Theatre, Bachelor of Arts

The Bachelor of Arts in Theatre degree provides students with a total understanding of theatre-making, learning foundational skills and applying them to production-based positions in the box office and publicity, performance, design, directing, producing, building, and much more. The range of classes that you will take balances traditional academics with rigorous professional training.  Tying it all together is our commitment to nurturing each individual student’s artistic and cultural maturity. The BA in Theatre offers students a broad-based liberal arts foundation with disciplined professional training.

Students may elect to pursue either a General Major or a concentration in Acting/Directing, Musical Theatre, Stage ManagementDesign, or Technology.  Students pursuing a concentration are required to participate in formal juries each semester to receive faculty feedback and evaluation of their progress in the program.

Learn more about the BA in Theatre, here.

Requirements

Theatre Core Requirements
THEA 1000THEATRE PRACTICUM 14
THEA 1300ACTING I3
THEA 1500FOUNDATIONS OF PRODUCTION DESIGN3
THEA 1700SCRIPT ANALYSIS3
THEA 2000THEATRE PRACTICUM II 24
THEA 3400DIRECTING I3
THEA 4050SHAKESPEARE ON FILM: THE ART OF INTERPRETATION3
THEA 4780THEATRE HISTORY AND LITERATURE: CLASSICAL TO 15003
THEA 4900ADVANCED PROJECTS - CAPSTONE3
Select two of the following:6
FOUNDATIONS OF SCENIC PRODUCTION
STAGE COSTUME
STAGE MAKEUP
STAGE AND TV LIGHTING
Select two of the following:6
THEATRE HISTORY AND LITERATURE: 1960-PRESENT
THEATRE HISTORY AND LITERATURE:MODERN / 1800-1960
THEATRE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
THEATRE HISTORY AND DRAMATIC LITERATURE: 1500 TO 1800
Total Credits41
1

 THEA 1000 is a one-hour course required each semester during the first four semesters for a maximum total of 4 semesters. Students who transfer into the program may request up to 2 hours of this requirement be waived. 

2

THEA 2000 is a two-hour course required each semester of your third year.

General Theatre Major Requirements

Students will complete twenty-four (24) credit hours of elective theatre course work, selected in consultation with their theatre adviser, from the following:

THEA 1050FILM HISTORY AND APPRECIATION3
THEA 1060HISTORY OF THE BROADWAY MUSICAL3
THEA 1200SINGING TECHNIQUE FOR ACTORS1
THEA 1600FOUNDATIONS OF SCENIC PRODUCTION3
THEA 1650STAGE COSTUME3
THEA 1660STAGE MAKEUP3
THEA 2020THEATRE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES3
THEA 2030INTERNSHIP I1-3
THEA 2050THE FILMS OF ALFRED HITCHCOCK3
THEA 2300MOVEMENT FOR THE ACTOR3
THEA 2400STAGE MANAGEMENT3
THEA 3000SPECIAL TOPICS IN THEATRE3
THEA 3010ADVANCED PROJECTS IN THEATRE: INDEPENDENT STUDY1-3
THEA 3200MUSICAL THEATRE ENSEMBLE1
THEA 3230AMERICAN MUSICAL THEATRE REPERTOIRE HISTORY3
THEA 3260MUSICAL THEATRE AND OPERA WORKSHOP1
THEA 3300ACTING II3
THEA 3310VOICE FOR THE ACTOR3
THEA 3410HUMAN DYNAMICS IN THE ARTS3
THEA 3420GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP IN THE ARTS3
THEA 3500COLLABORATIVE DESIGN STUDIES3
THEA 3660STAGE AND TV LIGHTING3
THEA 3700THEATRE HISTORY AND LITERATURE: 1960-PRESENT3
THEA 3710THEATRE HISTORY AND LITERATURE:MODERN / 1800-19603
THEA 3750THEATRE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE3
THEA 4000SUMMER THEATRE WORKSHOP3
THEA 4020ADVANCED PROJECTS IN THEATRE1-3
THEA 4030INTERNSHIP II3
THEA 4310ADVANCED ACTING: POST REALISM3
THEA 4320ADVANCED ACTING: GREEKS TO RESTORATION3
THEA 4330ADVANCED ACTING: ENSEMBLE PLAY PRODUCTION3
THEA 4340ADVANCED ACTING: AUDITIONING3
THEA 4410MISSION AND STRATEGY IN ARTS ORGANIZATIONS3
THEA 4440DIRECTING II3
THEA 4500CHALLENGES IN PRODUCTION DESIGN3
THEA 4550PERIOD STYLES IN DRESS AND DECOR3
THEA 4780THEATRE HISTORY AND LITERATURE: CLASSICAL TO 15003
THEA 4790THEATRE HISTORY AND DRAMATIC LITERATURE: 1500 TO 18003

