SCHOOL OF THEATRE

Undergraduate School of Theatre

COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS

Chair: Kris Salata; Professors: Malaey-Babel, Salata; Associate Professors: Arespacochaga, Armit, Lile, Osborne, Wren; Assistant Professors: Bracey, Copenhaver, Fahmy, Gillette, Gillis, Gossmann, Martin, Thomas, Travis; Specialized Faculty: Delorey, Epstein, Hagwood, Maccarone, Schmidli; Burt Reynolds Eminent Scholar Chair in Theatre: TBA; Hoffman Eminent Scholar Chair in Theatre: TBA; Professor Emeritus: Baker, Chappell, Dahl, Fallon, Muscha

The School of Theatre is a fully accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Theatre, and its degree requirements are in accordance with the latest published regulations of that association. The School of Theatre offers degrees and coursework at both undergraduate and graduate levels. To major in theatre, a student must meet with an academic advisor in theatre.

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) is a flexible, broad-based liberal arts degree, providing a basic knowledge of, and experience in, theatre arts. The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) offers an intensive program of training in acting or music theatre. The Master of Arts/Master of Science (MA/MS) degrees offer a blend of academic courses and production training on an advanced level. The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree provides training to achieve professional-level competencies in directing, acting, costume design, technical production, or theatre management.

State of Florida Common Program Prerequisites for Theatre

The Florida Virtual Campus (FLVC) houses the statewide, internet-based catalog of distance learning courses, degree programs, and resources offered by Florida's public colleges and universities, and they have developed operational procedures and technical guidelines for the catalog that all institutions must follow. The statute governing this policy can be reviewed by visiting https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2021/1006.73.

FLVC has identified common program prerequisites for the degree program in Theatre. To obtain the most up-to-date, state-approved prerequisites for this degree, visit: https://cpm.flvc.org/programs/157/232.

Specific prerequisites are required for admission into the upper-division program and must be completed by the student at either a community college or a state university prior to being admitted to this program. Students may be admitted into the University without completing the prerequisites but may not be admitted into the program.

Digital Literacy Requirement

Students must complete at least one course designated as meeting the Digital Literacy Requirement with a grade of “C–” or higher. Courses fulfilling the Digital Literacy Requirement must accomplish at least three of the following outcomes:

· Evaluate and interpret the accuracy, credibility, and relevance of digital information

· Evaluate and interpret digital data and their implications

· Discuss the ways in which society and/or culture interact with digital technology

· Discuss digital technology trends and their professional implications

· Demonstrate the ability to use digital technology effectively

· Demonstrate the knowledge to use digital technology safely and ethically

Each academic major has determined the courses that fulfill the Digital Literacy requirement for that major. Students should contact their major department(s) to determine which courses will fulfill their Digital Literacy requirement.

Requirements

Admission to Majors

Students should contact the School of Theatre Office of Academic and Student Services regarding admission requirements and procedures for the majors or visit the School of Theatre website at https://theatre.fsu.edu.

Attendance Requirement for All School Events

All undergraduate students in the School of Theatre must register for THE 4990 every Fall and Spring in which they are enrolled as a theatre major. This course is a zero credit, S/U course. Students must attend all school meetings, required plays, and other required events. Failure to comply with this requirement will jeopardize graduation eligibility.

CoreFSU Curriculum Program

All undergraduates in theatre are required to meet the CoreFSU Curriculum requirements as specified in the “Undergraduate Degree Requirements” chapter of this General Bulletin.

Retention Standards

A grade of “C–” or better is required in all major courses and prerequisites except THE 2020, which requires a “B–” or better. Students may only retake a major requirement once in which a grade below the minimum was received. (THE 2020 may be taken only once.) The class must be retaken the following term, and a minimum grade of “C–” must be achieved for retention. BA students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in major requirements and a cumulative GPA of 3.0; BFA Acting and Music Theatre students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in major requirements and a cumulative GPA of 3.0. If a BFA student receives below a B- in a major requirement, or if the GPA falls below the minimum, the student will be placed on probation for the following term. If the grade or GPA does not meet minimum standards by the end of the probationary term, the student will be dismissed from the School of Theatre.

The School of Theatre retains the right to refuse admission or terminate enrollment at any time if a student fails to maintain the standards of the program.

Honors in Theatre

The School of Theatre offers a program in honors to encourage talented juniors and seniors to undertake independent and original research as part of the undergraduate experience. For requirements and other information, see the “University Honors Office and Honor Societies” chapter of this General Bulletin.

