Theatre Arts, BA
The Theatre Arts program focuses on all intellectual and creative aspects of theatre and performance studies. Our courses link academic approaches to the theatre such as the study of dramatic literature, theory, history, and criticism, to practical aspects of performance such as acting, directing, designing, devising, and playwriting. Special features of our program include faculty-directed productions, which are taught as courses for credit, and extracurricular programs such as workshops and talks with visiting artists, staged readings, and theatre outings. One special highlight of our program is the Edinburgh Project. On alternating years, majors are selected to enroll in a course that develops a performance piece that travels to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland. The honors thesis is another special opportunity in which majors who are accomplished in both academic and production work are invited to work on honors thesis projects, which may be based on practice such as acting, directing, and design or on scholarly research.
Penn Theatre Arts graduates proceed to a wide array of successful careers, both in and out of the theatre. Our majors are well-prepared to enter professional MFA programs in acting, directing, or design, as well as doctoral programs. We also count among our alumni not only those who are successful in theatre and film as artists, producers, and business people, but also those who flourish in unrelated fields, such as medicine and law.
The minimum total course units for graduation in this major is 33. Double majors may entail more course units.
For more information: http://theatre.sas.upenn.edu
For information about the General Education requirements, please visit the College of Arts & Sciences Curriculum page.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| College General Education Requirements and Free Electives | ||
| Foundational Approaches + Sectors1 + Free Electives | 20 | |
| Major Requirements | ||
| Core Requirements | ||
| THAR 0101 | Theatre, History, Culture I: From Classical to the Middle Classes | 1 |
| THAR 0102 | Theatre, History, Culture II: Romantics, Realists and Revolutionaries | 1 |
| THAR 0120 | Introduction to Acting | 1 |
| THAR 0121 | Introduction to Directing | 1 |
| THAR 0103 | The Play: Structure, Style, Meaning | 1 |
| THAR 0130 | Introduction to Light, Set, and Costume Design | 1 |
| Select 1 Advanced Topic course with ATAT attribute | 1 | |
| Electives | ||
| Select 6 course units of Electives 2 | 6 | |
| Practicum Requirement | ||
| Complete the Practicum Requirement | ||
| Total Course Units | 33 | |
- 1
You may count no more than one course toward both a Major and a Sector requirement. For Exceptions, check the Policy Statement.
- 2
Courses may be taken in other departments, in consultation with the Undergraduate Chair.
Honors
Honors Credit
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2024 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.