Acting/Directing, Theatre Arts (BFA)
Degree: Bachelor of Fine Arts
Major: Theatre Arts
Concentration: Acting/Directing
Program Code: 3265
About This Major . . .
The Department of Theatre Arts offers one of the most successful theatre training degree programs in Colorado. Theatre Arts majors choose from three distinct concentrations in the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree (Acting/Directing, Music Theatre, or Design/Technology), the Bachelor of Arts degree (Theatre Arts), or the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance, and acquire a sound understanding of the performing arts in state-of-the-art facilities.
The Acting/Directing concentration is constructed to help students meet the rigorous demands of a professional acting career and provide a strong foundation and practical experience for future directors. Beginning with the first semester, students enroll in performance courses taught by academically and professionally experienced faculty. Unlike larger institutions, acting opportunities in all productions at Colorado Mesa University are open to motivated and talented freshmen. In acting courses, students are exposed to techniques and approaches that are industry standards today. Training is grounded in Stanislavski, Cohen, and Chekhov. Voice and movement courses are complemented by performance opportunities in student in faculty directed productions. Acting students also audition for one act plays directed by directing students each year. Experimental and other challenging productions are offered at the Mesa Experimental Theatre.
Colorado Mesa is strategically located at the hub of a circle of important entertainment centers such as Aspen, Telluride, Moab, and Park City, Utah. There are regional theatres of international repute within driving distance, such as the Utah Shakespeare Festival, the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, and the Colorado Shakespeare Festival. There is a thriving theatrical scene in Grand Junction that offers opportunities for summer employment, including CMUs own Mesa Repertory Theatre. At Colorado Mesa, we are committed to the philosophy of training theatrical entrepreneurs. We offer low teacher-to-student ratios so that personal attention and mentoring are possible. Our many graduates in the industry have informed us that Colorado Mesa´s approach was invaluable.
For more information on what you can do with this major, visit Career Services’ What to Do with a Major? resource.
All CMU baccalaureate graduates are expected to demonstrate proficiency in specialized knowledge/applied learning, quantitative fluency, communication fluency, critical thinking, personal and social responsibility, and information literacy. In addition to these campus-wide student learning outcomes, graduates of this major will be able to:
- Communicate verbally contemporary and enduring concepts concerning Human Culture through participation and/or observation of the performing arts and speech. (Specialized Knowledge/ Communication)
- Communicate non-verbally contemporary and enduring concepts concerning Human Culture through participation and/or observation of the performing arts and speech. (Specialized Knowledge/ Communication)
- Create progressively more challenging projects through the use of intellectual and/or practical skills. (Applied Learning)
- Demonstrate teamwork and problem solving skills through collaboration and cooperation on creative projects. (Critical Thinking)
- Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and versatility of the discipline from conceptualization to application. (Applied Learning)
Each section below contains details about the requirements for this program. Select a header to expand the information/requirements for that particular section of the program's requirements.
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Institutional Degree Requirements
The following institutional degree requirements apply to all CMU baccalaureate degrees. Specific programs may have different requirements that must be met in addition to institutional requirements.
- 120 semester hours minimum.
- Students must complete a minimum of 30 of the last 60 hours of credit at CMU, with at least 15 semester hours in major discipline courses numbered 300 or higher.
- 40 upper-division credits (an alternative credit limit applies to the Bachelor of Applied Science degree).
- 2.00 cumulative GPA or higher in all CMU coursework.
- A course may only be used to fulfill one requirement for each degree/certificate.
- No more than six semester hours of independent study courses can be used toward the degree.
- Non-traditional credit, such as advanced placement, credit by examination, credit for prior learning, cooperative education and internships, cannot exceed 30 semester credit hours for a baccalaureate degree. A maximum of 15 of the 30 credits may be for cooperative education, internships, and practica.
- Pre-collegiate courses (usually numbered below 100) cannot be used for graduation.
- Capstone exit assessment/projects (e.g., Major Field Achievement Test) requirements are identified under Program-Specific Degree Requirements.
- The Catalog Year determines which program sheet and degree requirements a student must fulfill in order to graduate. Visit with your advisor or academic department to determine which catalog year and program requirements you should follow.
- See “Requirements for Undergraduate Degrees and Certificates” in the catalog for a complete list of graduation requirements.
Essential Learning Requirements
(31 semester hours)
See the current catalog for a list of courses that fulfill the requirements below. If a course is an Essential Learning option and a requirement for your major, you must use it to fulfill the major requirement and make a different selection for the Essential Learning requirement.
| Code | Title | Semester Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| English 1 | ||
| ENGL 111 | English Composition I-GTCO1 | 3 |
| ENGL 112 | English Composition II-GTCO2 | 3 |
| Mathematics 1 | ||
| MATH 110 | Mathematical Investigations-GTMA1 | 3 |
| History | ||
| Select one History course | 3 | |
| Humanities | ||
| Select one Humanities course | 3 | |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences | ||
| Select one Social and Behavioral Sciences course | 3 | |
| Select one Social and Behavioral Sciences course | 3 | |
| Fine Arts | ||
| Select one Fine Arts course | 3 | |
| Natural Sciences 2 | ||
| Select one Natural Sciences course with a lab | 4 | |
| Select one Natural Sciences course | 3 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 31 | |
- 1
Must receive a grade of “C” or better and must be completed by the time the student has 60 semester hours.