Acting/Directing Concentration

The Acting/Directing concentration combines two areas and celebrates the intersection of training and skills of successful actors and directors.  This enables not only an understanding of the director’s process but also a wide range of acting styles and techniques. The Acting/Directing concentration combines practice with critical theory and performance methodologies to offer students a rich and broad curriculum.

The Acting/Directing concentration requires juries each semester. Students are graded and given feedback to hone their performance and audition skills. 

To remain in good standing in the Acting/Directing Concentration, a student must complete all required focused courses with a grade of “C” (2.0) or above and participate in production auditions each semester.

In addition to the Theatre Core classes, the following courses are to be completed.

Required courses:
THEA 2300MOVEMENT FOR THE ACTOR3
THEA 3300ACTING II3
THEA 3310VOICE FOR THE ACTOR3
THEA 4340ADVANCED ACTING: AUDITIONING3
Select four of the following:12
THEATRE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
ADVANCED PROJECTS IN THEATRE: INDEPENDENT STUDY
ADVANCED PROJECTS IN THEATRE
ADVANCED ACTING: POST REALISM
ADVANCED ACTING: GREEKS TO RESTORATION
ADVANCED ACTING: ENSEMBLE PLAY PRODUCTION
DIRECTING II
Total Credits24

Design Concentration

The Design concentration provides students study and production experience in costume design, scenic design, lighting design, or sound design. Students gain theoretical knowledge and develop their skills in design-based courses, such as Foundations of Production Design, Stage and TV Lighting, Stage Costumes, Drawing for the Theatre, Collaborative Design Studies, Challenges in Design and Capstone. Students also participate in productions as crew as they continue to develop their skills.

The Design concentration requires portfolio juries each semester. Students are evaluated and given feedback to hone their presentations and interview skills. 

To remain in good standing in the Design Concentration, a student must complete all required focused courses with a grade of “C” (2.0) or above and participate in the portfolio reviews each semester.

In addition to the Theatre Core classes, the following courses are to be completed:

Required courses:
THEA 2500DRAWING FOR THE THEATRE3
THEA 3500COLLABORATIVE DESIGN STUDIES3
THEA 4500CHALLENGES IN PRODUCTION DESIGN3
THEA 4550PERIOD STYLES IN DRESS AND DECOR3
Select three of the following:9
SPECIAL TOPICS IN THEATRE
ADVANCED PROJECTS IN THEATRE: INDEPENDENT STUDY
HUMAN DYNAMICS IN THE ARTS
ADVANCED PROJECTS IN THEATRE
Choose one (1) additional three credit (3), advisor approved, course outside the department that relates to the Design Concentration.3
Total Credits24

Musical Theatre Concentration

Singing3
SINGING TECHNIQUE FOR ACTORS
ADVANCED SINGING TECHNIQUE FOR ACTORS (taken twice)
TThe 3-credit requirement for singing can also be fulfilled with 3 credits of MUS 115T Applied Voice (music majors only)
Acting9
ACTING II
VOICE FOR THE ACTOR
One of the following courses
ADVANCED ACTING: POST REALISM
ADVANCED ACTING: GREEKS TO RESTORATION
ADVANCED ACTING: ENSEMBLE PLAY PRODUCTION
ADVANCED ACTING: AUDITIONING
Dance3
BALLET
JAZZ I
TAP I
Musical Theatre Workshops3
3 total credits from the following. Courses may be repeated for credit
MUSICAL THEATRE ENSEMBLE
MUSICAL THEATRE AND OPERA WORKSHOP
Musical Theatre History3
AMERICAN MUSICAL THEATRE REPERTOIRE HISTORY
Independent Study3
ADVANCED PROJECTS IN THEATRE: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Total Credits24

