The Department of Theatre and Dance provides classroom instruction in all phases of live theatre performance. That instruction is reinforced by students' participation in every area of theatrical production and performance.  All theatre majors take a sixteen hour core curriculum in the discipline, and then specialize in acting, design/technology, performance & production, musical theatre or certification to teach in the public schools. Graduates of the theatre program work as teachers, actors, designers, writers, producers, directors, and technicians in film, television, and in theatre. Some have also gone on to pursue advanced degrees, conducting further preparation for the profession or preparing to teach at the college or university level.  Texas State's dance program prepares professional performers and choreographers and certifies teachers for the public schools. Students explore several froms of dance and learn to use those forms in educational and community settings. The role of dance as an art form and a means of developing sound aesthetic values are paramount in the program. Graduates work in public schools, private schools, private studios, and professional dance groups.  Some have also gone on to pursue advanced degrees, conducting further preparatin for the profession or preparing to teach at the college or university level.

The Bachelor of Arts in Theatre degree provides students a broad prospective in the theatre industry. As with all other degree plans in theatre, students will take a 30 hour load in theatre core classes: Beginning Acting (TH 1364), Movement (TH 1354), Stagecraft (TH 1358), Stage Lighting (TH 2338), Costumes (TH 3344, 3346, or 4345), Directing (TH 4364), Dramatic Theory & Analysis (TH 3367), Theatre History I & II (TH 3320 & TH 3321), and Box Office and Run Crew (two sections of TH 2111). At least 12 hours of all degree programs must be advanced credits.
COURSES YOU'LL LOVE:

• Stage Makeup (TH 3343)
• Stage Combat (TH 3360)

    B.F.A. Acting students audition for a spot in the program during their sophomore year. The four semesters of B.F.A. include advanced movement on stage as well as intense Shakespeare training. 
COURSES YOU'LL LOVE:

• Acting Realism (TH 3364)
• Acting Styles (TH 3365)

    B.F.A. Musical Theatre is a pre-professional program that integrates a conservatory approach with the benefits of a liberal arts education. Our program is run exclusively by industry professionals.
COURSES YOU'LL LOVE:

• Musical Theatre Dance I (TH 1171)
• Intermediate Musical Theatre (TH 2210)

    Students enrolled in the B.F.A. Technology & Design program are given production assignments each semester to reinforce what is taught in the classroom. Tech students often design a show in their specific area of study, or are given a project such as making one character’s full costume. 
COURSES YOU'LL LOVE:

• Scene Painting (TH 4355)
• Costume Design (TH 4345).

    Also taking the first step in the Fall of 2007 are the B.F.A. Performance & Production students. This new degree plan is replacing the old Directing program, allowing students with more specific interests in the production side of theatre and opportunity to graduate with a B.F.A. Students wishing to study Directing, Film, and Stage Management will graduate under this plan.
COURSES YOU'LL LOVE:

• Stage Management (TH 4330A)
• The Business of Film (TH 4340)

    B.F.A. Teacher Certification offers students who wish to teach theatre in the public schools a more focused look at curriculum for theatre. In addition to student teaching in during the senior year, Certification students will work with the High School Theatre Workshop during the summer, where they will direct a One Act Play.    

    Dancers will receive a B.F.A. in Dance. Our program is modern based, but students will also train in Jazz and Ballet. Dance Composition (DAN 2208) allows students to display their work in the Choreographer’s Showcase each semester.