- 2
One course must include a lab.
Other Lower Division Requirements
| Code | Title | Semester Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Wellness Requirement | ||
| KINE 100 | Health and Wellness | 1 |
| Select one Activity course | 1 | |
| Essential Learning Capstone 1 | ||
| ESSL 290 | Maverick Milestone | 3 |
| ESSL 200 | Essential Speech | 1 |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 6 | |
- 1
Essential Learning Capstone must be taken after completion of the Essential Learning English and Mathematics requirements, and when a student has earned between 45 and 75 hours.
Foundation Courses
(18 semester hours, Theatre courses must be completed prior to the student’s junior year)
| Code | Title | Semester Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| THEA 130 | Script Analysis | 3 |
| THEA 153 | Acting I: Beginning Acting | 3 |
| SPCH 112 | Acting III: Voice and Diction | 3 |
| Select six hours from the following: | 6 | |
| Introduction to Theatre Technology: Stagecraft | ||
| Introduction to Theatre Technology: Costume | ||
| Introduction to Theatre Technology: Lighting | ||
| Introduction to Theatre Technology: Sound Technology | ||
| Select one class in a foreign language 1 | 3 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 18 | |
- 1
Must receive a grade of “C” or better.
Program Specific Degree Requirements
(58 semester hours, must maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA or higher in coursework in this area.)
| Code | Title | Semester Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| THEA 117 | Play Production | 1 |
| or THEA 118 | Play Production | |
| THEA 142 | Make-up | 3 |
| THEA 145 | Introduction to Dramatic Literature-GTAH1 | 3 |
| THEA 156 | Acting II: Contemporary Scenework | 3 |
| THEA 217 | Play Production | 1 |
| or THEA 218 | Play Production | |
| THEA 253 | Acting IV: Stage Movement | 3 |
| THEA 256 | Auditions | 3 |
| THEA 317 | Play Production | 1 |
| or THEA 318 | Play Production | |
| THEA 331 | Theatre History I: 400 B.C. to 1642 | 3 |
| THEA 332 | Theatre History II: From 1642 to the Present | 3 |
| THEA 381 | Directing I | 3 |
| THEA 417 | Play Production | 1 |
| or THEA 418 | Play Production | |
| THEA 401 | Career Preparation | 3 |
| THEA 494 | Performance Seminar: Acting/Directing and Musical Theatre Capstone | 3 |
| THEA 353 | Advanced Acting: Styles in Acting | 3 |
| THEA 454 | Acting V: Shakespeare | 3 |
| Advanced Acting | ||
| Select 9 semester hours of the following: | 9 | |
| Advanced Acting: Stage Combat | ||
| Advanced Acting: The Meisner Approach | ||
| Advanced Acting: Dialects | ||
| Improvisation | ||
| Advanced Acting: Acting for the Camera | ||
| Advanced Acting: Chekhov Technique | ||
| Theatre Options | ||
| Select six semester hours of the following: | 6 | |
| Stage Management | ||
| World Drama | ||
| Playwriting I | ||
| Directing II | ||
| American Drama | ||
| Contemporary Drama | ||
| Shakespeare | ||
| Performance Options | ||
| Select three semester hours of the following: | 3 | |
| Technical Performance | ||
| Technical Performance | ||
| Technical Performance | ||
| Technical Performance | ||
| Technical Performance | ||
| Technical Performance | ||
| Technical Performance | ||
| Technical Performance | ||
| Drama Performance | ||
| Drama Performance | ||
| Drama Performance | ||
| Drama Performance | ||
| Drama Performance | ||
| Drama Performance | ||
| Drama Performance | ||
| Drama Performance | ||
| Dance Performance | ||
| Dance Performance | ||
| Dance Performance | ||
| Dance Performance | ||
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 58 | |
General Electives
All college level courses appearing on your final transcript, not listed above that will bring your total semester hours to 120 hours, including 40 upper division hours. 4 semester hours, additional hours of upper division hours may be needed.
