BA in Theatre and Performance
Degree Requirements—BA in Theatre and Performance
To earn a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Performance from UIC, students need to complete university, college, and school degree requirements. The School of Theatre & Music degree requirements are outlined below. Students should consult the College of Architecture, Design, and the Arts section for additional degree requirements and college academic policies. Admission to the BA in Theatre and Performance is by audition, interview, or presentation of student work.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Summary of Requirements | ||
| General Education Requirements | 24 | |
| Degree and Track Course Requirements (vary by track) | 35-44 | |
General Track (35 hours) | ||
Performance Track (44 hours) | ||
Authorship Track (41 hours) | ||
| Electives (vary by track) | 51-61 | |
General Track (60-61 hours) | ||
Performance Track (51-52 hours) | ||
Authorship Track (54-55 hours) | ||
| DLG 120 | UIC First-Year Dialogue Seminar (Required of new freshmen only) a | 1 |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
| a | Hours of electives required are based upon the track selected by students within the BA in Theatre and Performance, and whether they are required to complete DLG 120 for 1 hour (required of new freshmen only). |
General Education Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses a | ||
| ENGL 160 | Academic Writing I: Writing in Academic and Public Contexts | 3 |
| ENGL 161 | Academic Writing II: Writing for Inquiry and Research | 3 |
| Exploring World Cultures course b | 3 | |
| Analyzing the Natural World course b | 3-5 | |
| Understanding the Individual and Society course b | 3 | |
| Understanding U.S. Society course b | 3 | |
| Additional General Education Core courses from any category b | 4-6 | |
| Total Hours | 24 | |
| a | The Understanding the Past and Understanding the Creative Arts General Education requirements are met by courses within the degree. |
| b | Students should consult the General Education section of the catalog for a list of approved courses in this category. |
Theatre and Performance Degree and Track Course Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| Students in all tracks complete 20 hours of degree core course work: | ||
| THTR 101 | Theatre History I: Premodern Drama a | 3 |
| THTR 141 | Acting I: Fundamentals | 3 |
| THTR 182 | Practicum in Theater: Run Crew | 1 |
| THTR 183 | Practicum in Theater: Build Crew | 1 |
| THTR 201 | Theatre History II: Modern Theatre b | 3 |
| THTR 217 | Movement & Voice I | 3 |
| THTR 230 | Script Analysis for Theatrical Production | 3 |
| THTR 448 | The Business of Theatre: A Career in the Arts | 3 |
| Required Courses by Track (hours vary by track) | 3-12 | |
| General Track—Required Courses | ||
| Acting II: Scene Study | ||
| Performance Track—Required Courses | ||
| Acting II: Scene Study | ||
| Movement & Voice II | ||
| Acting III: Classics | ||
| Capstone: Senior Project | ||
| Authorship Track—Required Courses | ||
| Capstone: Senior Project | ||
| Selectives (hours vary by track) | 12-18 | |
| All tracks select one of the following three Design, Production, and Technology sequences: | ||
| Fundamental of Theatre Technology | ||
| Costume Technology I: Introduction to Costume Technology | ||
or THTR 152 | Lighting Technology I: An Introduction to Lighting Tech | |
or THTR 153 | Scenic Technology I: An Introduction to Stagecraft for the Theatre | |
OR | ||
| Fundamentals of Theatre Design b | ||
| Lighting Design I: An Introduction to Lighting Design | ||
or THTR 158 | Costume Design I | |
or THTR 170 | Sound Design: An Introduction to Sound Design for Theatre | |
or THTR 250 | Scenic Design I | |
or THTR 259 | Makeup Design | |
OR | ||
| Fundamental of Theatre Technology | ||
| Fundamentals of Theatre Design | ||
| Authorship Selectives: | ||
General and Performance Tracks—Select two courses from the following list. | ||
Authorship Track—Select four courses from the following list. | ||
| Improvisation for the Actor | ||
| Page to Stage: Adaptation of Text for Theatrical Performance | ||
| Performance Ethnography | ||
