Page 171 - BSU Undergraduate-Catalog-2017-2019

THEATRE ARTS PROGRAM

The Theatre Arts program at Bowie State University offers the Bachelor of Science degree, with a
choice of studies in Acting/Directing or Dance Movement Studies; for non-majors, the program offers
a minor in theatre arts or dance. The rigorous program is designed to offer historical, theoretical and
experiential studies in acting, directing, stagecraft, dance, children’s theatre, and the fundamentals of
theatre research and scholarship, as students train in the traditional skills necessary for successfully
entering professional theatre and for succeeding in graduate studies. The program includes
continuous assessment and evaluation throughout a student’s matriculation, beginning with an
audition at the onset of the freshman year and ending with a capstone seminar course that requires
the submission of a cumulative portfolio. A mid-point evaluation of potential success in the program
is also included and usually occurs when approximately sixty credits are acquired. Taking advantage of
the University’s location and the abundance of community and professional theatre in surrounding
areas, the faculty encourages students to participate in off-campus as well as on-campus auditions,
productions and applied theatre. Doing so is instrumental developing their personal visions of theatre
and dance as dynamic and diverse cultural elements of any society.

MISSION
The purpose of the Theatre Arts program is to offer a liberal study of the discipline and prepare
students for successful entrance into various types of theatre or dance employment, as well as
advanced academic study. Through mentorship, practical training, and academic rigor, the program
produces graduates with a unique artistic vision, a strong work ethic, and an appreciation for theatre
as a dynamic cultural force.

Program Goals
1. Cultivate good stewards of the performing arts through progressive academic theatre and dance
studies.
2. Build community connections and partnerships that support the program.
3. Foster artistic growth through academic rigor and the provision of professional opportunities.

Expected Student Outcomes and Competencies
Throughout the program of study and upon graduation, student should demonstrate the ability to
1) analyze a variety of performance and dramatic texts
2) write about theatre for various audiences
2) synthesize and clearly articulate the collaborative work of theatre arts by connecting its
a. history
b. performance elements
c. production processes
d. dramatic literature
e. stagecraft areas
f. use of technology
3) effectively utilize voice and body as an instrument of performance
4) effectively market self in the business of theatre and dance
5) recognize the universality of theater and dance as global and cultural expressions of humans.

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