Minor in Theatre Arts

The minor in Theatre Arts, offered through the College of Fine Arts (CFA) School of Theatre, is designed for students who want the opportunity to explore theatrical performance, design, production, and management in the context of a professional school. Theatre Arts minors take courses alongside students pursuing professionally focused BFA—Theatre and BFA—Theatre Arts degrees in the CFA School of Theatre. Minors are welcome to attend CFA events such as guest artist talks and theatrical performances, and they are encouraged to become part of the CFA community.

Students in the minor gain foundational knowledge in the art and craft of theatre-making and are exposed to a variety of dramatic forms and creative processes. Some students take a range of courses for a broad and diverse experience in theatre, while others decide to focus in an area of interest.

Students minoring in Theatre Arts may, through coursework in the minor, satisfy BU Hub requirements in Aesthetic & Historical Interpretation; Communication; Diversity, Civic Engagement & Global Citizenship; and the Intellectual Toolkit.

Learning Outcomes

Students in the Theatre Arts minor program will:

• Demonstrate a broad understanding of theatre practice and its various components of performance, design, production, and management.
• Demonstrate spoken and written critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills in an arts-based discipline.

Requirements

The program consists of 20 units of Theatre courses (CFA TH). Students are advised to complete the minor at a pace of one course per term, due to the intensity of studio theatre courses, and to be flexible with their intended course plan as many courses are in high demand. Completion of the minor requires the 5-unit theatre core and 15 units of theatre electives. Students choose a path of study depending on their own desire to explore the theatrical disciplines of performance, design, production, and management.

Required Courses

Theatre Core (5 units)

• CFA TH 101 Introduction to the Study of Theatre & Performance (3 units)
• CFA TH 171 Language & Craft of Theatre 1 (2 units)

Theatre Electives (15 units)

Theatre Arts minors are encouraged to consult the School of Theatre academic advisor on identifying the best electives for their artistic and academic interests and goals. Suggested courses for Theatre Arts minors:

• CFA TH 104 Dramatic Literature 1: Beginnings of Theatre to the Early 19th Century (4 units)
• CFA TH 121 Acting 1: Personal Approach to Acting (3 units)
• CFA TH 131 Movement 1: Expressive Human Instrument (2 units)
• CFA TH 136 Theatre Collaboration 1: Equitable & Inclusive Theatre Practice (2 units)
• CFA TH 157 Introduction to Design 1: Storytelling & Collaboration for Live Performance (3 units)
• CFA TH 158 Introduction to Design 2: 2D & 3D Design Fundamentals (3 units)
• CFA TH 172 Language & Craft of Theatre 2 (2 units)
• CFA TH 173 2D Drafting & Visual Communication 1 (2 units)
• CFA TH 205 Dramatic Literature 2: 1850–1950 (4 units)
• CFA TH 206 Dramatic Literature 3: 1950–the Millennium (4 units)
• CFA TH 240 Directing 1 (2 units)
• CFA TH 257 Scenography 1 (3 units)
• CFA TH 294 Stage Management 1 (3 units)
• CFA TH 307 History of Period Styles 1 (2 units)
• CFA TH 308 History of Period Styles 2 (2 units)
• CFA TH 349 Theatre in Practice (2 units; via audition/casting or creative team assignment process)
• CFA TH 405 Classical Theatre through a Contemporary Lens (4 units)
• CFA TH 406 Contemporary Theatre (4 units)
• CFA TH 493 Production Management 1 (3 units)
• CFA TH 590 Theatre Management (3 units)

Minor registration is on a space-available basis, as many of the above courses are requirements for other degree programs in the CFA School of Theatre. Some classes may have a prerequisite and/or require permission of the instructor.

Other Sources for Elective Units:

• International Baccalaureate (Theatre Arts, Art History, or Classical Greek Studies; variable) or Advanced Placement units (Art History; variable)
• Theatre courses completed at an accredited college or university (one transfer course or 4 transfer units with the approval of the minor advisor)
• Theatre courses completed as part of a BU Study Abroad program (variable; with the approval of the minor advisor)
• Theatre-related courses offered in other Boston University schools/departments (variable; with the approval of the minor advisor). Suggested courses include:
  • CAS CL 224 Greek Drama (4 units)
  • CAS EN 363 Shakespeare I (4 units)
  • CAS EN 364 Shakespeare II (4 units)
  • CAS LR 354 Russian Theatre (4 units)

Students wishing to apply units toward the fulfillment of their minor in Theatre Arts via the other source options listed above must receive approval from the School of Theatre academic advisor.

For more information, please contact theatre@bu.edu.