Theatre B.A. and B.G.S. students work intensively on acquiring theatre skills and knowledge in classrooms, studios, and laboratories. 

Through small-class studio courses and department productions, our program provides talented performing artists with a basic foundation in acting, movement, voice and speech, improvisation, and musical theatre while also cultivating emerging scholars with basic knowledge and research tools for understanding the social and cultural significance of theatre and performance.

Both the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of General Studies (B.G.S.) in Theatre require 40 hours. The primary distinctions between the B.A. and the B.G.S. degree are the foreign language requirement (required of the B.A. but not the B.G.S.) and 18 hours junior/senior concentration or minor (required for the B.G.S but not the B.A.).

Requirements for the B.A. and B.G.S. Major

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
THR 101	Theatre Practicum I	1
THR 102	Introduction to the Theatre Major	1
THR 106	Acting I	3
THR 201	Theatre Practicum II	1
THR 206	Acting II	3
THR 212	Beginning Voice and Speech for Actors	3
THR 213	Movement I: The Acting Instrument	3
THR 215	Approaching Design	3
THR 308	Script Analysis	3
Select two of the following:		4
THR 216	Scenic Production
THR 220	Costume Production
THR 224	Lighting Production
Select one of the following:		1
THR 301	Theatre Practicum III
THR 401	Stage Management and Assistant Direction
Select two of the following:		6
THR 525	History of Theatre
THR 526	History of Theatre II
THR 528	History of U.S. Theatre and Drama
Theatre Performance Electives - 9 hours. Satisfied by: Successful completion of 3 courses (9 hours) of THR 210 or any 300-level or above Theatre course.		9
Total Hours		41

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Capstone Course
In addition to major requirements, students must complete one of the following capstone courses:
THR 498	Honors Directed Study in Theatre
THR 499	Directed Study in Theatre
THR 560	Collaborative Production

Major Hours & Major GPA

While completing all required courses, majors must also meet each of the following hour and grade-point average minimum standards:

MAJOR HOURS IN RESIDENCE

Satisfied by a minimum of 15 hours of KU resident credit in the major.

MAJOR JUNIOR/SENIOR HOURS

Satisfied by a minimum of 12 hours from junior/senior courses (300+) in the major.

MAJOR JUNIOR/SENIOR GRADUATION GPA

Satisfied by a minimum of a 2.0 KU GPA in junior/senior courses (300+) in the major. GPA calculations include all junior/senior courses in the field of study including F’s and repeated courses. See the Semester/Cumulative GPA Calculator.

Sample 4-year plans for the BA degree in Theatre can be found here: Theatre BA, or by using the left-side navigation.

Sample 4-year plans for the BGS degree in Theatre can be found here: Theatre BGS, or by using the left-side navigation.

At the completion of this program, students will be able to: 

• Interpret, analyze, and evaluate dramatic literature and performances within the cultural contexts of theatre history using basic critical thinking and written and oral communication skills.
• Practice and apply basic principles, methods, techniques, and creative problem-solving strategies in the theatrical crafts.
• Work responsibly both independently and collaboratively with peers.