| Stage Direction | ||
| Playwriting | ||
| Contemporary Performance Techniques | ||
| Total Hours | 35-44 | |
| a | This course is approved for the Understanding the Past General Education category or the Understanding the Creative Arts General Education category. |
| b | This course is approved for the Understanding the Creative Arts General Education category. |
Electives
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Electives | ||
| Electives to reach total hours a | 51-61 | |
| Total Hours | 51-61 | |
| a | Hours of electives are based on the track selected by the students within the BA in Theatre and Performance, and whether they are required to complete DLG 120 for 1 hour (required of new freshmen only). |
UIC First-Year Dialogue Seminar
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Course | ||
| DLG 120 | UIC First-Year Dialogue Seminar (Required of new freshmen only) | 1 |
| Total Hours | 1 | |
Sample Course Schedule—General Track
Semesters in which required courses are offered may vary from those listed below.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Hours | |
| THTR 101 | Theatre History I: Premodern Drama | 3 |
| THTR 141 | Acting I: Fundamentals | 3 |
| THTR 182 | Practicum in Theater: Run Crew | 1 |
| ENGL 160 | Academic Writing I: Writing in Academic and Public Contexts | 3 |
| ISA 100 | Freshman Seminar: Introduction to Interdisciplinary Practice in the Arts (recommended elective) | 1 |
| General Education Core course | 3 | |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| THTR 150 or THTR 151 |
Fundamental of Theatre Technology or Costume Technology I: Introduction to Costume Technology |
3 |
or Elective |
||
| THTR 217 | Movement & Voice I | 3 |
| DLG 120 | UIC First-Year Dialogue Seminar | 1 |
| ENGL 161 | Academic Writing II: Writing for Inquiry and Research | 3 |
| General Education Core course (THTR 105 is recommended) | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| THTR 150 or THTR 151 |
Fundamental of Theatre Technology or Costume Technology I: Introduction to Costume Technology |
3 |
or Elective |
||
| THTR 183 | Practicum in Theater: Build Crew | 1 |
or Elective |
||
| THTR 201 | Theatre History II: Modern Theatre | 3 |
| THTR 230 | Script Analysis for Theatrical Production | 3 |
| Elective, or one of the following Performance/Authorship Selectives: | 3 | |
| Page to Stage: Adaptation of Text for Theatrical Performance | ||
| Improvisation for the Actor | ||
| Performance Ethnography | ||
| Stage Direction a | ||
| Playwriting a | ||
| General Education Core course | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| IDEA 120 | Digital Practices in Design and Arts | 4 |
| THTR 183 | Practicum in Theater: Build Crew | 1 |
or Elective |
||
| THTR 241 | Acting II: Scene Study | 3 |
| Elective, or one of the following Design Selectives: | 3 | |
| Fundamentals of Theatre Design a | ||
| Scenic Design I a | ||
| Lighting Design II: Intermediate Topics in Lighting Design for the Stage | ||
| Makeup Design | ||
| General Education Core course | 3 | |
| Elective | 1-2 | |
| Dance at Hubbard Street (recommended) | ||
| Hours | 15-16 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| Elective, or one of the following Design Selectives: | 3 | |
| Fundamentals of Theatre Design a | ||
| Scenic Design I a | ||
| Lighting Design II: Intermediate Topics in Lighting Design for the Stage | ||
| Makeup Design | ||
| General Education Core course | 3 | |
| Electives | 9 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| Elective, or one of the following Performance/Authorship Selectives: | 3 | |
| Page to Stage: Adaptation of Text for Theatrical Performance | ||
| Improvisation for the Actor | ||
| Performance Ethnography | ||
| Stage Direction a | ||
| Playwriting a | ||
| Elective—recommended courses include: | 3 | |
| Practicum in Performance | ||
| Practicum in Theatre Administration | ||
| Practicum in Costuming | ||
| Practicum in Technical Theatre | ||
| General Education Core course | 3 | |
| Electives | 6 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| Elective | 3 | |
| Study Abroad in Theatre (recommended) | ||
