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Academic Bulletin

College of Arts & Sciences - Undergraduate

THEATRE ARTS - Dept. Code: THA
www.miami.edu/tha

Educational Objectives | Degree Programs | Major | Bachelor of Arts | Bachelor of Fine Arts | Design/Technical Production | Musical Theatre | Acting | | Stage Management | Theatre Management | Minor

Introduction

The University of Miami Department of Theatre Arts offers two distinct undergraduate degrees: a liberal arts program leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree in theatre and a pre-professional conservatory-based theatre training program leading to a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in either performance, musical theatre, stage management, theatre management, or design/production.    

The Department also produces a season of plays and musicals at the Jerry Herman Ring Theatre as well as workshops and student projects in the Studio Theatre.

Educational Objectives

The mission of the University of Miami's Department of Theatre Arts is to equip students to work in professional theatre, film and television or to gain admission to the best professional graduate programs.

Our graduates will be capable of applying theatrical techniques without guidance and will be capable of making independent creative judgment.  Our broad aim in theatre training is professional excellence combined with depth of human understanding, freedom of expression and imagination in communication for all practitioners of the art and craft of theatre. 

Degree Programs

THE BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE 
THE BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS DEGREE

MAJOR
THE BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE

All students seeking a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts must take the following courses with a grade of C- or higher in all Theatre Arts classes and an overall GPA of 2.0 or above.

All Bachelor of Arts Candidates will take ALL FIVE of the following core courses:
THA 105, 141/143, 142/144, 481, and 482.

All Bachelor of Arts candidates will then choose SEVEN elective courses from the following list:
THA 140, 240, 241, 242, 243, 244, 251, 252, 253, 254, 300, 341, 342, 343, 344, 347, 348, 351, 352, 364, 365, 375, 381, 382, 385, 386, 441, 442, 451, 452, 456, 459, 461, 462, 463, 464, 465, 466, 467, 468, 485, 487.

The State of Florida recognizes the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Fine Arts Degrees as meeting the Theatre Arts subject area requirements for teaching at the secondary level. In addition to earning the BA or BFA degree in Theatre, students desiring to teach in the field of Theatre Arts should complete the required education credits in order to be certified by the state.

THE BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS DEGREE

In addition to the general requirements for admission to the University, the student seeking admission to the BFA program must meet the following requirements of the Department of Theatre Arts:

1. Submission of a special supplementary application to the Department of Theatre Arts. (This form is in Part II of the University application).

2. An audition or interview/portfolio review to determine acceptance into the program. These audition/reviews will be held three times on the University of Miami campus as well as in major cities throughout the United States.

3. Design/technical production, stage management and theatre management students will be accepted into these programs on a probationary basis following an interview/portfolio review. Permanent acceptance into these programs will be made at the end of the first year by a thorough examination of the student's portfolio.

Transfer students must follow the same entering procedures as freshmen and should realize that placement into the program will be determined by the Theatre Arts faculty. Candidates cannot transfer into the design/technical production, stage management and theatre management BFA degree program beyond their sophomore year, unless approved by the head of the appropriate program. Transfer students are not allowed into the performance or musical BFA degree programs unless they are willing to begin on the freshman level in their conservatory curriculum.

The candidates for the degree of Bachelor of Fine Arts must satisfy the College of Arts and Sciences distribution requirements.

Each BFA student will be evaluated by the faculty at the end of each semester. This evaluation will determine if the student is invited to continue in the program. Additional evaluations will take place each time a student is involved in a project.

In Theatre Arts Department courses a cumulative 2.7 grade point average is required to remain in the BFA program. A Theatre Arts major must maintain a minimum grade of C- or higher in each required course outside the theatre. Failure to maintain satisfactory academic standing may result in the student being placed on academic probation by the Department.

Theatre Arts courses are progressive in nature and students must successfully complete each course in sequence. Failure to pass the requirements of any particular class in the conservatory may result in the student's dismissal from the program.

