College of Fine Arts 
Kantner Hall 307
Phone: 740.593.4817
Fax: 740.593.4817
theater@ohio.edu
www.finearts.ohio.edu/theater/

Michael Lincoln, Interim Director

The undergraduate theater experience at Ohio University is a blend of core theater studies and practice, intensive training in a selected concentration, and liberal arts experiences, leading to either a professionally oriented Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A) or a broad-based Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree.

The theater is not an island unto itself; it exists as part of and because of a larger world. All theater students devote a portion of their studies to examination of the literature and history of the theater, the role of theater in society, and relationship to other art disciplines. To this end, faculty advisors in the School of Theater strive to guide theater students through programmatic and University General Education requirements in a manner that broadens and deepens their knowledge and contributes to a critical conversation in a world context.

Production activities are considered crucial to the total curriculum planning of a theater major. Students register each semester for a credit-bearing practicum in production. In the first year, this involves participation in productions through technical and management assignments. Second, third and fourth year students have the opportunity to participate in production as a performer, technician, designer, dramaturg, or stage manager. Students are also eligible to audition for the Ohio University Players at the Monomoy Theater, our summer stock theater on Cape Cod. Theater students are encouraged to pursue internship and off campus opportunities, including study abroad programs in the School of Theater, College of Fine Arts, Ohio University or in conjunction with a professional theater, production company or studio.

Ongoing and individual advising is an extremely important aspect of the School of Theater. Each School of Theater student meets each semester with an academic advisor (eventually one of the core faculty members in their area of study) for academic and programmatic guidance. To maintain the academic and artistic rigor of the programs, all theater students are required to attain a minimum grade of C in any theater course (THAR) required for graduation. Unsatisfactory academic or programmatic progress may result in academic or program probation, removal from a sequence or degree within the School, or denial of further enrollment as a degree candidate in the School of Theater. Careful planning and intelligent course selection may allow pursuit of a minor or second major. In addition, high-achieving, highly motivated students can apply to the Theater Tutorial Program (see Honors Tutorial College  for requirements and deadlines at http://www.honors.ohio.edu/theater.htm).

Admission Requirements

All students admitted to Ohio University enter the School of Theater as a B.A. major. For talent scholarship consideration, auditions and interviews are conducted during the winter of each year for high school or transfer students considering entrance the following fall. Students are assigned an entry academic advisor and are reassigned to a new advisor once upon acceptance into a degree concentration program.

Procedure for Admission B.F.A. Programs

At the end of the freshman year, you are expected to declare a degree program. Under normal circumstances, you must complete all the 1000-level theater core requirements to be considered for entry into a degree program. All students must audition, interview, or present portfolios for entry into the B.F.A. programs (performance, stage management, playwriting, or production design and technology). You may also choose to develop a course of study leading to the B.A. degree.

Theater Core Courses (Required of all BFA majors)
Foundation

THAR 1110 - Fundamentals of Performance I 
THAR 1390 - Design Principles for the Stage 
THAR 1391 - Fundamentals of Scenery, Props, Costumes and Costume Crafts 
THAR 1392 - Fundamentals of Lighting/Sound and Stage Management 
THAR 1720 - Elements of Performance 
THAR 1730 - Fundamentals of Play Analysis and Playwriting 

Acting (3 Semester Credits) Complete one course from the following:

THAR 1111 - Fundamentals of Performance II 
THAR 1130 - Acting Fundamentals I 

Additional core coursework required for the specified B.A. and B.F.A. degree options pertaining to theater history and practicum are detailed in the catalog.

All majors are required to enroll for THAR 1090 - Lunchbag Theater Seminar Series  each semester of residence.

Literature Requirements for B.F.A. Theater Majors

In addition to the Tier I, II, and III requirements, all B.F.A. majors in the School of Theater are required to complete one English course at the 3000-level or above. Suggested choices for some degree programs include ENG 3010 - Shakespeare   or ENG 3020 - Topics in Shakespeare .

Minimum Grade Requirement

All theater majors are required to attain a minimum grade of C in any theater (THAR) course required for graduation.

Electives

Distribution of elective hours will vary depending upon degree requirements of a particular area. You are encouraged to use your elective choices in a manner that expands on the liberal arts experience, particularly with choices in the areas of fine arts, literature, philosophy, history, and psychology.