Students in the theatre track take courses in both performance and production. These courses span a variety of techniques and perspectives. Working backstage and onstage allows students ample opportunities to learn about all the many facets of the theatre as it supports the many types of performing arts offered at Penn State Altoona: dance, vocal and instrumental music, and theatrical productions. Students will also be able to work with our Emerging Theatre Artist in Residence and a regular slate of visiting theatre artists.
Students are encouraged to participate in the annual Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival through presenting work, taking workshops, meeting artists and students from other university programs, and auditioning for scholarships.
A growing number of theatre track students from Penn State Altoona are attending graduate schools in acting and theatre production.
Core Courses (24-credit primary focus area)
THEA 102: Acting Fundamentals (3)
THEA 104: Fundamentals of Theatre Production (3)
THEA 105: Introduction to Theatre
THEA 189: Thea Prod Practicum (1)
THEA 429: Theatre Production (3)
Additional credits in advanced acting, directing, history, musical theatre, Suzuki/Viewpoint, and voice and movement for the actor. (Selections change annually.)
Courses (18-credit secondary areas)
INART 494: Research Projects (4)
Choose the remaining credits from communications, dance, integrative arts, music, and theatre courses in consultation with your adviser.
The following courses will satisfy the 6-credit required art history component for the Integrative Arts major:
ART H 111 Ancient to Medieval Art (3)
ART H 112 Renaissance to Modern Art (3)
COMM 150: The Art of the Cinema (3)
DANCE 100: Dance Appreciation (3)
DANCE 484: Dance History (3)
MUSIC 005: Intro to Western Music (3)
MUSIC 007: Intro to Jazz (3)
MUSIC 009: Intro to World Music (3)
THEA 105: Intro to Theatre (3)
THEA 405: Theatre History
Additional creative writing, dance, integrative arts, theatre, and music credits may be taken to satisfy elective credits.
*Courses with a preceding asterisk will count toward the Integrative Arts six-credit art history requirement for the major.