Technical Theatre Concentration

The Technical Theatre concentration provides students with classroom and practical experiences in aspects of technical theatre. Students participate in their areas of interest as artisans and crew members on productions,  such as props, lighting, stitching, makeup, technical direction, scenic painting, sound, and shop management. Students will work in leadership positions as they continue to hone their skills. 

The Technical Theatre concentration requires portfolio juries each semester. Students are evaluated and given feedback to hone their presentations and interview skills. 

To remain in good standing in the Technical Theatre Concentration, a student must complete all required focused courses with a grade of “C” (2.0) or above and participate in portfolio reviews each semester.

In addition to the Theatre Core classes, the following courses are to be completed:

Required courses:
THEA 2500DRAWING FOR THE THEATRE3
THEA 3500COLLABORATIVE DESIGN STUDIES3
THEA 4500CHALLENGES IN PRODUCTION DESIGN3
THEA 4550PERIOD STYLES IN DRESS AND DECOR3
Select three of the following:9
STAGE MANAGEMENT
COSTUME PATTERNING AND DRAPING
SPECIAL TOPICS IN THEATRE
ADVANCED PROJECTS IN THEATRE: INDEPENDENT STUDY
ADVANCED PROJECTS IN THEATRE
AUDIO RECORDING TECHNIQUES I
AUDIO RECORDING TECHNIQUES II
Choose one (1) additional three credit (3), advisor approved, course outside the department that relates to the Technical Theatre Concentration.3
Total Credits24

Stage Management Concentration

The Stage Management concentration is an experiential and practice-oriented program which prepares students for careers in stage management or production management. Students develop the critical skills needed to successfully manage an event, including interpersonal communication, first aid, organization, collaboration, company management and leadership. 

The Stage Management concentration requires portfolio juries each semester. Students are evaluated and given feedback to hone their presentations and interview skills. 

To remain in good standing in the Stage Management Concentration, a student must complete all required focused courses with a grade of “C” (2.0) or above and participate in portfolio reviews each semester.

In addition to the Theatre Core classes, the following courses are to be completed:

Required courses:
CMST 2010INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION3
THEA 2400STAGE MANAGEMENT3
CMST 2410SMALL GROUP COMMUNICATION AND LEADERSHIP3
PHHB 3030FIRST AID3
MGMT 3490MANAGING PEOPLE AND ORGANIZATIONS3
Select three of the following courses9
SPECIAL TOPICS IN THEATRE
HUMAN DYNAMICS IN THE ARTS
GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP IN THE ARTS
ADVANCED PROJECTS IN THEATRE
DIRECTING II
MANAGING BEHAVIOR IN ORGANIZATIONS
Total Credits24

