OVERVIEW OF MAJOR
Are you a natural performer? Does the challenge of acting in a live production motivate and excite you? Have you ever wanted to be a producer, director, performer, set designer, or a member of a stage production crew? Do you aspire to write, produce, or perform your own play? Then a major in Theatre may be the right choice for you.
The Theatre major provides students with a solid artistic and academic background. The liberal arts curriculum of the Theatre program is designed to give students a solid background in dramatic literature, aesthetics, and the history of theatrical performance while providing practical experience in performance and design. Core courses are required in acting, graphic expression and design, technical theatre, directing, costume and makeup, and history of theatre. Courses in art, music, or dance are required, depending on your interests. Senior students are required to complete a capstone project that reflects their individual interest in a particular area of theatre expertise. Projects include directing a full-length play, designing or lighting a main stage production, presenting an acting recital, or writing a major research paper.
An exciting new prospect for the pursuit of a degree in the performing arts at Colorado State is the new (and still growing) University Center for the Arts. This state-of-the-art facility will create a vibrant learning environment and be a showcase of the performing and creative arts. The new Center will also significantly enhance the current classrooms, studios, and performance venues in music theatre, dance, and the visual arts.
The Theatre program stages four faculty-directed theatrical productions per year chosen from a wide range of genres and content. These productions feature the work of undergraduate actors, designers, stage managers, and technicians. Undergraduates also have the opportunity to produce their own theatrical work in a fully equipped theatre space, The Instant Theatre, available by sign-up sheet most weekends during the academic year. Creative and Performing Arts Awards are available for talented and qualified students.
Theatre also offers minors in Acting/Directing and Design/Technical Theatre in order to give students in related majors the opportunity to formalize their interest in theatre. These minors offer an opportunity for concentrated study in at least one of the basic theatre crafts as well as a background in general theatre practice and history.
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CHARACTERISTICS AND SKILLS
* A broad liberal arts education
* An understanding of theater history, dramatic literature, and aesthetics
* Competence in the theatrical disciplines including production, directing, acting, costume, scenic and lighting design
* Mastery of the theory and practice of scenic techniques
* Understanding of set design and construction
* Experience in all aspects of stage production
* Public Speaking Skills
* Management/directing experience
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POTENTIAL CAREER OPTIONS
Talent and training are the main factors for success in acting. A pleasing voice, good diction, physical attractiveness, imagination, charm and ability to understand people are also valued. Earning a living solely by working in the performing arts is rare. Most artists also depend upon other arts-related jobs or second careers. For many, success is based on creative work rather than on money and status. The goal of the Theatre department is to provide the tools and background necessary to developing individual artistic vision and create young artists with an entrepreneurial vision that will impact American Theatre.
Theatre and dance majors often select a second major to enhance their job prospects. Experience acquired through extracurricular performances or internships is highly recommended to enhance your practical training and development. Students who go on for advanced study at the graduate level can obtain more responsible positions.
Some of the career opportunities are listed below:
Performing
* Film actor/actress
* Announcer
* Choral performer
* Comedian
* Commercial actor
* Magician
* Musician
* Mime
* Dramatic reader
* Stunt performer
* Impersonator
Designing
* Costume designer
* Makeup artist
* Sound designer
* Choreographer
* Playwright
* Librettist
* Light designer
* Lyricist
* Composer
* Scene/set designer
Technical support
* Grip
* Wardrobe manager
* Wig dresser
* Voice over
* Theatre technician
* Set carpenter
* Fashion coordinator
* Follow spot operator
* House electrician
Managing
* Stage manager
* Props manager
* Producer
* Musical director
Education
* Teacher
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RELATED STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
* University Theatre Advisory Council
* Liberal Arts College Council
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MORE INFORMATION
School of the Arts: Division of Dance & Theatre
University Center for the Arts
1400 Remington Street
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1778
Theatre Program Director: Walton Jones
walt.jones@colostate.edu
970-491-1589
http://www.theatre.colostate.edu
* Academic and career advising for majors
Center for Advising and Student Achievement (CASA)
TILT Building
801 Oval Drive
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1033
970-491-7095
http://www.casa.colostate.edu
* Academic advising/Major exploration
Career Center
26 Lory Student Center
Lower level, by Student Media
Fort Collins, CO 80523
970-491-5707
http://career.colostate.edu
* Major and career exploration/Job search information
Admissions and Undergraduate Recruitment
Ammons Hall
711 Oval Drive
8008 Campus Delivery
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523
970-491-6909
http://www.admissions.colostate.edu
* Admission applications/University visits and tours
General Catalog Online
http://www.catalog.colostate.edu/
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