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?
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. to teach and learn
Why study theatre at UNH?
In addition to our award-winning faculty, the UNH Department of Theatre and Dance offers more than 25 performance opportunities every year in musicals, plays or dance concerts, including student productions. You’ll enjoy opportunities for independent study and you’ll be eligible to apply for R.E.A.C.H., financial assistance provided to students who participate in internships with professional theatre or dance organizations. Our Cultural Stages program brings acclaimed playwrights, choreographers and other theatre artists from around the world to UNH. Our January Term study-abroad program offers a 10-day experience of London theatre with insights into politics and society.
Potential careers
- Actor
- Arts organization director
- Company manager
- Director
- Marketing professional
- Theatre director
- Youth programmer
Curriculum & Requirements
The comprehensive theatre major provides a well-rounded course of study which encourages inquisitive students who have a wide range of theatre/dance interests to tailor a program that will challenge but also broaden their intellectual horizons. Its lower required credit load also makes it ideally suited to students who want to combine their theatre studies with another major, such as business administration, international studies or social work. Contact Szu-Feng Chen, Paul Creative Arts Center, (603) 862-4445.
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. 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.
The required minimum overall GPA in major coursework is 2.0.
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 category requirement.
All UNH B.A. degrees require a minimum of 128 credit hours.
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 - D) 1 | 1 |
THDA 798 | Senior Thesis | 2 |
or THDA 799 | Capstone Project | |
Theory/History | ||
Select 4 credits of the following: | 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 #632 | Interpretation of Shakespeare in Theatre | |
THDA 640W | Playwriting | |
THDA 721 | Arts Integration | |
THDA 727 | Methods of Teaching Theatre | |
Design/Theatre | ||
Select 4 credits of the following: | 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 650 | Scene Painting for the Theatre | |
THDA #651 | Rendering for the Theatre | |
THDA 652 | Scene Design | |
THDA 683 | Advanced Puppetry | |
Performance | ||
Select 4 credits of the following: | 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 #592A | Special Topics | |
THDA 624 | Theatre for Young Audiences | |
THDA 655 | Musical Theatre Scene Study | |
THDA 741 | Directing | |
THDA 755 | Musical Theatre Repertoire | |
THDA 758 | Acting III | |
Elective 600-799 Level Courses 2 | 8 | |
Total Credits | 43 |
- 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
Core Student Learning Outcomes for the Bachelor of Arts in Theatre major: 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).