Theatre (BA)

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  Fine Arts

  The introductory course in fine arts fulfills the Aesthetic Experiences requirement of E3 of the University Core. Focus on theory and appreciation rather than practice makes this course suitable for non-majors:

  • FINA 2000 Introduction to the Arts (3 credits)

  Students discover the language, principles and methodologies needed to understand the aesthetic experience. Exposure to and discussion of key works in painting, sculpture, architecture, music, dance, cinema and all forms of theatre lead to understanding the role of the arts in reflecting, explaining and guiding both individual development and civilization itself.

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  Music

  Course offerings in music, with the exception of MUS 1000 University Chorus (1 credit), fulfill the Aesthetic Experience E3 requirement of the University Core. Music courses provide students with a wide variety of cultural experiences. A general music survey course explores European and American orchestral and vocal music. Other studies include musical theatre, emphasizing Broadway musicals, opera and operetta. Course offerings are also available in American and African American music, which include the study of jazz, spirituals, folk and classical genres.

  Fulfills E3 Aesthetic Experiences of the Core:

  • MUS 2020 Survey of Our Music Heritage (3 credits)
  • MUS 2060 Music of the Theatre (3 credits)
  • MUS 2080 American Music (3 credits)
  • MUS 2090 African-American Women in Music (3 credits)

  Does NOT fulfill E3 Aesthetic Experiences of the Core:

  • MUS 1000 University Chorus (1 credit)
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  Degree/Major Requirements

  University of Detroit Mercy offers a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Theatre. The mission of the Detroit Mercy Department of Performing Arts is to train students to develop their intellectual, ethical and practical skills for a creative future. To accomplish this mission, we focus on five core concepts: Discovery, Collaboration, Skills, Mentorship and Future Opportunities.

  We are a collective of artists composed of students, faculty and professional guest artists, producing gritty relevant theatre that entertains and awakens the imagination. We are concerned with stimulating artistic expression by articulate, dynamic and creative people.

  Connecting classroom curriculum with practical experience, Detroit Mercy Theatre Company, the production arm of the Department of Performing Arts, produces a variety of live performances on the Detroit Mercy McNichols campus, at professional theatres in our community and travels throughout Metro Detroit. We produce cutting-edge works by contemporary playwrights, original works, musicals and classic plays from the American theatre cannon.

  Students majoring or minoring in theatre will work with faculty advisors to develop the course of study that best suits their professional goals.

  To obtain this undergraduate degree, the student must fulfill the requirements of the University Core Curriculum, the requirements for the program major and have completed a minimum of 120 credit hours.

  Requirements for the Major (45 credits)

  The Bachelor of Arts with a major in Theatre is for students who intend to achieve their goals as theatre practitioners and artists.

  Students majoring in theatre are required to:

  • prepare and participate fully in all coursework;
  • work closely with an academic advisor to maintain academic progress;
  • audition for all productions including student projects in directing;
  • participate in all productions in some way other than being cast;
  • accept any role or assignment that is given;
  • stage manage at least one production before graduation; and
  • attend departmental functions and receptions.

  Required Courses (21 credits):

  • TRE 1310 Introduction to the Theatre (3 credits)
  • TRE 1320 Rehearsal and Production I - taken 4 times (1 credit / total of 4 credits)
  • TRE 2550 Scene Study and Analysis (3 credits)
  • TRE 3650 Fundamentals of Directing (3 credits)
  • TRE 3740 Rehearsal and Production II - taken 4 times (1 credit / total of 4 credits)
  • TRE 4311 Survey of Theatre History (3 credits)
  • TRE 4315** Survey of Theatre History Research (1 credit)

  **Note:   TRE 4315 must be taken concurrently with TRE 4311.

  Prerequisite Acting Courses (9 credits):

  • TRE 1610 Fundamentals of Acting (3 credits)
  • TRE 2540 Voice and Movement (3 credits)
  • TRE 2680 Acting II (3 credits)

  Prerequisite Design and Management Courses (6 credits):

  • TRE 2650 Management Techniques (3 credits)
  • TRE 3100 Theatrical Design (3 credits)

  Focus Area: Acting OR Design/Management (6 credits)

  Acting - choose two (6 credits):

  • TRE 3560 Acting Dynamics (3 credits)
  • TRE 3570 Acting Styles (3 credits)
  • TRE 4515 Acting III (3 credits)
  • TRE 4590 Voice and Diction (3 credits)

  --OR--

  Design/Management Courses - choose two (6 credits):

  • TRE 3060 Principles of Arts Management (3 credits)
  • TRE 4950 Directed Studies (3 credits)
  • TRE 4980 Directed Studies in Design (3 credits)

  Senior Seminar:

  Graduating seniors will enroll in Senior Seminar where they will create a final performance, project or portfolio with an appropriate advisor.

  • TRE 4990 Senior Seminar in Theatre Studies (3 credits)
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  Theatre Minor (20 credits)

  The 20-credit Theatre minor is designed to complement the experience of non-Theatre major students whose career goals include public appearances, presentations or performance in fields such as business, health administration, pre-law and social work.

  Visit the Theatre minor page for more information.