Theatre Program
The Theatre Program, a certificate program in the Department of Creative Arts, offers students the opportunity to pursue a formal non-major curriculum in theatre studies.
This program aims to familiarize students with the theory, history and aesthetics of the theatrical event; strives to develop an appreciation of theatre as a complex artistic expression of humanity’s struggle to understand itself; and works to develop first-hand experience with those essential skills necessary to create theatre: acting, directing, design and technology. The program encourages each student to exercise aesthetic judgment; think critically; work collaboratively; synthesize and apply principles in the process of theatrical production; engage in creative expression; develop personal discipline and constructive work habits; and foster respect for one’s self, colleagues, audience and community.
The Theatre Program is committed to mounting productions which focus on issues of cultural diversity and the responsibility of individuals to cooperate in the creation of a just and peaceful society.
Students earning a certificate in the Theatre Program may choose to pursue careers as drama directors and educators in the secondary school system, as theatre practitioners, or might choose to deepen their understanding and appreciation of the art form through graduate study. Knowledge and skills gained through the program are applicable to a variety of careers outside theatre.
Certificate Requirements: Students interested in the certificate program must meet with the Program Director as early in their course of studies as possible. 21 course credits are required: Introduction to Theatre, Acting I, Directing, one survey of dramatic literature course, one course in theatre history, one course in theatre design or technology, one course as a theatre elective. A combination of 3 practicum credits are required from a minimum of two courses in Acting (CREA—350) or Directing (CREA—351) or Design (CREA—352) or Technology (CREA—353) or Management (CREA—354). A minimum of 12 credits must be completed at Siena College. Open to matriculated students only.
Academic Standards: The study of theatre, by its very nature, demands the student’s commitment of time and energy for laboratory courses and production preparation. Consequently, admittance to and continuation in the program will be subject to minimum academic standards. In order to be enrolled as a candidate for the certificate, a student must have no less than 2.0 cumulative index and have earned at least a C- grade in every major field concentration course used to satisfy the major field requirement. Once enrolled, the student must maintain this academic standing and earn at least a C- grade in every course required for the Theatre Program certificate. Students interested in completing a theatre internship (CREA—480) must have earned at least a B grade in all courses required for the certificate and maintained all other academic standards.
Required Courses
Refer to creative arts department listings for course descriptions.
All three of the following foundation courses:
9 credits
CREA—104 Introduction to Theatre
CREA—140 Acting I
CREA—400 Directing
One survey of dramatic literature course approved by
the Program Director:
3 credits
One course in theatre history from among:
3 credits
CREA—170 Theatre to the Restoration
CREA—171 Theatre from the Restoration
CREA—240 American Theatre
One course in theatre design/technology from among:
3 credits
CREA—145 Introduction to Theatre Technology
CREA—245 Scenery Design
CREA—247 Lighting and Sound Design
CREA—250 Costume and Makeup Design
Any theatre course not applied to theatre history or
design/technology credit requirements
OR
one of the following:
3 credits
CREA—125 Basics of Singing
CREA—205 Opera I
CREA—235 American Musical Theatre
CREA—297 Special Topics in Creative Arts (select topics)
CREA—330 Acting II
CREA—340 Opera II
CREA—397 Advanced Topics in Creative Arts
CREA—480 Internship in Theatre
ENGL—240 Shakespeare
ENGL—285 Topics in English
(on dramatist or dramatic movement)
ENGL—090, 290, English Honors
390, or 490 (on dramatist or dramatic movement)
A combination of a minimum of two practicum courses from among:
3 credits
CREA—350 Acting Practicum
CREA—351 Directing Practicum
CREA—352 Design Practicum
CREA—353 Technology Practicum
CREA—354 Management Practicum
-Total of 24 credits
Internship
Students enrolled in the Theatre Certificate Program have the option
of choosing an internship with a professional theatre organization
(CREA—480 Internship in Theatre) provided advance approval from the
major advisor and the Program Director is received. To be considered for an internship, the student must satisfy the academic standards for the certificate program and must have achieved at least a B grade in all courses required for the Theatre Program certificate.
All theatre internships must be in one of the following areas: acting,
directing, scenery, costume, lighting, sound or stage management. Sales or box office positions would not qualify. Internship participation would occur during the student’s senior year and would be administered by the Program Director.
