Academics

The mission of the Department of Theatre Arts in the College of Liberal Arts at The University of Texas at Arlington is to provide a comprehensive undergraduate education through theory, practice, and research. The objectives of the department are to provide an extensive education in the theatrical profession through applied, practical experiences acquired by performance and production opportunities; to provide students an extensive application of the art, craft, and management of theatre arts; to explore the components which comprise the theatrical event and to research new theories and applications; to provide a challenging educational environment for the Theatre Arts student, characterized by shared values, unity of purpose, diversity of opinion, mutual respect, and a commitment to lifelong learning; to offer the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and the Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) degree programs for Theatre Arts students and to provide courses which meet the Fine Arts core curriculum requirements of the University.

Liberal Arts Requirements

The Bachelor of Arts degree provides a general background in the theatre arts and liberal arts. The B.A. allows students the opportunity, through elective course work in Theatre Arts, to tailor their degree program in interest areas the student may wish to explore. Students seeking the B.A. elect additional courses chosen from the University and Liberal Arts core curricula outside the Department of Theatre Arts.

Admission

In addition to the general requirements for admission to the University, the aspiring undergraduate must meet the following requirement for admission to the Bachelor of Arts degree program:

• Participation in advisement/interview.

Transfer students follow the same entrance procedures as freshman students and should realize that acceptance into the program is determined by the Theatre Arts faculty.

Candidates for the Bachelor of Arts degree must satisfy the requirements for the University and the College of Liberal Arts.

All Theatre Arts majors shall enroll for one hour per semester in residence in THEA 0181 (Practicum) in order to graduate. A minimum of two hours and a maximum of eight hours of THEA 0181 is required. Students should see their advisor regarding practicum obligations.

For transfer students, a minimum 2.25 cumulative grade point average in all transferring coursework is required for admission into the B.A. degree program.

For all Theatre Arts majors, a minimum 2.25 overall grade point average is required for all courses taken at UT Arlington in order to remain in the B.A. degree program. A minimum grade point average of 2.50 is required for all Theatre Arts courses taken at UT Arlington in order to remain in the B.A. degree program. Students currently enrolled at UT Arlington who wish to declare Theatre Arts as a major must have a minimum grade point average of 2.25 in overall coursework taken at UT Arlington in order to be admitted to the B.A. degree program.

All B.A. students are encouraged to audition for each major production each semester they are enrolled, though they may choose to decline being considered for a role at the time of the audition. Production activities and Theatre Arts disciplinary rules shall be governed by a student handbook that is available to the student through the Department of Theatre Arts.

A student will be placed on departmental academic probation in the Department of Theatre Arts if her/his grade point average drops below the minimum requirements for the degree plan in which she/he are enrolled. A theatre arts student who is on academic probation is not allowed to audition for or accept an acting role or serve as a designer, stage manager or other significant production position for any of the productions during the next regular semester they are enrolled. If after a regular semester the student's grade point average returns to at least the minimum required grade point average for her/his degree plan, then the probation is removed. However, if after a regular semester the student's grade point average does not meet the minimum required grade point average, the student may be removed from the degree program and will be advised as to other degree plan alternatives, should they exist.

The Department of Theatre Arts offers limited scholarships to deserving students. Work-study positions are also available. Contact the Department of Theatre Arts for information.

English

Six hours (1301 and 1302 or approved substitutes).

Literature

Three hours of English or modern and classical languages literature or other approved substitute.

Liberal Arts Elective

Three hours above the freshman level of literature, or social and cultural studies designated as taught in the College of Liberal Arts, or fine arts or philosophy, or technical writing.

Modern and Classical Languages

1441, 1442, 2313 and 2314 or equivalent.

U.S. Political Science

Six hours covering U.S. and Texas constitutions (This requirement is mandated by state law and cannot be waived).

U.S. History

Six hours of U.S. History or three hours of U.S. and three hours of Texas history (This requirement is mandated by state law and cannot be waived).

Mathematics

Six hours (MATH 1301 or higher).

Natural Science

Eight hours in a single lab science (biology, chemistry, geology, or physics).

Fine Arts

Three hours from art, dance, music, architecture, or theatre arts.

Social/Cultural Studies

Three hours.

Electives

Sufficient to give the total number of hours required for degree, six hours of which must be at the 3000/4000 level.

Theatre Arts

0181*, 1101, FS 1300**, 1304, 1305, 1307, 1343, 2306.

Plus 24 upper-division hours including:

3300, 3304, 3309, 3315, 4303, 4304, plus six elective hours at the 3000/4000 level.

* Theatre Arts majors shall enroll in one (1) hour per semester in residence in THEA 0181 (Theatre Practicum) in order to graduate. A minimum of two (2) hours and maximum of eight (8) hours of THEA 0181 are required. Students should see their advisor regarding practicum obligations.

