Annie York, Liz Duffy, James Campbell in BLITHE SPIRIT
MISSION STATEMENT
- Provide students majoring in theatre with a broad based education, a thorough exposure to the creative process using the full instrument of the theatre, and a solid grounding in professional discipline and practice through a rigorous production program. Graduates should be capable of competing for intern/apprenticeship positions at first-rate professional theatres and/or graduate school; for entry level teaching positions at the primary or secondary level (theatre education majors); or to apply their skills to a variety of artistic, managerial or business endeavors.
- Provide the general education university student exposure to the theatre and the related arts of film and dance through introductory courses for the non-specialist; access to production opportunities in the University Theatre and studio dance classes; minor tracks in theatre and drama; and public performances of the University Theatre.
- Provide the general education university student with basic coursework in speech communication and/or performance under UTC General Education/Oral Communication guidelines and a minor in speech.
- Produce University Theatre seasons with productions of challenging plays from the classical and modern repertory.
- Provide the community with a resource for cultural and artistic enrichment through performances of the University Theatre and professional service.
- Encourage and support student pursuit of quality professional internships.
- Encourage, support and provide opportunities for student travel and exposure to professional theatrical performance and practice.
- Provide opportunities and support for student initiated projects.
- Support and provide opportunities for faculty/ staff development.
- Support on-going development and enhancement of the collaborative creative process.
- Provide resources to maintain safety and a high-level of professional practice in production and performance studios/theatres.
- Provide necessary and appropriate cooperation and support to the Southeast Center for Education in the Arts/Theatre Institute.
GENERAL PROFILE
PROGRAMS
Students majoring in Theatre may earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in a program that combines intensive performance and production work within a strong liberal arts environment. Our goal is to produce graduates capable not only of bringing an informed awareness of the contemporary world to their art and craft, but also strong individuals who have options to use their education in a variety of career choices both in and outside the professional theatre. Students may pursue State of Tennessee teacher certification in theatre through a B.S. degree in theatre education. Several of our students have taken advantage of the opportunity for exposure to life and art outside of the United States through an exchange program with Masaryk University in the Czech Republic.
THE THEATRE CURRICULUM
In addition to a diverse university education curriculum, students majoring in theatre receive a carefully structured sequence of theatre courses including acting and directing, design and production, theatre history, literature, and criticism. The student day is typically divided into three parts:
- MAJOR AND UNIVERSITY CURRICULUM
(Typically morning and early afternoons)
Core curriculum includes:
Play Analysis
Practice & Theory
Design for the Theatre
Acting I
Theatre History (2 semesters)
Directing (2 semesters. We use this course, usually taken in the junior year, to synthesize the work in other areas as well as teach the craft of directing.)Advanced and Directed Studies
In the junior and senior year especially, but earlier when interests and aptitude are apparent, course work and applied production work in areas of focus or specialty are offered. A minimum of nine semester hours of advanced coursework is required for the degree.Production and Performance
A minimum of six semesters of Production and Performance (full involvement in University Theatre productions) are required.Electives
The Department offers elective coursework in dance, voice and diction, musical theatre, modern theatre and drama, playwriting, and film.Theatre Education
Coursework including 25 semester hours in education may be taken toward receiving teaching certification from the State of Tennessee.Also University General Education and Minors
(see below) - STUDIOS
(Typically early afternoons. A minimum of six semesters are required.)
Conservatory-like training sessions including performance workshops, rehearsals for studio projects, and master classes taught by guest artists. Guest artists have included The Saratoga International Theatre Institute, The Acting Company, Atlanta's Actors' Express, The National Theatre of the Deaf, the Alvin Ailey Repertory Dance Company, the Asolo Theatre Company, the Alley Theatre, the Shaking Ray Levi Society (composers and musicians) and DAMU (Czech National Theatre Academy, Prague). Individual guest artists have been Sally Nemeth, (playwright), Lee Abraham (acting teacher), Gordon Peacock (directing teacher), Orlin Corey (producer and publisher of plays). Jonathan Wilson (an award-winning director), and Steve Scott (professional director), and Jeff Atkins (award winning actor), Tim Miller and Holly Hughes (nationally known performance artists,) Kofi and Rebakah Mawuko (choreographers.)
- PRODUCTION AND PERFORMANCE
(Late afternoon and/or evening. See below)
Practical application of skills in the development of theatrical productions for public performance. Production work in scenery, costumes, lighting, sound etc.; publicity and marketing is typically scheduled in late afternoon sessions on specified days. Rehearsals for fully mounted productions are usually scheduled during evening sessions. Students will be involved in rehearsal or in production studios for each University Theatre production during their minimum six semesters of enrollment in Performance and Production labs.
ADDITIONAL UNIVERSITY CURRICULUM
General Education
Courses in the humanities and fine arts, science and mathematics, behavioral and social sciences, written and oral communications, and foreign languages is required by the University for a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Minor
University departments offer a wide variety of minors. Required for the Bachelor of Arts degree..
Department Reading List
The UTC Department of Theatre and Speech recommends each student read a wide range of plays. To view the READING LIST in PDF file format, click here.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Students graduating in Theatre have several options for careers. Those seeking professional careers in theatre find encouragement and assistance from the department in securing internships with professional companies throughout the country or places in strong graduate programs. Students have been awarded internships at such Tony Award winning institutions as the Goodman and Steppenwolf Theatres in Chicago, and the Utah Shakespeare Festival; at the Williamstown and Berkshire Theatre Festivals in Massachusetts; the Houston Shakespeare Festival, and the Heritage Theatre Festival in Virginia. Recent graduates have worked in the film and television industry in Los Angeles; professional theatres in New York, Chicago, Atlanta and Washington; and in graduate schools in theatre and film. Others have opted for non-theatrical careers in law, education, business, and banking.
IF YOU'RE INTERESTED:
Members of the theatre faculty would be happy to provide you with additional information about the program and to lead you on a brief tour of the facilities. Please feel free to e-mail Theatre-Speech@utc.edu the departmental office (423) 425-4374 or to write to the address listed below:
Department of Theatre & Speech #1401
323 Fine Arts Building
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
615 McCallie Avenue
Chattanooga, TN 37403
