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 Department of Theatre offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts that may be entered into during the third year. All freshman and transfer students entering the department are initially classified as Theatre Foundation students. After successfully completing the first two years of core theatre courses in their foundation areas of emphasis, students apply for admission to a specific degree program (B.F.A. or B.A.). In the B.F.A. students concentrate on areas in performance, including musical theatre, and stage management, as well as three areas of design/technology: scenic, lighting and costume. (See the individual concentration pages for curricular outlines.) Note: Entry into the musical theatre foundation program requires a change of major form.
Student participation in both credit- and noncredit-bearing department activities may 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 these preprofessional programs, 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, the performer works daily with voice, body and imagination, while the designer/technician is involved in studio classes and practical application.
Student learning outcomes
Upon completing this program, students will know and know how to do the following:
- Demonstrate skills and techniques needed to enter the profession as an actor
- Demonstrate knowledge of history, theory and literature and their practical application
Degree requirements for Theatre, Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) with a concentration in performance
| 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 307 | History of the Theatre | 3 |
| THEA 308 | History of the Theatre | 3 |
| THEA 351 | Rehearsal and Performance | 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 |
| THEA 301 | Advanced Voice and Speech for the Actor I | 3 |
| THEA 302 | Advanced Voice and Speech for the Actor II | 3 |
| THEA 313 | Actor’s Studio I | 3 |
| THEA 314 | Actor’s Studio II | 3 |
| THEA 315 | Audition Technique | 3 |
| THEA 335 | Advanced Movement and Vocal Techniques | 3 |
| THEA 412 | Acting for Camera | 3 |
| THEA 413 | Actor's Studio III | 3 |
| or THEA 375 | Black Performance Techniques | |
| or THEA 416 | Solo Performance | |
| or THEA 418 | Advanced Acting for Camera | |
| THEA 419 | Professional Preparation | 3 |
| • Major electives | ||
| THEA courses (select from 300 or 400 level) | 6 | |
| Open electives | 8 | |
| Select any course. | ||
| 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 301 | Advanced Voice and Speech for the Actor I | 3 |
| THEA 307 | History of the Theatre | 3 |
| THEA 313 | Actor’s Studio I | 3 |
| THEA 335 | Advanced Movement and Vocal Techniques | 3 |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| THEA 302 | Advanced Voice and Speech for the Actor II | 3 |
| THEA 308 | History of the Theatre | 3 |
| THEA 314 | Actor’s Studio II | 3 |
| THEA 315 | Audition Technique | 3 |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Senior year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| THEA 385 | Diverse Voices | 3 |
| THEA 412 | Acting for Camera | 3 |
| THEA 419 | Professional Preparation | 3 |
| THEA elective (300 or 400 level) | 3 | |
| Open elective | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| THEA 351 | Rehearsal and Performance | 3 |
| THEA 413 | Actor's Studio III or Black Performance Techniques or Solo Performance or Advanced Acting for Camera | 3 |
| THEA 495 | Senior Project: Portfolio Review | 1 |
| THEA elective (300 or 400 level) | 3 | |
| Open electives | 5 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Total Hours: | 120 | |
The minimum number of credit hours required for this degree is 120.