Theatre majors at MTSU take center stage with hands-on production responsibilities in the theatre's main season. Students enter a comprehensive program that includes all areas of performance and design/technology, theatre in education, and dance. Theory and instruction are infused with a carefully crafted progression of hands-on experience and training. The 1,000-seat Tucker Theatre underwent extensive renovation in 2010, and the Anderson Studio Theatre provides space for student produced performances. Students use state-of-the-art lighting, costuming, and scenery equipment both in and out of the classroom.
Young artists get to network in the "tight-knit" theatre profession and learn about the work and style of various artists through visiting professionals in master classes, artist residencies, and performances. MTSU recently hosted Michael Lugering, the founder of the Expressive Actor technique. MTSU proudly offers opportunities such as these where students learn from working theatre professionals.
MTSU Theatre prides itself on providing students with an abundance of opportunities outside the traditional classroom. Through international study, students visit and study in locations across the globe. The department leads an annual London Winter trip and provides regular trips to locations such as Ireland, Russia, Latvia, and Finland, as well as Honduras. On these trips, students gain additional training as they tour original productions, participate in workshops, or work with youth as they apply skills learned on campus. The London trip also includes stops at historic theaters.
Theatre majors are well trained for many careers, with graduates finding opportunities in professional or educational theatre, the entertainment industry, and related fields.
The Theatre and Dance Department offers two majors—Theatre and Dance—both of which lead to a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree.
For complete curriculum details, click on the REQUIREMENTS tab above.
Undergraduate minors in Dance, Entertainment Arts Design, Musical Theatre, and Theatre are available.
The Theatre and Dance Department offers one teacher licensure program: Theatre (grades K–12). Students wishing to teach must complete a Theatre Teaching cognate and Secondary Education minor. Students must contact their Secondary Education minor advisors for approval of appropriate courses. (For specific procedures and additional requirements for teacher licensure, see the College of Education.)
The Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) College of Education’s teacher licensure preparation programs are accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and are eligible for accreditation by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Theatre with teacher licensure program at MTSU is designed to meet the licensure requirements set by the Tennessee Department of Education. Students should be aware that licensure requirements vary from state to state and are subject to change. MTSU has not made a determination whether a specific program will meet all of the requirements of another US state or territory. MTSU recommends that students who plan to seek licensure outside the state of Tennessee contact the appropriate licensing agency and discuss their plans with their advisor. To obtain current information about each state’s and territory’s licensure requirements and any additional regulations, students should consult the US Department of Education’s website for state contacts at https://www2.ed.gov/about/contacts/state/index.html.
Our adjunct faculty bring outstanding professional experience to our programs. Many are industry leaders with decorated careers and honors. Importantly, they are innovative educators who offer hands-on learning to our students to prepare them to enter and thrive in a dynamic, and oftentimes emerging, industry and professional world. They inspire, instruct, and challenge our students toward academic and professional success.
For non-theatre majors only. Basic theory and practice of acting for the non-theatre major. Emphasis on the understanding and exploration of the actor's tools and the application of basic skills through the creative process.
Open to Theatre majors only. Fundamentals of the acting process examined through improvisation, characterization, text analysis, and basic acting technique.
Lectures and practical experience in the techniques of planning, building, painting, and handling all types of scenery; knowledge of theatre architecture and how sets are mounted, shifted, and run.
Overview of theatre as an art form. Appreciation and understanding of the production process. Can be used to satisfy part of the General Education Humanities and/or Fine Arts requirement. TBR Common Course: THEA 1030
Prerequisite: Theatre majors only. Introductory study of theatre as an art and a profession with a focus on the expectations and requirements of the MTSU Theatre program.
Prerequisite: Open to Theatre majors only. Corequisite: THEA 2900. Lectures and seminars in the techniques of planning, building, painting, and handling all types of scenery; knowledge of theatre architecture and how sets are mounted, shifted, and run. Laboratory hours and/or crew required.
Corequisite: THEA 2100. Examines the execution of the various scenic elements covered in THEA 2100 as well as the safety requirements of the scene shop and its equipment.
