School of Arts and Sciences
Department of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies

BA in Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies

The major in Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies provides a balanced mix of study and practice, understanding and process, thinking and doing. Students will enjoy the opportunity to take on a variety of roles in the production process, and to expand their knowledge of theatre and dance history and dramatic literature.

Our program also provides useful skills for those planning to pursue graduate school or professional training or to work in a theatre arts specialization. TDPS majors often complete double majors in combination with many other departments and programs.

As of January 2023, a new title (Theatre, Dance, and performance Studies) and requirements were created for this degree. The new requirements go into effect for students graduating Fall 2023 and beyond. Both sets of requirements are listed below. Use your expected graduation term to determine which requirements to follow.

Contact Linda Girard, Director of Undergraduate Studies, with any questions about these programs.

  • Program Requirements and Policies

    • For the BA in Theatre and Performance Studies, a total of 35 Credits are required.
    • No major course may be taken Pass/Fail (except crews: TPS 80 and TPS 81).
    • We expect each Theatre and Performance Studies major to gain experience in the creative aspects of drama and/or dance through involvement in the department's production program. Graduation magna cum laude or summa cum laude with a drama major is contingent not only on scholastic achievement, but also on significant participation in productions.
    • We strongly recommend that students considering a TPS major complete their foundational course and an introductory-level course in either studio dance/acting or design/technology by the end of the sophomore year. This will allow greater flexibility in scheduling coursework and more opportunities for advanced-level production projects.
    • We also encourage students who plan to pursue professional training or graduate study to take more than the minimum number of course credits, especially in their area of specialization.

    Course Requirements

    The TPS major consists of eleven courses and related requirements, as follows:

    1. Foundational Course (ideally taken 1st or 2nd year) — 1 course (3 Credits) from the following:
      • TPS 01: Intro to Theatre
      • TPS 02: Foundations in Theatre: Process, Performance, and Production
      • TPS 10: Ancient and Medieval Theatre, TPS 11: Early Modern Theatre, or TPS 12: Modern and Postmodern Theatre (class of 2021-2023 only)
      • TPS Special Topics: From Page to Stage (class of 22-24 only)
         
    2. Theory, Culture, and History — 3 courses (9 Credits) chosen from list Major Section 2 
      • 3 Credits must be an Inquiry in Power, Identity, and Culture
      • 3 Credits may cover exclusively Film/TV/other media
         
    3. Practical Performance: 6 Credits of classroom experience (usually 2 courses) from list Major Section 3
       
    4. Theatre Technology and Production: 3 Credits from list Major Section 4
       
    5. Visual Design: 1 course (3 Credits) from the following: 
      • TPS 70: Scene Design
      • TPS 71: Costume Design
      • TPS 72: Lighting Design
         
    6. Stage Production Experience: Both of the following courses (1 Credit each—2 Credits total)
      • TPS 80: Preparation Crew
      • TPS 81: Run Crew 
         
    7. Electives/Specialization: 9 Credits
      • Must include an upper-level course (numbers over 100)
      • May include up to 3 Credits of practicums
      • May include capstone or thesis project credits

    Learning Objectives

    By the time students complete a major in Theatre and Performance Studies they should be able to:

    • Demonstrate a broad knowledge of world theatre history, literature, and performance practices
    • Understand the individual and collective roles of the artistic and production team
    • Engage in artistic processes and basic techniques utilized by theatre artists and technicians
    • Formulate and communicate ideas through visual presentation, interpersonal communication and clear writing
    • Collaborate on creative projects effectively
    • Implement organizational and problem solving skills to both classroom and production experiences
    • Analyze how scripts and performances construct gender, race, class, and environment in varied eras and cultures
    • Articulate the connection between theatre and civic engagement in different eras, cultures and societies
    • Conduct independent research and apply this research to practical projects and/or scholarly papers
    • Identify connections between theatre and other disciplines, community, and personal and career goals

  • Program Requirements and Policies

    • For the BA in Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies, a total of 34 Credits are required.
    • No major course may be taken Pass/Fail (except crews: TPS 81 and DNC 60, or TPS 80 taken Spring 2023 or before).
    • At least tow courses in the student’s major must be level 100+.
    • DEIJ Requirement: Once course in the student’s major must be an inquiry into power, identity, or culture. Please consult the list Major Section DEIJ
    • We expect each Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies major to gain experience in the creative aspects of theatre and/or dance through involvement in the department's production program. Graduation magna cum laude or summa cum laude with a TDPS major is contingent not only on scholastic achievement, but also on significant participation in productions.
    • We strongly recommend that students considering a TDPS major complete their foundational course and an introductory-level course in either studio dance/acting or design/technology by the end of the sophomore year. This will allow greater flexibility in scheduling coursework and more opportunities for advanced-level production projects.
    • We also encourage students who plan to pursue professional training or graduate study to take more than the minimum number of course credits, especially in their area of specialization.

    Course Requirements

    The TDPS major consists of approximately twelve courses and related requirements, as follows:

    1.    Foundational Course: 3 Credits (ideally taken 1st or 2nd year) from list Major Section I

    2.    Theory, Culture, and History: 6 Credits from list Major Section II

    • 3 Credits may cover exclusively Film/TV/other media (FMS and SMFA courses)

    3.    Performance: 3 Credits in from list Major Section III

    • Practicums may not be used towards this section

    4.    Production and Technology: Three Credits from list Major Section IV

    5.    Design and Creative Process: Three Credits from list Major Section V

    6.    Production Crew: One Credit of any of the following courses

    • TPS 80: Preparation Crew (if taken Spring 2023 or before)
    • TPS 81: Run Crew
    • DNC 60: Dance Production Practicum

    7.    Electives/Specialization: Fifteen Credits chosen in consultation with the student’s major adviser

    • May include up to 6 Credits of practicums
    • May include capstone or thesis project credits