This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2024-2025 VCU Bulletin. Courses that expose students to cutting-edge content and transformative learning may be added and notification of additional program approvals may be received prior to finalization. General education program content is also subject to change. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.
The Bachelor of Arts in Theatre is designed for students who want a program with a strong emphasis in theatre combined with a strong liberal arts component, and a minor (or other course of directed study) in an area other than theatre.
Student participation in both credit- and noncredit-bearing department activities will be required. Students matriculating in School of the Arts degree programs are bound by the policies and procedures stipulated in this bulletin and in any other current handbook or policy document adopted by the individual programs.
Because of the environment that exists in the Department of Theatre, all aspects of theatre as art, craft, business and education are experienced together. The curriculum immerses students in the practicalities of theatre. Throughout the four years, students work with voice, body and imagination; this practical application, combined with a strong liberal arts component and a minor (or course of directed study), offers a wide field of academic and human experience.
Learning outcomes
Upon completing this program, students will know and know how to do the following:
- Students will demonstrate knowledge of theatre history, performance theory, and dramatic literature and its practical artistic application
- Students will complete a minor or other course of directed study to demonstrate broad-based knowledge of the sciences and/or humanities.
- Students will demonstrate successful application of foundational performance and design/technology skills.
Degree requirements for Theatre, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General education | ||
| Select 30 credits of general education courses in consultation with an adviser. | 30 | |
| Major requirements | ||
| • Major core requirements | ||
| THEA 100 | Technical Production | 1 |
| THEA 111 | Fundamentals of Performance | 3 |
| THEA 112 | Fundamentals of Theatrical Design | 3 |
| THEA 211 | Introduction to Drama | 3 |
| THEA 351 | Rehearsal and Performance | 3 |
| THEA 307 | History of the Theatre | 3 |
| THEA 308 | History of the Theatre | 3 |
| THEA 385 | Diverse Voices | 3 |
| THEA 495 | Senior Project: Portfolio Review | 1 |
| • Additional major requirements | ||
| THEA 102 | Introduction to Technical Theatre | 3 |
| THEA 110 | Improvisation | 3 |
| THEA 201 | Voice and Speech for the Actor I | 3 |
| THEA 202 | Voice and Speech for the Actor II | 3 |
| THEA 203 | Movement for the Actor I | 3 |
| THEA 204 | Movement for the Actor II | 3 |
| THEA 213 | Acting I | 3 |
| THEA 214 | Acting II | 3 |
| THEA 226 | Desktop Audio/Video | 2 |
| • Major electives | ||
| THEA courses (300 or 400 level) | 6 | |
| Ancillary requirements | ||
| Electives (select any courses at 300 or 400 level) | 8 | |
| Foreign language through the 102 level (by course or placement) | 0-6 | |
| Open electives | ||
| Select any course. | 21-27 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
The minimum number of credit hours required for this degree is 120.
What follows is a sample plan that meets the prescribed requirements within a four-year course of study at VCU. Please contact your adviser before beginning course work toward a degree.
| Freshman year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall semester | Hours | |
| THEA 100 | Technical Production | 1 |
| THEA 102 | Introduction to Technical Theatre | 3 |
| THEA 111 | Fundamentals of Performance | 3 |
| THEA 211 | Introduction to Drama | 3 |
UNIV 111  Play course video for Focused Inquiry I | Focused Inquiry I (satisfies general education UNIV foundations) | 3 |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 16 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| THEA 110 | Improvisation | 3 |
| THEA 112 | Fundamentals of Theatrical Design | 3 |
| UNIV 112 Play course video for Focused Inquiry II | Focused Inquiry II (satisfies general education UNIV foundations) | 3 |
| General education course | 3 | |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Sophomore year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| THEA 201 | Voice and Speech for the Actor I | 3 |
| THEA 203 | Movement for the Actor I | 3 |
| THEA 213 | Acting I | 3 |
| THEA 226 | Desktop Audio/Video | 2 |
| UNIV 200 | Advanced Focused Inquiry: Literacies, Research and Communication (satisfies general education UNIV foundations) | 3 |
| Term Hours: | 14 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| THEA 202 | Voice and Speech for the Actor II | 3 |
| THEA 204 | Movement for the Actor II | 3 |
| THEA 214 | Acting II | 3 |
| General education course | 3 | |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Junior year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| THEA 307 | History of the Theatre | 3 |
| THEA 351 | Rehearsal and Performance | 3 |
| THEA elective (300 or 400 level) | 3 | |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Open elective | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| THEA 308 | History of the Theatre | 3 |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Foreign language 101 (or open elective) | 3 | |
| Open electives | 6 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Senior year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| THEA 385 | Diverse Voices | 3 |
| THEA elective (300 or 400 level) | 3 | |
| Foreign language 102 (or open elective) | 3 | |
| Open elective | 6 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| THEA 495 | Senior Project: Portfolio Review | 1 |
| Open electives | 14 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Total Hours: | 120 | |
The minimum number of credit hours required for this degree is 120.