Theatre Studies Major

Theatre at Capital: Theatre is the most inclusive and collaborative of the arts. Besides acting, which from the audience's perspective, is the obvious art, theatre involves writing, design, dance, music, painting, a variety of mechanical arts such as carpentry and electricity, makeup, directing, and just a little bit of magic. Because so many areas are involved, different universities choose to house their theatre programs in different areas. At some schools, theatre might be part of a music program, a fine arts program, or an English program. Here at Capital University, we agree with Shakespeare that the purpose of theatre is “to hold the mirror up to Nature.” All of the various arts involved in producing a play serve to communicate great ideas – whether they be tragic, or comic, or romantic, or historic – to the audience. This communication is the key. As such, the theatre program at Capital is part of the department of communication.

Program

Theatre at Capital is a co-curricular program. This means that the university offers both a variety of academic courses and an active production season. Academically, the University offers a major in theatre studies and a minor in theatre studies. We also work with the Conservatory of Music for the major in vocal performance with emphasis in musical theatre and opera preparation. Our course offerings include an introductory class, acting, directing, stagecraft, performance studies, production, theatre history and playwriting. Other subjects may be studied through our individual studies program.

Other Activities

Involvement in the theatre program at Capital does not require being a theatre studies major, minor or a communication major. All are welcome and auditions are open to the entire campus community. We produce four shows a year, and we also work with the Conservatory on the spring musical. There are other activities such as Readers' Theatre, performance festivals and improvisational comedy. Any student involved in these can earn academic credit through our pre-professional activities program. Work-study positions are available in our technical shop for students who qualify. Some of our students have had internships with professional theatres. We also sponsor a chapter of Alpha Psi Omega, the national theatre honorary.

Careers

Despite what you may have heard, there are jobs in the theatre and it is possible to get one. Several of our students are now working in the theatre. Theatre management – studying business and theatre – is a growing area. The theatre studies major provides preparation for careers in education, regional theatre, audience development and liturgical drama. Both the theatre studies major and minor create excellent foundations for the pursuit of graduate degrees.

Four-Year Sample Schedule of a Theatre Studies Major:

All courses subject to availability and adviser approval. Some courses are offered once per year. Others are offered on a two-year rotation basis, the sequence of which can begin as early as the freshman year.
*All undergraduates must demonstrate that these General Education goals have been met.
**Required courses for ILA Licensure (7-12).