Theatre and Dance

Major(s)

Theatre and Dance

Bachelor of Fine Arts
Admission Requirements

In addition to the University’s admission requirements, students must be officially accepted into the BFA program prior to the first semester of coursework in the major. Auditions and/or interviews for placement in the program are held on campus during the fall and spring semester of each year. Prospective students should contact the Department of Theatre and Dance for specific information about the audition process and dates.

Major requirements (78-80 hours):
Major core (31-32 hours):
  1. Design/Technology (10 hours): THE 150(2) and 151(1); 224(1); choose two groups from THE 250(2) and 251(1), or THE 255(3), or THE 260(2) and 261(1).
  2. Directing (6 hours): THE 130(3); and THE 430(3) or DAN 520(3)-required for Dance option.
  3. History (6 hours): THE 541(3); and THE 542(3) or DAN 552(3).
  4. Acting (3 hours): THE 121(3)* or 222(3). *THE 121 is open to admitted BFA in Theatre and Dance/Acting and Musical Theatre majors only.
  5. Electives from approved courses inside or outside the department (5 hours). 2-3 hours of Dance courses suggested.
  6. Senior BFA Project:
    1. THE 513(2) required for Acting option
    2. THE 492(1) required for Design/Technology/Stage Management option
    3. DAN 492(1) required for Dance option
Complete one of the following options:
Acting option (47 hours):
  1. THE 122(3), 221(3), 226(2), 228(2), 321(3), 326(3), 327(3), 328(3), 421(3), 424(1), 451(2), 489(2), 511(3), 522(3), 524(3).
  2. Three hours from: THE 510(3), 530(3), THE 543(3) or 545(3).

  3. Five hours from approved performance related electives from Dance, Music, or Theatre courses.

  4. Each candidate will have a formal assessment with the Acting faculty at the end of each spring semester to evaluate individual progress, strengths, and goals.
  5. Public Affairs Capstone Experience will be fulfilled by completion of and THE 489(2) and 513(2).
  6. Each candidate will complete a minimum of one performance assignment on the MSU mainstage or at a pre-arranged affiliate professional theatre.
Dance option (47 hours):
  1. Dance Technique (27 hours):
    1. No fewer than 9 hours in: DAN 216(3), 316(3), 416(3).
    2. No fewer than 9 hours in: DAN 230(3), 330(3), 430(3).
    3. No fewer than 9 hours in: DAN 245(3), 345(3), 445(3).
  2. Composition/Choreography (6 hours): DAN 320(2), 420(2), 372(2).
  3. Partnering (2 hours): DAN 348(2).
  4. Performance Practicum: DAN 592(1).
  5. Anatomy and Kinesiology, and Somatic Practices (4 hours): DAN 364(3), 365(1).
  6. Pedagogy (4 hours): DAN 565(4).
  7. Professional development (3 hours): DAN 240(1), 350(2).
  8. Public Affairs Capstone Experience will be fulfilled by completion of DAN 520(3) and 565(4).
  9. Dance majors are strongly encouraged to take DAN 180 and one course from the following: MUS 241 (fulfills a General Education requirement), MUS 345 or MUS 346.
Design/Technology/Stage Management option (47 hours):
  1. Design/Technology core course sequence (not selected in major core) from: THE 250(2) and 251(1); THE 255(3); or THE 260(2) and 261(1).
  2. THE 270(3), 271(3), 275(3), 280(3), 281(3), 292(1), 295(1), 354(3), 380(3), 381(3), 382(3), 392(1), 395(1), 495(1), 561(3), 562(3).
  3. Six hours from: THE 324(1), 350(3), 454(3), 460(3), 530(3), 552(3), 555(3), 558(3), 565(3); COM 205(3) or 332(3).
  4. Public Affairs Capstone Experience will be fulfilled by completion of THE 395(1), 492(1) and THE 495(1).

University level requirements:

  1. General Education Program and Requirements
  2. General Baccalaureate Degree Requirements