Theory and practice of theatrical sound designers conducted through classroom lecture and practical project. Utilizes tools, equipment, and techniques of sound designers with emphasis on design process and critical methods of study. Technical performance production component expected. Laboratory hours required.
A study of visual communication and aesthetic design for the theatre with an emphasis on design conception and process. An overview of the history of theatrical design and dynamics of collaborative process. Explores design process, theory, and principles through the execution of projects, papers, and examinations.
Application of make-up techniques and concepts for performers in theatre, television, film, dance, opera, and other performing arts. Laboratory hours and/or crew requirement.
Overview of costume in the arts and entertainment; an orientation to costume, design, management, technology, wardrobe practices, and costume critique methods through projects developed through research, problem-solving, and documentation; focus on student career and portfolio development. Laboratory hours and/or crew requirement.
Prerequisite: An audition will be required to enroll in the course as a performing cast member. Stage managers and technical crew will require the recommendation of an advisor. Production of a fully-staged musical work.
Prerequisite: THEA 3050 or permission of instructor. Lectures and practical experience in planning and designing settings for the stage. Emphasis on forms and styles of scenery, historical period research designers, and new theatrical materials, methods, and techniques. Major projects in set design.
Prerequisite: THEA 2100 or THEA 1025 or permission of instructor. Study of communication of the theatrical design concept through rendering, drafting, and technical drawing. Emphasis on developing drawing and drafting skills needed for theatre and entertainment design/technology utilizing both manual and CAD techniques.
Lectures and practical experience in the methods and techniques of lighting for the stage. Emphasis on creation of lighting design for performance through the study and knowledge of electricity, circuity, instrumentation, control equipment, and fundamental properties of lighting design. Major projects in lighting design. Crew requirement.
A theoretical and practical study of stage movement. Styles and techniques for physical realization of character and performance.
Prerequisite: THEA 1015. A continuation of the principles explored in THEA 1015 with a greater emphasis on scene work, text analysis, and character development.
A practical study of the human vocal mechanism and its use in acting. Techniques for breathing, alignment, resonance, articulation, and projection taught to help actors achieve a healthy, flexible, and expressive vocal instrument. Significant physical activity component required.
Prerequisite: THEA 3520 or permission of instructor. A continuation of THEA 3520. Advanced study of vocal technique and production for the stage. Significant physical activity component required.
Prerequisite: THEA 3510 or permission of instructor. A musical theatre workshop performance class. Students expand repertoire by performing and observing new songs while exploring and experiencing the skills necessary to act a song.
Methodology for using theatre and theatre techniques for teaching children in various venues. Motivational, self-directed learning through creative drama, improvisation, role-playing, and theatre games.
Prerequisite: Permission of department. Teaching methods and assessment for theatre in the secondary education classroom.
Prerequisite: THEA 1015 and THEA 3820. Director as literary and production critic. Play analysis, production concepts, staging, theory and techniques; rehearsal methods and procedures. Scene work.
Management of a not-for-profit arts organization. Topics include organizational design, strategic planning, budgeting, marketing, and fundraising within the context of a visual or performing arts organization. Guest lecturers from regional arts organizations. Projects and discussion for individual interests in various arts disciplines.
Explores the role and function of the stage manager in creating live theatre. Focuses on the duties, terminology, and required skills and traits of an effective stage manager. Laboratory hours required and/or crew requirement.
Analysis of plays for the purposes of directing, designing, or acting in productions.
Prerequisites: Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5, successful completion of 15 credit hours (not including THEA 4900), and permission of department. Students undertake supervised work experiences in a professional theatre setting and/or in arts education organizations. Experiences offered to enhance student's understanding and development of skills for work in the profession. Paper-based projects also required.
Prerequisites: THEA 3100 or permission of instructor. Designed to meet individual and group needs; an intensive application of make-up design incorporating all aspects of make-up in the performing arts focusing on in-depth historical research, advanced techniques, hair/wig design, creative problem-solving, and portfolio and resume development. Laboratory hours required.
