Loyola University Chicago’s Bachelor of Arts in Theatre strives to make the most out of a liberal arts education. By fostering work in performance, directing, design, technology, management, dramaturgy, and literature, the theatre major prepares students to enter any aspect of the theatre industry.

Our approach to theatre is based in the Liberal Arts; by offering a BA rather than a BFA, we emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary study in the formation of adaptable, well rounded theatre artists. By nurturing and educating actors, directors, administrators, playwrights, designers, and technicians, we prepare theatre artists to enter any aspect of the industry.

Production of plays is integral to all of our academic work, and we offer many opportunities for students to participate in our active production program as actors, directors, designers, dramaturges, and playwrights. We produce a season of faculty-directed plays and musicals, which often reflects the curricular and educational goals and mission of the department. The season is complimented by a diverse collection of student-generated work, ranging from funded research to experimental and staged readings.

We also take full advantage of our location right in the heart of Chicago's thriving theatre community. Our full time faculty of eight is comprised of professional actors, directors, dramaturges, and designers. Students are afforded chances to dabble in the professional world prior to graduation with the guidance and mentorship of their professors, as well as the multitude of internship and apprenticeship opportunities available at professional theatres around the city.

Loyola University Chicago is one of eight NAST-accredited institutions in Illinois (and the only one in the Chicago metropolitan area), as well as a member of the League of Chicago Theatres and the Theatre Communications Group.

Curriculum

A total of 47 credits are required to receive a B.A. in Theatre.

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Foundation Courses
THTR 203	Dramatic & Theatrical Process	3
THTR 252	Theatrical Design I	3
THTR 261	Beginning Acting	3
THTR 364	Theatre History and Literature I	3
THTR 365	Theatre History and Literature II	3
THTR 366	Theatre History and Literature III	3
THTR 367	Theatre History and Literature IV	3
THTR 375	Play Direction: Theater Capstone	3
Emphasis Course Choice
THTR 267	Acting Theories &Techniques II	3
or THTR 352	Theatrical Design II
Practicum
THTR 321C	Practicum: Costumes	2
THTR 321S	Practicum-Scenic	2
THTR 321E	Practicum: Electrics	2
THTR 321R	Theatre Practicum: Running Crew	1
THTR 321P	Theatre Practicum: Production Staff	1
or THTR 321R	Theatre Practicum: Running Crew
Electives
Select 12 credit hours of the following, three of which must be designated Engaged Learning:		12
THTR 204	Playwriting
THTR 227	Stage Management
THTR 241	Voice & Diction for Stage I
THTR 267	Acting Theories &Techniques II
THTR 275	Teleplay Production
THTR 300	Design Technology: Special Effects, Sound Engineer
THTR 305	Theatre Workshop: Special Topics
THTR 323	Rehearsal & Performance
THTR 324D	Applied Design
THTR 324M	Applied Management
THTR 327	Theatre Operation
THTR 329	Make-up and Mask Design
THTR 331	Movement: Theories & Technique I
THTR 335	London Theatre Experience
THTR 341	Studies in Dramatic Form
THTR 344	Dialects for the Stage
THTR 345	Drafting for the Theatre
THTR 346	Scenic Art: Color Elevation to Scene Painting
THTR 348	Creative Dramatics
THTR 352	Theatrical Design II
THTR 353	Theatrical Design III
THTR 368	Acting Theories and Techniques III
THTR 369	Acting Theories and Techniques IV
THTR 377	Audition Seminar
THTR 394	Internship in Theatre
THTR 395	Seminar in Theatre
THTR 397	Fieldwork in Chicago - Theatre
THTR 399	Independent Study
Total Hours		47

Residency Requirement

Transfer students majoring in theatre are required to complete a minimum of 24 credit hours of theatre major requirements at Loyola.

College of Arts and Sciences Graduation Requirements

All Undergraduate students in the College of Arts and Sciences are required to take two Writing Intensive courses (6 credit hours) as well as complete a foreign language requirement at 102-level or higher (3 credit hours) or a language competency test.  More information can be found here.

Additional Undergraduate Graduation Requirements

All Undergraduate students are required to complete the University Core, at least one Engaged Learning course, and UNIV 101.  SCPS students are not required to take UNIV 101.  Nursing students in the Accelerated BSN program are not required to take core or UNIV 101.  You can find more information in the University Requirements area.

 

Learning Outcomes

• Students will be able to demonstrate the variety of skills necessary for producing theatre; including collaboration, communication and hands-on skills through the completion of practicum courses.
• Students can construct and communicate nuanced, well-chosen, evidenced arguments in one or more ways as evidenced in a thesis-based essay, program note, dramaturgical research, artistic and/or creative reflections.
• Students can articulate connections between history/theory and theatrical practice as evidenced in a thesis-based essay or capstone Directing case book.
• Students can demonstrate ethical reasoning about theatre’s impact on global communities through creation of works, analysis of works or acknowledgement of works.
• Students will be able to translate research and script analysis into a role via in-class scene work and/or production performance.
• Students will be able to contribute to a collaborative, creative ensemble via consistent participation and effective incorporation of feedback through in-class work and/or production.
• Students will be able to present creative and analytical ideas orally and visually while balancing self-expression and collaborative team dynamics.