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 - Musical Theatre B.F.A.

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 ability to act with a high level of proficiency, i.e., to project oneself believably in word and action into imaginary circumstances, evoked improvisationally or through text.
8. Develop a highly proficient technique for analyzing the specific tasks required in performing varied characters from written plays.
9. Analyze and scan verse drama and to perform verse convincingly.
10. Use the body effectively on stage as an instrument for characterization and to be responsive to changing time/rhythm demands and spatial relationships.
11. Distinguish the specific demands of acting in plays of each major period and genre of dramatic literature.
12. Employ the basic business procedures of the actor’s profession.
13. Demonstrate a high level of vocal proficiency and perform from a cross-section of the appropriate repertoire.
14. Identify the common elements and organizational patterns of music and their interaction, and employ this understanding in aural, verbal, and visual analysis.
15. Demonstrate a high level of proficiency in the analysis and acting of songs written for the musical theatre.
16. Demonstrate a high level of proficiency in dance and movement techniques appropriate to the musical theatre.
17. Present a strong repertory of audition pieces employing professional level audition technique.
18. Design and present a senior recital.

Acceptance into the theatre program to major in musical theatre 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, 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 Fine Arts degree in theatre-musical theatre 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.