Theatre Department, Washburn University

Degree Offered:
Bachelor of Arts – Theatre

Garvey Fine Arts Center, Room 133
(785) 670-1639

Mission:

Consistent with the mission of the University and the College of Arts and Sciences, the Department of Theatre is dedicated to providing students with a strong foundation in Theatre based on mastering basic concepts of dramatic literature, performance, history, design and criticism as well as the technical skills to produce theatre. Studying Theatre at Washburn is theoretical, practical and experiential. Public performances are offered by the department in the Andrew J. and Georgia Neese-Gray Theatre throughout the year, affording students experience in Theatre practice. As one of the University’s “public faces,” the University Theatre is a cultural resource provided to the citizens of Washburn and the Topeka community.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students graduating with a major in Theatre are expected to have acquired skills in each of three areas:

PERFORMANCE, THEATRE DESIGN / TECHNOLOGY, THEATRE LITERATURE AND HISTORY.

Upon graduation theatre students are expected to have:

Demonstrated acquired skills in speaking and performance for the stage.
Demonstrated acquired conceptual skills in the visual aesthetics of theatre design, as well as an ability to execute those skills on the stage.
Demonstrated an ability to read and analyze dramatic texts and to respond critically to theatre performances.

The Major

The Theatre Department is part of Washburn University’s College of Arts and Sciences and offers a baccalaureate program in Theatre administered by a faculty committed to serving students, the University and the community in their scholarly and creative work. The B.A. in Theatre is comprehensive and practical. Thirty-six of the forty hour degree are required hours. A capstone experience showcasing student performance, design, writing or directing is required for completion of the degree. The Department also offers courses to meet general education needs or requirements for minors and non-majors.
A graduate with a degree in Theatre may apply acquired skills in numerous professions, including public relations, advertising, entertainment, radio and television, as well as community and recreational theatre.