**Only first year students are required and eligible to take this course.

Total

A minimum of 120 hours, of which at least 36 must be at the 3000/4000 level.

Optional Minor in Another Discipline

B.A. Degree students may pursue a minor in another discipline after filing a statement of intent with their undergraduate advisor.

Requirements for a Minor in Theatre Arts

Students who are not majoring in Theatre Arts may elect to minor in it. Twenty-two (22) hours of theatre arts courses are required. This includes THEA 1101, 1304, 1307, 1343, 3309 plus nine (9) elective hours: a minimum of six (6) of these elective hours must be at the 3000/4000 level. Students interested in theatre arts as a minor should consult a Theatre Arts Department advisor to determine the most advantageous selection of courses in light of their interests and experience. With such consultation, departmental prerequisites may be waived for the purposes of a minor.

Liberal Arts Requirements

The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is a specialized, pre-professional degree that provides a background in the liberal arts with subplans in Theatre Studies, Performance, Design, or Technical Production. The Theatre Studies Subplan provides a comprehensive study of the theatre arts, suitable for students seeking a career in teaching, directing, dramaturgy, and/or stage management. The Performance Subplan is designed for students seeking a professional career as an actor. The Design Subplan is for students seeking a professional career as a scenic, lighting, sound or costume designer. The Technical Production Subplan is for students seeking a professional career as a technical director and/or theatre technician. Students seeking the B.F.A. elect additional courses chosen from the University and Liberal Arts core curricula outside the Department of Theatre Arts.

Admission

In addition to the general requirements for admission to the University, the aspiring undergraduate must meet the following requirements for admission to the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program:

• Participation in advisement.
• A personal interview with a designated faculty member (all students)
• A 1,000-word written essay (Theatre Studies subplan) or an audition (Performance subplan) or a design/technical production portfolio review (Design or Technical Production subplans). For the Theatre Studies subplan, write an 1000-word essay about your educational and career objectives and how your experiences, and past and future training will help you to achieve those objectives. The essay should be typed or word-processed. A single pdf file should be emailed to department's academic advisor and a hard copy also mailed to: Academic Advisor, Department of Theatre Arts, Box 19103, Arlington, TX 76019-0103.
• Interview and audition and/or portfolio review (whichever is appropriate for the intended area of specialization).
• A grade point average or equivalent of at least 3.0 in all Theatre Arts course work from the student's high school or transferring college.
• For transfer students, a minimum 2.25 cumulative grade point average in all transferring coursework is required for admission into the B.F.A. degree program.
• A letter of recommendation from the student's high school theatre instructor.
• Upon acceptance by the University and the Department of Theatre Arts, an indication of area of specialization (theatre studies, performance, design, or technical production) is required.

Transfer students follow the same entrance procedures as freshman students and should realize that acceptance into the program is determined by the Theatre Arts faculty. A letter of recommendation from the student's college theatre instructor is required. If no theatre courses are transferring, a letter from the student's high school theatre instructor is required.

Candidates for the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree must satisfy the requirements for the University and the College of Liberal Arts.

All Theatre Arts majors shall enroll for one (1) hour per semester in residence in THEA 0181 (Theatre Practicum) in order to graduate. A minimum of two (2) hours and a maximum of eight (8) hours of THEA 0181 are required. The exception is for the BFA Technical Production Focus student who is required to enroll in six (6) hours of THEA 0281 (Technical Production Practicum) in lieu of three (3) hours of THEA 0181. Students should see their advisor regarding practicum obligations.

All B.F.A. students are accepted into the B.F.A. program on a probationary basis through their sophomore year. In the sophomore year, probationary B.F.A. students shall be evaluated by faculty as to whether they shall be admitted into the B.F.A. program on a regular basis. Students who are not admitted may seek advisement regarding the possibility of changing to the B.A. degree.

For all Theatre Arts majors, a minimum grade point average of 2.25 is required in overall coursework taken at UT Arlington in order to remain in the B.F.A. degree program. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 is required for all Theatre courses taken at UT Arlington in order to remain in the B.F.A. degree program. Students currently enrolled at UT Arlington who wish to declare Theatre Arts as a major must have a minimum grade point average of 2.25 in overall coursework taken at UT Arlington, in addition to the admission requirements stated above, in order to be considered for admission into the B.F.A. degree program.

B.F.A. Theatre Studies Subplan students are required to present a formal research poster session, or an approved equivalent, of their research project completed in the course "Theatre Studies Research" during the senior year.

All B.F.A. students who elect the Performance Subplan are required to audition for each major production each semester they are enrolled and must accept roles for which they are cast, unless special permission has been obtained in advance of the audition from the Performance Subplan Chair or the Chair of the Department.

