This information is part of the Colgate University catalog, 2024-25.
Major Requirements
The minimum of nine courses must include the following:
Acting and Directing
All of the following:
- THEA 254 - Acting I (should be completed by the end of the sophomore year.)
- THEA 354 - Directing I
Theater History and Dramatic Literature
Two courses (one of these courses should be completed by the end of sophomore year):
- THEA 266/ENGL 266 - Introduction to Theater History: Rituals & Revolutions
- THEA 267/ENGL 267 - Introduction to Theater History: Manifestos & New Medias
Stagecraft and Design
Two courses (one of these courses should be completed by the end of sophomore year):
-
THEA 250 - Stagecraft
-
Choose one of the following:
THEA 252 - Scenic Design - THEA 253 - Costume Design
Electives
Two additional full-credit courses (or the equivalent of two full credits):
- ENGL 326 - Shakespeare's Contemporaries
- THEA 252 - Scenic Design
- THEA 253 - Costume Design
- THEA 257 - Theater for Young Audiences Workshop
- THEA 259 - Performance I: Performance Workshop
-
THEA 270 - Introduction to Dance Studies
THEA 271 - Introduction to Contemporary Dance - THEA 273/ALST 273 - Contemporary African American Drama
- THEA 276 - Playwriting I
- THEA 321/ENGL 321 - Shakespeare
- THEA 322/ENGL 322 - Shakespeare
- THEA 349/ENGL 349 - Global Theater
- THEA 350 - Theater Practicum
- THEA 353 - Theater, Play, and Improvisation
- THEA 355 - Acting II
- THEA 358 - Narrative Screenwriting
- THEA 359 - Performance II: Performance for the Stage
- THEA 371 - Contemporary Dance in Performance
- THEA 376 - Playwriting II
- THEA 454 - Directing II
- THEA 491 - Independent Study
- THEA 496 - Special Studies for Honors Candidates in Theater
- With the permission of the director of the department chair, drama courses in other languages, selected courses in art and art history, and selected courses in music may also count towards the theater major.
Senior Seminar
Backstage or Technical Work
A total of 40 hours of backstage or technical work beyond what is required in any theater courses. The first 20 hours must be completed by the end of junior year and no more than 20 hours may be completed in a single semester.
University Theater Production
Participation in at least one University Theater production as a performer, dramaturg, designer, stage manager, assistant director, or in another capacity, as approved by the chair of the Department of Theater.
GPA Requirement
A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 is required in all courses counted toward the theater major.
Honors and High Honors
Students interested in pursuing honors can find the additional requirements on the theater department catalog page.
Theater Department
For more information about the department, including Faculty, transfer credit, awards, etc., please visit the Theater department catalog page.