Apr 09, 2025

2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog

Theatre B.A., with Performance Concentration

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TOTAL DEGREE HOURS: 120
Plans of Study

Through its curriculum and production program, students have the opportunity to prepare for a professional career in the theatre or to continue their studies at the graduate level. Our exclusively undergraduate program boasts intensive studies in the disciplines of performance, design and theatre arts as well as a close working relationship with our nationally and internationally recognized faculty.

Certified Global Pathway Program

This program has been certified as a Global Pathway, which has significant global content. Students in Global Pathway programs are well positioned to earn the Global Citizen Award. For more information, visit the Office of High Impact Practices and Undergraduate Research website.

University Admissions - College of Design, Art, and Performance

Admission to the University is based on the University’s Undergraduate Admission Requirements that may be found by clicking on the following links:

Freshman: https://www.usf.edu/admissions/freshmen/admission-information/requirements-deadlines.aspx
Transfer: https://www.usf.edu/admissions/transfer/admission-information/index.aspx
International: https://www.usf.edu/admissions/international/admission-information/index.aspx

Theatre B.A. Required Courses: (61 credit hours)

State Mandated Common Course Prerequisites - Theatre B.A. (21-24 credit hours)

Following Florida BOG Regulation 8.010, state mandated common course prerequisites are lower-division courses that are required for progression into the upper division of a particular baccalaureate degree program.

Transfer students should complete the State Mandated Common Course Prerequisites at the lower level prior to entering the university. If these courses are not taken at a Florida College System institution, they must be completed before the degree is granted. Successful completion of the common prerequisites alone does not guarantee a student admission into the degree program.

Unless stated otherwise, a grade of C is the minimum acceptable grade in prerequisite courses.

THE X000 Theatre and Culture - 3 credit hours
THE X305 Script Analysis OR THE X300 Dramatic Literature - 3 credit hours
THE X925 Colloquiums/Symposiums/Workshops - 1 credit hour*
TPA X290 Technical Theatre Practicum I - 1 credit hour
TPA X200 Introduction to Technical Theatre OR TPA X210 Stagecraft I - 3 credit hours
TPP X190 Rehearsal and Performance Practicum I OR TPP X110 Acting I - 1-3 credit hours**
THE X000-X999 OR TPA X000-X999 OR TPP X000-X999 - 3 credit hours
THE X000-X999 OR TPA X000-X999 OR TPP X000-X999 - 3 credit hours
THE X000-X999 OR TPA X000-X999 OR TPP X000-X999 - 3 credit hours

* Fulfilled by TPP 2190 Rehearsal and Performance Practicum I OR a second TPA 2290 Technical Theatre Practicum I

** TPP 2110 Acting 1 required for USF B.A. in Theatre Major Core

State Mathematics Pathway – Theatre B.A. (6 Credit Hours)

The Theatre B.A. uses the Mathematical Thinking in Context Mathematics Pathway with the following requirements:

MGF 1130 - Mathematical Thinking Credit(s): 3
MGF 1131 - Mathematical Thinking in Context Credit(s): 3

Theatre Major Core: 9 courses; 19 credit hours

Theatre Major Core Shared with State Mandated: 5 courses; 13 credit hours

These courses are shared between major core and State Mandated Theatre Courses. They are not additional credits.

THE 2000 - Theater and Culture Credit(s): 3
THE 2305 - Script Analysis Credit(s): 3
TPP 2110 - Acting I Credit(s): 3
TPA 2200 - Introduction to Technical Theatre Credit(s): 3
TPA 2290 - Technical Theatre Practicum I Credit(s): 1

Theatre Major Core: 5 courses; 11 credit hours

THE 2023 - Entry Seminar: Theatre as an Art Form Credit(s): 1
THE 3110 - Theatre History I Credit(s): 3
OR THE 3111 - Theatre History II Credit(s): 3
THE 4562 - Contemporary Performance Theory Credit(s): 3
TPA 2200L - Intro to Technical Theatre Lab Credit(s): 1
TPA 3007C - Introduction to Entertainment Design Credit(s): 3

Theatre Practicum Electives: 3 courses; 3 credit hours

Choose THREE additional Theatre Practicum courses. Courses may be repeated. At least one course below must be from TPA 2290 or TPA 4293.