| Electives | 12 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| Elective, or one of the following Performance/Authorship Selectives: | 3 | |
| Page to Stage: Adaptation of Text for Theatrical Performance | ||
| Improvisation for the Actor | ||
| Performance Ethnography | ||
| Stage Direction a | ||
| Playwriting a | ||
| Elective—recommended courses include: | 1-3 | |
| Internship | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Electives | 9 | |
| Hours | 13-15 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
| a | This course is only offered in the spring semester. |
Sample Course Schedule—Performance Track
Semesters in which required courses are offered may vary from those listed below.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Hours | |
| THTR 101 | Theatre History I: Premodern Drama | 3 |
| THTR 141 | Acting I: Fundamentals | 3 |
| THTR 182 | Practicum in Theater: Run Crew | 1 |
| ENGL 160 | Academic Writing I: Writing in Academic and Public Contexts | 3 |
| ISA 100 | Freshman Seminar: Introduction to Interdisciplinary Practice in the Arts (recommended elective) | 1 |
| General Education Core course | 3 | |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| THTR 150 or THTR 151 |
Fundamental of Theatre Technology or Costume Technology I: Introduction to Costume Technology |
3 |
or Elective |
||
| THTR 217 | Movement & Voice I | 3 |
| DLG 120 | UIC First-Year Dialogue Seminar | 1 |
| ENGL 161 | Academic Writing II: Writing for Inquiry and Research | 3 |
| General Education Core course (THTR 105 is recommended) | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| THTR 150 or THTR 151 |
Fundamental of Theatre Technology or Costume Technology I: Introduction to Costume Technology |
3 |
or Elective |
||
| THTR 183 | Practicum in Theater: Build Crew | 1 |
or Elective |
||
| THTR 201 | Theatre History II: Modern Theatre | 3 |
| THTR 230 | Script Analysis for Theatrical Production | 3 |
| Elective, or one of the following Performance/Authorship Selectives: | 3 | |
| Page to Stage: Adaptation of Text for Theatrical Performance | ||
| Improvisation for the Actor | ||
| Performance Ethnography | ||
| Stage Direction a | ||
| Playwriting a | ||
| General Education Core course | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| IDEA 120 | Digital Practices in Design and Arts | 4 |
| THTR 183 | Practicum in Theater: Build Crew | 1 |
or Elective |
||
| THTR 241 | Acting II: Scene Study | 3 |
| THTR 317 | Movement & Voice II | 3 |
| Elective, or one of the following Design Selectives: | 3 | |
| Fundamentals of Theatre Design a | ||
| Scenic Design I a | ||
| Lighting Design II: Intermediate Topics in Lighting Design for the Stage | ||
| Makeup Design | ||
| General Education Core course | 3 | |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| THTR 341 | Acting III: Classics | 3 |
| Elective, or one of the following Design Selectives: | 3 | |
| Fundamentals of Theatre Design a | ||
| Scenic Design I a | ||
| Lighting Design II: Intermediate Topics in Lighting Design for the Stage | ||
| Makeup Design | ||
| General Education Core course | 3 | |
| Electives | 6 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| Elective, or one of the following Performance/Authorship Selectives: | 3 | |
| Page to Stage: Adaptation of Text for Theatrical Performance | ||
| Improvisation for the Actor | ||
| Performance Ethnography | ||
| Stage Direction a | ||
| Playwriting a | ||
| Elective—recommended courses include: | 3 | |
| Practicum in Performance | ||
| Practicum in Theatre Administration | ||
| Practicum in Costuming | ||
| Practicum in Technical Theatre | ||
| Electives | 9 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| Elective | 3 | |
| Teaching Artist Seminar (recommended) | ||
| Elective | 3 | |
| Contemporary Performance Techniques (recommended) | ||
| Elective—recommended courses include: | 3 | |
| Internship or Independent Study |
||
| Electives | 6 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| THTR 449 | Capstone: Senior Project | 3 |
| Elective, or one of the following Performance/Authorship Selectives: | 3 | |
| Page to Stage: Adaptation of Text for Theatrical Performance | ||
| Improvisation for the Actor | ||
| Performance Ethnography | ||
