Theatre Arts, Comprehensive Major

Liberal Arts (Code 601-001)

University Requirements

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR BACCALAUREATE DEGREE
Credit Requirements
Minimum total for graduation 1120
Upper division credits (courses numbered 300 and higher)39
Liberal Education Core36
Academic Concentrations
Grade Point Requirements 2
Total2.00 average
Resident2.00 average
Major2.00 average
Minor2.00 average
Certificate2.00 average
University Residency Requirements
Minimum total30
Senior year23
Major, Standard, upper division in residence12
Major, Comprehensive, upper division in residence21
Certificate25 percent of credits
Procedures Required for Graduation
Obtain admission to the degree program and/or the College offering it.
Apply for graduation on CampS.
1

Certain programs exceed this minimum.

2

See special requirements in each College.

Applicability of Credits Toward Graduation

Junior College or Two-Year College Credits. A maximum of 72 semester credits earned in a junior college or two-year college will be accepted as degree credits at UW-Eau Claire.

Extension Credits. Credits earned in credit outreach courses offered by UW-Eau Claire are treated as resident credits. Credits earned in extension courses offered by other units of the University of Wisconsin System are treated as transfer credits. All other (non-UW) extension and correspondence credits are normally limited to one-fourth of the total required for graduation from any curriculum.

WTCS Credits. A maximum of 72 semester credits earned in college parallel programs at Madison Area Technical College, Milwaukee Area Technical College, Nicolet Area Technical College, or Chippewa Valley Technical College may be accepted as degree credits at UW-Eau Claire. A set number of general education courses will be accepted from other technical schools. Occupational and technical courses may also be considered for transfer if the quality and content of the course work from the technical college is judged to be comparable to course work at UW-Eau Claire. Refer to the Transfer Credit Wizard or contact the UW-Eau Claire Admissions Office for information about the current transfer policy.

USAFI Credit. UW-Eau Claire will accept up to 32 semester credits for work done through the United States Armed Forces Institute, under the provision for non-UW correspondence credit (see Extension Credits above).

Activity Credit (band, chorus, drama, KINS 100-184 courses) Students may count toward graduation no more than one credit of KINS 110-184 courses. Students may count toward graduation no more than four credits earned in any single activity course and no more than 12 credits resulting from any combination of activity courses (excluding KINS 110-184 courses). 

Other Restricted Credits. For other University restrictions, see the following: Cooperative Education; Credit by Examination; Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory Registration; Transfer of Credits. College or departmental restrictions may also be placed on Independent Study (399-499 courses), Directed Study (395-495), and other types of credits.

APPLICABILITY OF CREDITS TOWARD GRADUATIONCredit Restrictions
Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Total degree creditmaximum 12
Major, Standardmaximum 1 course
Major, Comprehensivemaximum 2 courses
Minormaximum 1 course
Credit by Examination
Total degree creditmaximum ¼ of total
Major or minormaximum ½ of total
Two-Year College Credits
Total degree creditmaximum 72 credits
Activity credit (band, chorus, drama, KINS 100-184)
Total KINS 100-184maximum 1 credit
Total Band, chorus, dramamaximum 12 credits
Single course band, chorus, dramamaximum 4 credits
Extension credits
UW-Systemno maximum
Other extension/correspondencemaximum ¼ of total
USAFI
USAFImaximum 32 credits

Liberal Education Core

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire measures learning outcomes to ensure that its graduates have achieved a liberal education and prepared themselves to contribute to a complex society. Upon graduation, each undergraduate will have met the five learning goals of our liberal education core and the 12 learning outcomes they comprise. 

LIBERAL EDUCATION CORE REQUIREMENTSa minimum of 36 credits
Knowledge Goal
Knowledge Outcome 1 (K1): Natural SciencesTwo (2) learning experiences
One experience in laboratory science must be selected from either K1 or K2.
Knowledge Outcome 2 (K2): Social SciencesTwo (2) learning experiences
One experience in laboratory science must be selected from either K1 or K2.
Knowledge Outcome 3 (K3): HumanitiesTwo (2) learning experiences
Knowledge Outcome 4 (K4): Fine ArtsOne (1) learning experience
Skills Goal
Skills Outcome 1 (S1): Written and Oral CommunicationTwo (2) learning experiences
Skills Outcome 2 (S2): MathematicsOne (1) learning experience
Skills Outcome 3 (S3): CreativityOne (1) learning experience
Responsibility Goal
Responsibility Outcome 1 (R1): Equity, Diversity, and InclusivityTwo (2) learning experiences
Responsibility Outcome 2 (R2): Global PerspectivesOne (1) learning experience
Responsibility Outcome 3 (R3): Civic and Environmental IssuesOne (1) learning experience
Integration Goal
Integration Outcome 1 (I1): IntegrationTwo (2) learning experiences
Service-Learning Goal
Service-Learning30 hours

College Degree Requirements

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science Degree (B.A./B.S.)