General Theatre

Plan of Study Grid
Freshman
FallCredits
THEA 1000 THEATRE PRACTICUM 1
THEA 1300 ACTING I 3
THEA 1500 FOUNDATIONS OF PRODUCTION DESIGN 3
English COMP I 3
Gen Ed (Social Science) 3
 Credits13
Spring
THEA 1000 THEATRE PRACTICUM 1
THEA 1700 SCRIPT ANALYSIS 3
THEA 1600
FOUNDATIONS OF SCENIC PRODUCTION
or STAGE AND TV LIGHTING
3
English COMP II 3
Gen Ed (Humanities & Fine Arts) 3
Gen Ed (Social Science) 3
 Credits16
Sophomore
Fall
THEA 1000 THEATRE PRACTICUM 1
THEA 1650 STAGE COSTUME 3
THEA 4780 THEATRE HISTORY AND LITERATURE: CLASSICAL TO 1500 3
Gen Ed (Humanities & Fine Arts) 3
Gen Ed (Quantitative Literacy) 3
Gen Ed (Natural/Physical Science) 3
 Credits16
Spring
THEA 1000 THEATRE PRACTICUM 1
Theatre Elective 3
Theatre Elective 3
THEA 3750 THEATRE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE 3
Gen Ed (Humanities & Fine Arts) 3
Gen Ed/Theatre Elective 3
 Credits16
Junior
Fall
THEA 2000 THEATRE PRACTICUM II 2
THEA 4430 DIRECTING I 3
Theatre Elective 3
Gen Ed (Public Speaking) 3
Gen Ed (Social Science) 3
Gen Ed/Theatre Elective 3
 Credits17
Spring
THEA 2000 THEATRE PRACTICUM II 2
THEA 4050 SHAKESPEARE ON FILM: THE ART OF INTERPRETATION 3
Theatre Elective 3
Gen Ed/Theatre Elective 3
Gen Ed (Natural/Physical Science) 4
 Credits15
Senior
Fall
THEA 4900 ADVANCED PROJECTS - CAPSTONE 3
Theatre Elective 3
THEA 3760
THEATRE HISTORY AND LITERATURE:MODERN / 1850-2000
or THEATRE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
3
Elective 3
Elective 3
 Credits15
Spring
Theatre Elective 3
Theatre Elective 3
Theatre Elective 3
Elective 3
 Credits12
 Total Credits120

This roadmap is a suggested plan of study and does not replace meeting with an advisor. Please note that students may need to adjust the actual sequence of courses based on course availability. Please consult an advisor in your major program for further guidance.


This plan is not a contract and the curriculum is subject to change


Additional Information About this Plan:
University Degree Requirements
: The minimum number of hours for a UNO undergraduate degree is 120 credit hours. Please review the requirements for your specific program to determine all requirements for the program. In order to graduate on time (four years for an undergraduate degree), you need to take 30 hours each year.


Placement Exams: For Math, English, and Foreign Languages, a placement exam may be required. More information on these exams can be found at https://www.unomaha.edu/enrollment-management/testing-center/placement-exams/information.php


**Transfer credit or placement exam scores may change the suggested plan of study

Acting/Directing

Plan of Study Grid
Freshman
FallCredits
THEA 1000 THEATRE PRACTICUM 1
THEA 1300 ACTING I 3
THEA 1500 FOUNDATIONS OF PRODUCTION DESIGN 3
English Comp I 3
General Education (Social Science) 3
 Credits13
Spring
THEA 1000 THEATRE PRACTICUM 1
THEA 2300 MOVEMENT FOR THE ACTOR 3
THEA 1700 SCRIPT ANALYSIS 3
THEA 1600
FOUNDATIONS OF SCENIC PRODUCTION
or STAGE AND TV LIGHTING
3
English Comp II 3
General Education (Humanities & Fine Arts) 3
 Credits16
Sophomore
Fall
THEA 1000 THEATRE PRACTICUM 1
THEA 3310 VOICE FOR THE ACTOR 3
THEA 4780 THEATRE HISTORY AND LITERATURE: CLASSICAL TO 1500 3
General Education (Social Science) 3
General Education (Humanities & Fine Arts) 3
General Education (Quantitative Literacy) 3
 Credits16
Spring
THEA 1000 THEATRE PRACTICUM 1
THEA 3300 ACTING II 3
THEA 3720 THEATRE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE 3
General Education (Natural/Physical Science) 3
General Education (Public Speaking) 3
General Education (Humanities & Fine Arts) 3
 Credits16
Junior
Fall
THEA 2000 THEATRE PRACTICUM II 2
THEA 1650 STAGE COSTUME 3
THEA 3400 DIRECTING I 3
THEA 4340 ADVANCED ACTING: AUDITIONING 3
General Education (Social Science) 3
General Education/Theatre Elective 3
 Credits17
Spring
THEA 2000 THEATRE PRACTICUM II 2
THEA 4050 SHAKESPEARE ON FILM: THE ART OF INTERPRETATION 3
Theatre Concentration Elective 1 3
THEA 3700 THEATRE HISTORY AND LITERATURE: 1960-PRESENT 3
General Education (Natural/Physical Science) 4
 Credits15
Senior
Fall
Theatre Concentration Elective 2 3
Theatre Concentration Elective 3 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
 Credits15
Spring
THEA 4900 ADVANCED PROJECTS - CAPSTONE 3
Theatre Concentration Elective 4 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
 Credits12
 Total Credits120

