The Theatre major at UNH offers a comprehensive education in performance, theatre history, elements of design, and theatre technology. With a flexible credit load, students can pair theatre studies with another major. The program features award-winning faculty and over 25 annual performance opportunities, including student productions. Students can pursue independent study and apply for R.E.A.C.H. financial assistance for students who participate in an internship. The Cultural Stages program brings global theatre artists to campus, and a 10-day January Term study-abroad program in London explores theatre within its political and social contexts.
What is theatre?
There is no area of human endeavor that the theatre does not touch; to teach and learn about theatre is to teach and learn about human life. Whether you live for the stage, have a love of costumes, or see yourself running things behind the scenes, a theatre degree will allow you to engage with your passion for the performing arts and for the life that the performing arts imitate. You’ll study performance, theatre history, and the elements of design and theatre technology. The program was designed with a relatively light credit load, allowing you to combine your theatre studies with another major.
Why study theatre at UNH?
The UNH Department of Theatre and Dance offers a variety of performance opportunities every year in musicals, plays and dance concerts, including student productions. The curriculum allows for flexibility to independently study a broad range of interests. Financial assistance provides access to internship opportunities with professional theatre or dance organizations, and our January Term study abroad program immerses students in London theatre as well as gaining insights into politics and societal issues.
Potential careers
- Actor
- Arts organization director
- Company manager
- Director
- Marketing professional
- Theatre director
- Youth programmer
Curriculum & Requirements
The Theatre Major at UNH offers a comprehensive education in performance, theatre history, elements of design, and theatre technology. With a flexible credit load, students can pair theatre studies with another major. The program features award-winning faculty and various performance opportunities, including student productions. Enrichment opportunities involve pursuing independent study to deepen learning regarding areas of interest; applying for R.E.A.C.H. financial assistance to help subsidize practical internships; experiencing a 10-day January Term study-abroad program in London.
There is no area of human endeavor that the theatre does not touch; to teach and learn about theatre is to teach and learn about human life. Whether you live for the stage, have a love of costumes, or see yourself running things behind the scenes, a theatre degree will allow you to engage with your passion for the performing arts and for the life that the performing arts imitate. You’ll study performance, theatre history, and the elements of design and theatre technology. The program was designed with a relatively light credit load, allowing you to combine your theatre studies with another major.
The UNH Department of Theatre and Dance offers a variety of performance opportunities every year in musicals, plays and dance concerts, including student productions. The curriculum allows for flexibility to independently study a broad range of interests. Financial assistance provides access to internship opportunities with professional theatre or dance organizations, and our January Term study abroad program immerses students in London theatre as well as gaining insights into politics and societal issues.
Contact Szu-Feng Chen, Paul Creative Arts Center, (603) 862-4445.
Sample Degree Plan
This sample degree plan serves as a general guide; students collaborate with their academic advisor to develop a personalized degree plan to meet their academic goals and program requirements.
First Year | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | |
THDA Course | 4 | |
THDA Course | 4 | |
THDA 401 | New Student Seminar | 1 |
THDA 589 | Practicum | 1 |
Discovery Course | 4 | |
Discovery Course | 4 | |
Credits | 18 | |
Spring | ||
THDA Course | 4 | |
THDA Course | 4 | |
THDA Course | 4 | |
THDA 589 | Practicum | 1 |
Discovery Course | 4 | |
Discovery Course | 4 | |
Credits | 21 | |
Second Year | ||
Fall | ||
THDA Course | 4 | |
THDA 589 | Practicum | 1 |
Language Course | 4 | |
Discovery Course | 4 | |
Major Elective/Minor Requirement | 4 | |
Major Elective/Minor Requirement | 0-4 | |
Credits | 17-21 | |
Spring | ||
THDA Course | 4 | |
THDA 589 | Practicum | 1 |
Language Course | 4 | |
Discovery Course | 4 | |
Major Elective/Minor Requirement | 4 | |
Major Elective/Minor Requirement | 0-4 | |
Credits | 17-21 | |
Third Year | ||
Fall | ||
THDA Course | 4 | |
THDA 589 | Practicum | 1 |
Discovery Course | 4 | |
Discovery Course | 4 | |
Major Elective/Minor Requirement | 4 | |
Major Elective/Minor Requirement | 0-4 | |
Credits | 17-21 | |
Spring | ||
THDA Course | 4 | |
THDA 589 | Practicum | 1 |
Discovery Course | 4 | |
Discovery Course | 4 | |
Major Elective/Minor Requirement | 4 | |
Major Elective/Minor Requirement | 0-4 | |
Credits | 17-21 | |
Fourth Year | ||
Fall | ||
THDA Course | 4 | |
THDA 589 | Practicum | 1 |
Major Elective/Minor Requirement | 4 | |
Major Elective/Minor Requirement | 4 | |
Major Elective/Minor Requirement | 4 | |
Credits | 17 | |
Spring | ||
THDA Course | 4 | |
THDA 799 | Capstone Project | 2 |
THDA 589 | Practicum | 1 |
Major Elective/Minor Requirement | 4 | |
Major Elective/Minor Requirement | 4 | |
Credits | 15 | |
Total Credits | 139-155 |
Degree Requirements
All Major, Option and Elective Requirements as indicated.