Production activities and discipline within the Department will be governed by a student handbook, available on the Department website (www.miami.edu/tha).

Musical Theatre and Acting Majors will be admitted to the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program only in the fall of each academic year.

The following pages specify the course requirements for each area of the BFA program.

DESIGN/TECHNICAL PRODUCTION CURRICULUM

FRESHMAN YEAR
First Semester Second Semester
ENG 105 English Composition I
3
THA 142 Intro to Costume/Lighting Design (Lecture)
2
THA 141 Intro to Scene Design/Stage Craft (Lecture)        
2
THA 144 Introduction to Theatre Crafts II (Lab)
1
THA 143 Introduction to Theatre Crafts I (Lab)
1
ENG 106 English Composition II
3
THA 105 Intro to Acting
3
Liberal Arts
3
THA 365 Principles of Stage Management
3
Liberal Arts/Math
3
CIS 150 Introduction to Computer Information Systems
3
THA 364 Introduction to Producing and Managing Theatre
3
 
ART 101 Intro to Drawing I
3
TOTAL
15
TOTAL
18
SOPHOMORE YEAR
First Semester Second Semester
THA 241 Advance Theatre Crafts I
3
THA 242 Drafting for the Theatre
3
THA 243 Intro to Drawing for the Theatre
3
THA 386 History of Fashion
3
THA 381 Play Analysis I
3
THA 382 Play Analysis II
3
Liberal Arts/Math
3
THA 244 Advanced Drawing for the Theatre
3
Liberal Arts
3
Liberal Arts
3
COS 211 Public Speaking
3
 
TOTAL
18
TOTAL
15
JUNIOR YEAR
First Semester Second Semester
THA 343 Costume Design
3
THA 442 Design Studio II
3
THA 344 Lighting Design
3
THA 342 Scenic Design
3
THA 385 History of Décor
3
THA 482 Theatre History II
3
THA 481 Theatre History I
3
Liberal Arts
3
Liberal Arts
3
Theatre Elective
3
TOTAL
15
TOTAL
15
SENIOR YEAR
First Semester
Second Semester
THA 441 Design Studio I
3
THA 442 Design Studio II
3
THA 401 Internship
3
THA 402 Internship
3
THA 461 Play Direction I
3
Theatre Elective
3
Liberal Arts
3
Theatre Elective
3
Theatre elective
3
Theatre Elective
3
Theatre elective
3
TOTAL
15
TOTAL
18
 

Notes:

  1. THA 441 Design Studio I can be taken twice for a maximum of 6 credits. 
  1. THA 442 Design Studio II can be taken twice for a maximum of 6 credits. 
  1. Theatre Elective - must be a 200 level or above course.
  1. ART 105 and ART 107 are highly recommended.

MUSICAL THEATRE CURRICULUM

FRESHMAN YEAR
First Semester
Second Semester
THA 111 Acting I-A
2
THA 112 Acting I-B
2
THA 113 Movement I-A
2
THA 114 Movement I-B
2
THA 116 Dance I-A
2
THA 117 Dance I-B
2
THA 120 Freshman Studio I
1
THA 121 Freshman Studio II
1
THA 141 Intro to Scene Design/Stage Craft (Lecture)        
2
THA 142 Intro to Costume/Lighting Design (Lecture)
2
THA 143 Introduction to Theatre Crafts I (Lab)
1
THA 144 Introduction to Theatre Crafts II (Lab)
1
THA 198 Voice and Speech (BFA only)
2
THA 196 Singing for the Stage
1
MVP 101 Intro to Voice and Singing
2
THA 198 Voice and Speech
2
MVP 110 Fundamentals of Music OR
3
MVP VOB Voice
2
MTC 111 Music Theory I
2
MKP 101 OR 102 Class Piano II OR         
1
MKP 101 Class Piano I OR
1
MKP 121 OR 122 Class Piano/MTR Majors Only (Level II)
1
MKP 121 Class Piano/MTR Majors only (Level I)
1
MTC 112 Music Theory II
2
MVP 105 Solfege
1
MTC 121 Music Theory Laboratory I
1
TOTAL
19
TOTAL
18-19
SOPHOMORE YEAR
First Semester
Second Semester
THA 211 Acting II-A
2
THA 212 Acting II-B
2
THA 216 Dance II-A
1
THA 217 Dance II-B
2
THA 197 Singing for the Stage II-A
1
THA 296 Singing for the Stage II-B
1
THA 298 Voice and Speech II-A
1
THA 299 Voice and Speech II-B
2
THA 347 Make-Up
3
MVP VOD Voice
2
MVP VOC Voice
2
MTC 221 Music Theory Laboratory III
1
MKP 103 Class Piano II OR III OR
1
ENG 106 English Composition II
3
MKT 122 OR 123 Class Piano/MTR Majors Only (Level III)
1
MTH 101 Algebra for College Students
3
MTC 211 Music Theory III
2
TOTAL
16
MTC 122 Music Theory Laboratory II
1
 
