Theatre

Overview of the Theatre Program at Slippery Rock University

The Theatre Program at Slippery Rock University offers students an extensive and comprehensive education in the performing arts, designed to prepare graduates for diverse careers in the theatre industry. Rooted in a rich tradition of artistic excellence and academic rigor, the program combines practical performance experience with academic coursework to develop well-rounded theatre artists. Students have opportunities to engage in acting, directing, stage management, set design, costume design, lighting, sound, and theatre technology, allowing them to explore various facets of theatre production and performance.

Throughout their studies, students work closely with faculty members who are experienced professionals in the field, gaining mentorship and hands-on experience through a variety of productions and projects. The program emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical application, encouraging students to develop their creative talents, technical skills, and critical thinking abilities. In addition to classroom instruction, students participate in numerous productions, workshops, and internships that provide real-world experience and industry networking opportunities.

The curriculum is designed to foster collaboration, inclusivity, and innovation, preparing students to adapt to the dynamic landscape of modern theatre. Students graduate with a solid foundation in theatrical principles, alongside a portfolio of work that demonstrates their versatility and professionalism. The program also offers opportunities for specialization in areas such as performance, design, or technical theatre, enabling students to tailor their education to their career goals.

Slippery Rock University’s Theatre Program is committed to enriching the cultural life of the university and the community through theatrical productions, outreach programs, and collaborations. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to pursue careers as actors, directors, designers, technicians, educators, or graduate studies in theatre and related fields. With a passionate faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and a vibrant campus community, the programme provides an inspiring environment for students to develop their artistic talents and launch successful careers in theatre arts.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline Rolling basis Tuition fee Not specified Start date August 2015 Duration full-time 48 months Languages Take an IELTS test

• English

Delivery mode On Campus Educational variant Full-time

Course Content

Requirements for the Theatre Bachelor of Arts - Credits: 40Required Core Courses for all Specializations - Credits: 22

• THEA 131 - Fundamentals of Acting Credits: 3
• THEA 132 - Stagecraft Credits: 3
• THEA 151 - Rehearsal and Production Credits: 1

• (Four credits required)

• THEA 281 - Survey of Dramatic Literature I Credits: 3
• THEA 283 - Survey of Dramatic Literature II Credits: 3
• THEA 337 - Directing Credits: 3
• THEA 425 - Professional Theatre Practice Credits: 3

Select One of the Following:Specialization: Acting - Credits: 18

Required Courses - Credits: 18

• THEA 222 - Acting II Credits: 3
• THEA 322 - Acting Technique Credits: 3
• THEA 324 - Stage Makeup Credits: 3
• THEA 328 - Acting Shakespeare Credits: 3
• THEA 330 - Voice and Movement for the Actor Credits: 3
• THEA 394 - Theories of Acting and Directing Credits: 3

Electives - Credits: 0

• THEA 141 - Introduction to the Theatre Credits: 3
• THEA 159 - Introduction to Arts Administration Credits: 3
• THEA 215 - Drawing/Drafting/CAD Credits: 3
• THEA 235 - Costume Technology Credits: 3
• THEA 259 - Studies in Audience Development Credits: 3
• THEA 269 - Playwriting Credits: 3
• THEA 322 - Acting Technique Credits: 3
• THEA 329 - Shakespeare Tour Credits: 3
• THEA 332 - Advanced Stagecraft Credits: 3
• THEA 333 - Scene Design Credits: 3
• THEA 334 - Stage Lighting Credits: 3
• THEA 335 - Costume Design and History Credits: 3
• THEA 339 - New Play Development Credits: 3
• THEA 340 - International Theatre Experience Credits: 3
• THEA 345 - Stage Management and Safety Credits: 3
• THEA 355 - Projects in Theatre Credits: 1 to 2
• THEA 369 - Advanced Playwriting Credits: 3
• THEA 370 - Playwriting Genres and Styles Credits: 3
• THEA 372 - Senior Seminar in Playwriting Credits: 3
• THEA 393 - History of Theatre Design and Architecture Credits: 3
• THEA 450 - Internship Credits: Up to 12
• THEA 490 - Independent Study Credits: 1 to 3
• THEA 498 - Selected Topics Credits: 1 to 3