University Graduation Requirements. All candidates for degrees must fulfill the requirements for credits, curriculum, GPA, and University residency as specified in the section of this catalog titled University Graduation Requirements.

College Graduation Requirements: Grade Point Averages. All candidates for degrees in the College of Arts and Sciences must earn minimum resident and total GPAs of 2.00 in the major, the minor, and the certificate. The resident and total GPAs for the major are computed using all attempted credits applicable to the major including those offered by departments other than the major department. The resident and total GPAs for the minor and the certificate are computed similarly.

Major-Minor and Major-Certificate Requirements. A standard major (a minimum of 36 credits) must be supplemented by a minor (a minimum of 24 credits) or by a certificate (12 to 18 credits) to meet graduation requirements for completing a first and second degree program. No minor or certificate is required with a Comprehensive Major (60 or more credits) or with two majors of 36 or more credits each.

Certain degree programs, which include Comprehensive Majors, may require more than the minimum of 120 credits for graduation.

Acceptable academic program combinations are determined at the college level. A major and a minor or a major and certificate or two majors (if available) may not be elected in the same department or program, except in the approved combinations listed here.

College Credits. Earn at least 90 credits in courses offered by the College of Arts and Sciences.

Bachelor of Arts Degree in the College of Arts and Sciences (B.A.)

Fulfillment of all University Graduation Requirements (which includes the Liberal Education Core); all College-level degree requirements (major and minor/certificate emphases, GPAs, earning at least 90 credits in Arts and Sciences course work); foreign language competency at the 102 level.  Foreign language competency may be met in one of two ways:  (1) Achieve a score on the foreign language placement test that qualifies the student to enter the 201-level course in a foreign language.  (2) Earn a grade of at least C (not C-) or a mark of S in a 102-level foreign language course (or AIS 112 or AIS 122 / LANG 122 or CSD 103).

Bachelor of Science Degree in the College of Arts and Sciences (B.S.)

Fulfillment of all University Graduation Requirements (which includes the Liberal Education Core); all College-level degree requirements (major and minor/certificate emphases, GPAs, earning at least 90 credits in Arts and Sciences course work); mathematics competency at the MATH 111, MATH 112 or MATH 113 level.  Mathematics competency can be met in one of three ways:  (1) Achieve a score on the mathematics placement test that qualifies the student to enter MATH 114.  (2) Earn a grade of at least C (not C-) or a mark of S in MATH 111, MATH 112, or MATH 113.  (3) Achieve a satisfactory score on the MATH 112 competency test.  This test may be attempted no more than two times.

Major Requirements

Liberal Arts (Code 601-001)

Sixty semester credits, including:
THEA 121Introduction to Technical Theatre3
THEA 124Costume Technology3
THEA 130Acting I3
THEA 151Costume Shop Practicum1
THEA 152Scenic Shop Practicum1
THEA 153Light/Sound Shop Practicum1
THEA 221Introduction to Design3
THEA 231Acting II3
THEA 302Theatre History to 18753
THEA 303Theatre History Since 18753
THEA 332Directing3
Select one of the following:3
Stage Makeup
Voice and Diction
Stage Movement
Select one of the following:3
Scenic Design
Costume Design
Lighting Design
Select one of the following:3
Stage Management
Drama in Education
Select two of the following:6
Historical Stage Design
Acting III
Survey of Historical Costumes
Playwriting
Advanced Directing
Minimum two credits chosen from:2
Any DNCE course
Four different credits from:4
Acting-Minor Roles/Chorus
Assistant Stage Manager
Scenic Construction Crew
Light/Sound Board Operator
Costume Crew
Stage/Properties Crew
Makeup Crew
Publicity Crew
Electrics Crew
Special Effects/Sound Facilitator
Advanced Costume Shop Practicum
Advanced Scenic Shop Practicum
Advanced Light/Sound Shop Practicum
Acting-Major Roles
Stage Manager/Assistant Director/Assistant Choreographer
Assistant Scenic Design/Assistant Technical Direction
Assistant Lighting Design
Assistant Costume Design/Shop Supervisor
Properties Coordinator
Makeup Design
Publicity/Program Design
Lead Electrician
House Manager
Six credits chosen from:6
Any THEA course numbered 200 or above
Six credits chosen from:6
Any THEA class numbered 300 or above

Program Learning Outcomes

Students completing this program will be expected to meet the following learning outcomes:

  • Understand theatre’s diverse genres, styles, and forms within their cultural, theoretical, and historical contexts.
  • Demonstrate competency as an actor, director, technician, and/or stage manager in a realized production.
  • Demonstrate competency in all stage crafts.
  • Explain, critique, and evaluate one’s own creative work and the creative work of others.
  • Demonstrate competency in the principles of design.
  • Demonstrate advanced competence in one or more theatre specializations in design, performance, scholarship (history, literature, criticism, performance), and musical theatre.

