Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Theatre, B.F.A. (Theatre Studies Emphasis)


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The B.F.A. degree in theatre with an emphasis in theatre studies reflects a commitment to theatre training within the context of liberal education. Based on the division’s philosophy that an understanding of and experience with the actor’s process are essential to education and training in all areas of theatre, all undergraduate theatre majors focus on foundational actor training during the first two years of their program of study. Focused study in one area of theatre, chosen from directing, play-writing, stage management, critical studies and design, is required to complete the major. With the approval of the student’s theatre adviser and the chair of the division, this emphasis may be individualized to suit the specific goals of the student. All theatre studies students must complete at least 12 hours of upper-level courses among those offered in directing, playwriting, stage management, critical studies or design.

SMU Degree Requirements

An SMU undergraduate degree requires a minimum of 120 credit hours and must include completion of the University’s Common Curriculum , one major and a combination of electives and/or other majors or minors. Completion of certain majors requires more than 120 hours to finish the degree. The credit hours within this curriculum are distributed as follows:

Requirements for the Theatre Studies Emphasis


Text Analysis (3 Credit Hours)


Critical Studies (6 Credit Hours)


  • 6 credit hours to be chosen from THEA 4381 , THEA 4382 , THEA 3383 , THEA 3384 , THEA 3385 , and Directed Studies courses that include a component of critical analysis, literary theory, literature, text analysis, theatre history, or any of these in combination with acting, playwriting, directing, design, or stage management. Other courses may be considered for inclusion as necessary. Directed Studies courses will need the approval/signature of the Head of Theatre Studies prior to registration.

Theatre Electives (11 Credit Hours)


  • Any 9 credit hours of theatre studies classes subject to approval by theatre studies faculty, with advising interviews on an “as needed” basis
  • Additional 2 credit hours of THEA classes

Total for the Major Only: 75 Credit Hours


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