Drama

Dale Daigle, Chair
Gibson Performing Arts Center, ext. 7832

Major Requirements: DRA 211, 221, 231, 321 (in the spring of the junior year), and six other major courses—four of which must be selected from among those courses that form the history/theory component of the curriculum. In addition to the course requirements, each major must participate in an approved capacity in all department productions. In this regard, the department faculty reserve the right to assign majors to specific tasks or responsibilities.

Minor Requirements: The minor program in drama shall consist of a minimum of seven courses plus participation in an approved capacity in all major productions during the student's junior and senior years. The student will be required to take DRA 211, 221, 231 (or 331), plus four additional courses, two of which must be from the following: DRA 201, 202, 203, 304, 305, 306, 307. DRA 409 (Theatre Internship) is not open to students in the minor program.

Senior Capstone Experience: A student may satisfy the Senior Capstone Experience in drama in one of three ways: a production thesis in directing, performance, or design; a playwriting thesis in which the student writes a play that is presented in either a staged (rehearsed) reading or in full production; or a traditional research thesis in the areas of theatrical criticism, theory, or history. The department believes that the production option is the more appropriate approach, since it synthesizes the critical/theoretical and practical/performance aspects of the study of drama. A research thesis may be elected only in cases where the student has demonstrated an unusual enthusiasm for and distinction in critical, theoretical, or historical inquiry.

In the spring of the junior year all drama majors are required to submit a written proposal outlining their plans for the Senior Capstone Experience. All second-semester juniors will meet the week following spring break to discuss their proposals with the faculty and each other. Decisions regarding scheduling, space, and the order of the department season will be discussed at that time.