A Major in Theater Arts (BA) requires a minimum of 36 semester hours beyond the basic course requirements of the University. English 101 and 102 are prerequisite to all courses in the major unless exception is granted by the Chair of the department. Students majoring in Theater Arts must first complete the following courses:
- THEA 222 Stagecraft
- THEA 223 Advanced Stagecraft
- THEA 330 Acting I
- THEA 380 History of the Theatre
- THEA 430 Modern Drama
- THEA 434 Directing I
- COMM 310 Scriptwriting
- COMM 493 Internship*
The student must then elect 12 additional hours from Theater (THEA) offerings. These elected courses may be chosen from the growing offering of theater courses listed in the GWU catalog or may make arrangement for specialized/advance study with an instructor under the rubric Special Topics in Theater (THEA 400). These courses may include such topics as Theater Management, Stage Combat, Advanced Stage Make-up Techniques, Acting for the Camera, Acting in Shakespeare, Styles in Acting, or Advanced Readings in Dramatic Literature. Students may utilize HONR 400 and/or HONR 401 to fulfill three hours of credit toward the major.
*The theater internship consists of a minimum of 150 man-hours of professionally supervised work in commercial or not-for-profit theater approved in advance by the chair. The internship should logically be within the student's area of primary interest. Students are expected to apply for and acquire their own internship placement.
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Theater:
If approved, the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree would require a minimum of 63 hours in theater beyond the basic course requirements of the University. English 101 and 102 are prerequisite to all courses in the major unless exception is granted by the Chair of the department. Students majoring in Theater Arts must first complete the following courses:
- THEA 222 Stagecraft
- THEA 223 Advanced Stagecraft
- THEA 225 Begining Stage Make-up
- THEA 330 Acting I
- THEA 331 Acting II
- THEA 380 History of the Theater I
- THEA 381 History of the Theater II
- THEA 430 Modern Drama
- THEA 434 Directing I
- THEA 435 Directing II
- THEA 450 Theater and Christianity
- and six semesters of Applied Theater (at 1 semester hour each)
The student must then elect 24 additional hours from Theater (THEA) offerings. These elected courses may be chosen from the growing offering of theater courses listed in the GWU catalog or may make arrangement for specialized/advance study with an instructor under the rubric Special Topics in Theater (THEA 400). These courses may include such topics as Theater Management, Stage Combat, Advanced Stage Make-up Techniques, Acting for the Camera, Acting in Shakespeare, Styles in Acting, or Advanced Readings in Dramatic Literature.
No minor will be taken when enrolled for the BFA in Theater.
A Minor in Theater Arts (BA) requires a minimum of 15 semester hours in Theater Arts taken from the following classes. You should speak with your advisor in the department of your major for appropriate information about electing Theater as a minor.
- THEA 222 Stagecraft
- THEA 223 Advanced Stagecraft
- THEA 330 Acting I
- THEA 380 History of the Theater I
- THEA 430 Modern Drama
- THEA 434 Directing I
- COMM 310 Scriptwriting
Graduate Program
At this point in time, GWU Theater does not offer graduate degrees. As our program grows, however, we are hopeful that a small and dynamic graduate program in Theater Management will take root and florish.
Click here for a list of Theater Courses Offered
