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Metropolitan State University (Home)

Theater Minor

College of Liberal Arts / Fine Arts
Undergraduate minor

About The Program

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.

How to enroll

Current students: Declare this program

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.

Future students: Apply now

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.

Get started on your Theater Minor

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.

Courses and Requirements

SKIP TO COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Requirements (22 credits overall)

+ Required courses (16 credits)

This course uses full-length playscripts, videos of plays and film adaptations to tour the dynamic traditions of the theater. Students are to demonstrate reading knowledge of all plays on the reading/viewing list through online discussions, critical/creative thinking activities, and the focused analysis of six short questions for each play read or watched. The playscripts are provocative and diverse, exploring theories and concepts of dramatic literature from multiple perspectives, and serving as an entry point into discussions about politics; social justice; and issues of identity, including race, gender, sexuality, class, and subjectivity.

Full course description for The Art of the Script: Reading and Reimagining Plays

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 Living Theatre: Tradition, Innovation, and Change

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

+ Elective courses (6 credits)

Choose from the electives below. Additional courses are available depending on the student major field of study.

This course is designed to expose students to the wide and unique variety of theater available in the Twin Cities with a conscious emphasis on mission specific theater companies such as Theater Mu, Ten Thousand Things, Penumbra, Mixed Blood, etc. which practice color blind/color conscious casting. Through lecture, discussion, and play attendance at professional and semi-professional venues, students will acquire the skills to critically analyze and appreciate theater and its components. Early classes and on-line links/supporting materials are provided for navigating each play experience. Students will respond to each performance through one of several approaches, depending on the type of play attended.

Full course description for The Live Theater Experience

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

Student-designed independent studies give Metropolitan State students the opportunity to plan their own study. This type of independent learning strategy can be useful because it allows students: to study a subject in more depth, at a more advanced level; to pursue a unique project that requires specialized study; to draw together several knowledge areas or interests into a specialized study; to test independent learning capabilities and skills; or to use special learning resources in the community, taking advantage of community education opportunities which, in themselves, would not yield a full college competence. Students should contact their academic advisor for more information.

Full course description for Theater Student Designed Independent Studies