| Stage Direction a | ||
| Playwriting a | ||
| Elective—recommended courses include: | 3 | |
| Internship or Independent Study |
||
| Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
| a | This course is only offered in the spring semester. |
Sample Course Schedule—Authorship Track
Semesters in which required courses are offered may vary from those listed below.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Hours | |
| THTR 101 | Theatre History I: Premodern Drama | 3 |
| THTR 141 | Acting I: Fundamentals | 3 |
| THTR 182 | Practicum in Theater: Run Crew | 1 |
| ENGL 160 | Academic Writing I: Writing in Academic and Public Contexts | 3 |
| ISA 100 | Freshman Seminar: Introduction to Interdisciplinary Practice in the Arts (recommended elective) | 1 |
| General Education Core course | 3 | |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| THTR 150 or THTR 151 |
Fundamental of Theatre Technology or Costume Technology I: Introduction to Costume Technology |
3 |
or Elective |
||
| THTR 155 | Fundamentals of Theatre Design | 3 |
| THTR 217 | Movement & Voice I | 3 |
| DLG 120 | UIC First-Year Dialogue Seminar | 1 |
| ENGL 161 | Academic Writing II: Writing for Inquiry and Research | 3 |
| General Education Core course | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| THTR 150 or THTR 151 |
Fundamental of Theatre Technology or Costume Technology I: Introduction to Costume Technology |
3 |
or Elective |
||
| THTR 183 | Practicum in Theater: Build Crew | 1 |
or Elective |
||
| THTR 201 | Theatre History II: Modern Theatre | 3 |
| THTR 230 | Script Analysis for Theatrical Production | 3 |
| General Education Core course | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| IDEA 120 | Digital Practices in Design and Arts | 4 |
| THTR 183 | Practicum in Theater: Build Crew | 1 |
or Elective |
||
| Elective, or one of the following Design Selectives: | 3 | |
| Scenic Design I a | ||
| Lighting Design II: Intermediate Topics in Lighting Design for the Stage | ||
| General Education Core course | 3 | |
| Introduction to American Musical Theatre (recommended) | ||
| Elective | 1-2 | |
| Dance at Hubbard Street (recommended) | ||
| Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 15-16 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| Elective, or one of the following Design Selectives: | 3 | |
| Scenic Design I a | ||
| Lighting Design II: Intermediate Topics in Lighting Design for the Stage | ||
| General Education Core course | 3 | |
| General Education Core course | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Stage Management (recommended) | ||
| Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| Selectives—select two of the following Performance/Authorship Selectives: | 6 | |
| Page to Stage: Adaptation of Text for Theatrical Performance | ||
| Stage Direction a | ||
| Playwriting a | ||
| Contemporary Performance Techniques | ||
| Elective—recommend courses include: | 3 | |
| Practicum in Performance | ||
| Practicum in Theatre Administration | ||
| Practicum in Costuming | ||
| Practicum in Technical Theatre | ||
| Electives | 6 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| Elective | 3 | |
| Teaching Artist Seminar (recommended) | ||
| Elective, or Performance/Authorship Selective | 3 | |
| Contemporary Performance Techniques (or choose selectives in the spring semester) | ||
| Elective—recommended courses include: | 3 | |
| Internship or Independent Study |
||
| Elective—recommended courses include: | 3 | |
| Special Projects in Theatrical Design | ||
| Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| THTR 449 | Capstone: Senior Project | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Teaching Artist Practicum (recommended) | ||
| Elective, or one or two of the following Performance/Authorship Selectives: | 3-6 | |
| Page to Stage: Adaptation of Text for Theatrical Performance | ||
| Stage Direction a | ||
| Playwriting a | ||
| Contemporary Performance Techniques | ||
| Elective—recommended courses include: | 3 | |
| Internship or Independent Study |
||
| Hours | 12-15 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
| a | This course is only offered in the spring semester. |