Theater Course Listings

A major and a minor in theater are available, as well as teacher certification in theater arts for grades 5-12. See also the minor in musical theater and minor in theater education.

Major in theater

41-72 credit hours (core and one concentration area)

Core courses (28 credit hours)

• One of the following3
  • Comm 204, Expository Writing
  • Comm 240, Communication Research
• Thea 201, Theater for Social Change3
• Thea 225, The Theater Experience3
• One of the following3
  • Thea 234, Acting I
  • Thea 235, Power of Story
• One of the following3
  • Thea 236, Stagecraft
  • Thea 331, Stage Management
• Thea 386, History of Theater I3
• Thea 387, History of Theater II3
• Thea 409, Internship3
• Thea 410, Senior Seminar3
• Thea 414, Senior Project1
• Thea 200, At least six semesters participation in theater productionsNC

Acting/Performance concentration (13 credit hours)

• One of the following not used in the Core3
  • Thea 234, Acting I
  • Thea 235, Power of Story
• Thea 334, Acting II3
• Thea 335, Audition Technique1
• Thea 338, Directing3
• Course selected from the following:3
  • Engl 306, Major Author: Shakespeare
  • Mus 240, Class Voice
  • Mus 262 or 362, Opera Workshop
  • Thea 331, Stage Management
  • Thea 336, Contemporary Drama
  • Thea 350, Playwriting
  • Thea 355, Arts in London
  • Thea 388, Themes in Drama
  • Thea 412, Mainstage Project

Design/Technical concentration (13 credit hours)

• One of the following not used in the Core3
  • Thea 236, Stagecraft
  • Thea 331, Stage Management
• Thea 332, Design for Theater3
• Thea 413, Mainstage Project1
• Courses selected from the following6
  • Art 242, History of Art II
  • Comm 212, Digital Media Production I
  • Thea 336, Contemporary Drama
  • Thea 338, Directing
  • Thea 355, Arts in London
  • Thea 388, Themes in Drama
  • Thea 412, Special Project

Theater arts education concentration (55 credit hours)

• Thea 245, Aesthetics3
• Thea 332, Design for Theater3
• One of the following not used in the Core3
  • Thea 234, Acting I
  • Thea 235, Power of Story
• Thea 338, Directing3
• Thea 350, Playwriting3
• One of the following:3
  • Thea 388, Themes in Drama
  • Educ 330, Fine Arts for Children
• Thea 412, Special Project1
• Secondary education courses36

Film studies concentration (22 credit hours)

• Comm 212, Digital Media Production3
• Comm 386, Film3
• CCCU Film Studies Program (see film production major)16
• At least four semesters participation in Globe TV, FiveCore, and/or theaterNC

Generalist concentration (13 credit hours)

• One of the following not used in the Core3
  • Comm 204, Expository Writing
  • Comm 240, Communication Research
  • Engl 306, Major Author: Shakespeare
• Any theater courses, with advisor’s approval10

Student learning outcomes

Graduates in theater will:

1. Develop an understanding of theater as collaborative and interdisciplinary.
2. Demonstrate basic skills in effective oral, written and visual communication.
3. Comprehend foundational concepts and practices in the theater discipline and develop fluency in one or more concentration areas.
4. Develop a style of leadership that shows respect for others and models the college’s core values.
5. Gain a clear understanding of how their work is perceived by others.
6. Develop a clear sense of Christian ethics and standards in the theater field.
7. Have a working understanding of available theater and related careers and avocations.
8. Be prepared for graduate school.
9. Serve the campus community and broader public through co-curricular involvement.

Planning guide

First year	Goshen Core The Theater Experience Theater Practice Acting I or Tech/Design course
Second year	Goshen Core The Power of Story Expository Writing or Communication Research History of Theater Theater Practice Courses in major SST
Third year	Goshen Core History of Theater Theater for Social Change Theater Practice Upper-level courses in major
Fourth year	Balance of Goshen Core Balance of major Senior Seminar Internship

Planning and advising notes

Transfer students must have a minimum of nine hours of theater courses at Goshen College. The Thea 409/Internship should be in the student’s area of concentration. A senior recital and a portfolio or its equivalent are required for graduation.
A secondary teacher education program in theater arts for grades 5-12 is available. Students should elect the theater education concentration described above. The program requires 36 credits of education courses, including a semester of student teaching.
The first education class, Educ 201, should be taken in May term of the first year or fall of the sophomore year. See the education catalog and web pages for more details about requirements.

Minor in theater

20 credit hours

• Thea 201, Theater for Social Change3
• Thea 225, The Theater Experience3
• Thea 236, Stagecraft3
• One of the following:3
  • Thea 235, The Power of Story
  • Thea 234, Acting I
• Concentration in upper-level theater and related courses8
• At least four semesters participation in theater productionsNC

Planning and advising notes

Concentration courses are selected in consultation with theater minor advisor. At least eight credit hours in the minor should be upper-level credit (300 and above). At least six credit hours must be taken at Goshen College. A faculty-approved and supervised theater recital (or its equivalent) is encouraged, but not required for theater minors.