Division of Theatre and Dance

Undergraduate Degrees
Minors
Entrance Requirements
A photo of students during a performance of "The Post Office"

Our Philosophy

The liberal arts degree in Theatre at the University of Maine offers the undergraduate a broad range of study essential to developing the whole person. Within the Theatre/Dance Division, the student may elect to focus on a specific area of interest by selecting a group of courses beyond the core requirements, or to explore all areas of the theatre curriculum. Options for specialization include: History, Literature, and Performance Studies; and Directing, Acting, Design, and Technology. Learning by participation is our philosophy and one of our strengths. Majors are required to participate in main stage productions, and encouraged to become involved in student-directed shows. Many classes culminate in production and performance experience, including directing of original scripts. Our objective is to offer each student a balance of the academic, practical, and artistic aspects of theatre, and much personal guidance throughout their academic careers.

Opportunities

We produce three to four main stage productions a year, plus a touring production that typically takes students into schools throughout Maine. The student organization produces a main stage production annually in addition to end-of-semester showcases from acting and directing courses. We produce modern comedies and dramas, classics of Shakespeare and the Greeks, musical theatre, original works, and two annual dance concerts, featuring the works of faculty and student choreographers. Additionally, we have an active student theatre series, providing opportunities for student directors, designers, actors, and playwrights. We have top-notch faculty who regularly publish and work in, as well as maintain ties, with professional theatres and dance companies.

Careers

Our graduates are high school and university teachers, as well as professional actors, designers, dancers, technicians, and directors. Some have also found their way into film and television. Our theatre program has enriched the quality of their lives. Our program in theatre has also enhanced the careers of people who do not choose to directly follow a path in theatre. So, we invite you to join us for an exciting and rewarding education in theatre. Performing Arts Scholarships are available to new and transfer students.

Undergraduate Degrees

B.A. Theatre

The Division of Theatre and Dance offers the Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre. Within the context of a liberal arts education, the B.A. in Theatre provides students an opportunity to study acting, directing, design and technology, as well as theatre history, performance studies, and literature. Students with other majors may minor in theatre, and they can also minor in dance as part of their educational experience.

The B.A. in Theatre includes coursework in the social and behavioral sciences, arts and humanities, natural sciences, and mathematics as well as in the performing arts. In addition, students are required to complete one semester of any language.

A photo of the musicians during a theatre dress rehearsal

Study in theatre includes 29 credits in required theatre courses and 12 credits in theatre electives, along with six practicum credits, to receive the B.A. degree. The program focus is on learning through active participation in all aspects of performance and production. Many classes culminate in production and performance experiences, including acting, dancing, directing of original scripts, or staging of choreography.  Showcases at the end of acting/directing courses and the annual Maine Masque production give students additional opportunities to test their skills in acting and directing. Furthermore, majors are required to participate in all facets of main stage productions and encouraged to become involved in student-directed shows.

Undergraduate study in Theatre prepares students for graduate work in theatre and dance or in related fields of study. It also prepares students for theatre-related careers on and off stage. Graduates go on to careers as teachers, actors, designers, dancers, directors, technicians, and stage managers. Maine Masque, our student theatre organization, is active year round.

Core Courses (29 credits):

  • THE 112 – Dramatic Literature Credits: 3
  • THE 117 – Fundamentals of Acting Credits: 3
  • THE 120 – Fundamentals of Stagecraft Credits: 3
  • THE 121 – Stagecraft Lab. Credits: 1
  • THE 200 – Fundamentals of Design Credits: 3
  • THE 212 – Script Analysis Credits: 3
  • THE 216 – Fundamentals of Directing Credits: 3
  • THE 360 – Global Theatre History. Credits: 3
  • THE 415 – Theatre Capstone Credits: 3
  • THE 416 – Capstone Project. Credits: 1
  • THE 460 – Topics in Global Theatre. Credits: 3

Practicum (6 credits):

  • THP 101 – Acting Practicum
  • THP 102 – Design Practicum
  • THP 103 – Technical Practicum*
  • THP 104 – Directing Practicum
  • THP 105 – Dramaturgy/Playwriting Practicum

* At least two credits must be THP 103

Electives (12 credits):

These may be any courses with a THE designator with the exception of THE 111.

Minors

A photo of a dancer jumping during the dance showcase

Dance Minor

The minor in dance is designed to provide the student with basic foundational courses in dance technique, as well as in choreography, history, and production, all with a focus toward performance. Students will receive dance technique training in ballet, modern, tap, and jazz. In addition, students will study composition and gain expertise in choreography. Students will study dance history and will be involved in the many aspects of creating a performance, from advertising to backstage and house management. All dance students are encouraged to participate in the annual dance concert as well as informal studio showings and the activities of the UMaine Dance Club. Production credits may be available for these efforts.

Students are required to take a total of 18 credits. Of those, a total of 14 credits must be from technique courses, listed below:

*May be repeated for credit.

Every minor must take 3 credits of either of the following courses:

Lastly, every minor must take 1 credit of this course:

Theatre Minor

The minor in theatre is designed to provide the student with a basic knowledge and appreciation of theatre. Students take 18-20 credits, consisting of: 6-8 credits of fundamentals, 9 credits of theatre electives, and 3 credits of theatre practicum.

Fundamentals

  • THE 112 – Dramatic Literature Credits: 3
  • THE 117 – Fundamentals of Acting Credits: 3
  • THE 120 – Introduction to Stagecraft Credits: 3
    AND THE 121 – Introduction to Stagecraft Laboratory I Credits: 1
  • THE 130 – Costume Construction Credits: 3
    AND THE 131 – Costume Construction Lab Credits: 1
  • THE 200 – Fundamentals of Design Credits: 3
  • THE 216 – Fundamentals of Directing Credits: 3

Practicum

  • THP 101 – Acting Practicum
  • THP 102 – Design Practicum
  • THP 103 – Technical Practicum
  • THP 104 – Directing Practicum
  • THP 105 – Dramaturgy/Playwriting Practicum

Electives

These courses may be any with a THE designator. Fundamentals courses may be used as electives if not being counted toward the fundamentals requirement.

Entrance Requirements

Although an audition is not required for admittance to the theatre degree, performance track prospective theatre majors may elect to visit campus and audition for scholarship consideration. To learn more about theatre scholarship opportunities, visit our scholarships page. To schedule a visit or audition, please contact Melissa Lawrence or call 207.581.4703.