Welcome to the Theater & Dance Major!

If you are thinking of declaring the Theater and Dance major, it is important that you:

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  1. Familiarize yourself with the majors checklist and information on course sequencing

  2. Meet with your advisor (or any member of the department faculty) to discuss:

  • your interests and course options;
  • course scheduling, pre-requisites, and sequencing issues; and
  • the implications of junior-year study abroad plans and/or double majors.

Students preparing to major in the department should strive to complete the three Core Courses — THDA 111, 112, and 113 — and one 200-level intermediate course in the Arts of Theater and Dance by the end of the sophomore year. The Core Courses may be taken in any order. THDA 114 and THDA 400 must be taken by the end of junior year. 

Looking at pre-requisites is important. To succeed in the required senior project, you must complete an advanced studio course that will require one or more specific pre-requisites. Not all of the courses you may want to take are offered every semester, so meeting with your advisor to help you plan is important, especially if you plan on going abroad and/or double majoring!

Theater & Dance Major Checklist

Major Course Checklist

Theater & Dance Course Sequencing

Courses in The Arts of Theater and Dance are grouped into three levels: the Core Courses and other technique courses without pre-requisites, 200-level intermediate courses, and 300-level advanced studio courses.

Majors must complete all three Core Courses (THDA 111, 112 & 113) by the end of the first semester of junior year.

Majors should complete all three Core Courses and an appropriate 200-level intermediate course before undertaking a 300-level advanced studio course.  

Ideally, students should complete two of the Core Courses before taking a 200-level intermediate course.

Intermediate and advanced studio courses have specific prerequisites, or require permission of the instructor, so planning is advisable.

Depending on your interests, additional courses may be advisable. Many majors complete two 300-level advanced studio courses even though only one is required, as well as additional 200-level intermediate courses. We encourage all majors to explore different areas in addition to courses that lead only to a specific advanced studio course.

It may be difficult to approve your senior project proposal unless you complete THDA 114, THDA 400H, and a 300-level advanced studio course by the end of your junior year. Remember, not all courses are offered every semester.

Speak with your advisor as soon as possible if you plan to go abroad during the junior year, or if you are a double major, since careful planning will be necessary.