Bachelor of Arts Requirements

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) is a flexible liberal arts degree intended to offer a comprehensive knowledge of theatre arts. The program requires a balance of theatre core classes and electives that allow students the opportunity to explore selected areas of the theatre. Theatre core requirements include courses in performance, technical theatre, design, and theatre history. All BA students must complete a run and usher experience. Electives can be fulfilled with additional theatre courses or any other University courses. CoreFSU Curriculum requirements for the baccalaureate degree must be met. For more information, see the Bachelor of Arts Degree section of the “Undergraduate Degree Requirements” chapter of this General Bulletin.

Technical Theatre Requirement

BA Theatre majors must complete the technical theatre requirement. Courses must be taken every term beginning the first term in residence until the requirement is complete. Students transferring with a major in theatre may receive transfer credit for no more than one technical theatre course.

Major

A minimum of 46 credit hours of coursework in theatre is required. Contact the Office of Academic and Student Services in the School of Theatre for a complete list of requirements.

Note: At least 18 credit hours of these required courses must be completed in residence.

Bachelor of Fine Arts Requirements

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) is a preprofessional degree, with intensive, in-depth training. The goal is the development of both an understanding of theatre as a total art and the skills necessary for its expression. Students may concentrate in acting or music theatre. The BFA program is designed to provide the necessary foundation for specialization at the graduate or professional level. Admission to the program is highly selective. A student seeking to enter the program must offer, in addition to an acceptable GPA, an acting and/or music theatre audition, and a complete application packet. Continuation in the program is dependent not only upon academic performance but also upon development of talent and skill potential as evaluated by faculty assessment. A student's work and commitment are under continuous review, and any candidate who fails to maintain high standards will be dismissed from the program. Complete details regarding auditions can be found at https://theatre.fsu.edu.

Common Curriculum

Beyond the CoreFSU Curriculum requirements, BFA students are required to complete approximately seventy-four to 86 credit hours in theatre and related courses. All BFA students are required to successfully complete core theatre courses and technical laboratories. Contact the Office of Academic and Student Services in the School of Theatre for complete degree requirements.

Concentration in Acting

Students with a concentration in acting must complete TPA 2201, 2248, 2291; TPP 2110, 2111, 2710, 3510, 3511, 3710, 3711, 4113, 4148, 4228, 4310, 4531, 4712, 4713, 4922; THE 3213, 3214, 4260, 4303, 4954, and eight elective credit hours in performance.

Concentration in Music Theatre

Students with a concentration in music theatre must complete MUT 1111, 1241; MVV 3532, 4542; THE 3214, 4303, 4244, 4245; TPA 2201, 2248, 2291; TPP 2110, 2111, 2710, 3510, 4310, 4257, 4512, and 4923. A minimum of 16 credit hours of private voice, as well as keyboard, and dance are also required until proficiency is demonstrated in these skills.

London Theatre Experience

In addition to its degree programs, the School of Theatre has created the London Theatre Experience, an extraordinary curriculum in London for select theatre majors. The program includes theatre-going, backstage tours, classes with leading theatre artists, special internships, and performance opportunities. Students earn a term of academic credit while participating in a program that makes a real difference in their lives as students, artists, and human beings. Graduate credit is available only by special request.

Facilities

There are several performance spaces available for the production of plays. All include rehearsal space. They are: the Richard G. Fallon Theatre in the Fine Arts Building; the Studio, or the Augusta Conradi Theatre, in the Williams Building; The Lab Theatre; and the Fine Arts Annex.

The Richard G. Fallon Theatre in the Fine Arts Building is a proscenium theatre with continental seating for 500 patrons. Stage equipment includes a turntable, a counterweight system, hydraulic orchestra pit, a computer lightboard, a four-channel sound system, light and sound shops, two large-group dressing rooms, and two private dressing rooms.

The Studio, or the Augusta Conradi Theatre, is a proscenium house and seats 200 patrons. The stage equipment includes a rope system, a preset lightboard, a single channel sound system, a light and sound control booth, green room, two group dressing rooms, and a small scene shop. The auditorium is used as a lecture classroom and demonstration laboratory.

The Lab is a flexible theatre space used in proscenium, thrust, arena, and open configurations. There is a variable seating capacity depending on each production's staging requirements. There is a lighting grid, and portable sound and lighting equipment is utilized. Subscription productions are mounted in the Lab Theatre each year. In addition, the space is used for student development and productions. There is an accompanying rehearsal hall next door.

The Fine Arts Annex is a small proscenium space with flexible seating. The space is used as a classroom space, rehearsal space, and as a performance space.