Prerequisite: THEA 3100 or permission of instructor. Designed to meet individual needs for advanced study in make-up for entertainment and the arts. Topics to be determined at time of scheduling. A maximum of 6 semester hours may be applied toward a degree.
Prerequisites: THEA 3050 and THEA 3200 or permission of instructor. Costume design in the performing arts; an orientation to the costume application of design and development principles through costume design projects developed through research for various performance venues with a focus on student career and portfolio development.
Prerequisite: THEA 4220 or permission of instructor. Designed to meet individual and group needs for advanced study and principles in theatrical costume design. Projects developed through in-depth research for various performance venues with a focus on student career and portfolio development.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Designed to meet individual needs for advanced study in costume for entertainment and the arts. Topic to be determined at time of scheduling. A maximum of 6 semester hours may be applied toward a degree.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Designed to meet individual and/or group needs in all aspects of theatre arts. Topic and credit to be determined at the time of scheduling. A maximum of 6 semester hours credit may be applied toward a degree.
Prerequisite: THEA 3300 or permission of instructor. Advanced methods and theories of scenic design. A strong emphasis on practical projects, the design process, and critical methods of study. Includes components on design history and theory/criticism.
Prerequisite: THEA 1025, THEA 2100, or THEA 3400 or permission of instructor. Introduces students to the broad range of skills, tools, materials, and processes necessary for the safe and efficient rigging of scenery and effects. Topics include permanent rigging systems, production specific rigging solutions, fiber and wire rope, terminations, and operation. Crew/Production requirement.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Designed to meet individual and group needs for advanced study in theatre. Topic to be determined at time of scheduling. A maximum of 6 semester hours credit may be applied toward a degree.
Prerequisites: THEA 3050 and THEA 3400 or permission of instructor. Advanced methods and theories of lighting design. Strong emphasis on practical projects, design processes, and critical methods of study. Includes components on theory/criticism.
Prerequisite: THEA 3400. Methods and techniques of automated lighting for the stage; emphasis on creation of automated lighting design and programming for performance through the study and knowledge of electricity, control language, instrumentation, and programming fundamental properties of automated lighting design. Crew/production requirement.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Designed to meet individual needs for advanced study in lighting for entertainment and the arts. Topic to be determined at time of scheduling. A maximum of 6 semester hours may be applied toward a degree.
Prerequisite: THEA 3510 or permission of instructor. Introduces the Meisner Technique as a means of actor training including repetition, activity, relationship, emotional preparation, interpretations, and scene study.
Prerequisite: Permission of department. For actors and film directors. Hands-on experience in camera-acting techniques and methodology, including tools to analyze a scene, create a believable character, and meet the technical demands required of an on-camera actor. Culminates in the production of a short film or scene.
Prerequisite: THEA 3510 or permission of instructor. Audition technique. A practicum for selecting, preparing, and performing a variety of audition monologues. Develop skills in cold reading; prepare a professional resume; discuss headshots; and research the role of agents, casting directors, and unions in the casting process.
Prerequisite: THEA 4560 or permission of instructor. Styles of acting. Study and practice of technique for performing in period, stylized, or non-realistic drama. Develop skills in verse and other heightened language texts with special emphasis on performing Shakespeare. Other styles may include, but are not limited to, the Greeks, Comedy of Manners, and Absurdism.
Prerequisite: THEA 3510 or permission of instructor. Designed to meet individual needs for advanced study in acting. Topic to be determined at time of scheduling. A maximum of 6 semester hours may be applied toward a degree.
Instruction and experience in the art of storytelling. Individually designed course requirements for educational, professional, corporate, and personal storytelling techniques.
For current and prospective teachers. Integration of drama across the curriculum. The creation, construction, performance, and touring of a play for elementary school children.
Prerequisite: THEA 3620 or permission of instructor. Participation in the K-12 theatre classroom setting with class discussions and readings about the teaching experience. Advanced theatre curriculum development for the K-12 level.
