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Theater Minor

College of Liberal Arts
Undergraduate minor

Skills and insights acquired through the study of theater can be life enhancing. A Theater Minor can be focused beyond the basic requirements to provide for an individualized study, encouraging the integration of theater skills and tools within many other disciplines. Specifically, in the minor, students acquire a basic understanding of, and critical appreciation for, contemporary theater art. Additionally, an appreciation of the great traditions of the theater experience on and off stage, and studies in playwriting, acting, improvisation, directing, etc. can enhance creativity, aesthetic engagement, leadership and an increased ability to achieve across the curriculum, empowering students toward effective communication and a clear, authentic "voice."

The theater minor is flexibly aimed at integration with other majors, but it may be supported by courses in: creative writing, screenwriting, studio arts, music, media studies, literature, and storytelling.

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Once you’re admitted as an undergraduate student and have met any further admission requirements your chosen program may have, you may declare a major or declare an optional minor.

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Apply to Metropolitan State: Start the journey toward your Theater Minor now. Learn about the steps to enroll or, if you have questions about what Metropolitan State can offer you, request information, visit campus or chat with an admissions counselor.

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Program eligibility requirements

It is highly recommended that theater minors take one of the following courses before proceeding to the minor:

  • THEA 321 - Directed Readings in Theater
  • THEA 331 - Voice
  • any Introduction to Theater class or
  • beginning class in acting or improvisation.

Course requirements

Requirements (22 credits)

Course sequence is THEA 321, followed by either THEA 331 or THEA 345, then remaining in order.

THEA 321 Directed Readings in Theater

4 credits

This course uses full length play scripts, videos of plays and film adaptations to tour the rich traditions of the theater. Students are required to demonstrate reading knowledge of all plays on their individual reading/viewing list, through on line discussions, and the focused analysis of six short questions for each play read or seen. This class can be done at home or on site at the teaching center, and may be taken for a maximum of eight credits.

Full course description for Directed Readings in Theater

Choose one of the two courses below

THEA 345 Acting III

4 credits

Actor training can be life enhancing. In this class, advanced students are guided to discover, explore and develop their emotional, physical and psychological resources using varied acting exercises and techniques. Prerequisite: Acting II (MCTC) or equivalent (Screenwriting students exempt from prerequisites).

Full course description for Acting III

THEA 351 Production and Performance Laboratory

2-4 credits

Two credits of off stage production support are required for the major and minor. Students enrolled in advanced acting/directing classes or working on season productions or special performance projects under faculty guidance may receive credit for rehearsal time spent out of the regular class period. Students cast in directing class scenes may also receive credit. Note: Students may take up to eight credits over time. Prerequisite: Instructor's permission if not enrolled in directing or advanced acting class.

Full course description for Production and Performance Laboratory

THEA 390 The Evolution of Western Theater

4 credits

This course examines the ideas, individuals, institutions, and innovations that have contributed to the development of theater, from its precursors in the ancient world to the present day. Through the reading and viewing of seminal works, the essential elements of live theater - acting, directing, dramatic texts, design elements, performance space, and the audience - are explored with a focus on staging practices, aesthetics, and theatrical convention.

Full course description for The Evolution of Western Theater

THEA 400 Playwriting I

4 credits

Writing for the spoken word and for acting demands different skills than writing for the page. Develop your ear, your signature of voice, your sense of subtext. Through a variety of approaches, from improvisation to creative autobiography, students explore character, conflict and drama as metaphor. Writers with material they would like to explore or adapt for the stage are welcome. Expect to complete at least one short play.

Full course description for Playwriting I

THEA 540 Directing and Creating Theater

4 credits

Learn to analyze script, work with actors, construct a prompt book, and use the director's tools to elevate the written script to dramatic action. Students initially explore the possibilities of realistic drama with the option in the second half, to move on to original creations, collaborations or other styles of theater. All work is under the guidance of a director, toward the evolution of the specific theater piece. This class may be taken twice for credit.

Full course description for Directing and Creating Theater