CSUB Theatre

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in Theatre

I. Basic Core (five units each) required of all students.

These classes are designed to provide you with a strong foundation of knowledge in the core areas of theatre: acting, design and technology, script analysis, and theatre history and literature.

Theatre 221 Script Analysis
Theatre 232 Acting I
Theatre 241 Introduction to Stage Craft
Theatre 251 Technical Theatre and Design
Theatre 371 Ancient Passions (formerly Theatre History I)
Theatre 372 Renaissance & Beyond (formerly Theatre History II)
Theatre 385 Modern Drama

II. Electives: six additional five-unit courses in theatre, at least four of which MUST be upper division, selected from the list below.

This is your chance to customize your major to fit your needs and interests. For example, if you plan to teach high school drama you might consider Creative Dramatics, Directing, Scenic and Lighting Design, an advanced acting class and Theatre for Youth. If you want to pursue acting, you might take Acting II and III, Voice and Diction, Movement, and Scene Study. For designers—Scenic, Lighting and Costume Design, as well as AutoCAD would be appropriate. Playwrights would benefit from Playwriting, African-American and Women Playwrights, and Directing or acting classes. Your advisor can help you to select what is best for your individual needs.

Theatre 233 Acting II
Theatre 234 Acting III
Theatre 305 Creative Dramatics
Theatre 307 Dramatic Literature for Children
Theatre 311 Movement I
Theatre 312 Movement II
Theatre 321 Voice and Diction I
Theatre 322 Voice and Diction II
Theatre 351 Lighting Design
Theatre 352 Scenic Design
Theatre 353 Costume Design
Theatre 354 AutoCAD for the Theatre
Theatre 361 Directing I
Theatre 381 Women Playwrights (also counts for GRE requirement)
Theatre 383 African-American Playwrights (also counts for GRE requirement)
Theatre 404 Playwriting
Theatre 405 Theatre for Youth
Theatre 421 Scene Study
Theatre 461 Directing II
Theatre 477 Special Studies (as announced)
Theatre 499 Individual Study

III. Production Courses: a minimum of eight production courses (THTR 200, 201, 202, 203, 206, 207, 400, 401, 402, 403, 406 and 407) as specified below.

Productions offer laboratory experiences where you can apply what you are learning in your coursework, as well as add credits to your resume. If you have a love for theatre, you may have developed it through your involvement in productions. To get your degree, you are required to work on eight shows, though many majors end up working on more than that. At least two of your experiences are to be crewing or stage managing a show, two are to be working in the theatre shop constructing the set or hanging the lights, and the other four are your choice (acting in quarterly productions or the children’s touring show, or more off-stage work). As a freshman or sophomore, take the 200 level courses. As a junior or senior, take the 400 level courses. Courses are one and two units (one unit if just involved in technical aspects, two units if involved throughout the rehearsal process.)

Of the eight, four must be taken for upper-division credit
Of the eight, two must be selected from THTR 202 & 402 (Technical Theatre Lab)
Of the eight, two must be selected from THTR 203 & 403 (Run of Show) –or– one from THTR 203 & 403 (Run of Show) and one from THTR 200 & 400 (Stage Management Practicum)

Each student must complete at least two production courses each year, while in residence as a theatre major.

IV. Complete Theatre Company (THTR 195, 295, 395, 495, as appropriate) during each quarter in full-time residence as a theatre major. Complete the course at least six times.

Theatre Company (a one-unit, credit/no credit course) is a chance to join with other theatre majors to meet guest artists, discuss productions, and to learn more about the department and the business of theatre. As a freshman take 195, as a sophomore take 295, as a junior take 395, and as a senior take 495.

V. THTR 491 and 492: Senior Project Preparation and Presentation (three units each)

Your senior project is a two-quarter process—a culminating activity to showcase the skills you have developed during your time at CSUB.

You must also complete a minor in another department.
For the requirements, consult the CSUB catalog and an advisor in that department.