Choose ONE from (will also meet State Mandated):
TPP 2190 - Rehearsal and Performance Practicum I Credit(s): 1
TPA 2290 - Technical Theatre Practicum I Credit(s): 1
Choose TWO from:
TPA 4293 - Technical Theatre Practicum II Credit(s): 1
TPP 4193 - Rehearsal and Performance Practicum II Credit(s): 1

Theatre History/Theory Elective: 1 course; 3 credit hours

Choose ONE Theatre History/Theory course from the list below. Note: You cannot duplicate a course from above (Theatre History I or II). THE 4574 Sport as Performance also fulfills a USF Enhanced GenEd Requirement.

THE 3110 - Theatre History I Credit(s): 3
THE 3111 - Theatre History II Credit(s): 3
THE 4264 - History of Costume Credit(s): 3
THE 4283 - Architecture And Decoration Credit(s): 3
THE 4574 - Sport as Performance Credit(s): 3
THE 4930 - Selected Topics In Theatre Credit(s): 1-3

Dramatic Literature Elective: 1 course; 3 credit hours

Choose ONE Dramatic Literature course from the list below.

THE 4330 - Shakespeare for the Theatre Credit(s): 3
THE 4401 - American Drama Credit(s): 3
THE 4434 - Caribbean Theatre Credit(s): 3
THE 4480 - Drama-Special Topics Credit(s): 3

Theatre Major (Restricted) Electives: 8 courses; 24 credit hours

Students complete the general Theatre program of study and one of the following three concentrations:

Performance Concentration: 8 courses; 24 credit hours

The theatre performance concentration enables the student to explore and develop acting skills. Core courses in the concentration delve into the craft and its fundamental elements. Students learn how to move their bodies and use their voices, to collaborate, to examine a scene and rehearse consciously. The advanced acting sequence emphasizes character development and improvisation practices, culminating in the performance of a complex, multi-layered character.

Concentration Core: 5 courses; 15 credit hours

TPP 3510 - Movement for Actors Credit(s): 3
TPP 3790 - Voice for Actors Credit(s): 3
TPP 3155 - Acting II Credit(s): 3
TPP 4180 - Acting III Credit(s): 3
TPP 4235 - Ensemble Studio Credit(s): 3

Concentration Electives: 3 courses; 9 credit hours

In addition to the Concentration Core courses, students must take 9 hours of upper-level Performance Elective (TPP) courses (TPP 3XXX and TPP 4XXX).

Additional Information - Theatre B.A.

Audition and Portfolio Review

All students desiring admittance into the upper level acting courses must audition and those entering the upper level design sequence must present a portfolio. This normally occurs after the completion of the sophomore year.

Foreign Language Requirement

All students earning a BA degree in Theatre must complete the Foreign Language Exit Requirement.

GPA Requirements

Major GPA (All USF courses which are applied to major requirements): 2.0
General Education GPA (All USF courses which are applied to General Education requirements): 2.0
USF GPA: 2.0
Overall GPA: 2.0

Grading Requirements

A minimum grade of C is required in major courses.

Residency Requirement

Department and College of Design, Art, and Performance Major Academic Residency Requirement - 50% of major must be completed at USF

USF Academic Residency Requirement - 30 of the last 60 hours earned must be from USF

Research Opportunities

Undergraduate students in any degree program are able to participate in undergraduate research. Several options exist to show mentored undergraduate research activity on a student’s official transcript. Those who wish to enroll in an undergraduate research course should consult with their academic advisor to understand how the credit will apply towards the degree requirements. If no credit is needed, students may be eligible to enroll in the 0-credit IDS 4914 course. This course will not impact degree credits or GPA but will show on an official transcript and document the experience. The Office of Student Engagement in Research and Innovation (SERI) is able to assist with further inquiries.

Accreditation Information

USF is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST).

Advising Information

USF students schedule advising appointments online through USF Archivum Platform. Students are encouraged to meet with their advisor each semester to discuss course planning, degree progression, and career preparation.

For questions, TheatreAndDance@usf.edu

University of South Florida

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