The concentration combines the study of dramatic literature, theatre history, performance theory and
studio work in the various theatre arts. The aim of the concentration is to teach students to develop independent perspectives
through the integration of practical, historical and theoretical studies. An essential aspect of the program is the engagement of
students in performance procedures (acting, dancing, directing, choreography, stage design, playwriting, dramaturgy, etc.) in order
to experience the inter-relationships among social context, dramatic texts and theatrical enactments.
Of the twelve courses required, at least six must be in theatre history and dramatic and theatrical theory; this includes a required
three-course history sequence that forms a backbone for further study in these areas. Students are encouraged to make use of the
entire Brown curriculum in fulfilling the remaining dramatic literature and theory requirements and are urged to take at least one
course out of the mainstream of European and American theatre and drama (e.g. courses in Asian, African, African-American, Latino/a,
Meso-American, Popular or Feminist performance). A sophomore level acting course and a basic course in technical theatre and design are
required of all students, as is a senior seminar, taken by most students in their seventh semester. The remaining three courses for the
concentration may be taken in areas of applied theatre arts (though this is not a requirement); there are sequences of courses available
in acting/directing, playwriting, design/technical theatre, and dance. For students with an emphasis in dance, the definitions of theory
and history are appropriately widened, but the core courses and the principles of distribution remain the same.
Students wishing to enroll as concentrators should see Prof. Lowry Marshall who serves as the undergraduate concentration facilitator,
in order to discuss options that will best serve their interests. In cases where dual concentrations are declared, the University
allows two courses to be counted toward both concentrations.
Twelve courses are required for the Theatre Arts Concentration:
1, 2, 3:
TA 123 (TSDA 1230) Histories of World Theatre: Ancient-Medieval
TA 124 (TSDA 1240) Histories of World Theatre: 1500-1850
TA 125 (TSDA 1250) The Development of 20th Century Theatre in the West
5: TA 25 (TSDA 250) Technical Production of Plays
6: TA 152 (TSDA 1520) Senior Seminar
7-9: Three courses in Dramatic Literature, Theory, History and Criticism (see above)
10-12: Three electives may be selected from applied areas of more traditional theoretical and text based studies.
One of the twelve must be in either Dance or Speech/Communications studies.
The standard pattern above, plus an honors thesis (TA 199 (TSDA 1990)), the topic of which would be determined before Semester VII. Candidates for the honors program should apply to the Department by Semester VI. The honors advisor is Prof. John Emigh.
Page last updated in April, 2007.