THEATRE

Disciplinary Major or Minor - www.uwgb.edu/performarts

 

OVERVIEW OF THE PROGRAM:

Theatre graduates have been successful because this program provides a rigorous artistic/academic environment for the study and production of all forms of theatre. A balanced approach to modern, experimental, musical, and classical theatre allows students to keep in touch with the traditions of the past, while looking to the future for new theatre forms.

Students pursuing the bachelor degree in Theatre will choose one of four areas of emphasis:

TIPS FROM THE PROFS:
(from Jeff Entwistle, Professor of Theatre)
Perhaps the most important thing to remember in the Theatre program is to "Work and play well with others." The program atmosphere is team oriented, where everyone works with and gets along with each other. NO program is going to require you to be friends with everyone and yet throughout like you will have to learn to work with a wide variety of people with different interests and goals.  This is reflective of the Theatre field as a whole also. If you plan on entering this field, you will be working in a collaborative artistic environment that depends on freedom of expression and the ability of all production team members to work together toward a singular creative vision.
Connect with the Faculty Advisor in Theatre right away even if uncertain about your decision to major or minor as I can offer good advice that will take general education into account.  Also, don't just rely on SIS for advising.   Please stop in and see or e-mail the theatre advisor as each student situation can be quite different.  SIS only lists requirements and it does not give a sense of order to your study in terms of what is best to allow students to successfully develop and mature in the program.

 

WHO SHOULD HAVE THIS MAJOR: 

Design Arts - This is an ideal minor for theatre design ad technology students.  The skills are directly applicable to the theatre design and production process.  The only difficulty is that both Theatre and Design Arts are so demanding in the upper level curriculum that it is usually necessary to complete an addition semester or academic year to complete this exceptional combination of programs.
Humanistic Studies  - The Literature base of this minor is a perfect match for Theatre.
Women's Studies  - So much of 20th century theatre literature has emphasized a woman's perspective and this can support any area of theatrical preparation.
Human Development  - We have had a number of Stage Management and Directing Students who have thoroughly enjoyed and utilized this minor to compliment their theatre preparation.  It is an art form completely focused on the human condition and what better minor to prepare directors.
Social Change and Development - so often theatre is an art form with a social conscience and this combination of preparation and education brings a broader world view to work on theatre productions.
Education - There is an increasing number of students interested in teaching theatre at the High School level they complete a minor in Secondary Education
Urban Studies - We have had numerous Design students follow this interdisciplinary minor.  It adds a wonderful social perspective to the development of visual environments theatrical design.
We have certainly had students follow other interdisciplinary minors (Yes even a few Human Biology minors) but this list shows the most common combinations of Theatre Major and Interdisciplinary Minor

 

What useful job skills are experienced through this major that are applicable to an endless array of career options:
An undergraduate liberal arts education is essential to virtually all career options.  An undergraduate college education ios not just about developing specific detailed job skills but it is about becoming an educated person that allows you to bring a broader human perspective to whatever job you may eventually work in.  However, a Theatre education will not only allow you to develop in that fashion but you will absolutely develop professional skills that are applicable in the widest variety of careers.

Acting prepares you to speak effectively in public.  Collaborative crew experiences offer opportunities in developing clear, precise, and well-organized oral communication skills. These skills are highly sought after by many employers.

Leadership training like this can open the possibility for comparable opportunities in any company that hires you.  Can you think of any other major that offers this opportunity?

Far more than any other major, theatre is excellent training for virtually any job.

 

WHO SHOULD HAVE THIS MINOR:
Some majors that work well with the Theatre minor are Education,  Arts Management, Design Arts, Humanistic Studies, Human Development, and Business Administration.

 

WHAT’S UNIQUE ABOUT THIS MAJOR AT UWGB:

SKILLS & ABILITIES GAINED WITH THIS MAJOR:

WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH THIS MAJOR:
UW-Green Bay theatre graduates typically go on to graduate programs in acting, directing, or in design/technical theatre. Students may also find gainful employment in professional theatre by working in resident companies, children's theatre, community theatre, lm companies, and summer stock.

Use the following as an idea list, and remember that they represent some, but certainly not all, of the careers you might consider in Theatre.   As noted earlier the skills are applicable to a myriad of other careers as well.

Acting Coach, Actor, Actress, Advertising/Marketing Specialist, Agent, Announcer, Art Director, Broadcast Journalist, Business Manager, Casting Director, Copy Writer, Costume Designer, Critic, Director, Drama Coach, Equipment Operator, Exhibit/Display Designer, Instructor/Theater Arts, Lighting Designer, Make-up Artist, Media Planner, Model, Narrator, Playwright, Producer, Prop Manager, Radio/TV Announcer, Rigger, Scene Painter, Script Coach, Script Manager, Set Designer, Sound Designer, Stage Manager, Stunt Coordinator, Talent Manager, Theater Manager, Writer/Editor…

Want to know more about the nature of the work, working conditions, earnings, training, and job outlook? Then check out the Occupational Outlook Handbook @ http://stats.bls.gov/ocohome.htm

 

LINKS TO GRAD PROGRAMS:

LINKS TO WEB SITES FOR MORE INFORMATION:

LINKS FOR MORE HELP:

Revised 12/08