Chapter 23 / Curriculum, Scholarships and Applied Learning Guidelines

Effective: July 01, 2019

  1. Curriculum

    Always consult current University Catalog for exact requirements.

    All Wichita State University degrees require a minimum of 45 credit hours (cr.hrs.) of Upper Division coursework (300 level or above) earned from a 4-year institution.

    The Degrees

    The School of Performing Arts Musical Theatre Program offers the following degrees:

    Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) with concentrations in:

    • Theatre Performance
    • Design & Theatre Technology

    The BFA degrees in Theatre Performance and Design & Theatre Technology are pre-professional training degrees intended for students who plan to pursue advanced study and/or careers as actors/directors or designers/technicians. Majors in these disciplines are immersed in advanced theatre studies including acting, voice, movement, scenic design, technical theatre, and additional specialized theatre electives that emphasize the knowledge, skills, and discipline necessary for advancement in the area of acting (performance) or design and technical theatre.

    The Performance focus is a broad yet intensive study of the performance field. The Design & Technical Theatre emphasis centers on the field of design and the investigation of its supportive technology. Each track within the BFA shares a foundation of study in the areas of acting, directing, playscript analysis, technical theatre, and theatre history. Through this base, students gain a broad understanding of the art and craft of theatre and share a common experience. This area provides the foundation for further specialization in acting or design and technical theatre

    Bachelor of Arts (BA)

    The BA in Theatre focuses on the theatrical process in combination with additional areas of interest. Majors pursing this degree receive an overview in theatre studies, with more open options for areas of further study. This degree is intended for those who wish to pursue advanced study or for those who wish to combine a major in Theatre with a major or minor in another field.

    The degrees within the BA Theatre program are not awarded lightly. Students of the Theatre Program are expected to have a full knowledge of their area study, a firm grasp of the skills of their discipline, to apply themselves to the study whole-heartedly, to engage in the collaborative nature of the discipline, and to add to the advancement of the art through their various projects

    Minor


    Credit hour requirements for Theatre. Minimum overall GPA required: 2.0
    TOTAL 124 124 120 18
     *courses require advisor approval BFA-Performance BFA-Design& Tech BA Minor
    Gen Ed 42 42 42 n/a
    SPA Core 8 8 8 n/a
    Theatre basics 32 32 38 15
    Performance emphasis 30 n/a n/a n/a
    Design emphasis n/a 28 n/a n/a
    Electives* 10 12 15 3
    Outside SPA courses* n/a n/a 15 n/a

    See the SPA Academic Information chapter for Gen Ed & SPA Core Curriculum requirements. 

    See the Appendix for Theatre Check Sheets and Plans of Study.

  2. Scholarships

    Scholarships are available for Theatre students. Specific scholarship criteria can be obtained from the Program Director of Theatre and the SPA office. Contact the Financial Aid office for additional scholarships available through the University.

    Qualifications

    • Student must be a declared Theatre major
    • Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 
    • Student must enroll in and maintain a minimum 12 cr.hrs. throughout each semester of scholarship award, 6 of which must be in Theatre.

    Requirements

    • Recipients must audition for all theatre productions
    • Recipients must be actively involved in the activities of the program
    • Recipients must actively participate in all Theatre production workdays and strikes

    Students should write yearly thank you notes to any living donor. 

  3. Applied Learning Practicum Guidelines

    The major requirement for the Theatre practicum comprises student participation through applied learning opportunities in our Main Stage and Second Stage laboratory productions.  The primary objectives are to apply previously acquired skills through participation in SPA productions. Students report to the instructor of record, as specified in the semester Schedule of Courses, for specifics of practicum assignments. 

    Applied learning practicum areas include:

    Performing Arts Seminar (180E)
    Stagecraft (180A & 380A)
    Costuming (180B & 380B)
    Management (180C & 380C)
    Performance Practicum (180D & 380D)