Faculty:

• Ken Clothier, M.F.A.
• Joseph Domencic, M.M.
• Karen A. Glass, M.F.A.
• Mary Susan O’Neill, B.S.
• Denise Pullen, M.F.A.
• TaMara Swank, M.S.
• Kellee Van Aken, Ph.D.
• Stefan Zubal, M.F.A.

Learning Objectives: Theatre Performance

1. Execute the basic tasks of the performer, memorizing text or movement, participate in an ensemble, employ good technique to communicate to an audience, and use the body in an expressive and effective way.
2. Perform basic technical theatre functions such as operating a sewing machine, hanging and focusing a stage lighting instrument, and operating basic power tools of a scene shop, as well as constructing and painting scenery.
3. Demonstrate the ability to function congenially, cooperatively, and productively in the construction and running of a theatrical production by participation in various crew responsibilities.
4. Analyze representative works from the major periods of theatre or dance history through research papers, discussions, and written responses.
5. Identify characteristics of physical theatres, patterns of production organization, and production techniques of major periods of theatre or dance history.
6. Compare critical standards by which theatre and dance have been judged throughout history.
7. Demonstrate the fundamental skills required of the director: script analysis, communication of directorial intent/concept, audition procedures, rehearsal procedures, and communication with collaborative artists.
8. Identify and apply the fundamental elements involved in one or more aspects of production design.
9. Demonstrate the ability to act, i.e., to project oneself believably in word and action into imaginary circumstances, evoked improvisationally or through text.
10. Engage in improvisations effectively both by oneself and in an ensemble.
11. Employ technique for analyzing the specific tasks required in performing varied characters from written plays, including the practice of writing a character analysis.
12. Analyze and scan verse drama and perform verse convincingly.
13. Use the body effectively on stage as an instrument for characterization and to be responsive to changing time/rhythm demands and spatial relationships.
14. Distinguish the specific demands of acting in plays of each major period and genre of dramatic literature by employing appropriate performance styles and conventions.
15. Employ the basic business procedures of the actor’s profession.

Acceptance into the theatre program to major in theatre performance is based on the successful completion of an audition and interview, which also enables the applicant to compete for several theatre scholarships. 

The theatre program provides a variety of performance and production experiences annually through five full-length presentations staged in the William Granger Ryan Theatre and by a variable number of shorter works presented in the Ridge Performance Studio in the Seton Hill University Performing Arts Center. Production responsibilities are required each semester, and guidelines for such work are outlined in the program’s

Production Manual, which also contains the program’s operating policies and expectations for successful student achievement. Students receive a copy when they enter the program.

All candidates for the Bachelor of Arts degree in theatre performance must complete the Liberal Arts Curriculum requirements, the capstone assessment requirement, and the required courses for the major.

The capstone assessment includes successful completion of required coursework and assignments, completion of a first year goal-setting assignment in relation to the integration of theatre and University learning objectives, effective fulfillment of required production work, completion of at least one of the highest level of course offerings in the student’s chosen area of production, and achievement of designated proficiencies. Students must also complete required internships where applicable, a major entrepreneurially-oriented project in the student’s chosen area of professional focus, and a statement on how the attainment and integration of major and University learning objectives informed the project and the student’s plans for the future.

A minimum of 120 credits is required.