Design

Plan of Study Grid
Freshman
FallCredits
THEA 1000 THEATRE PRACTICUM 1
THEA 1500 FOUNDATIONS OF PRODUCTION DESIGN 3
English Comp I 3
General Education (Social Science) 3
General Education (Humanities & Fine Arts) 3
 Credits13
Spring
THEA 1000 THEATRE PRACTICUM 1
THEA 1700 SCRIPT ANALYSIS 3
THEA 1600
FOUNDATIONS OF SCENIC PRODUCTION
or STAGE AND TV LIGHTING
3
English Comp II 3
General Education (Social Science) 3
General Education (Humanities & Fine Arts) 3
 Credits16
Sophomore
Fall
THEA 1000 THEATRE PRACTICUM 1
THEA 1300 ACTING I 3
THEA 1650 STAGE COSTUME 3
THEA 4780 THEATRE HISTORY AND LITERATURE: CLASSICAL TO 1500 3
General Education (Quantitative Literacy) 3
General Education (Natural/Physical Sciences) 3
 Credits16
Spring
THEA 1000 THEATRE PRACTICUM 1
Theatre Concentration Elective 3
THEA 3500 COLLABORATIVE DESIGN STUDIES 3
THEA 3720 THEATRE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE 3
General Education (Humanities & Fine Arts) 3
General Education/Theatre Elective 3
 Credits16
Junior
Fall
THEA 2000 THEATRE PRACTICUM II 2
THEA 2500 DRAWING FOR THE THEATRE 3
THEA 4550 PERIOD STYLES IN DRESS AND DECOR 3
General Education (Public Speaking) 3
General Education (Social Science) 3
General Education/Theatre Elective 3
 Credits17
Spring
THEA 2000 THEATRE PRACTICUM II 2
THEA 4050 SHAKESPEARE ON FILM: THE ART OF INTERPRETATION 3
THEA 4500 CHALLENGES IN PRODUCTION DESIGN 3
General Education/Theatre Elective 3
General Education (Natural/Physical Science) 4
 Credits15
Senior
Fall
THEA 3400 DIRECTING I 3
THEA 3700 THEATRE HISTORY AND LITERATURE: 1960-PRESENT 3
THEA 4900 ADVANCED PROJECTS - CAPSTONE 3
Elective (outside department elective) 3
Elective 3
 Credits15
Spring
Theatre Concentration Elective 3
Theatre Concentration Elective 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
 Credits12
 Total Credits120

