaching, law, business and other areas where interpersonal and self-reliant skills are required.
How to Declare:
To declare, a student must have completed the following requirements:
- 9-12 credits (with a 3.0 or higher) from the following list of Theatre classes:
- THTR 101, 160, 201, 212, 213, 216, 228, or 260
See the Department of Theatre Arts Office (PA 395) to declare the major. At the time of your declaration you will be assigned a faculty advisor who will help you navigate through the Theatre major.
Coursework
- THTR 101 - Introduction to the Art of the Theatre
- THTR 212 - Introduction to Stage Technology
- THTR 213 - Stage Technology Practicum
- THTR 216 - Introduction to Costuming
- THTR 228 - Understanding Plays
- THTR 255 - Theatre Production: Technology
- THTR 370 - Play Direction
- THTR 380 - Theatre History I
- THTR 381 - Theatre History II
- THTR 382 - Theatre History III
- THTR 384 - Introduction to Dramatic Writing
- THTR 496 - Senior Project
- One course from:
- THTR 160 - Introduction to Acting
- THTR 260 - Acting Studio I: Theory
- Two topics courses selected from:
- THTR 428 - Major Dramatists
- Concentration selected from one of the following areas:
- Acting:
- THTR 260 - Acting Studio I: Theory
- THTR 261 - Acting Studio I: Scene Study
- THTR 264 - Movement Studio I: Grotowski
- THTR 360 - Acting Studio II: Physical Interpretation of a Role
- THTR 361 - Acting Studio II: Vocal Interpretation of a Role
- THTR 364 - Movement Studio II: Suzuki/Viewpoints
- Dramatic Writing: Three different topic courses selected from:
- THTR 485 - Dramatic Writing Workshop
- 7 credits under advisement
- Educational Theatre:
- THTR 350 - Theatre for Youth
- THTR 351 - Creativity Across the Curriculum
- THTR 450 - Theatre for Youth II
- THTR 452 - Secondary Theatre Techniques
- plus 6 credits under advisement
- Technical Theatre:
- THTR 210 - Foundations in Design Communication
- THTR 310 - Scene Painting
- THTR 313 - Beginning Lighting Design
- THTR 314 - Stage Management
- THTR 320 - Computer Drafting and Design for the Theatre
- THTR 355 - Intermediate Theatre Technology
- THTR 455 - Advanced Production and Design
- Theatre Management:
- THTR 210 - Foundations in Design Communication
- THTR 314 - Stage Management
- THTR 355 - Intermediate Theatre Technology
- THTR 414 - Theatre Business Practices
- ACCT 240 - Financial Accounting
- 3 credits under advisement
- Stage Management:
- THTR 210 - Foundations in Design Communication
- THTR 311 - Beginning Scene Design
- THTR 313 - Beginning Lighting Design
- THTR 314 - Stage Management
- THTR 320 - Computer Drafting and Design for the Theatre
- THTR 355 - Intermediate Theatre Technology
- THTR 414 - Theatre and Business Practices
- THTR 455 - Advanced Production and Design
- Costume Design:
- THTR 210 - Foundations in Design Communication
- THTR 215 - Stage Make-Up
- THTR 313 - Beginning Lighting Design
- THTR 316 - Beginning Costume Design
- THTR 355 - Intermediate Theatre Technology
- THTR 383 - Costume History
- THTR 416 - Advanced Costume Design
- THTR 420 - Advanced Theatre Design and Portfolio Development
- Lighting Design:
- THTR 210 - Foundations in Design Communication
- THTR 311 - Beginning Scene Design
- THTR 313 - Beginning Lighting Design
- THTR 320 - Computer Drafting and Design for the Theatre
- THTR 355 - Intermediate Theatre Technology
- THTR 413 - Advanced Lighting Design
- THTR 420 - Advanced Theatre Design and Portfolio Development
- Scenic Design:
- THTR 210 - Foundations in Design Communication
- THTR 310 - Scene Painting
- THTR 311 - Beginning Scene Design
- THTR 313 - Beginning Lighting Design
- THTR 320 - Computer Drafting and Design for the Theatre
- THTR 355 - Intermediate Theatre Technology
- THTR 411 - Advanced Scenic Design
- THTR 420 - Advanced Theatre Design and Portfolio Development
- Acting:
GURs:
These courses are offered within this major and may be used to satisfy GUR or Writing Proficiency Requirements.
- HUM: THTR 101, 380, 381, 382
Notable Alumni
Sample Careers
- Actor/Actress
- Graphic Designer
- House Management
- Master Electrician
- Costume Designer
- Advertising/Marketing Manager
- Talent Scout
- Lighting Designer
- Stage Manager
- Events Coordinator
- Props Designer
- Technical Director
- Set Designer
- Booking Agent
- Marketing Communications Specialist
Department
Contact
Department Chair:
Ron Riggins
360-650-3880
PAC 395B
ron.riggins@wwu.edu
Administrative Services Manager:
Erin Emry
360-650-7310
PAC 395B
Erin.Emry@wwu.edu