Academic Catalog 2023-2024

Slippery Rock University

Theatre, Bachelor of Arts (BA) - Concentration in Design & Technology

Program Learning Outcomes

Design and Technology

Students in the BA Theatre, Design & Technology concentration will gain technical and design skills requisite for self-expression in at least one major area of production. Students will:

  • gain the knowledge and skills sufficient to work in both collaborative and individual roles in matters of theatre interpretation.
  • learn the skills necessary to make, justify, and execute original design choices and technical/construction methodologies. 
  • gain proficiency in at least one technical area.

THEATRE DEPARTMENT, OVERALL

  • Communication: Students will learn to communicate effectively by developing and defending informed viewpoints about theatre.  Students will gain an understanding of the common elements and vocabulary of theatre and of the interaction of these elements, giving them the ability to analyze both dramatic literature and live performance perceptively and to evaluate them critically.
  • Creation/Production/Performance: Students will gain an overview of the collaborative elements of theatre and will demonstrate an understanding of the production process.  Students will explore and experience different values, perspectives, and aesthetics allowing them to problem solve, create, perform and produce theatre.  Students will successfully execute job duties related to the performance of a role, crew position and/or design assignment.
  • Professional Proficiency: Students will acquire the entrepreneurial skills necessary to assist in the development and advancement of careers in theatre.  Students will learn to apply knowledge and skills to meet professional competencies in the field of theatre.  Students will learn procedures and develop skills that enable them to conduct themselves in a manner accepted in the professional theatre community.
  • Historical Knowledge: Students will acquire familiarity with theatre literature of various historical periods, cultural sources, and modes of presentation.  Students will learn the essential elements of the historical development of theatre and drama.  Students will relate, connect, integrate, and contextualize knowledge acquired in theatre courses.

Degree Program Writing Competency: Students will gain the ability to write clearly and effectively.  

Related Links

Theatre - Design & Technology, BA Program Page

Theatre Department Page

Professional Licensure/Certification Page

Curriculum Guide

GPA Requirement

Major GPA: 2.00 or higher
Overall GPA: 2.00 or higher

Summary*

Rock Studies 2 Requirements42
Modern Language Requirement0-9
Other Basic Requirments0-3
Computer Competency0-3
Major/Concentration Requirements42
Electives36

* All undergraduate degree programs require a minimum of 120 credits.  Some courses meet multiple requirements, but are only counted once toward the 120 credit total required to graduate.

Rock Studies 2 Requirements

The Rock
SUBJ 139Foundations of Academic Discovery 13
ENGL 102Critical Writing3
ENGL 104Critical Reading3
MATH 117Quantitative Reasoning3
Select one of the following:3
Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice
Ethics and Civil Discourse
Civil Discourse and Democracy
Subtotal15
Integrated Inquiry
Creative and Aesthetic Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Humanities Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Social Science Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Natural Science Inquiry
SCI 101Science of Life3
Physical Science Inquiry
SCI 102Understanding the Physical World3
Subtotal15
Thematic Thread
Select 12 Credits 212
Subtotal12
Total Hours42
1

Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course in first major subject.

2

One course from each category; six credits must be 300-level or above; no more than 4 credits from one subject area; specific courses required in first major, regardless of prefix of course, cannot be used to satisfy thread requirements; any course with same prefix as first major cannot be used to satisfy thread requirements, even if it is not a course in the first major.

BA Modern Language Requirement

BA degree requires language proficiency at the 103 class level. Exemption by placement or examination is possible.

Complete 0-9 credits0-9
Total Hours0-9

Basic Math Requirement

Check with your adviser or a current degree audit report to see if you have been exempted from this course. The credit earned in this course will not be counted toward the 120 credit hour minimum needed to earn a degree.

Complete one of the following:0-3
Meet required minimum SAT or ACT math score OR
Beginning Algebra
Total Hours0-3

Computer Competency

Demonstrate "computer competency" by one of the following:0-3
Pass Computer Competency Exam OR
Select one of the following at SRU or another post-secondary institution:
Introduction to Computing for Liberal Arts
Computer Concepts
Introduction to Computing and Programming
Technology for Wellness
Total Hours0-3

DIVERSITY,  EQUITY,  AND INCLUSION REQUIREMENT

Students must take and pass a course with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) designation prior to graduation.  Students can meet this requirement by taking any DEI - designated course in any program at any time during their undergraduate career. 

