The Theatre: Acting and Directing Option at UNH offers the rare combination of both disciplines in a single trajectory. Students gain comprehensive skills through courses in acting, voice, movement, and directing, along with hands-on experience in various theatre aspects. With over 25 annual performance opportunities and independent study options, graduates are well-prepared for wide-ranging careers in theatre. The program offers the ability to apply for financial aid to those who participate in an internship, experience with global artists on campus through our Performance Arts Enrichment Initiative (PAEI), study abroad in London, and opportunities with the UNH children's theatre and our professional applied theatre company, PowerPLAY.
What is the acting and directing option in theatre?
The acting and directing option is one of the few programs in the nation that combines these two disciplines into a single trajectory. With a focus on creating the self-sufficient theatre artist, this option is designed to develop the skills and artistry necessary for a wide-ranging career in theatre. You’ll take multiple levels of acting, voice and movement, and directing courses and delve into virtually every aspect of the theory, history and practice of theatre. With immense opportunity for hands-on experience in all areas of theatre, students graduating with a theatre degree will have built a formidable base of knowledge and skill for work on stage and beyond.
Why study acting and directing 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. You’ll be able to pursue independent studies 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 Performing Arts Enrichment Initiative (PAEI) brings acclaimed theatre artists from around the nation and the world to our campus for workshops and training. You can spend a January Term abroad in our London program or tour with UNH’s Little Red Wagon, the summer professional children’s theatre and even pursue work with our professional applied theatre company, PowerPLAY.
Potential careers
- Actor
- Director
- Playwright
- Applied Theatre Professional
- Theatre Artistic Director
- Youth Theatre Education
- Producer
- Experience Designer
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Theatre & History Majors | Academic Coordinator at Rosie's Theater Kids / Acting CoachWhat are you currently doing for work and what was the path you took to get here? I currently work at Rosie's Theater Kids, a non-profit after-school theatre program co-founded by Rosie O'Donnell, which provides musical theatre training to underserved teens in NYC. I moved to the Big Apple five years ago to develop my career as an actor. Definitely took some twists…Learn More
Curriculum & Requirements
Created for students with a passion for acting and/or directing, this option is designed to develop the actor and the director as an interpretive, creative and self-sufficient artist. Award-winning faculty working in the profession challenge students to strive for excellence in the art and craft of acting and directing through highly challenging coursework, performance projects and productions, as well as special workshops with acclaimed guest artists.
Contact David Kaye, Paul Creative Arts Center, (603) 862-0667.
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 |
| THDA 438 | History of Theatre II | 4 |
| 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 552 | Acting II | 4 |
| THDA 570 | Movement & Vocal Production | 4 |
| THDA 589 | Practicum (A - D) 1 | 4-8 |
| THDA 741 | Directing | 4 |
| THDA 742 | Directing II | 4 |
| THDA 758 | Acting III | 4 |
| THDA 759 | Acting: Period and Style | 4 |
| THDA 799 | Capstone Project | 2 |
| Theory/History | ||
| Select 4 credits of the following: | 4 | |
THDA 450 | History of Musical Theatre in America | |
THDA #632 | Interpretation of Shakespeare in Theatre | |
THDA 640W | Playwriting | |
| Total Credits | 58-62 | |
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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.
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).
Additional Student Learning Outcomes for Option in Acting and Directing: In addition to the shared department learning outcomes for all THDA students, upon completion of the major with an Option in Acting and Directing, students will:
- Achieve at minimum an intermediate proficiency in fundamental skills related to theatrical performance.
- Utilize critical thinking and writing skills to analyze plays for both the performance of roles and the direction of productions in a range of styles and genres.
- Effectively communicate and collaborate with all participants in the interactive and creative process of theatre.
- Form, communicate and defend verbally and in writing value judgments about quality and aesthetics of performance and directing in works of theatre.
- Demonstrate knowledge of basic terminology of acting and directing as well as leading practitioners and theorists of the acting and directing process.
