Prepare for a lifetime of creativity. Better yet, you'll be involved from the moment you get here. There are no barriers.
From main stage productions to student-driven projects, it begins in the first semester. In fact, theatre majors are required to enroll in Theatre Practicum every semester, which ensures participation in theatre production in some capacity. Our program is big enough to create interesting, exciting theatre, while still receiving one-on-one mentoring and instruction in the areas of theatre you most want to learn about.
You'll select from one of three areas of concentration:
In addition, you'll be offered specialty courses such as Career Seminars to prepare you for the world of professional theatre, Theatre Forum that provides professional development opportunities, as well as Musical Theatre, Acting for the Camera, Applied Theatre, New Play Development, and others.
Other Programs You May Be Interested In*Please see the CU degree requirements effective Fall 2023. All enrolled students can also review their degree program requirements and track progress to degree completion in Degree Works.
The Performance emphasis prepares graduates to pursue further studies as an actor or director. Acting and directing classes are small, almost always with 16 or fewer students, so you’ll get lots of one-on-one instruction. The curriculum offers a sequence of courses that will guide you to augment your own abilities by examining and applying techniques and methods of past and current masters. With these explorations, you will be encouraged to develop independently as a critical thinker and risk-taker and as a collaborative creative artist.
The Design and Technology emphasis prepares students who to pursue advanced studies as scenic, costume, and lighting designers and technicians. With nearly 100 years of combined design and technical experience among the faculty and staff, students will benefit from a wealth of knowledge. Studio class sizes are small, often with fewer than 15 students, so you will also benefit from personal attention. The curriculum offers a sequence of courses which examines and applies techniques of design concepts in each major area as well as construction and execution for stage production. With these explorations, the student is encouraged to develop independently as a critical thinker and risk-taker and as a collaborative creative artist.
Integrated Theatre Studies enables you to pursue a broad course of studies in each area of production. This option is especially appropriate for students if you wish to pursue a career in stage or theatre management, educational theatre, or theatre for youth. This curriculum offers courses which require theoretical and practical experience in all areas of theatre.
Each checklist is for students who are enrolling to Commonwealth University in the Fall 2023 semester.
NOTE: Students enrolled prior to the Fall 2023 semester should speak directly with their assigned academic advisor about any questions regarding their specific requirements for graduation instead of using the linked document/text.
The Michael Collins Theatre Scholarship: Up to four scholarships ranging from $100 to $750 may be awarded to students majoring in theatre who display a commitment to theatre as a diverse and multi-disciplinary pursuit, possess a collaborative spirit and leadership qualities, and demonstrate a positive, willing attitude and work ethic. Priority in selection is given to students with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 overall and 3.5 in theatre courses.
Alpha Psi Omega is the National Honor Fraternity for the Dramatics, and is the largest national honor society in America. New members are invited to join periodically throughout the year. Applicants must have experience in at least three areas of Theatre. Selection is made utilizing a structured point system to evaluate a candidate’s experience and their demonstrated leadership within the Theatre and Dance Division. Membership represents the most dedicated of the students interested in theatre on campus.
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