The Theatre Arts area of the Department of Performing Arts provides scholarly, creative, collaborative and practical theatre experience for students.
The objectives of the program are to: 1) Encourage participation in and appreciation of theatre and drama; 2) Foster creativity and develop technical skills in acting, directing, costuming, scenic design, script writing and theatre management; 3) Prepare students for careers or professional schooling in those fields that require strong presentational skills, creative problem solving, effective collaboration, and an understanding of human experience.
As shown in the figure below, theatre students must complete a sequence of formal course work that includes University general education, core theatre courses, and focus or specialty courses. Formal course work is complemented by a sequence of experiential learning opportunities in the theatre. Students and faculty develop individualized programs of course work and practical experience, including a junior seminar, annual juries, portfolio preparation, various practica, and opportunities for individual theatre projects.
Study of theatre provides students with useful tools to contribute to and make positive changes in society. Theatre students learn about diverse historical eras, communities and technologies. Theatre challenges students to be creative and to translate that creativity into applied processes - to think precisely, speak confidently in public, work productively with others, visualize abstract concepts and represent those concepts concretely. Theatre skills are useful in a variety of professions including, but not limited to, business, government, law, journalism, and public relations.The department offers Bachelor of Science (BS) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees in Musical Theatre, Theatre Arts, and Theatre Arts Teaching. A minimum of 62 course units (2.0 or better GPA) or courses in the combined areas of Dance, Music, and Theatre are required to qualify for the Musical Theatre Major. A minimum of 38 course units (2.0 or better) of Theatre Arts courses must be completed to qualify for either the Theatre Arts or Theatre Arts Teaching programs.
Teaching majors must also satisfy all requirements for the Licensure Program as outlined by the Department of Teacher Education. Teaching majors may choose either BS or BA degree.
A $320 Applied Music Fee is charged to Theatre Arts Area majors and minors enrolled in 2651/4651 Individual Training in Stage Voice. These lessons are 45 minutes in length. A limited number of slots are available for students registering for these lessons.
Involvement in theatre productions is an important part of the Theatre program. The Weber State Theatre produces a full season of plays in the Austad, Allred and Eccles theatres of the state-of-the-art Val A. Browning Center for the Performing Arts. Theatre facilities include a variety of proscenium and flexible staging situations. Students are given first priority in all department productions.
The theatre season is offered by the Department of Performing Arts as part of the Performing Arts Series. Because the season is generously supported by the Associated Students of Weber State through student fees, students receive substantial discounts for performances.
In addition to performance opportunities at Weber State, theatre majors are encouraged to seek summer employment in stock or repertory companies relating to their interests.
Weber State University 2007-2008 Catalog