 
ENG 105 English Composition I
3
   
TOTAL
18
 
JUNIOR YEAR
First Semester
Second Semester
THA 311 Acting III-A
2
THA 312 Acting III-B
2
THA 313 Movement III-A
1
THA 314 Movement II-B
1
THA 316 Dance III-A
2
THA 317 Dance III-B
2
THA 297 Singing for the Stage III-B
1
THA 399 Voice and Speech III-B
1
THA 398 Voice and Speech III-A
1
THA 482 Theatre History II
3
THA 481 Theatre History I
3
MVP VOF Voice
2
MVP VOE Voice
2
Liberal Arts
3
MTC 221 Music Theory Laboratory III
1
Liberal Arts
3
Liberal Arts
3
TOTAL
17
Liberal Arts
3
 
TOTAL
19
 
SENIOR YEAR
First Semester
Second Semester
THA 431 Musical Theatre Styles I
3
THA 432 Musical Theatre Styles II
3
*THA 411 Acting IV-A
2
*THA 412 Acting IV-B
2
THA 415 Auditioning-I
2
THA 416 Auditioning-II
2
*THA 461 Play Direction I
3
*THA 414 Movement III-B Stage Combat
2
*THA 413 Movement III-A Stage Combat
2
THA 420 Senior Studio
3
MVP VOG Voice
2
MVP VOH Voice
2
Liberal Arts
3
Liberal Arts
3
Liberal Arts
3
Electives
3
TOTAL
20
TOTAL
20

* optional but recommended

ACTING CURRICULUM

FRESHMAN YEAR
First Semester
Second Semester
THA 111 Acting I-A
2
THA 112 Acting I-B
2
THA 113 Movement I-A
2
THA 114 Movement I-B
2
THA 116 Dance 1-A
2
THA 117 Dance 1-B
2
THA 120 Freshman Studio I
2
THA 121 Freshman Studio II
2
THA 141 Intro to Scene Design/Stage Craft (Lecture)
2
THA 142 Intro to Costume/Lighting Design (Lecture)
2
THA 143 Introduction to Theatre Crafts I (Lab)
1
THA 144 Introduction to Theatre Crafts II (Lab)
1
THA 198 Voice and Speech I-A
2
THA 199 Voice and Speech I-B
2
Theatre Requirement or Elective
2-3
ENG 106 English Composition II
3
ENG 105 English Composition I
3
TOTAL
17-18
TOTAL
17-18
 