*Major GPA requirements as indicated.
Major Requirements
In the freshman and sophomore years, students should enroll for at least two major and two Discovery courses per semester.
The minimum grade requirement for major courses is C- per course. Any grade lower than C- will not count toward the major.
The required minimum overall GPA in major coursework is 2.0.
Under department policy, students who complete both COMM 401 American Sign Language I and COMM 502 American Sign Language II satisfy the bachelor of arts language proficiency requirement.
All majors must take courses in the following areas: performance, design/theatre technology and theory/history as well as fulfill between four and eight practicums and complete a capstone course. Although timing will vary with each option, it is strongly suggested that all introductory courses be taken prior to the end of the student's sophomore year. Students must also complete a digital portfolio that demonstrates fulfillment of student learning outcomes related to their area of study.
Candidates for a degree must satisfy all of the University Discovery Program requirements in addition to satisfying the requirements of each individual major program. Bachelor of arts candidates must also satisfy the foreign language proficiency requirement.
Theatre department majors may use one major-required course to satisfy one Discovery Program category requirement.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Required Courses | ||
THDA 436 | History of Theatre I | 4 |
or THDA 438 | History of Theatre II | |
THDA 459 | Stagecraft | 4 |
THDA 460 | Elements of Design | 4 |
THDA 462 | Ballet I | 4 |
or THDA 463 | Theatre Dance I | |
THDA 551 | Acting I | 4 |
THDA 589 | Practicum (A - C) 1 | 3-8 |
THDA 798 | Senior Thesis | 2 |
or THDA 799 | Capstone Project | |
Theory/History | ||
Select from the following courses: | 4 | |
THDA 436 | History of Theatre I | |
or THDA 438 | History of Theatre II | |
THDA 444B | Famous Dancers of the 20th Century | |
THDA 450 | History of Musical Theatre in America | |
THDA 541 | Arts Administration and Entrepreneurship | |
THDA 640W | Playwriting | |
THDA 721 | Arts Integration | |
THDA 727 | Methods of Teaching Theatre | |
Design/Theatre Technology | ||
Select from the following courses: | 4 | |
THDA 458 | Costume Construction | |
THDA 475 | Stage Makeup | |
THDA 546 | Costume Design for the Theatre | |
THDA 548 | Stage Lighting Design and Execution | |
THDA 583 | Introduction to Puppetry | |
THDA 641 | Stage Management | |
THDA 652 | Scene Design | |
THDA 683 | Advanced Puppetry | |
Performance | ||
Select from the following courses: | 4 | |
THDA 462 | Ballet I | |
THDA 463 | Theatre Dance I | |
THDA 522 | Storytelling, Story Theatre, and Involvement Dramatics | |
THDA 532 | The London Experience | |
THDA 552 | Acting II | |
THDA 555 | Acting The Song | |
THDA 624 | Theatre for Young Audiences | |
THDA 655 | Musical Theatre Scene Study | |
THDA 741 | Directing | |
THDA 755 | Musical Theatre Repertoire | |
THDA 758 | Acting III | |
Electives 2 | ||
Select 600-700 level courses | 8 | |
Total Credits | 45-50 |
- 1
The practicum ensures a breadth of experience in the major, including sets, costumes, lighting, props, box office, marketing, and performing. Students must register for practicum every semester. They are notified of their practicum assignment at the beginning of each semester.
- 2
Includes those in Sections II, III, and IV
Program Learning Outcomes
On completion of the B.A. in Theatre, students will:
- Recognize and distinguish between various styles and forms of theatre or dance that have shaped the evolution of these disciplines.
- Effectively communicate artistic ideas and/or critical analysis of theatre or dance works through appropriate oral, written or practical means.
- Demonstrate knowledge and fundamental skill level of the basic areas of theatre or dance production in areas related to performance, design, technology or management.
- Create and demonstrate informed and personal artistic choices in coursework and productions (i.e., design, dance, directing, acting).