Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcome #1
Theatre Majors will demonstrate knowledge of theatrical history and literature from Ancient Greek to present.
All Theatre Majors are required to pass a rigorous series of Theatre History and Literature courses. Students are then able to correctly distinguish key playwrights, plays, and movements in Theatre History as well as make connections in their progression and influences on future works and their relationship to society as a whole.
The Required and Recommended Theatre Reading Lists are regularly updated (approximately every 2 years) to insure that students are being introduced to the essential literature, both historic and contemporary. Reading Lists have also been reviewed for inclusion of appropriate gender and ethnic diversity.
Production Season selection is done annually and allows a first-hand experience with the actualization of theatrical literature. Our program commitment to producing a “classic” in each season gives students a more comprehensive understanding of selected literature written to be performed. Likewise, our commitment to the production of new plays is a powerful tool in recognizing the connections between art and society.
Learning Outcome #2
Theatre Majors will have a strong background in the fundamental skills of acting, stagecraft, costume, design and direction.
The required study across all areas of theatre has clearly nurtured a respect for the collaborative nature of theatre and the skills required in the specific theatrical disciplines. A high value is placed on the ability of students to reach beyond a single defined area of interest or specialization. A named scholarship is devoted to specifically recognizing a student’s ability to achieve excellence in 2 separate areas of specialization.
Introductory courses required of all majors are constantly monitored to provide instruction to a wide variety of skill and interest levels without diluting content. Course content is regularly updated to assure that methods and skills introduced are in line with current professional practice. Class sizes are monitored and evaluated to assure appropriate teacher/student ratios are achieved and safety standards are met.
Learning Outcome #3
Theatre Majors will have a working knowledge of techniques associated with theatrical process and production and will have the ability to critically analyze theatrical productions.
Each semester, students will be enrolled in Theatre Practicum. Each production presents unique opportunities and challenges and cast and production assignments are made to appropriately challenge students. Students are directly supervised in each project by a faculty member responsible for evaluation. Formal post-production sessions will be used to evaluate both process and product. Student comments in post-production forums indicate a strong ability to evaluate quality and identify problems. Mainstage productions will additionally receive formal evaluation by regional representatives of the American College Theatre Festival.
Students have excelled in high quality completion of production assignments. Variety in production positions assures that students are exposed to as much of the entire production process as possible. Underclassmen regularly request specific production challenges and regular feedback throughout the production process. After evaluation by the Theatre faculty, students are given positions of leadership and design or assistant design opportunities on Mainstage productions.
A formal Studio Season has been developed to give students additional avenues for creative production work with appropriate faculty supervision.
Whenever possible, additional audience opportunities are provided for a broader range of theatrical experiences. In addition to opportunities to see professional touring productions at the Weidner Center for the Performing Arts, the Theatre Program offers a for-credit week long theatre trip to Broadway in alternate years during Spring Break. Additionally, students are provided the opportunity to attend the Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival’s regional festival, provides ample opportunities to view a wide variety of productions followed by response sessions from professional guest artists. Student trips to Milwaukee and Chicago are sponsored by Alternate Theatre, the University's student theatre organization.
Learning Outcome #4
Graduating Majors will be qualified for entry-level work in educational, community and professional theatrical endeavors and for entry into graduate study in theatre.
As a part of the Audition Techniques class, a capstone class required for the performance and musical theatre emphases, students prepare a number of audition selections and an actor's resume. Annual returning student scholarship auditions and portfolio reviews assure that students maintain current resumes and develop presentation skills. Students are encouraged to seek internship and summer job opportunities as upper classmen and to develop personal relationships with regional companies.
UW-Green Bay Theatre graduates have successfully procured professional internships, employment, and placement in prestigious graduate schools. Students with an emphasis in Design/Technical Theatre have found plentiful and challenging employment opportunities in the entertainment industry. Our student Stage Managers have excelled in professional internships and employment with prominent companies. Performance students have been very successful in the early stages of their careers, being cast in projects ranging from stage to television and feature film.