Mar 29, 2024  
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Theatre Major, B.F.A.


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Department of Theatre and Dance  

College of Letters, Arts and Sciences  

  Available Program Format(s): In-Person  

About the Program


Theatre is “Equipment for Living.” That’s the philosophy behind the MSU Denver Theatre program. 

MSU Denver’s B.F.A. in Theatre degree is an intensive pre-professional program that offers two concentrations: 

  • Music Theatre 
  • Applied Theatre Technology and Design 

Music Theatre provides rich opportunities for performing; Applied Theatre Technology and Design provides hands-on technical theatre experience. These experiences are provided both in class and onstage as well as through on-campus productions, internships at local theatres and with the University’s own professional Kaiser Permanente Touring Company, which delivers health-oriented performances in local schools. 

Taught by veteran teachers who are also theatre and design professionals, you will receive the kind of mentoring you need to make your way as an actor, theatre technician or designer, as well as discover ways to use your Theatre training in other fields. As a Theatre major, you will study the academic side of Theatre as well as receive opportunities to perform and work in campus productions, serve as a production dramaturge, become part of an MSU Denver touring company, intern at local theatres and participate in regional and national theatre competitions. 

MSU Denver’s Theatre program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre. The program will not only prepare you for further graduate studies, but also will provide the training necessary for careers in voice, film and theatre and other media. Many Theatre majors also translate their Theatre degrees into careers such as teaching, sales, law, business, communications and more.

Student Outcomes


  • Demonstrates a solid understanding of the business of theatre as it applies to his/her chosen concentration, especially an understanding of how to secure and maintain employment. 
  • Demonstrates the ability to exercise the skills of his/her chosen concentration with other theatre skill areas. 
  • Demonstrates the ability to think logically and critically. 
  • Demonstrates the ability to verbalize and/or write coherent and insightful criticism of dramatic literature and theatre production. 
  • Articulates the role of the arts, and theatre specifically, in diverse cultures represented in the city, state, and country. 
  • Works effectively and productively as a member of groups. 
  • Demonstrates the discipline, attitude, perseverance, and focus necessary for a career in the theatre. 
  • Demonstrates problem-solving skills in the application of his/her theatre skills to both laboratory experiences and public-performance opportunities.

General Degree Requirements


To earn a degree, students must satisfy all requirements in each of the four areas below, in addition to their individual major requirements. 

Program Requirements


  • A total of 120 semester hours are required for graduation. 
  • A grade of C- or better is required for each course in this program to count toward the bachelor’s degree. Students should note that programs differ in the minimum grade required. 
  • A minor is not required for this program.

General Studies Requirements: 33 credits


Students should consult the General Studies Requirements  for a list of courses that fulfill the General Studies Requirements for degree completion.  

  • Written Communication (6 credits) 
  • Oral Communication (3 credits) 
  • Quantitative Literacy (3 credits) 
  • Arts and Humanities (6 credits) 
  • Historical (3 credits) 
  • Natural and Physical Sciences (6 credits) 
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 credits) 
  • Global Diversity (0 or 3 credits**)

 

**Students will fulfill the global diversity requirement by taking an approved course within one of the following categories: arts and humanities; historical; natural and physical sciences; or social and behavioral sciences. 

Multicultural Requirement: 0 or 3 credits


  • Students should consult the Multicultural Graduation Requirements  for a list of courses that fulfill the Multicultural Requirement for degree completion.  
  • Students should consult with their advisor to determine what program courses may fulfill this requirement. 

Music Theatre Concentration: 39 credits


Required Courses: 36 credits


Concentration Elective Courses: 3 credits


All courses with a “THE” prefix, except those courses required for the major or concentration, may be selected in consultation with an approved theatre advisor within the Department of Theatre. This can include internship credits beyond the 4 credits required for the BFA core Music Theatre Concentration.

Applied Theatre Technology and Design Concentration: 39 credits


Concentration Elective Courses: 14 credits


All courses with a “THE” prefix, except those courses required for the major or concentration, may be selected in consultation with an approved theatre advisor within the Department of Theatre. This can include internship credits beyond the 4 credits required for the BFA Applied Theatre Technology and Design concentration.

Senior Experience: 3 credits


All students must complete this course for their senior experience:

Summary of Requirements


General Studies Requirements 33 credits
Multicultural Requirement 0-3 credits
Required Core Courses 38 credits
Concentration Selection (Music Theatre or Applied Theatre Technology and Design) 39 credits
Senior Experience 3 credits
Minor and Unrestricted Electives 4-13 credits
Total for the Theatre Major, B.F.A. 120 credits

Required courses for the major may also count for General Studies and Multicultural requirements, so the total credits listed may be greater than the number required to complete the degree. Therefore, it is important that you work with your advisor to make sure you are meeting requirements for your degree.

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