Sample Degree Plan 

Theatre Arts, Comprehensive Major, B.A.

The following is a sample degree plan, based on the 2023-2024 catalog. It is based on the 120-credit graduation requirement and assumes no transferred credits, no requirements waived by placement tests, no courses taken in the summer or winter, no repeated courses, and no remedial courses that may be required. This sample degree plan is intended for first-year students entering UW-Eau Claire in the fall semester. Your own degree plan may differ depending on the course of study selected (second major, minor, etc.). UW-Eau Claire cannot guarantee all courses will be offered as shown, but will provide a range of courses that may enable prepared students to fulfill their requirements in a timely period. This sample degree plan is just a guide. Please consult your advisor, your degree audit, and the catalog to create your own degree plan. Note: In order to earn the required minimum of 120 credits for the degree in four years, you should plan to take 15 credits each semester or 30 credits each year.

To earn a degree, students must fulfill all University Graduation Requirements, including the Liberal Education (LE) Core.  LE Core course work in the following sample degree plan uses abbreviations such as LE-K1, LE-S2, LE-R3, and LE-I1 to represent the learning outcomes students will meet via completion of their liberal education course work.  Please click here for a description of the Liberal Education Core outcomes and requirements.  Note that the LE Core may be completed through both course and non-course experiences.

Students in this major have the option to pursue either a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree.  The degrees are distinguished by foreign language competency for the B.A. and a higher level of mathematics competency for the B.S.

FIRST YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
THEA 124Costume Technology3
THEA 170-179 Theatre Production Practicum1
OR
THEA 370-379 Theatre Production Practicum
WRIT --- University Writing Requirement (LE-S1)5
LE Option: Knowledge 2 (LE-K2) Social Sciences3
LE Option: Knowledge 1 (LE-K1L) Natural Sciences with Lab4
TOTAL16
SECOND SEMESTER
THEA 121Introduction to Technical Theatre (LE-S3)3
THEA 130Acting I (LE-S3)3
MATH --- University Math Requirement (LE-S2)4
LE Option: Knowledge 3 (LE-K3) Humanities3
LE Option: Responsibility 1 (LE-R1, DDIV) Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity with Design for Diversity3
TOTAL16
SECOND YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
THEA 151, 152 or 153 Costume, Scenic or Lighting Practicum1
THEA 221Introduction to Design3
THEA 302Theatre History to 1875 (LE-K4)3
THEA 170-179 Theatre Production Practicum1
OR
THEA 370-379 Theatre Production Practicum
101-level Foreign Language (LE-S1)4
LE Option: Knowledge 2 (LE-K2) Social Sciences3
TOTAL15
SECOND SEMESTER
THEA 231Acting II (LE-K4, LE-S3)3
THEA 220, 223 or 239 Stage Makeup, Voice and Diction, or Stage Movement3
THEA 303Theatre History Since 1875 (LE-K4, LE-R1)3
102-level Foreign Language (LE-S1)3
LE Option: Knowledge 2 (LE-K2) Social Sciences4
TOTAL16
THIRD YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
THEA 151, 152 or 153 Theatre Production Practicum1
THEA 332Directing3
THEA 170-179 Theatre Production Practicum1
OR
THEA 370-379 Theatre Production Practicum
THEA Elective 200+ level3
THEA 271Stage Management3
OR
Drama in Education
LE Option: Knowledge 1 (LE-K1) Natural Sciences3
Any 2-credit DNCE course2
TOTAL16
SECOND SEMESTER
THEA 151, 152 or 153 Theatre Production Practicum1
THEA 321, 324 or 327 Scenic, Costume or Lighting Design 13
THEA Elective 200+ level3
THEA Elective 300+ level3
LE Option: Knowledge 3 (LE-K3) Humanities and LE Option: Responsibility 2 (LE-R2) Global Perspectives3
THEA Elective3
TOTAL16
FOURTH YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
THEA 323, 330, 344, 414 or 432 - Acting III, Historical Stage Design, Costume History, Playwriting, or Advanced Directing 23
THEA 170-179 Theatre Production Practicum1
OR
THEA 370-379 Theatre Production Practicum
THEA Elective 300+ level3
LE Option: Responsibility 3 (LE-R3) Civic and Environmental Issues and LE Option: Knowledge 2 (LE-K2) Social Sciences3
LE Option: Integration (LE-I1) and LE Option: Knowledge 4 (LE-K4) Fine Arts3
TOTAL13
SECOND SEMESTER
THEA 323, 330, 344, 414 or 432 - Acting III, Historical Stage Design, Costume History, Playwriting, or Advanced Directing 23
THEA Elective 300+ level3
LE Option: Responsibility 1 (LE-R1) Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity and LE Option: Knowledge 3 (LE-K3) Humanities3
LE Option: Integration (LE-I1)3
TOTAL12
1

