Bachelor of Fine Arts, Major in Theatre-Theatre Studies Emphasis

This is an archived copy of the 2023-2024 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.shsu.edu.

The BFA in Theatre—Theatre Studies Emphasis provides students with professional training in two student-selected areas of theatre to prepare them to enter the work force in either area by providing a foundation in general theatre studies and production development along with specialized professional training.

Additional information: Reference the Program Landing Page for additional information, such as cost, delivery format, contact information, or to schedule a visit.

Bachelor of Fine Arts, Major in Theatre-Theatre Studies Emphasis
Core Curriculum
Component Area I (Communication)6
Component Area II (Mathematics) 13
Component Area III (Life and Physical Science)8
Component Area IV (Language, Philosophy, and Culture)3
Component Area V (Creative Arts)3
Component Area VI (U.S. History)6
Component Area VII (Political Science/Government)6
Component Area VIII (Social and Behavioral Sciences3
Component Area IX (Component Area Option)4
Major: Foundation Theatre-Theatre Studies Emphasis
THEA 1115Tech Build Crew1
THEA 1116Costume Crew1
THEA 1117Management Crew1
Select two of the following:6
Intro to Scenic Technology
Intro to Lighting Technology
Intro to Costume Technology
THEA 1364Beginning Acting3
THEA 2367Play Analysis3
THEA 3360History Of The Theatre I3
THEA 4360History Of The Theatre II3
THEA 4366Directing I 23
Theatre Block Courses
The following courses are restricted until after the successful completion of the program-specific audition / portfolio and interview process.
THEA 2368Intermediate Acting3
THEA 3365Stage & Theatre Management3
TS Module A: Design / Technology
Select two of the following:6
Stage Make Up
Hand Drafting in Theatre
Beginning Design
Computer Drafting in Theatre
TS Module B: History, Theory, and Criticism
Select two of the following:6
History Of Costume
Dramaturgy
Special Topics
Dramatic Theory & Criticism
The American Musical Theatre
TS Module C: Practical Application
Select two of the following:6
Special Topics
Auditioning For Comm Theatre
Playwriting
Directing II
Experimental Theatre Productio
Worksp Chldrns Creative Drama
Theatre Production for Youth
TS Module D: Capstone
Select 3 hours from the following:3
Theatre Workshop
Realized Performance or Production
Theatre Internship
Portfolio Development
Repertory Theatre
Non-Theatre Electives
Select two of the following:6
Analog Photography
Digital Photography and Media
Photographic Concepts
Humor in Communication
Intercultural Communication
Conflict, Negotiatn & Resolutn
Persuasion
Dance History
Literature and Film
Modern Drama
Intro Creative Writing:Fiction
Intro Creative Writing: Poetry
Shakespeare: Tragedies & Hist
Shakespeare:Comedies & Romance
Introduction to Textiles
Fashion in Society
Applied Design Theory
History of Furnishings I
TV & Film Production
Special Topic
Design for PR & Advertising
Principles Of Management
Principles Of Marketing
Theatre Electives 321
Minor: Not Required 4
Total Hours120
1

MATH 1332 is recommended.

2

The following courses are restricted until after the successful completion of the program-specific audition / portfolio and interview process.

3

Theatre Electives (A minimum of 15 advanced hours selected with departmental approval and corresponding to a balance of coursework between the student’s areas of professional emphasis.)

4

A minor is not required for this degree program; however, a student has the option to add a minor, but to do so, additional semester credit hours will be needed above the degree program’s stated total semester credit hours.

Notes

Students must earn a 2.5 minimum overall GPA in all coursework. 

Students must meet a 2.75 minimum overall major GPA in all major coursework.

Students must earn a 2.5 minimum SHSU GPA in all coursework.

Students must meet a 2.75 minimum SHSU major GPA in all major coursework. 

As early as the sophomore year, and not later than the beginning of the junior year, each student, working with the student’s academic advisor, will complete and sign a Declaration of Professional Emphases form. Students will indicate two professional areas in which they desire to specialize. This selection will guide both the student and the academic advisor(s) throughout the student’s remaining study, with the advisor ensuring that the student’s course selection is appropriate for thorough preparation and is balanced between the chosen areas.

