Undergraduate Programs

    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 twenty-two hour core curriculum in the descipline, and then speialize in Acting, Musical Theatre*, Technology & Design, Performance & Production*, or Theatrical Teaching Certification. Graduates of the program work as teachers, actors, designers, writers, producers, directors, stage managers, and production workers in film, television, and in theatre. Many have gone on to advanced degrees, 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.
Special Requirements:
Theatre majors must possess a 2.5 GPA to be eligible for casting in a major production and for admission into the Pre-Professional programs. Students who are admitted to Pre-Professional programs must maintain a 2.5 GPA to remain in the program. Students who fail to do so will be advised into another program.
*Please note that B.F.A. Musical Theatre and B.F.A. Performance & Production curriculum have been revised. To see the new degree plans, click here.

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 students in the Fall of 2007 will be pioneers in our redesigned degree plan. The program has been streamlined with the approval of not only the theatre faculty, but that of music and dance as well. Students will be offered courses in acting, music, and dance tailored just for musical theatre.
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 Bachelor’s of Science in Dance or Dance Teacher Certification. 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.