Technical Theatre

Plan of Study Grid
Freshman
FallCredits
THEA 1000 THEATRE PRACTICUM 1
THEA 1500 FOUNDATIONS OF PRODUCTION DESIGN 3
English Comp I 3
General Education (Social Science) 3
General Education (Humanities & Fine Arts) 3
 Credits13
Spring
THEA 1000 THEATRE PRACTICUM 1
THEA 1700 SCRIPT ANALYSIS 3
THEA 1600
FOUNDATIONS OF SCENIC PRODUCTION
or STAGE AND TV LIGHTING
3
English Comp II 3
General Education (Social Science) 3
General Education (Humanities & Fine Arts) 3
 Credits16
Sophomore
Fall
THEA 1000 THEATRE PRACTICUM 1
THEA 1300 ACTING I 3
THEA 1650 STAGE COSTUME 3
THEA 2500 DRAWING FOR THE THEATRE 3
General Education (Quantitative Literacy) 3
General Education (Natural/Physical Science) 3
 Credits16
Spring
THEA 1000 THEATRE PRACTICUM 1
THEA 3500 COLLABORATIVE DESIGN STUDIES 3
THEA 3720 THEATRE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE 3
Elective 3
General Education (Humanities & Fine Arts) 3
General Education/Theatre Elective 3
 Credits16
Junior
Fall
THEA 2000 THEATRE PRACTICUM II 2
THEA 4550 PERIOD STYLES IN DRESS AND DECOR 3
THEA 4780 THEATRE HISTORY AND LITERATURE: CLASSICAL TO 1500 3
General Education (Public Speaking) 3
General Education (Social Science) 3
General Education/Theatre Elective 3
 Credits17
Spring
THEA 2000 THEATRE PRACTICUM II 2
THEA 4500 CHALLENGES IN PRODUCTION DESIGN 3
THEA 4050 SHAKESPEARE ON FILM: THE ART OF INTERPRETATION 3
General Education/Theatre Elective 3
General Education (Natural/Physical Science) 4
 Credits15
Senior
Fall
THEA 4900 ADVANCED PROJECTS - CAPSTONE 3
THEA 3400 DIRECTING I 3
Theatre Concentraton Elective 3
THEA 3700 THEATRE HISTORY AND LITERATURE: 1960-PRESENT 3
Elective (outside of department elective) 3
 Credits15
Spring
Theatre Concentration Elective 3
Theatre Concentration Elective 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
 Credits12
 Total Credits120

Stage Management

Plan of Study Grid
Freshman
FallCredits
THEA 1000 THEATRE PRACTICUM 1
THEA 1500 FOUNDATIONS OF PRODUCTION DESIGN 3
English Comp I 3
General Education (Social Science) 3
General Education (Humanities) 3
 Credits13
Spring
THEA 1000 THEATRE PRACTICUM 1
THEA 1700 SCRIPT ANALYSIS 3
THEA 2400 STAGE MANAGEMENT 3
English Comp II 3
General Education (Social Science) 3
General Education (Humanities & Fine Arts) 3
 Credits16
Sophomore
Fall
THEA 1000 THEATRE PRACTICUM 1
THEA 1300 ACTING I 3
PHHB 3030 FIRST AID 3
THEA 1650
STAGE COSTUME
or VOICE FOR THE ACTOR
3
General Education (Quantitiative Liberacy) 3
General Education (Natural/Physical Science) 3
 Credits16
Spring
THEA 1000 THEATRE PRACTICUM 1
CMST 2010 INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION 3
THEA 1600
FOUNDATIONS OF SCENIC PRODUCTION
or STAGE AND TV LIGHTING
3
Elective 3
General Education (Humanities & Fine Arts) 3
General Education/Theatre Elective 3
 Credits16
Junior
Fall
THEA 2000 THEATRE PRACTICUM II 2
CMST 2410 SMALL GROUP COMMUNICATION AND LEADERSHIP 3
THEA 4780 THEATRE HISTORY AND LITERATURE: CLASSICAL TO 1500 3
General Eduation (Public Speaking) 3
General Education (Social Science) 3
General Education/Theatre Elective 3
 Credits17
Spring
THEA 2000 THEATRE PRACTICUM II 2
THEA 3720 THEATRE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE 3
THEA 4050 SHAKESPEARE ON FILM: THE ART OF INTERPRETATION 3
General Education/Theatre Elective 3
General Eduation (Natural/Physical Science) 4
 Credits15
Senior
Fall
MGMT 3490 MANAGING PEOPLE AND ORGANIZATIONS 3
THEA 3400 DIRECTING I 3
Theatre Concentration Elective 3
THEA 3700 THEATRE HISTORY AND LITERATURE: 1960-PRESENT 3
Elective 3
 Credits15
Spring
THEA 4900 ADVANCED PROJECTS - CAPSTONE 3
Theatre Concentration Elective 3
Theatre Concentration Elective 3
Elective 3
 Credits12
 Total Credits120