Additional information: Reference the Program Landing Page for additional information, such as cost, delivery format, contact information, or to schedule a visit. 

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Component Area I3Component Area I3
Component Area II13Component Area III4
Component Area V3Component Area IX1
THEA 1115, 1116, or 11171THEA 1115, 1116, or 11171
THEA 1330, 1331, or 13323THEA 1330, 1331, or 13323
THEA 13643THEA 23673
 16 15
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Component Area IV3Component Area III4
Component Area VI3Component Area VI3
THEA 1115, 1116, or 11171THEA 33603
THEA 236823THEA 336523
THEA Electives33TS Module A: Design / Technology43
TS Module A: Design / Technology43 
 16 16
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Component Area VII3Component Area VII3
Component Area VIII3THEA 43603
THEA 43663THEA Advanced Electives33
TS Module B: History, Theory, and Criticism 43TS Module B: History, Theory, and Criticism43
TS Module C: Practical Application 43TS Module C: Practical Application 43
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Component Area IX3THEA Advanced Electives36
THEA Advanced Elective36Non-Theatre Electives53
TS Module D: Capstone 43THEA Electives33
Non-Theatre Electives53 
 15 12
Total Hours: 120
1

MATH 1332 is recommended.

2

The following courses are restricted until after the successful completion of the program-specific audition / portfolio and interview process. 

3

Theatre Electives (A minimum of 15 advanced hours selected with departmental approval and corresponding to a balance of coursework between the student’s areas of professional emphasis.)

4

See list of TS Modules A, B, C, and D below.

5

See list of Non-Theatre Electives below.

TS Module A: Design / Technology 46
Select two from the following:
Stage Make Up
Hand Drafting in Theatre
Beginning Design
Computer Drafting in Theatre
TS Module B: History, Theory and Criticism 46
Select two from the following:
History Of Costume
Dramaturgy
Special Topics
Dramatic Theory & Criticism
The American Musical Theatre
TS Module C: Practical Application 46
Select two from the following:
Special Topics
Auditioning For Comm Theatre
Playwriting
Directing II
Experimental Theatre Productio
Worksp Chldrns Creative Drama
Theatre Production for Youth
TS Module D: Capstone 43
Select one from the following:
Theatre Workshop
Realized Performance or Production
Theatre Internship
Portfolio Development
Repertory Theatre
Non-Theatre Electives 56
Select two of the following:
Analog Photography
Digital Photography and Media
Photographic Concepts
Humor in Communication
Intercultural Communication
Conflict, Negotiatn & Resolutn
Persuasion
Dance History
Literature and Film
Modern Drama
Intro Creative Writing:Fiction
Intro Creative Writing: Poetry
Shakespeare: Tragedies & Hist
Shakespeare:Comedies & Romance
Introduction to Textiles
Fashion in Society
Applied Design Theory
History of Furnishings I
TV & Film Production
Special Topic
Design for PR & Advertising
Principles Of Management
Principles Of Marketing

Notes 

Students must earn a 2.5 minimum overall GPA in all coursework. 

Students must meet a 2.75 minimum overall major GPA in all major coursework.

Students must earn a 2.5 minimum SHSU GPA in all coursework.

Students must meet a 2.75 minimum SHSU major GPA in all major coursework. 

As early as the sophomore year, and not later than the beginning of the junior year, each student, working with the student’s academic advisor, will complete and sign a Declaration of Professional Emphases form. Students will indicate two professional areas in which they desire to specialize. This selection will guide both the student and the academic advisor(s) throughout the student’s remaining study, with the advisor ensuring that the student’s course selection is appropriate for thorough preparation and is balanced between the chosen areas.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) marketable skills initiative is part of the state’s 60x30TX plan and was designed to help students articulate their skills to employers.  Marketable skills are those skills valued by employers and/or graduate programs that can be applied in a variety of work or education settings and may include interpersonal, cognitive, and applied skill areas.

The BFA in Theatre - Theatre Studies Emphasis is designed to provide graduates with the following marketable skills:

  • Work as a team member to solve a variety of problems.
  • Creative problem solving, taking into account history, practical application, time, and available personnel.
  • Present ideas and solutions verbally and in written form to others.
  • Understand the need to produce a finished product on reasonable deadlines.