Skip to main content

Minor in Theatre

School of Fine Arts and Communication

Overview

A minor in theatre requires the completion of 22 credits, including 10 credits of core requirements and 12 credits of electives in specified communication and music courses.


Courses

Below are the course requirements for this academic program. In addition to these program-specific requirements, all majors include Biola's traditional undergraduate core curriculum. For more program details, including a sample course sequence, visit Biola's academic catalog.

Note: This list is intended to give you a quick glimpse into the program's academic offerings, and should not be used as a guide for course selection or academic advising.

Core Courses

Beginning directed practical experience in dramatic production. Credit for performing in a play, set construction, costume construction, publicity, or other aspects of the theatrical process. Grade Mode: A.

This course offers a beginning study of the principles of contemporary acting techniques. Students will evaluate and demonstrate the acting theories of the Stanislavsky system of acting, as assessed by the 20th century American acting leaders, Uta Hagen and Stella Adler. Grade Mode: A.

Advanced practical experience in dramatic process. Credit for performing in a play, set construction, costume construction, publicity, or other aspects of theatrical process. Notes: Special approval required. May be taken twice for a total of 4 credits. Grade Mode: A.

Introduction to the mechanics and creativity of drama in the church, as well as issues facing the Christian drama coordinator or director. Class members are involved in class performances. This course explores the potential and practical experiences for use of drama in church and parachurch settings, providing insights for participants and leaders in drama ministry. Grade Mode: A.

Elective Courses

Learning to read types of literature aloud in a manner that enhances and enriches the audience's understanding and appreciation of that literature. Notes: Approved for Core Curriculum Communication credit. Grade Mode: A.

For students prepared to gain practical experience. Usually off campus in a work situation. Notes: May be taken for a total of 6 credits. Grade Mode: A.

Directed practical experience in the various fields of communication. Notes: May be taken for a total of six credits. Grade Mode: A.

Various aspects and problems in the fields of communication. Notes: May be taken multiple times with different course content. Grade Mode: A.
Individual research in areas of communication determined in consultation with the instructor. Notes: An Add/Drop Slip and Arranged Course Form must be obtained at the Communication Studies Office. May be taken for a total of three credits. Grade Mode: A.
Designed to develop general keyboard facility. For the music major, as preparation for entrance to MUSCĀ 118. Notes: Credits earned by the music major may not apply toward music degree requirements. Grade Mode: A.

Basic vocal training. Open to non-music majors. Previous experience reading music or singing/playing an instrument is an asset but not required. Grade Mode: A.

Sight-singing diatonic melodies, major and minor scales and triads using moveable tonic solfege. Transcribing basic diatonic melodies, cadences and progressions. Reading, performing and transcribing rhythmic patterns in simple, compound and irregular meters. Notes: Students may test into an accelerated section of this course. Grade Mode: A.

Intensive training in the correct use of voice and articulation for the actor. Special attention paid to developing skills for vocal and physical relaxation, projection, and anatomical uses of the voice. Grade Mode: A.

This course is designed for the beginning, pre-/non-theatre major, and is an examination of the theatre elements that relate directly to performing onstage, including rehearsal and performance techniques, stage movement, vocal techniques, stage terminology and script analysis. Grade Mode: A.

Selected topics vary, see class schedule for current offerings. Possible topics include: stage management, scene work, theatre history. Grade Mode: A.

Makeup requirements for the stage. Individual skill development in character analysis. Application in pigment, plastic, hair, makeup, and selection and use of makeup equipment. Grade Mode: A.

Design fundamentals, including costume history, research, play analysis, fabric selection, construction basics and hypothetical design projects. Grade Mode: A.

Explorations in the basic elements and terminology that define theatre. Special attention given to such topics as: safety, props, two- and three-dimensional scenery and their materials, and scene painting. Grade Mode: A. 

Study of lighting and sound variables in a stage production. Student projects include light and sound choices for a particular production. Grade Mode: A.

This course features in-depth study and practice of acting skills with increased emphasis on the application of the principles and the theories of creative acting, as assessed by the 20th century American acting leaders, Lee Strasberg and Eric Morris. Grade Mode: A.

Exploration of the art and craft of directing for the theatre. Topics covered: storytelling, instincts, staging, picturization, dramatic tension, style, meaning, examining, text, groundplans, auditioning, working with actors and other relevant issues facing the director. Notes: Attendance at selected plays is required. Grade Mode: A.

Survey of prominent dramatic theories (e.g. Aristotle's Poetics, dramatic theory of story structure, contemporary theatre theory, etc.). Elements of dramaturgy will also be introduced. Grade Mode: A.

Scene design, including script analysis, formation of visual concepts, floor plan development and model building for the stage. Practical training in theatrical production written critiques/reviews. Grade Mode: A.

Creation of original material for solo or corporate dramatic performance. Workshop for the presentation of created original materials for stage. Grade Mode: A.

Further in-depth study of characterization, script analysis, and various styles of acting. Topics may vary. Grade Mode: A.

Theatre-based tour of London, England, exploring Shakespeare's birthplace, theatrical venues, and acting workshops. Notes: Tour requires purchase of tour package to London, England and additional fees for Biola University credit. Project required for submission following return from London. Grade Mode: A.

22
Total Program Credits
Every program at Biola University features rigorous academics, biblically integrated curriculum and vocational preparation.
WSCUC
Accreditation
Biola University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission. Additional accreditations may apply to specific programs.

You may also be interested in

B.A. in Cinema and Media Arts

Snyder School of Cinema and Media Arts

B.A. in English

School of Humanities and Social Sciences

B.A. in Theatre

School of Fine Arts and Communication

B.F.A. in Art

School of Fine Arts and Communication

B.M. in Music Education (Pre-Teacher Certification)

School of Fine Arts and Communication

B.M. in Music Performance

School of Fine Arts and Communication

B.S. in Art

School of Fine Arts and Communication

Minor in Music

School of Fine Arts and Communication

Minor in Secondary Education

School of Education