Theatre

Program Highlights

About the Bachelor of Arts in Theatre

The BA in Theatre seeks to provide a solid Theatre Generalist foundation that combines the philosophical with the practical, placing a unique emphasis on student-generated work. Rigorous coursework, coupled with practical application in production, prepares students to take the next step in their career, whether that be academic or professional.

A professionally active faculty, strong classes, internships, and an active production program all help to prepare students for the theatre of the 21st century. The USC Aiken Theatre Program enriches the cultural life of the community through the presentation of a variety of theatrical productions. Various acting styles, design theories, and new technologies are studied in the classroom and applied to the department’s productions.

This production-oriented program produces at least four shows a year: two fully realized faculty-directed main-stage productions and two student-driven laboratory productions. Additionally, students participate in an annual Cabaret Showcase.

Students will take foundation courses in Acting, Theatrical Production, Stage Management, Design, Directing, and Theatre History. They may also choose from a range of courses, including, but not limited to, advanced acting, dance, set design, lighting design, costume design, stage makeup, voice for the theatre, movement, playwriting, theatre history, and theatre management. Theatre studies will culminate with capstone projects designed to master skills.

University Theatre is an organizational member of the South Carolina Theatre Association and the Southeastern Theatre Conference. We also participate actively in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, entering two productions a year. All nominated students are given the opportunity to take part in the KCACTF Region IV Festival.

A minor in theatre is also available for interested students.

For more information about this major or the minor, contact Professor Dewey Scott-Wiley, Coordinator of Theatre, at  [email protected].

Course Highlights

Your curriculum in the USCA Theatre Department includes required courses in acting, directing, stagecraft, stage management, and theatre history. Additionally, you will have your choice of courses, including:

• Scenic Design
• Lighting Design
• Costume Design
• Theatre Management
• Advanced Acting
• Advanced History
• Various Theatre Labs and Electives

Theatre majors also must complete two capstone projects, which include detailed and immersive experiences in the theatre discipline of your choice!

What Can You Learn as a Theatre Major?

…aside from the obvious?

Dr. Louis E. Catron, an award-winning writer and professor of theatre at the College of William and Mary, has noted that theatre students receive a “broad vision that all liberal arts students are supposed to acquire in college,” and that students in theatre programs receive “special hands-on, learn-by-doing training…that can be valuable in any number of careers” (lacatr.people.wm.edu/majorslearn.html).

Dr. Catron also notes that theatre students receive excellent training for what he calls “trait-oriented work,” for jobs that require employees to have excellent communication, reasoning, judgment, problem-solving, and reasoning skills. He goes on to explain a great many skills and traits that students who study theatre learn—all of which are enormously valuable to prospective employers in ANY field:

• Oral Communication Skills
• Creative Problem-Solving Abilities
• Successful and Correct Job Completion
• Motivation and Commitment
• Willingness to Work Cooperatively
• Ability to Work Independently
• Time-Management Skills
• Initiative
• Promptness and Respect for Deadlines
• Acceptance of Rules
• Ability to Learn Quickly AND Correctly
• Respect for Colleagues
• Respect for Authority
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Ability to Work Under Pressure
• Healthy Self-Image
• Acceptance of Disappointment
• Perseverance in the Face of Adversity
• Self-Discipline
• A Goal-Oriented Approach to Work
• Concentration
• Dedication
• Leadership Skills
• Willingness to Accept Responsibility
• Self-Confidence
• Ability to Enjoy Work

All of these are positive qualities that will serve students throughout their academic and professional careers. But to what careers might those qualities lead the student who studies theatre at USCA? Read on for just a sample of possibilities!

What Careers Can a Theatre Degree Lead To?

ACTING

DIRECTING

THEATRE/STAGE/ARTS MANAGEMENT

DESIGN

Student Leadership and Projects

The University Theatre Players is a student organization that supports the theatre program. UTP is open to all USCA students. UTP is active in supporting University Theatre and other university, student activities, and Etherredge Center events. UTP produces the High School Theatre Project, a day-long theatre festival for area high school students every spring. The UTP Students also perform for freshman orientation each year.

For casting or theatre news, please see the USCA theatre callboard.