Program Contact: Abigail Copeland 203-582-7301
The Bachelor of Arts in Theater at Quinnipiac University prepares students for meaningful careers and graduate studies in all areas of theater performance and production.
After completing the core requirements, upper-class students enroll in advanced electives and participate in a senior seminar where they engage in a culminating project. All theater majors are required to complete at least one competitive internship, professional experience or conservatory semester. Students are strongly encouraged to take on portfolio building roles within our Main Stage season and at local professional theaters.
The Main Stage season includes contemporary and classical plays, popular musicals and original works. Professional artists are infused into our process to expose students to current practices and develop career-enhancing relationships that will serve them long after they graduate.
The BA in Theater is a great choice for students who enjoy collaboration and wish to explore creative careers within the theater arts and allied disciplines.
BA in Theater Curriculum
Students majoring in theater must meet the following requirements for graduation:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| University Curriculum 1 | 46 | |
| Modern Language Requirement | 3-6 | |
| Theater Core Requirements | ||
| DR 140 | Stagecraft | 3 |
| DR 160 | Acting I | 3 |
| DR 230 | Directing I | 3 |
| Select two of: | 6 | |
| World Theater History and Dramatic Literature I | ||
| World Theater History and Dramatic Literature II | ||
| Landscapes and Lenses | ||
| History and Dramatic Literature of the Contemporary Theater | ||
| DR 257 | Design for the Theater | 3 |
| DR 286 | Script Analysis | 3 |
| DR 350 | Playwriting: The Ten-Minute Play | 3 |
| or DR 391 | Playwriting: The Full-Length Play | |
| DR 370 | Internship, Conservatory or Professional Experience | 3 |
| DR 410 | Senior Seminar | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| Select two DR electives: | 6 | |
Any DR Course | ||
Any DR Course 200-level or higher | ||
| Free Electives | 17-20 | |
| Total Credits | 102-108 | |
- 1
All students must complete the University Curriculum requirements.
Modern Language Requirement
All CAS students (both bachelor of science and bachelor of arts) must complete one modern language through the 102 level. Modern language courses may also count toward the UC Personal Inquiry II requirement. Students who have taken a language in high school should take the modern language placement test for that language. Students with placement scores at the 201 level or higher have demonstrated language competency and thus have passed out of the language requirement.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the BA in Theater, students will demonstrate the following competencies:
- Understanding: Students develop an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of theater artists: actor, director, scenic/lighting/costume designer, technical director and playwright.
- Conceptual and Critical Thinking: Students develop skills to think conceptually and critically about text, performance and production.
- Self-Appraisal: Students will develop the skills to self-assess, critique and revise their own work.
- Literacy: Students will develop a fundamental knowledge of theatrical history as well as dramatic literature.
- Production Skills and Knowledge: Students will develop the skills and techniques necessary for realizing a variety of theatrical styles.
- Collaboration Skills: Students will develop skills in collective problem solving.
Admission Requirements: College of Arts and Sciences
The requirements for admission into the undergraduate College of Arts and Sciences programs are the same as those for admission to Quinnipiac University.
Admission to the university is competitive, and applicants are expected to present a strong college prep program in high school. Prospective first-year students are strongly encouraged to file an application as early in the senior year as possible, and arrange to have first quarter grades sent from their high school counselor as soon as they are available.
For detailed admission requirements, including required documents, please visit the Admissions page of this catalog.
Seamless Transfer Agreement with Gateway Community College (GCC), Housatonic Community College (HCC) and Norwalk Community College (NCC)
Under this Transfer Agreement, GCC, HCC and NCC graduates will be guaranteed admission into a bachelor’s degree program with third year (junior) status at Quinnipiac University on the condition that they:
- Graduate with an associate in arts, an associate in science in business, College of Technology engineering science, nursing or an allied health degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (this may be higher in specific programs).
- Satisfy all other Quinnipiac University transfer admission requirements and requirements for intended major.
Quinnipiac University agrees to accept the general education embedded in these associate degree programs in accordance with Quinnipiac preferred choices for general education as meeting all the requirements of its undergraduate general education except for the Integrative Capstone Experience and where courses are encumbered by the major (e.g., General Chemistry for the Disciplinary Inquiry Natural Science requirement for a Biochemistry major).
Suggested Transfer Curriculum for BA in Theater
A minimum of 60 credits is required for transfer into the BA in Theater program. Below is a recommended plan of study for the first two years prior to matriculation at Quinnipiac University.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Credits | |
| English I | 3 | |
| Theater History I | 3 | |
| Acting I | 3 | |
| Elective | 3-4 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15-16 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| English II | 3 | |
| Stagecraft | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| Voice and Diction | 3 | |
| Elective | 3-4 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15-16 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| Acting 2 | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 60-62 | |
Students planning to transfer into the BA in Theater program at Quinnipiac University are highly encouraged to contact the Theater program director, Kevin Daly, to discuss ways they can begin preparing for their senior project proposal during their first two years of college.