Theatre students are provided focused, pre-professional training within the context of broad, liberal arts study. Through a program of applied studio courses, workshops, and full productions, students learn an immediately useful set of theatre skills to prepare them for entry-level professional theatre employment or advanced study in professional theatre training programs and graduate schools.
The BA and BFA programs share a common foundation of history, literature, and aesthetic principles:
The Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts is a well-balanced degree. After completing the common core courses, students select a mix of lower and upper-division electives in performance, technical theatre/design, and dramatic literature/history.
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre is a prescribed degree. After completing the common core courses, students focus their studies specifically on musical theatre performance in the areas of acting, singing, and dancing.
Advising Requirement
Advising is mandatory for this program. Consult your department advisor or program coordinator for information.
E-advising Tools
Use the interactive e-advising tools designed to help students graduate within four years. These tools can be accessed through the Student Center in the Portal.
Grading Requirement
All courses taken to fulfill program course requirements must be taken for a letter grade except those courses specified by the department as credit/no credit grading only.
Some courses require a minimum grade to progress in the program. Minimum grade requirements, including those listed on course requisites, are considered graduation requirements.
Course Requirements for the Major: 84 units
Completion of the following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, is required of all candidates for this degree. Courses in this program may complete more than one graduation requirement.
Special Musical Theatre Requirements
In the annual spring auditions, each student must demonstrate appropriate competence in the major before a faculty committee. Consult with an advisor for format and standards upon admission to the degree program.
Students must participate in auditions for all theatre productions.
See Bachelor's Degree Requirements for complete details on general degree requirements. A minimum of 39 units, including those required for the major, must be upper division.
General Education Requirements: 43 units
See General Education and the Class Schedule for the most current information on General Education requirements and course offerings.
This major has approved GE modification(s). See below for information on how to apply these modification(s).
THEA 260 is an approved major course substitution for Oral Communication (1C).
THEA 150 is an approved major course substitution for Arts (3A).
THEA 352 is an approved major course substitution for Humanities (3B).
THEA 354 is an approved major course substitution for Upper-Division Arts and Humanities (UD-3).
American Institutions Course Requirements: 6 units
The American Institutions graduation requirement, as mandated in Title 5, Section 40404, requires that students satisfactorily complete courses in United States history, the US Constitution, and government and American ideals (including California state and local government). At Chico State, HIST 130 meets the US history requirement (US-1), and POLS 155 meets the US Constitution and government requirement (US-2) and the California state and local government requirement (US-3). POLS 155 also fulfills three units of GE Area 4, Social and Behavioral Sciences. See Bachelor’s Degree Requirements for more information.
Diversity Course Requirements: 6 units
You must complete a minimum of two courses that focus primarily on cultural diversity. At least one course must be in US Diversity (USD) and at least one in Global Cultures (GC). See Diversity Requirements for a full list of courses. Many courses taken to satisfy these requirements may also apply to General Education.
Upper-Division Writing Requirement
Writing Across the Curriculum (EM 17-009) requires you to take four Writing (W) courses, two of which are upper-division courses designated for your major. Specifically, you must:
Take one Writing (W) course.
Take one Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GW) course.
Complete a GE English Composition (1A) course before taking the GW course.
Earn a grade of C- or higher to receive GW credit.
See Writing and Math Requirements for details on additional writing requirements you need to complete for graduation.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) are clear, measurable statements that describe how students demonstrate mastery of the knowledge, skills, and values of the discipline as appropriate to the degree. Graduates of this program are expected to achieve the following PLOs:
Integrated Performance Proficiency: Demonstrate advanced skills in acting, singing, and dancing, effectively integrating these disciplines to deliver compelling musical theatre performances.
Character Development and Interpretation: Analyze and embody complex characters, utilizing textual analysis and historical context to inform their portrayal and deepen audience engagement.
Collaborative Engagement: Work effectively within diverse teams, contributing to all facets of production, including rehearsal processes, technical design, and performance, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment.
Social Justice and Equity Advocacy: Apply principles of social justice and equity in their artistic practice, advocating for inclusive representation and addressing societal issues through their work.
Professional Preparedness and Industry Practices: Prepare for professional careers in musical theatre by mastering audition techniques, developing portfolios, and understanding industry standards and practices.
Critical Analysis and Reflective Practice: Critically evaluate performances and productions, engaging in reflective practice to identify areas for improvement and to inform future artistic endeavors.
Cultural and Historical Contextualization: Demonstrate an understanding of the historical and cultural evolution of musical theatre, recognizing its impact on society and its role in reflecting and shaping cultural narratives.
