Majoring in Theatre

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REQUIREMENTS FOR THEATRE MAJORS

COURSE     COURSE TITLE                              CREDITS
NUMBER

12700:     Speech for the Stage                          3
13100:     Introduction to Theatre Arts             3
13200:     Body Movement                                  3
13400:     Basic Production and Design           3
13600:     Acting I  (Basic Acting)                      3
21100:     Theatre History I                                 3
21200:     Theatre History II                                3
21300:     Theatre History III                               3
23300:     Directing I                                            4
23700:     Technical Theatre Practicum            2
33100:     Playwriting                                          3
33300:     Directing II                                          4

Theatre Majors with pronounced foreign accents or speech impediments are also required to take:

• SPCH 01100: Articulation (1cr.)
• SPCH 23300: Voice and Diction (3 cr.)

Elective Courses 6
Six credits from the following, depending on your interests:

23600:     Acting II (Acting Realism)
23700:     Technical Theatre Practicum (second time)  
23800:     Musical Theatre Workshop 
23900:     Acting for the Camera 
24000:     Stage Combat
33100:     Playwriting (second time)
23601      Acting III (Acting the Classics)
23602      Acting IV *(Auditioning and the Professional Actor)
33100:     Playwriting (second time)
37100:     Special Problems in Playwriting
37200:     Special Problems in Technical Theatre and Design
45000:     Dramatic Literature (all kinds)

Total Credits for B.A. in Theatre 40-44

Theatre students are urged to supplement their required courses by studying related subjects in the Theatre Department as well as in other programs and departments, including singing, film and video directing, painting and sculpture, Shakespeare, and literature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a student Major in Theatre?
Yes! We offer a well-rounded program, consisting of approximately 42 credits of coursework.

Do I need to audition to get into the program?
No!  Simply see a departmental adviser to fill out a major card.  You will, however, have to audition to be cast in the individual shows.

What courses do you offer? I want to find out more about majoring.
We offer 2 kinds of classes, Required Classes and Electives. The student majoring in Theatre must take all the required classes. Required Classes are in the following main areas: Theatre Literature and History, Acting, Directing, Playwriting, Technical Theatre and Design.
Electives are the way to take upper-level classes over and above the 35 required credits in the areas which interest you.

Do I have to take them all at once?
No, we’re flexible. You may take as many or as few as you like in a given semester, just so long as you take the most basic courses (100-level courses) first, and you’ve passed them all by the time you graduate. Only, be sure you consult your adviser when you come so you’re sure to take everything you need as it comes up! Also, some but not many, must be taken in sequence.

To see the list of required and elective course offerings the classes being offered this semester and next semester, go to “COURSES.”

What if I want to take Theatre and another major too?
You can! Many students take Dual Majors, majoring in Theatre and another subject as well. Dual majoring may mean that you spend an extra semester or year here at City.

What if I only want to take courses in one area of Theatre, such as Acting?
You can! We believe students will do better with a well-rounded theatre program, but students may take Theatre elective courses of their own choosing. You may coordinate this choice with a departmental adviser.

How about Minoring?
You can! Many students major in a different subject and minor in Theatre.   A Theatre Minor consists of THTR 131 (Introduction to Theatre Arts), THTR 136 (Acting 1), plus a minimum of 9 more credits worth of classes of your own choosing.  Fill out a minor card with a departmental adviser.

What if I want to participate in shows?  Do I have to be a Theatre Major?
No! Our auditions are open to the college-at-large. We do believe strongly that acting classes will greatly enhance your chances of being cast. Our philosophy is based on the assumption that students will optimally develop as performers by practicing their craft in class and by performing in public, but we'll accept your participation regardless. We welcome majors and non-majors in our shows.

To see this year's production calendar or photo galleries of past shows, go to “PRODUCTION SEASON.”

HOW DO I BECOME A THEATRE MAJOR?
To reiterate, you do not have to audition to be a Theatre Major, only to be cast in shows.  Once you are admitted  to City College, fill out a major card with a Theatre Department adviser, and you are automatically a Theatre Major.

IF YOU'D LIKE TO COME TO CCNY FOR A TOUR AND PERSONAL INTERVIEW, e-mail us at Theatrechair@ccny.cuny.edu and someone will gladly get back to you to arrange an appointment.

Theatre is also home to CCNY's Speech Program.