SOPHOMORE YEAR
First Semester
Second Semester
THA 211 Acting II-A
2
THA 212 Acting II-B
2
THA 298 Voice and Speech II-A
1
THA 299 Voice and Speech II-B
2
THA 347 Make-Up
3
THA 382 Play Analysis II
3
THA 381 Play Analysis I
3
Theatre Requirement
2-3
Theatre Requirement or Theatre Elective
2-3
Theatre Elective
2-3
Liberal Arts
3
Liberal Arts
3
TOTAL
14-15
TOTAL 14-16
JUNIOR YEAR
First Semester
Second Semester
THA 311 Acting III-A
2
THA 312 Acting III-B
2
THA 313 Movement III-A
1
THA 314 Movement II-B
1
THA 398 Voice and Speech III-A
1
THA 399 Voice and Speech III-B
1
THA 481 Theatre History I
3
THA 482 Theatre History II
3
Theatre Requirement or Theatre Elective 2-3 Theatre Requirement or Theatre Elective 2-3
Liberal Arts
3
Liberal Arts
3
Liberal Arts
3
Liberal Arts
3
TOTAL
15-16
TOTAL
15-16
SENIOR YEAR
First Semester
Second Semester
THA 411 Acting IV-A
2
THA 412 Acting IV-B
2
THA 413 Movement III-A (Stage Combat)
2
THA 414 Movement III-B (Stage Combat)
2
THA 415 Auditioning-I
2
THA 416 Auditioning-II
2
THA 461 Play Direction I
3
THA 420 Senior Studio
3
Theatre Requirement
2-3
Theatre Requirement or Elective
2-3
Theatre Elective
2-3
Liberal Arts
3
Liberal Arts
3
Liberal Arts
3
TOTAL
16-18
TOTAL
17-18

Acting Majors must complete 4 additional Requirement Courses and 6 Elective Courses

REQUIREMENTS
  ELECTIVES
 
THA or MVP 294 Singing for Actors
2
THA 101
3*
CBR 233 Television Performance
3
THA 116 Beginning Dance and/or Another approved dance class
1-3*
CBR 315 Acting for the Camera OR
Another approved singing Class
3
THA or MVP 194 or 294 Singing for Actors I
2*
THA 456 Improvisational Acting
3
Other approved singing class
THA 364 Theatre Management
3
THA 195 Singing for Actors I
2
    THA 251 and/or 252 Scene Study
3*
    THA or MVP 294 Singing for Actors II-A1
2
    THA or MVP 295 Singing for Actors II-B1
2
    THA 352 Singing for the Musical Theatre
OR
3*
    THA 431 Musical Theatre Styles I
2
    THA 432 Musical Theatre Styles II
2
    THA 455 Acting for the Camera
3
    THA 462 Directing for the Stage
3*
    THA 375 Playwriting
3*
    THA 365  Principles of Stage Management
3
    CBR 592 Special Topics in Broadcasting
OR Other approved courses
3

* indicates recommended

STAGE MANAGEMENT CURRICULUM

FRESHMAN YEAR
First Semester
Second Semester
THA 365 Principles of Stage Management
3
THA 105 Introduction to Acting
3
THA 141 Introduction to Theatre Crafts I (Lecture)
2
THA 142 Intro to Costume/Lighting Design (Lecture)
2
THA 143 Introduction to Theatre Crafts I (Lab)
1
THA 144 Introduction to Theatre Crafts II (Lab)
1
ENG 105 English Composition I
3
ENG 106 English Composition II
3
CIS 150 Introduction to Computer Information Systems
3
MTC 110 Fundamentals of Music
3
Liberal Arts
3
Liberal Arts/Math
3
TOTAL
15
TOTAL
15
SOPHOMORE YEAR
First Semester
Second Semester
THA 459 Stage Management Practicum
3
THA 463 Advanced Stage Management I
3
THA 243 Intro to Drawing for the Theatre
3
THA 242 Drafting for the Theatre
3
THA 364 Intro to Producing and Managing Theatres
3
THA 382 Play Analysis II
3
THA 381 Play Analysis I
3
COS 112 Interpersonal Communication
3
Liberal Arts/Math
3
Liberal Arts
3
Liberal Arts
3
Liberal Arts
3
MVP 210 Score Reading for SM Major
1
TOTAL
18
TOTAL
19
 
