Mar 28, 2024  
OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2008-09 
    
OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2008-09 [Archived Catalog]

Theater, School of


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The undergraduate theater experience at Ohio University is a blend of intensive training in a selected concentration, core theater studies and practice, and liberal arts experiences, leading to a professionally oriented Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A) or a broad-based Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree.

The theater is not an island unto itself; it exists as part of and because of a larger world. For this reason, advisors in the School of Theater strive to help theater students satisfy programmatic requirements and the University General Education requirements in a manner that encourages them to understand and contribute to the larger world. All theater students devote a portion of their studies to examination of the literature and history of the theater, the role of theater in society, and relationship to other art disciplines.

Production activities are considered crucial to the total curriculum planning of a theater major. Students register each quarter for a credit-bearing practicum in production. In the first year, this involves participation in productions through technical and management assignments. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors have the opportunity to participate as a performer, technician, designer, or stage manager. Students are eligible to audition for the Ohio University Players at the Monomoy Theater, which is our summer stock theater on Cape Cod. Theater students are encouraged to pursue internship and study opportunities abroad, including study abroad programs in the School of Theater, College of Fine Arts, and Ohio University.

Ongoing and individual advising is an extremely important aspect of the programs in the School of Theater. Each School of Theater student meets quarterly with a faculty advisor (eventually one of the core faculty members in their area of study) for academic and programmatic guidance. All theater students are required to attain a minimum grade of C in any theater course required for graduation. Unsatisfactory progress might result in academic or program probation, removal from a sequence or degree within the School, or denial of further enrollment as a degree candidate in the School of Theater. Careful planning and intelligent course selection make it possible to pursue a minor or second major. In addition, high-achieving, highly motivated students can apply to the Theater Tutorial Program (see Honors Tutorial College for requirements and deadlines).

Admission Requirements

Once you have been admitted to Ohio University, you may enter the School of Theater as a general theater major. For scholarship consideration, auditions and interviews are conducted during the winter quarter of each year for students considering entrance the following fall. You are assigned an entry faculty advisor and may be reassigned to a new advisor once you are accepted into a degree concentration program.

Procedure for Admission B.F.A. Programs

At the end of the freshman year, you are expected to declare a degree program. Under normal circumstances, you must complete all the 100-level theater core requirements to be considered for entry into a degree program. Students audition, interview, or present portfolios for entry into the B.F.A. programs (performance, management, playwriting, or production design and technology). You may also enroll in a course of study leading to the B.A. degree.

Provisional acceptance into B.F.A. programs: End of freshman year.

After acceptance into one of these programs, retention is based on periodic review of the student’s progress, with a major review at the end of the sophomore year.

Theater Core Courses (Required of all B.F.A. majors)

THAR 090 Lunchbag Theater Seminar Series 0
THAR 101 Intro to Profession 1
THAR 110* Intro to Performance 2
THAR 111* Acting Improvisation 2
THAR 112*,
or THAR 213*
Intro to Performance. Warm-up
Acting Fundamentals II
2
THAR 130 Design Principles for the Stage 3
THAR 131A Fundamentals of Scenery and Props 3
THAR 131B Fundamentals of Lighting and Sound 3
THAR 131C Fundamentals of Costumes and Crafts 3
THAR 151 Fundamentals of Playwriting 3
THAR 171 Play Analysis 3
THAR 172 Elements of Performance 3
THAR 270, 271, 272 Theater History I, II, III 12
THAR 420 Directing
Two seminars from THAR 470 series
Two English courses at the 200 level or above
4
8
8

*For students interested in auditioning for the Performance Program, the recommended Acting Course sequence is THAR 110, 111, and 112 for the 6-credit-hour requirement. All other students can complete any combination of THAR 110, 111, 112, and 213 for the 6-credit-hour requirement.

Practicum

Sophomore Three 200-level practica
Three courses, 2 credit hours each
(fall, winter, spring)
6
Junior Two 300-level practica
Two courses, 3 credit hours each
(any quarter)
6
Senior Three 400-level practica
Three courses, 2 credit hours each
(fall, winter, spring) in area of emphasis
6

 

Minimum total practicum credits: 18

All majors are required to enroll for Lunchbag Theater Seminar (THAR 090) each quarter of residence.

Liberal Arts Requirements for Theater Majors

In addition to the Tier I, II, and III requirements, all majors in the School of Theater are required to take two English courses at the 200 level or above. Two Shakespeare courses are strongly advised and may be required in a specific program. (Tier I junior composition does not fulfill this requirement.)

Total: 78

Minimum Grade Requirement

All theater majors are required to attain a minimum grade of C in any theater course required for graduation.

Electives

Distribution of elective hours will vary depending upon degree requirements of a particular area. You are encouraged to use your elective choices in a manner that expands on the liberal arts experience, particularly with choices in the areas of literature, philosophy, history, and psychology. If you are in acting, you also are advised to strengthen your personal talents in the areas of music, dance, and art.

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