Advising Handbook for Applied Theatre

Faculty and Staff

Dr. Ellen Margolis, Chair of Theatre & Dance
margolis@pacificu.edu

Jacob Coleman, Applied Theatre Instructor, coleman@pacificu.edu

Tal Sanders, Scenic and Lighting Designer/Technical Director
talsanders@pacificu.edu

Melissa Heller, Costume Designer
melheller@pacificu.edu

Programs

Applied Theatre Major | Applied Theatre Minor

Theatre studies develop and encourage creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and communication. We are committed to a high standard in the performing arts and to the rigorous study of performance from a liberal arts perspective.

Performance and production experiences are available to all students, regardless of major. Productions are typically cast, and crew assignments confirmed, at the beginning of each semester. Student who wish to be informed of upcoming opportunities should contact Dr. Margolis to join the program's mailing list. We encourage all students to become involved!

Students can major or minor in Applied Theatre or Theatre. Students interested in any theatre degree should contact the Department Chair to plan their studies.

Applied Theatre courses and programs investigate theatre as a form of service, as a social tool, or as civic engagement. Pacific’s distinctive Applied Theatre program reflects a strong national trend, as we become more aware of the powerful transformative effects of the arts. Student graduating in Applied Theatre are prepared for careers or graduate studies in service professions such as Occupational Therapy.

Graduates of the traditional Theatre program typically go on to work in the theatre, education, or other creative professions.

Students planning to major in Applied Theatre should take Theatre 110, Theatre 120, and Applied Theatre 215 by the end of their sophomore year, if possible.

Because the Theatre major is relatively small in terms of credit hours, many students choose to double major, combining this major with studies in media, languages, literature, music, art or the social or natural sciences.

Applied Theatre majors should consult with their advisor regarding Internships during their junior year.

Requirements for Applied Theatre Major

  • THEA 110 | Acting I: Fundamentals (2)
  • THEA 120 | Technical Theatre (4)
  • APTH 215  Applied Theatre Workshop (4)
  • THEA 220 Introduction to Theatrical Design (4)
  • APTH 301 Survey of Applied Theatre (4)
  • Electives (6)  Electives in Applied Theatre or related courses as approved by advisor (options may include courses in Peace and Social Justice, Public Heath, Disability Studies,  Politics and Government, Business Administration, Sociology)
  • THEA 330 or 333 |  Directing (4)
  • THEA 350 | Theatre History and Dramatic Literature I (4)
  • THEA 360 | Theatre History and Dramatic Literature II (4)
  • THEA 475 | Internship (2-4) (Supervised placement at an Applied Theatre organization, theatre, school, or service organization)
  • THEA 495 | Capstone (3-4) (Academic inquiry into an issue, theorist, or practice within the field)
  • Electives in Applied Theatre, Theatre, or Dance as approved by advisor (4)

Total: 41-44 credits

Requirements for Applied Theatre Minor

A minor in Applied Theatre complements undergraduate degrees in Social Work, Sociology, Education and Learning, Anthropology, Psychology, or other fields, and will be part of a foundation for students interested in Occupational Therapy. The minor provides students with an array of Applied Theatre tools and techniques. Degree requirements are as follows:

  • THEA 110 | Acting I: Fundamentals (2)
  • APTH 215 | Applied Theatre Workshop (4)
  • APTH 301 | Survey of Applied Theatre (4)
  • Electives as noted in catalog 8 credits, 4 of which must be in THEA or APTH (Electives in Applied Theatre or related courses as approved by an advisor (options may include courses in Peace and Social Justice, Public Health, Disablity Studies, Politics and Government, Business Administration, or Sociology)
  • THEA 360 | Theatre History and Dramatic Literature II (4)

Total: 22 credits