Minor in Theatre

Overview
A minor in theatre requires the completion of 22 credits, including 10 credits of core requirements and 12 credits of electives in specified communication and music courses.
Courses
Below are the course requirements for this academic program. In addition to these program-specific requirements, all majors include Biola's traditional undergraduate core curriculum. For more program details, including a sample course sequence, visit Biola's academic catalog.
Core Courses
THTR 109 | Production Practicum |
Beginning directed practical experience in dramatic production. Credit for performing in a play, set construction, costume construction, publicity, or other aspects of the theatrical process. Grade Mode: A. | |
THTR 264 | Beginning Acting |
This course offers a beginning study of the principles of contemporary acting techniques. Students will evaluate and demonstrate the acting theories of the Stanislavsky system of acting, as assessed by the 20th century American acting leaders, Uta Hagen and Stella Adler. Grade Mode: A. | |
THTR 409 | Production Practicum II |
Advanced practical experience in dramatic process. Credit for performing in a play, set construction, costume construction, publicity, or other aspects of theatrical process. Notes: Special approval required. May be taken twice for a total of 4 credits. Grade Mode: A. | |
THTR 468 | Drama for Christian Ministry |
Introduction to the mechanics and creativity of drama in the church, as well as issues facing the Christian drama coordinator or director. Class members are involved in class performances. This course explores the potential and practical experiences for use of drama in church and parachurch settings, providing insights for participants and leaders in drama ministry. Grade Mode: A. |
Elective Courses
COMM 280 | Oral Interpretation |
Learning to read types of literature aloud in a manner that enhances and enriches the audience's understanding and appreciation of that literature. Notes: Approved for Core Curriculum Communication credit. Grade Mode: A. | |
COMM 440 | Communication Internship |
For students prepared to gain practical experience. Usually off campus in a work situation. Notes: May be taken for a total of 6 credits. Grade Mode: A. | |
COMM 450 | Communication Practicum |
Directed practical experience in the various fields of communication. Notes: May be taken for a total of six credits. Grade Mode: A. | |
COMM 470 | Communication Seminar |
Various aspects and problems in the fields of communication. Notes: May be taken multiple times with different course content. Grade Mode: A. | |
COMM 480 | Directed Research |
Individual research in areas of communication determined in consultation with the instructor. Notes: An Add/Drop Slip and Arranged Course Form must be obtained at the Communication Studies Office. May be taken for a total of three credits. Grade Mode: A. | |
MUSC 100 | Keyboard I |
Designed to develop general keyboard facility. For the music major, as preparation for entrance to MUSCĀ 118. Notes: Credits earned by the music major may not apply toward music degree requirements. Grade Mode: A. | |
MUSC 102 | Voice Class |
Basic vocal training. Open to non-music majors. Previous experience reading music or singing/playing an instrument is an asset but not required. Grade Mode: A. | |
MUSC 153 | Sight-Singing and Dictation I |
Sight-singing diatonic melodies, major and minor scales and triads using moveable tonic solfege. Transcribing basic diatonic melodies, cadences and progressions. Reading, performing and transcribing rhythmic patterns in simple, compound and irregular meters. Notes: Students may test into an accelerated section of this course. Grade Mode: A. | |
THTR 162 | Voice and Speech for the Actor |
Intensive training in the correct use of voice and articulation for the actor. Special attention paid to developing skills for vocal and physical relaxation, projection, and anatomical uses of the voice. Grade Mode: A. | |
THTR 164 | Introduction to Acting |
This course is designed for the beginning, pre-/non-theatre major, and is an examination of the theatre elements that relate directly to performing onstage, including rehearsal and performance techniques, stage movement, vocal techniques, stage terminology and script analysis. Grade Mode: A. | |
THTR 210 | Topics in Theatre |
Selected topics vary, see class schedule for current offerings. Possible topics include: stage management, scene work, theatre history. Grade Mode: A. | |
THTR 215 | Theatrical Makeup |
Makeup requirements for the stage. Individual skill development in character analysis. Application in pigment, plastic, hair, makeup, and selection and use of makeup equipment. Grade Mode: A. | |
THTR 232 | Costume Study and Construction |
Design fundamentals, including costume history, research, play analysis, fabric selection, construction basics and hypothetical design projects. Grade Mode: A. | |
THTR 241 | Introduction to Technical Theatre |
Explorations in the basic elements and terminology that define theatre. Special attention given to such topics as: safety, props, two- and three-dimensional scenery and their materials, and scene painting. Grade Mode: A. | |
THTR 345 | Lighting and Sound for Theatre |
Study of lighting and sound variables in a stage production. Student projects include light and sound choices for a particular production. Grade Mode: A. | |
THTR 369 | Intermediate Acting |
This course features in-depth study and practice of acting skills with increased emphasis on the application of the principles and the theories of creative acting, as assessed by the 20th century American acting leaders, Lee Strasberg and Eric Morris. Grade Mode: A. | |
THTR 391 | Directing Theatre |
Exploration of the art and craft of directing for the theatre. Topics covered: storytelling, instincts, staging, picturization, dramatic tension, style, meaning, examining, text, groundplans, auditioning, working with actors and other relevant issues facing the director. Notes: Attendance at selected plays is required. Grade Mode: A. | |
THTR 405 | Dramatic Theory and Criticism |
Survey of prominent dramatic theories (e.g. Aristotle's Poetics, dramatic theory of story structure, contemporary theatre theory, etc.). Elements of dramaturgy will also be introduced. Grade Mode: A. | |
THTR 419 | Dramatic Design and Criticism |
Scene design, including script analysis, formation of visual concepts, floor plan development and model building for the stage. Practical training in theatrical production written critiques/reviews. Grade Mode: A. | |
THTR 435 | Playwriting for Performance |
Creation of original material for solo or corporate dramatic performance. Workshop for the presentation of created original materials for stage. Grade Mode: A. | |
THTR 463 | Advanced Acting Workshop |
Further in-depth study of characterization, script analysis, and various styles of acting. Topics may vary. Grade Mode: A. | |
THTR 477 | London Theatre Study Tour |
Theatre-based tour of London, England, exploring Shakespeare's birthplace, theatrical venues, and acting workshops. Notes: Tour requires purchase of tour package to London, England and additional fees for Biola University credit. Project required for submission following return from London. Grade Mode: A. |