Theatre

About this opportunity

The theatre program at Arizona State University is a leader in the development of consent-based, equitable and wellness-oriented working practices in the performing arts, with production processes designed to empower each student. From year one, each theatre student is paired with a faculty mentor so they are seen and supported. 

While in the program, our students gain real-world, hands-on experience in emerging fields and technology from intimacy coordination to digital design techniques to cutting-edge screen acting methods. Students in our program are uniquely positioned to realize their own creative vision, including serving in lead production, design and performance roles on the mainstage as undergraduates. At the same time, our BA programs educate the whole artist, preparing well-rounded artists with a deep grounding in the history of the performing arts, a strong liberal arts background and well-honed communication and critical thinking skills that enable them to move seamlessly into careers within and beyond the performing arts. 

Our season features large-scale productions, classical theatre, experimental and contemporary plays, readings of student-generated work and student-produced plays. There are ample opportunities each year to get involved, whether you want to expand on existing skills or to learn new things. Students can also gain experience in a variety of art forms including theatre, musical theatre, theatre for youth, dance, movement, opera, virtual reality, animation, fashion, television and film.

Theatre degrees include:

• Theatre (Acting), BA
• Theatre (Design and Production), BA
• Theatre, BA 

Thesis

The thesis project may be conceived as a synthesis of the student's previous work and experiences or an immersion in a particular area of interest.
The goal of the project is quality, not quantity (e.g., a one-act, not a three-act, production).
Students may choose to work individually or collaboratively. Theses projects typically fulfill the theatre major's senior capstone requirement in lieu of THF 497. Please note that Barrett students using the thesis as their theatre senior capstone will enroll in THE 492 and 493, not THF 497.

Examples of Performance/Production Projects

• Directing a play or performing in a major role
• Solo or collaborative work on an original production (e.g., collaborative work: one student writes, another directs, a third designs, and the fourth performs)
• Forum Theatre workshops (e.g., Augusto Boal) on social issues for a participatory audience
• Performance art
• Dance/movement concert
• Puppetry performance
• Storytelling concert
• Musical theatre/opera (excerpts) concerts, revues

Examples of Writing Projects

• An original play, teleplay, or screenplay
• Research paper (geared for conference presentation or publication)
• Curriculum design
• Empirical/survey research (e.g., audience preferences/attitudes, market research, evaluation research)
• A manifesto/credo for a new theatre production company
• Director's prompt book
• Stage Manager's book

Design/Technology Projects

• Schematics or product incorporating new technology for theatre production practice
• Sketches, renderings, sample costume construction for a frequently produced play, or an original play by a student
• Ground plans, working drawings, set models for a frequently produced play, or an original play by a student
• With faculty supervision, a realized lighting design for a student production in a studio space, the Lyceum, etc.
• Virtual scenery
• Portfolio of design work
• Software for the theatre
• Photo/visual art exhibition
• Video, web site/CD-rom presentation
• Sound presentation

Academic Preparation

Coursework in the major or minor, including Honors Contracts, will prepare the student to complete a thesis. Prior to enrolling in thesis credits 492 or 493, all students must complete a thesis workshop with Barrett Advising. 

Recommended Timeline

Six (6) credit hours are the maximum amount of credit hours allowed in the SoMDT for the Honors Thesis/Creative Project. Students have the option of taking three (3) credit hours for THE 492 Honors Directed Study in their junior year or first semester of their senior year. They are required to complete their thesis project with three (3) credit hours for THE 493 Honors Thesis. THE 493 requires a successful completion of the thesis project and a formal defense before the student's thesis committee.

Other Honors Opportunities

Students may enroll in Honors Enrichment Contracts in most Theater courses by collaborating with the instructor to determine an appropriate enrichment project for the course and the student's unique learning goals.

Barrett Honors students who work with faculty mentors or thesis directors in theatre create multiple advantages for themselves in securing internships, research opportunities, or other opportunities related to the major that often become the source of thesis topics. Barrett students who work closely with faculty through the thesis/creative project process have unique advantages in demonstrating their scholarly and artistic commitment. ASU Faculty and Barrett alumni are often available to discuss the value of the thesis/creative project not only as good preparation for graduate and professional school, but in securing a meaningful letter of recommendation from a professor who has worked through the process with you, values your commitment and is often willing to place you in contact with colleagues at other prestigious graduate programs nationwide.

The thesis project may help you get admitted to the graduate school of your choice. Graduate schools frequently require writing or research samples as part of the application process and this criteria is often weighted heavily in evaluating your skills and preparation for succeeding in their program. The honors creative project may also serve as your bridge to the professional world of theatre. The completion of a solo performance piece, for example, may provide the opportunity to perform or exhibit in a variety of venues including local theatres or national and international theatre festivals.