B.F.A. Design Subplan and Technical Production Subplan students are required to present an updated portfolio and resume of production and course work at a formal portfolio review session at the end of each semester enrolled. Upon completion of the final semester of the B.F.A. Design or Technical Production Subplans, students shall present their work at an exit portfolio presentation: all accumulated design and/or production work completed while enrolled in the B.F.A. subplan shall be presented.

Production activities and Theatre Arts disciplinary rules shall be governed by a student handbook that is available to the student through the Department of Theatre Arts.

A student will be placed on departmental academic probation in the Department of Theatre Arts if her/his grade point average drops below the minimum requirements for the degree plan in which she/he are enrolled. A theatre arts student who is on academic probation is not allowed to audition for or accept an acting role or serve as a designer, stage manager or other significant production position for any of the productions during the next regular semester they are enrolled. If after a regular semester the student's grade point average returns to at least the minimum required grade point average for her/his degree plan, then the probation is removed. However, if after a regular semester the student's grade point average does not meet the minimum required grade point average, the student may be removed from the degree program and will be advised as to other degree plan alternatives, should they exist.

The Department of Theatre Arts offers limited scholarships to deserving students. Work-study positions are also available. Contact the Department of Theatre Arts for information.

English

Six hours (1301 and 1302 or approved substitutes).

Literature

Three hours of English or modern and classical languages literature or other approved substitute.

Liberal Arts Elective

Three hours above the freshman level of literature, or social and cultural studies designated as taught in the College of Liberal Arts, or fine arts or philosophy, or technical writing.

U.S. Political Science

Six hours covering U.S. and Texas constitutions (This requirement is mandated by state law and cannot be waived).

U.S. History

Six hours of U.S. History or three hours of U.S. and three hours of Texas history (This requirement is mandated by state law and cannot be waived).

Mathematics

Six hours (MATH 1301 or higher).

Natural Science

Eight hours in a single lab science (biology, chemistry, geology, or physics).

Fine Arts

Six hours from art, dance, music, architecture, or theatre arts.

Social/Cultural Studies

Three hours.

Electives

Sufficient to give the total number of hours required for degree.

Options

B.F.A. Theatre Studies Subplan

THEA 0181*, 1101, FS 1300**, 1303, 1304, 1305, 1307, 1343, 2306, 2352.

Plus 45 upper-division hours including:

THEA 3300, 3301, 3303 or 3306, 3304, 3305, 3309, 3315, 3320, 3340, 4302, 4303, 4304, 4342. 4343, and 4352.

B.F.A. Performance Subplan

THEA 0181*, 1101, FS 1300**, 1303, 1304, 1305, 1307, 1343, 2306, 2337, 2352.

Plus 39 upper-division hours including:

THEA 3300, 3301, 3303, 3304, 3305, 3309, 3311, 3315, 4302, 4303, 4304, 4311, 4340, 4343 and 4344.

B.F.A. Design Subplan

THEA 0181*, 1101, FS 1300**, 1303, 1304, 1305, 1307, 1343, 2306.

Plus 39 upper-division hours including:

THEA 3300, 3301, 3303, 3304, 3305, 3306, 3309, 3315, 4302, 4303, 4304, 4343 and 4344.

B.F.A. Technical Production Subplan

THEA 0181*,0281*, 1101, FS 1300**, 1303, 1304, 1305, 1307, 1343, 2306.

Plus 42 upper-division hours including:

THEA 3300, 3301, 3303, 3304, 3305, 3306, 3309, 3315, 4302, 4303, 4304, 4314, 4320, 4344.

* All Theatre Arts majors shall enroll in one (1) hour per semester in residence in THEA 0181 (Theatre Practicum) in order to graduate. A minimum of two (2) hours and maximum of eight (8) hours of THEA 0181 are required. The exception is for the BFA Technical Production Subplan student who is required to enroll in six (6) hours of THEA 0281 (Technical Theatre Practicum) in lieu of three (3) hours of THEA 0181 (Theatre Practicum). Students should see their advisor regarding practicum obligations.

**Only first year students are required and eligible to take this course.

Total

128 hours, of which at least 39 must be at the 3000/4000 level.

Students majoring in Theatre Arts may demonstrate competency in oral communications by taking any course approved by the Undergraduate Assembly for this purpose. Alternatively, they may demonstrate this competency by passing the University proficiency examination in oral communication.

Students majoring in Theatre Arts may demonstrate competency in computer use by taking any course approved by the Undergraduate Assembly for this purpose. Alternatively, they may demonstrate this competency by passing the University proficiency examination in computer use.

Students interested in Texas Teacher Certification should consult the College of Education for the most recent changes in requirements regarding admission to teacher education, completion of university programs in preparation for certification, and eligibility for certification after graduation.

Chair

Professor LaFontaine

Professor

A. Gaupp

Associate Professors

Chapa, Kongevick, Maher

Senior Lecturer

N. Gaupp

Specialist

Harvey, Land

View Course Descriptions for:

Theatre Arts (THEA)