B.A. in Performing Arts

Performing Arts graduates will understand and demonstrate: Knowledge of the cultural heritage and history of the Performing Arts A theoretical and experiential background in the areas of performance, theatrical design, music, and dance Knowledge of creative problem solving and artistic collaboration Skills necessary to perform in or design for a variety of periods, styles, and genres in theatre and dance Awareness of the diversity of expression in the Performing Arts throughout the world?s cultures A practical understanding of the rigors of the field. Assessment measures include the semester exhibit of design work or audition pieces, graduating senior seminar and exit interviews, public performances or designs, course grades, exhibited convention work, and internship evaluations. Performing Arts graduates, in addition to a solid theoretical and experiential background in the areas of performance, theatrical design, dance and music, are prepared to meet the challenges of the work force or graduate school with their strengths in collaboration, creative problem solving, meeting deadlines and processing diverse input to yield cohesive output. Two required professional internships prior to graduation are vital to the student?s appreciation and practical understanding of the rigors of the field. The theatre area offers a wide variety of courses. Students may select from courses in acting, design (costume, scenic, lighting/sound), make-up, stage direction, playwriting, stage management, and theatre history. Independent study and special topics courses supplement formal course offerings to provide opportunities to intensify study in a particular aspect of theatre. Auditions for ISU Theatre productions are open to all students irrespective of academic major. Similarly, participation in areas of production other than acting is open to both majors and no majors. Qualified students also present experimental, laboratory, and Minority Theatre Workshop productions. Student actors, directors, designers, and technical crew heads are required to maintain a grade point average of at least 2.0 to participate in productions.