Students are required to take THEA 321, THEA 324, or THEA 327. It is recommended to take it during the third year.

2

THEA 323 is taught in Fall odd years

THEA 330 is taught in Fall odd years

THEA 344 is taught every third Spring

THEA 414 is taught Spring odd years

THEA 432 is taught Spring even years

Minimum total for the baccalaureate degree = 120 credits

Note:  All students must complete the 30-hour Service-Learning Requirement via a non-credit or credit option (see University Graduation Requirements).

Course Information
THEA 121, THEA 124, and THEA 130 should be taken in the first year.
It is ideal for students to take THEA 221 and THEA 231 in their second year.
Students should see the catalog for specific Theatre Practicum requirements, and they are encouraged to be involved in productions from the first year.
Students should take THEA 271 whenever available.
THEA 223 is taught Spring odd years.
THEA 239 is taught Spring even years.
THEA 220 is taught Spring odd years.
Some courses are taught at Pablo Center.

Application to Major
Program audition is not required.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HIGH IMPACT PRACTICES (HIPs)
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire encourages all students to participate in High Impact Practices.  The following information identifies any specific recommendations that faculty in this major have concerning which HIPs might be most beneficial to students, and any recommendations about when those HIPs best fit into the degree plan. Students should also consult their faculty advisor for information on HIPs. There are many additional high impact opportunities available. Talk to your academic advisor for more information about incorporating HIPs like Study Abroad, Intercultural Immersion, Internship, and/or  Student/Faculty Collaborative Research into your time at UW-Eau Claire.

  • Students are encouraged to consider a cultural immersion program, such as the Spring Break trip to New York City, in the final two years of the program.
  • Faculty-Student Research Projects are encouraged after the first year of the program.
  • Students are strongly encouraged to participate in “Quest,” the Integrated Learning Project specifically created for Music and Theatre Arts students. See Music and Theatre Arts Homepage for more information.
  • Students are strongly encouraged to consider a Recording Arts Certificate, an Arts Administration Certificate, or minor.

Liberal Education (LE) Core Guidance

Liberal Education Core (LE Core) 

The LE Core comprises 17 learning experiences across 11 learning outcomes. Students must complete a minimum of 36 credits in courses approved for the LE Core. 

  • K1 – Natural Sciences; two experiences (one lab science experience is required in K1 or K2). 

  • K2 – Social Sciences; two experiences (one lab science experience is required in K1 or K2). 

  • K3 – Humanities; two experiences. 

  • K4 – Fine Arts; one experience. 

  • S1 – Written and Oral Communication; two experiences (one experience must satisfy the University writing requirement). 

  • S2 – Mathematics; one experience (must satisfy the University math competency requirement). 

  • S3 – Creativity; one experience (can be fulfilled in a student’s major). 

  • R1 – Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity; two experiences (one experience must meet the UW System Design for Diversity (DD) requirement). 

  • R2 – Global Perspectives; one experience. 

  • R3 – Civic and Environmental Issues; one experience. 

  • I1 – Integration; two experiences (one experience can be fulfilled in a student’s major). 

  • SL—Service Learning; 30 hours 

Additional LE Core Information 

  • Most LE Core learning experiences are course based, and many courses meet more than one learning outcome (e.g., K3 and R2 or K1 and R3). 

  • Some learning experiences can also be met outside of a traditional course (e.g., undergraduate research (S3), study abroad (I1)). 

  • S1 – An English placement score that fulfills the University writing requirement fulfills one S1 experience. 

  • S1 – A foreign Language placement score that qualifies the student to enter the 102 level satisfies one S1 experience. 

  • S1, R2 – A foreign language placement score that qualifies the student to enter the 202 level satisfies one experience in S1 and the R2 experience. 

  • S2 – A math placement score that qualifies the student to enter Math 111, 112, 113 or 114 fulfills the S2 experience. 

  • S3 – Completion of two credits from any approved music ensemble fulfills the S3 experience. 

  • I1 – Any semester long study abroad program can fulfill one I1 experience.