JUNIOR YEAR
First Semester
Second Semester
THA 459 Stage Management Practicum
3
THA 464 Advanced Stage Management II
3
THA 241 Advance Theatre Crafts
3
THA 462 Play Direction II
3
THA 461 Play Direction I
3
THA 482 Theatre History II
3
THA 481 Theatre History I
3
COS 211 Public Speaking
3
THA 344 Lighting Design
3
THA Elective
3
THA Elective
3
THA Management Course (THA 466 OR THA 467 are recommended)
3
TOTAL
18
TOTAL
18
SENIOR YEAR
First Semester
Second Semester
THA 459 Stage Management Practicum
3
THA 420 Senior Studio
3
THA 561 Advanced Directing or other approved THA elective
3
THA 401 Internship
3
Liberal Arts
3
THA 402 Internship
3
Liberal Arts
3
Liberal Arts
3
THA Elective
3
THA Elective
3
ESS 145 Responding to Emergencies (1st Aid)
3
MGT 304 Organizational Behavior
3
TOTAL
18
TOTAL
18


Notes:

  1. 1. All Stage Management majors are required to participate in a production capacity in one show per semester for all eight semesters.

    2. All Stage Management majors are required to stage manage or assistant stage manage one show in each year in their Sophomore, Junior and Senior year. This management assignment doubles as their production assignment for that particular semester.

    3. THA 459 Stage Management Practicum can be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits.

    4.  THA Elective must be a 200 level or above course unless otherwise approved by Stage Management Faculty.

THEATRE MANAGEMENT CURRICULUM

FRESHMAN YEAR
First Semester
Second Semester
THA 141 Intro to Scene Design/Stage Craft (Lecture)
2
THA 142 Intro to Costume/Lighting Design (Lecture)          
2
THA 143 Introduction to Theatre Crafts I (Lab)
1
THA 144 Introduction to Theatre Crafts II (Lab)
1
THA 365 Principles of Stage Management
3
THA 364 Introduction to Producing and Managing Theatre
3
ENG 105 English Composition I
3
ENG 106 English Composition II
3
CAP 116 Introduction to Public Relations in Society
3
THA 244 Drawing for the Theatre II
3
CIS 150 Introduction to Computer Information Systems
3
MTH 101 Algebra for College Students
3
TOTAL
15
CAP 232 Promotional Writing
3
 
TOTAL
18
SOPHOMORE YEAR
First Semester
Second Semester
THA 105 Introduction to Acting
3
THA 367 Theatre Management Practicum
3
THA 366 Theatre Management Practicum
3
THA 382 Play Analysis II
3
THA 381 Play Analysis I
3
BSL 212 Introduction to Business Law
3
ACC 211 Principles of Financial Accounting
3
CIS 316 Microcomputer Business Applications
3
CAP 202 Graphics for Promotional Media
3
ECO 211 Economic Principles and Problems
3
Liberal Arts
3
Liberal Arts
3
TOTAL
18
TOTAL
18
JUNIOR YEAR
First Semester
Second Semester
THA 401 Internship
3
THA 402 Internship
3
THA 461 Play Direction I
3
THA 467 Theatre Management III
3
THA 465 Theatre Management I
3
MKT 301 Marketing Foundations
3
COS 333 Business Communication
3
MGT 307 Advanced Organizational Behavior
3
MGT 304 Organizational Behavior
3
Liberal Arts
3
Liberal Arts
3
Liberal Arts
3
TOTAL
18
TOTAL
18
SENIOR YEAR
First Semester
Second Semester
THA 403 Internship
3
THA 404 Internship
3
THA 463 Advanced Stage Management I
3
THA 482 Theatre History II
3
THA 466 Theatre Management II
3
THA 468 Theatre Management IV
3
THA 481 Theatre History I
3
MGT 353 The Organization and Operation of the Small Business
3
MGT 302 Human Resource Management
3
Elective
3
Liberal Arts
3
Liberal Arts
3
TOTAL
18
TOTAL
18

Minor

MINOR IN THEATRE ARTS 
A minor in Theatre Arts consists of 15 credits of Theatre Arts classes with a minimum grade of C- in each course and an overall GPA of 2.0 or above.

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