| Code | Title | Semester Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Select electives | 4 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 4 | |
While the sequencing below culminates in a total of 120-128 semester credit hours, students must complete a minimum of 120 semester credit hours as required for completion of this degree, including satisfactory completion of all required courses. Plan to complete requirements with varying hour options accordingly.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Semester Credit Hours | |
| ENGL 111 | English Composition I-GTCO1 | 3 |
| MATH 110 | Mathematical Investigations-GTMA1 (or higher) | 3 |
| Essential Learning - History | 3 | |
| Select one of the following. Do not take the same course twice: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Theatre Technology: Stagecraft | ||
| Introduction to Theatre Technology: Costume | ||
| Introduction to Theatre Technology: Lighting | ||
| Introduction to Theatre Technology: Sound Technology | ||
| THEA 117 | Play Production (fall or spring) | 0-1 |
| THEA 153 | Acting I: Beginning Acting | 3 |
| Semester Credit Hours | 15-16 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| ENGL 112 | English Composition II-GTCO2 | 3 |
| Select one of the following. Do not take the same course twice: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Theatre Technology: Stagecraft | ||
| Introduction to Theatre Technology: Costume | ||
| Introduction to Theatre Technology: Lighting | ||
| Introduction to Theatre Technology: Sound Technology | ||
| THEA 118 | Play Production (fall or spring) | 0-1 |
| THEA 130 | Script Analysis | 3 |
| THEA 145 | Introduction to Dramatic Literature-GTAH1 | 3 |
| THEA 156 | Acting II: Contemporary Scenework | 3 |
| Semester Credit Hours | 15-16 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| Foundation Course - Foreign Language | 3 | |
| Essential Learning - Fine Arts | 3 | |
| Essential Learning - Natural Science | 3 | |
| KINE 100 | Health and Wellness | 1 |
| SPCH 112 | Acting III: Voice and Diction | 3 |
| THEA 217 | Play Production (fall or spring) | 0-1 |
| Performance Option | 1 | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 14-15 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| ESSL 290 | Maverick Milestone | 3 |
| ESSL 200 | Essential Speech | 1 |
| Essential Learning - Humanities | 3 | |
| KINA Activity | 1 | |
| THEA 218 | Play Production (fall or spring) | 0-1 |
| THEA 253 | Acting IV: Stage Movement | 3 |
| Theatre Option | 3 | |
| Performance Option | 1 | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 15-16 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| Essential Learning - Social/Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
| THEA 317 | Play Production (fall or spring) | 0-1 |
| THEA 331 | Theatre History I: 400 B.C. to 1642 | 3 |
| THEA 381 | Directing I | 3 |
| THEA 454 | Acting V: Shakespeare | 3 |
| Theatre Option | 3 | |
| Performance Option | 1 | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 16-17 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| Essential Learning - Social/Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
| THEA 142 | Make-up | 3 |
| THEA 318 | Play Production (fall or spring) | 0-1 |
| THEA 332 | Theatre History II: From 1642 to the Present | 3 |
| THEA 353 | Advanced Acting: Styles in Acting | 3 |
| Advanced Acting Option | 3 | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 15-16 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| Essential Learning - Natural Science with Lab | 4 | |
| THEA 401 | Career Preparation | 3 |
| THEA 417 | Play Production (fall or spring) | 0-1 |
| Advanced Acting Option | 3 | |
| Electives | 5 | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 15-16 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| THEA 353 or THEA 256 | Advanced Acting: Styles in Acting or Auditions | 3 |
| THEA 418 | Play Production (fall or spring) | 0-1 |
| THEA 494 | Performance Seminar: Acting/Directing and Musical Theatre Capstone | 3 |
| Advanced Acting Option | 3 | |
| Electives | 6 | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 15-16 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 120-128 | |
Advising Process and DegreeWorks
Documentation on the pages related to this program is intended for informational purposes to help determine what courses and associated requirements are needed to earn a degree. The suggested course sequencing outlines how students could finish degree requirements. Some courses are critical to complete in specific semesters, while others may be moved around. Meeting with an academic advisor is essential in planning courses and altering the suggested course sequencing. It is ultimately the student’s responsibility to understand and fulfill the requirements for their intended degree(s).
DegreeWorks is an online degree audit tool available in MAVzone. It is the official record used by the Registrar’s Office to evaluate progress towards a degree and determine eligibility for graduation. Students are responsible for reviewing their DegreeWorks audit on a regular basis and should discuss questions or concerns with their advisor or academic department head. Discrepancies in requirements should be reported to the Registrar’s Office.
Graduation Process
Students must complete the following in the first two months of the semester prior to completing their degree requirements:
- Review their DegreeWorks audit and create a plan that outlines how unmet requirements will be met in the final semester.
- Meet with their advisor and modify their plan as needed. The advisor must approve the final plan.
- Submit the “Intent to Graduate” form to the Registrar’s Office to officially declare the intended graduation date and commencement ceremony plans.
- Register for all needed courses and complete all requirements for each degree sought.
Submission deadlines and commencement details can be found at http://www.coloradomesa.edu/registrar/graduation.html.
If a student’s petition for graduation is denied, it will be their responsibility to consult the Registrar’s Office regarding next steps.