Major/Concentration Requirements

  • 21 major credits must be taken at SRU or PASSHE
  • 21 major credits must be taken at the 300 level or above
Core Requirements
THEA 131Fundamentals of Acting 13
THEA 132Stagecraft 13
THEA 281Survey of Dramatic Literature I 13
THEA 283Survey of Dramatic Literature II 13
THEA 337Directing 13
THEA 425Professional Theatre Practice 13
Subtotal18
Design & Technology Concentration
THEA 151Rehearsal and Production 11
THEA 151Rehearsal and Production 11
THEA 151Rehearsal and Production 11
THEA 215Drawing/Drafting/CAD 13
THEA 235Costume Technology 13
THEA 333Scene Design 13
THEA 334Stage Lighting 13
THEA 335Costume Design and History 13
THEA 393History of Theatre Design and Architecture 13
Subtotal21
Design & Technology Advance Electives
Select three credits from the following:3
Stage Makeup 1
Shakespeare Tour 1
Advanced Stagecraft 1
New Play Development 1
International Theatre Experience 1
Stage Management and Safety 1
Projects in Theatre 1
Studies in Audience Development 1
Theories of Acting and Directing 1
Internship 1
Independent Study 1
Selected Topics 1
Subtotal3
Total Hours42
1

Course counts for 50% of Major requirements and Major GPA.

*

Some courses may require pre-requisites. Please see course descriptions to determine if there are any pre-requisites for that specific course.

Co-curricular and Experiential Learning

Students are encouraged to explore additional curricular and co-curricular opportunities. There is a strong correlation between long-term student success and participation in the following types of programs and activities:

  1. International study programs International study programs (including Edinburgh, Scotland, Fringe Festival Trip)
  2. SRU Theatre Department Productions
  3. Theatre internships and summer theatre employment
  4. High-Impact Practice (HIP) designated classes
  5. Student-faculty research
  6. Student leadership development
  7. Department field trips
  8. Theatre Department Student Staff
  9. Student Lab Productions in Sheehy Theatre
  10. Guest Artist lectures, workshops, and productions

THEATRE - BA (5 92)
Concentration in Design & Technology (DEST)
This program is effective as of Fall 2019.
Revised 7-2019
UCC RISP 2019

Important Curriculum Guide Notes

This Curriculum Guide is provided to help SRU students and prospective students better understand their intended major curriculum. Enrolled SRU students should note that the My Rock Audit may place already-earned and/or in progress courses in different, yet valid, curriculum categories. Enrolled SRU students should use the My Rock Audit Report and materials and information provided by their faculty advisers to ensure accurate progress towards degree completion. The information on this guide is current as of the date listed. Students are responsible for curriculum requirements at the time of enrollment at the University.

PASSHE - Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Institutions

Recommended Four-Year Plan

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallHours
THEA 132 Stagecraft 3
THEA 215 Drawing/Drafting/CAD 3
ENGL 102 Critical Writing 3
ESAP 101 FYRST Seminar * 1
SUBJ 139Foundations of Academic Discovery 1 3
Rock Studies 2 Requirement 3
 Hours16
Spring
THEA 131 Fundamentals of Acting 3
THEA 235 Costume Technology 3
ENGL 104 Critical Reading 3
Rock Studies 2 Requirement 3
Elective 3
 Hours15
Second Year
Fall
THEA 281 Survey of Dramatic Literature I 3
Modern Language 101 3
Rock Studies 2 Requirement 3
Rock Studies 2 Requirement 3
Elective 3
Declare a Thematic Thread 2
 Hours15
Spring
THEA 151 Rehearsal and Production 1
THEA 283 Survey of Dramatic Literature II 3
THEA 333
Scene Design
or Stage Lighting
3
Modern Language 102 3
Rock Studies 2 Requirement 3
Elective 3
 Hours16
Third Year
Fall
Select one of the following: 3
BA Design & Technology Elective (THEA 3XX) 3
THEA 335 Costume Design and History 3
Modern Language 103 3
Rock Studies 2 Requirement 3
Elective 3
 Hours15
Spring
THEA 151 Rehearsal and Production 1
THEA 334
Stage Lighting
or Scene Design
3
THEA 337 Directing 3
THEA 393 History of Theatre Design and Architecture 3
Rock Studies 2 Requirement 3
Rock Studies 2 Requirement 3
 Hours16
Fourth Year
Fall
THEA 425 Professional Theatre Practice 3
Rock Studies 2 Requirement 3
Rock Studies 2 Requirement 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
 Hours15
Spring
THEA 151 Rehearsal and Production 1
Rock Studies 2 Requirement 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
 Hours13
 Total Hours**121
1

Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course in first major subject

2

Work with your Academic Adviser to declare a Thematic Thread by the end of your fall semester in your second year.

3

Students may also select a Rock Studies 2 Thematic Thread Course.

4

Students may also select an Elective.

*

Students are encouraged to take ESAP 101 as a Free Elective.

** This document is meant to serve as a guide. Some planners may show more than 120 credits because faculty have created flexibility in choosing courses.  However, only 120 credits are required to obtain a degree. Please consult with your academic adviser and refer to your curriculum guide prior to registering for courses. This plan should be reviewed, and verified, by you and your academic adviser at least once each academic year. 

Major Code: 5390
Concentration Code: THPE
Revised date: 04.20.2023