A short-term international theatre experience designed to broaden international and cultural awareness and to promote international theatrical exchanges. Class may be repeated for up to six credit hours if destination is the same country or up to a total of nine credit hours if the country designation varies.
Prerequisite: THEA 3700. Case studies and problem solving of rehearsals and production. Director's relationship with designers. Investigation of style. Rehearsal and presentation of a one-act play.
Prerequisites: Two of the following: THEA 3050, THEA 3200, THEA 3300, THEA 3400, or THEA 3700. Examines the theory and practice of collaboration in the theatre through creative laboratory projects. Presentation of directorial ideas and execution of design ideas to replicate the professional process.
Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing or permission of instructor. The development of drama and the theatre; critical study of representative plays of the period.
Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing or permission of instructor. The development of drama and the theatre; critical study of representative plays of the period.
Prerequisite: THEA 3810 with C or better. An in-depth study of the theory, practice, and responsibilities of stage managers in live production settings.
Prerequisite: THEA 3820 or permission of instructor. Theory and practice in the creation of original plays. Development and revision of original scripts while studying the methods and works of influential playwrights.
Prerequisite: THEA 4820. Further application of dramatic structure through writing, reading, responding, and revising workshop format.
(Same as MUHL 4840.) Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing. A comprehensive history of musicals from the 1840s to the present that explores the effects of culture, economics, and politics of each era on musical theatre.
Prerequisite: THEA 3800. Development of not-for-profit arts organizations. Focuses on comprehensive approaches to fundraising. Includes not-for-profit arts organizations, board structures, and the terminology and tools of the fundraising profession. Ideal for future artist, not-for-profit manager, or those interested in fundraising.
Selected major playwrights linked by theme or a particular genre of dramatic theory; an intensive examination of plays which either survey playwrights' careers or represent a significant portion of a genre's canon. May be repeated for credit once.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Specific area of study in relation to a particular theatrical event or production during a given semester. Topics range from the performance to technical crews. A maximum of 4 semester hours credit may be applied toward a degree.
Prerequisites: Available only to students who have completed 50 percent of the coursework in theatre; permission of department required. Individualized intensive instruction for students to pursue research and creative activity in a specialized area with faculty mentorship. A maximum of 6 semester hours may be applied toward a degree.
Prerequisite: Theatre majors only; senior classification. A capstone to the Theatre major's undergraduate career and preparation for transition to the professional theatre or graduate study. Includes lectures, workshops, professional guest speakers, and discussion sessions. Students will complete various paper-based projects including resume and portfolio construction.
Tucker Theatre accommodates major music, dance, theatrical, and television productions, along with performances in intimate settings and a wide variety of events such as award ceremonies, films, pageants, recitals, product launches, receptions, and meetings.
For event information, Please call 615.494.8810. For Tickets call, 1.888.718.4253. Thank you!
All events at Tucker Theatre are scheduled through our production office. Call 615/898-2181 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday for rental information.
The Anderson Studio Theater is a flexible black box space. It is primarily used for student-produced performances. The space is perfect for smaller, more intimate productions.
MTSU has two fully equipped dance studio spaces for rehearsals and dance classes. Both rooms have a full mirror wall, as well as easy-to-use audio equipment.
The Scenic Studio is designed for the construction of our scenic elements for all Theatre and Dance productions, as well as stagecraft classes.
The Costume Studio is designed for the production of costumes for all Theatre and Dance productions, as well as costuming classes.
The Design Studio is equipped with a state-of-the-art light box and an ETC Ion lighting console that allows designers to work on a scale model of Tucker Theatre. Students also have access to the computer lab and drafting materials.
This program is available .
Contact your department / program coordinator or advisor for more details about the program OR work one-on-one with your advisor to explore your options.
With over 25 years of experience in online teaching and learning, MTSU Online offers students access to innovative, high-quality programs. Designed with students in mind, our courses allow maximum flexibility for those unable to participate in person.
Resources and services for online students are available from MTSU Online or contact us at distance@mtsu.edu.