Specialization: Arts Administration -Credits 18

Required Courses - Credits: 18

• PROF 220 - Introduction to Nonprofit Leadership Credits: 3
• PROF 325 - Social and Ethical Issues in Philanthropy and Fundraising Credits: 3
• THEA 159 - Introduction to Arts Administration Credits: 3
• THEA 259 - Studies in Audience Development Credits: 3
• THEA 393 - History of Theatre Design and Architecture Credits: 3

• or THEA394, Theories of Acting and Directing Credits / Units: 3

• THEA 450 - Internship Credits: Up to 12

Electives - credits 0

• THEA 141 - Introduction to the Theatre Credits: 3
• THEA 215 - Drawing/Drafting/CAD Credits: 3
• THEA 222 - Acting II Credits: 3
• THEA 235 - Costume Technology Credits: 3
• THEA 269 - Playwriting Credits: 3
• THEA 322 - Acting Technique Credits: 3
• THEA 324 - Stage Makeup Credits: 3
• THEA 328 - Acting Shakespeare Credits: 3
• THEA 329 - Shakespeare Tour Credits: 3
• THEA 330 - Voice and Movement for the Actor Credits: 3
• THEA 332 - Advanced Stagecraft Credits: 3
• THEA 333 - Scene Design Credits: 3
• THEA 334 - Stage Lighting Credits: 3
• THEA 335 - Costume Design and History Credits: 3
• THEA 339 - New Play Development Credits: 3
• THEA 340 - International Theatre Experience Credits: 3
• THEA 345 - Stage Management and Safety Credits: 3
• THEA 355 - Projects in Theatre Credits: 1 to 2
• THEA 369 - Advanced Playwriting Credits: 3
• THEA 370 - Playwriting Genres and Styles Credits: 3
• THEA 372 - Senior Seminar in Playwriting Credits: 3
• THEA 394 - Theories of Acting and Directing Credits: 3
• THEA 450 - Internship Credits: Up to 12
• THEA 490 - Independent Study Credits: 1 to 3
• THEA 498 - Selected Topics Credits: 1 to 3

Specialization: Design/Technology - Credits: 27

Required Courses - Credits: 15

• THEA 215 - Drawing/Drafting/CAD Credits: 3
• THEA 235 - Costume Technology Credits: 3
• THEA 333 - Scene Design Credits: 3
• THEA 334 - Stage Lighting Credits: 3

or

• THEA 335 - Costume Design and History Credits: 3
• THEA 393 - History of Theatre Design and Architecture Credits: 3

Electives - Credits: 3

(All must be 300 level or above)

• THEA 322 - Acting Technique Credits: 3
• THEA 324 - Stage Makeup Credits: 3
• THEA 328 - Acting Shakespeare Credits: 3
• THEA 329 - Shakespeare Tour Credits: 3
• THEA 330 - Voice and Movement for the Actor Credits: 3
• THEA 332 - Advanced Stagecraft Credits: 3
• THEA 334 - Stage Lighting Credits: 3

• * see footnote

• THEA 335 - Costume Design and History Credits: 3

• * see footnote

• THEA 339 - New Play Development Credits: 3
• THEA 340 - International Theatre Experience Credits: 3
• THEA 345 - Stage Management and Safety Credits: 3
• THEA 355 - Projects in Theatre Credits: 1 to 2
• THEA 369 - Advanced Playwriting Credits: 3
• THEA 370 - Playwriting Genres and Styles Credits: 3
• THEA 372 - Senior Seminar in Playwriting Credits: 3
• THEA 394 - Theories of Acting and Directing Credits: 3
• THEA 450 - Internship Credits: Up to 12
• THEA 490 - Independent Study Credits: 1 to 3
• THEA 498 - Selected Topics Credits: 1 to 3

Footnote

*Courses may not be used to fulfill more than one requirement.

Specialization: Playwriting - THIS SPECIALIZATION IS ON MORATORIUM AS OF FALL 2012 AND ACCEPTING NO NEW STUDENTS

Required Courses - Credits: 12

• THEA 269 - Playwriting Credits: 3
• THEA 369 - Advanced Playwriting Credits: 3
• THEA 370 - Playwriting Genres and Styles Credits: 3
• THEA 372 - Senior Seminar in Playwriting Credits: 3

Major Electives - Credits: 6

Choose 6 credits. All must be 300-level or above.

