BA Theater Arts - Directing

The BA in Theater Arts/Directing Concentration program is based on creative strategies for students to learn, deepen, and greatly broaden their skills in narrative storytelling and dramatic action in various modes of theatrical expression. The goal is to develop a distinctive voice and perspective that brings to the boards hands-on experience in both commercial and not-for-profit theatre. The training process is project-oriented and gives the student the possibility of collaborating closely with students/actors, designers, playwrights, dramaturges, and technicians. There are opportunities to direct student productions and to learn from the best in the business by assisting established directors.

OUR APPROACH

The course is designed to develop a director’s skills in narrative storytelling and dramatic action. Students are provided with the fundamental principles of the director's role in the life of a production, including understanding and creating stage composition, preparation of the script for production from analysis and concept through rehearsal techniques and realization.

The goal is to acquire the tools on creating a structure for storytelling, help young directors find their voice, easily recognize and analyze the basic elements of dramatic action in performances, and provide a clear understanding of director’s choices when dealing with a specific style. Students take classes in directing, acting, design, theatre history, script analysis, stage and crew management, lighting design, voice, movement, and dance.

A director’s vision is developed through exploration of craft and process across a wide range of theory and practice. In addition to studying and applying the techniques of great American and European theatre masters, students are encouraged to experiment the concept and execution of directing as an interdisciplinary form through the multiplicity of styles, genres, spaces and technologies.

The Bachelor Arts (BA) Theater Arts program offers students the opportunity to explore many facets of theater in one of three concentrations: Acting, Directing, and Design/ Technical theatre. The BA in Theater Arts students receive a solid foundation in all aspects of theater as part of a well-rounded liberal arts education.

Students have the freedom to delve deep into the Performing Arts curriculum or supplement their theater degree with a double major or minor. Students also have the opportunity to choose a minor in such fields as English, communications, psychology, and business, a choice that can lead to careers in performing arts management, playwriting, dramaturgy, performing arts history and research, psycho-drama therapy, and broadcasting.