• THEA 322 - Acting Technique Credits: 3
• THEA 324 - Stage Makeup Credits: 3
• THEA 328 - Acting Shakespeare Credits: 3
• THEA 329 - Shakespeare Tour Credits: 3
• THEA 330 - Voice and Movement for the Actor Credits: 3
• THEA 332 - Advanced Stagecraft Credits: 3
• THEA 333 - Scene Design Credits: 3
• THEA 334 - Stage Lighting Credits: 3
• THEA 335 - Costume Design and History Credits: 3
• THEA 339 - New Play Development Credits: 3
• THEA 340 - International Theatre Experience Credits: 3
• THEA 345 - Stage Management and Safety Credits: 3
• THEA 355 - Projects in Theatre Credits: 1 to 2
• THEA 393 - History of Theatre Design and Architecture Credits: 3
• THEA 394 - Theories of Acting and Directing Credits: 3
• THEA 450 - Internship Credits: Up to 12
• THEA 490 - Independent Study Credits: 1 to 3
• THEA 498 - Selected Topics Credits: 1 to 3

Requirements

Slippery Rock University has a strong commitment to student success, and we thoroughly research the academic background of the students who tend to succeed at SRU. We use this information to establish admission guidelines for first year students (new freshmen). We are seeking students who have attained at least a 3.0 GPA at the time of admission, have demonstrated proficiency in college preparatory coursework, and who have average to above average scores on the SAT or ACT. We will accept either test and use the best scores available.

Offers of admission for new freshmen from high school may be made as soon as August following their junior year in high school. High school admitted students are required to submit proof of high school graduation in the form of Official Transcripts upon high school graduation.

In order to apply for admission, the following credentials are required:

• Official High School Transcripts, including a 12th Grade class schedule if applicable

• SAT or ACT Scores

• $30.00 application fee

WAIT LIST: Applicants who do not meet the admission guidelines are still encouraged to apply for admission if they are close to our admission guidelines. Such applicants may be placed on a wait list for admission consideration. Students who are placed on a wait list need to understand it is not the same as being denied admission. Wait list status simply means that an applicant's credentials may require a closer review beyond just the quantitative numbers. Offers of admission will be made to wait listed applicants on regular intervals.

Wait listed applicants should strive to improve their grades and/or test scores and re-submit them to the Office of Admissions as soon as is practical after the next marking period or re-test. Periodic review of the wait list will likely begin in November and offers of admission made on a rolling basis. Our goal is to have most of the wait list offers of admission made in March or April. A final round of wait list offers may be made in mid-May on a space available basis. We encourage students to submit additional information if it improves the academic record.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Alumni Study Travel Fund

  Scholarships for students who are already attending the University of Reading.

• Amsterdam Merit Scholarships

  The University of Amsterdam aims to attract the world’s brightest students to its international classrooms. Outstanding students from outside the European Economic Area can apply for an Amsterdam Merit Scholarship.

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than Slippery Rock University.

The Theatre program at Slippery Rock University offers students a comprehensive education in the performing arts, preparing them for a variety of careers within the theatrical industry. This program emphasizes the development of both practical skills and theoretical knowledge, providing students with opportunities to participate in stage productions, develop their acting, directing, design, and technical skills. The curriculum includes coursework in acting techniques, stage management, set design, lighting and sound design, costume design, and theatre history. Students are encouraged to engage actively in university productions, which serve as practical training grounds and showcase their talents to the campus community and beyond.

The program aims to cultivate creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking, essential skills for successful careers in theatre. Faculty members are experienced professionals dedicated to mentoring students through hands-on projects and performances. The program also includes opportunities for internships and collaborations with local theatres, providing real-world experience. Graduates of the Theatre program often pursue careers as actors, directors, stage managers, set and costume designers, playwrites, or continue their education at graduate levels. The university's facilities support the program with dedicated rehearsal spaces, design studios, and a theatre venue on campus. Slippery Rock University’s Theatre program strives to prepare well-rounded theatre artists capable of contributing creatively and professionally to the performing arts industry.