Our Program

The mission of the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Theatre Program is to provide students with the tools needed for preparation as theatre educators or professional practitioners, or for continuation of their studies on the graduate level.

The goal of the program is to provide students with meaningful experiences that promote an understanding of theatre as a medium of expression and collaboration. Students are given opportunities for creative and critical thinking, problem solving, and exploration in an environment that values artistic integrity, understand failure as well as success, and respects the viewpoints of others in the encouragement of artistic truth. The extensive season of the Theatre Program serves not only as a training lab for the students, but also enhances the cultural life and aesthetic experience of the campus and is a major cultural resource for the residents of South Texas.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. BA in Theatre graduates will demonstrate the historical and cultural dimensions of theatre. Specifically the student will have the ability to:
   • Demonstrate written analysis competencies in historical research and script analysis;
   • Communicate historical and cultural dimensions of theatre during a required exit jury with the Theatre faculty.
     
     
2. BA in Theatre graduates will develop techniques and practical experience with production. Specifically the student will have the ability to:
   • Communicate and defend their senior capstone project to the Theatre faculty;
   • Communicate and defend a cumulative portfolio of their work complete with headshot, resume, and marketing strategy for post-baccalaureate opportunities in graduate school or professional work.
     
     
3. BA in Theatre graduates with teaching certification will demonstrate the following:
   • Complete #1 above;
   • Communicate visual and aural perceptions of theatre performance during a required exit jury with the Theatre faculty. The student will use specific examples from their participation in University Theatre productions.
     

Bachelor of Arts Degree with a Major in Theatre

Students earning a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Theatre may concentrate on one of two specialties:

Acting/Directing Focus
Design/Technical Theatre Focus

Theatre majors may also pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre leading to teacher certification.

Specific Degree Requirements

All theatre majors must meet all general University and College graduation requirements, including Computer Literacy and UCCP First Year Seminars, regardless of the following degree requirements, unless specifically exempt. It is critical for all theatre majors to meet with their academic advisor prior to registering each semester.

Theatre Core Courses Required for all Majors
(33 semester hours)

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Acting/Directing Focus Area
(24 semester hours)

The following courses are required as the core in Acting/Directing:

Design/Technical Theatre Focus Area
(24 semester hours)

The following courses are required as the core in Design/Technical Theatre

Total Hours for BA in Theatre: Design/Tech Theatre Focus:      57 hrs.

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Minor in Theatre

The minor is designed for students who wish to pursue the study of theatre. It is also recommended for students who wish to study the performing arts, but who plan to major in another field. The theatre minor consists of a minimum of 20 semester hours of Theatre, including 12 upper-level hours.

Students who select the minor must consult with the Faculty Advisor to the Theatre Minor prior to completing 6 semester hours of course work listed in the program. The minor plan must be filed with the Academic Advisor in the College of Liberal Arts and certified prior to application for graduation by the Dean of the College in which the major study is awarded.

Required Courses for the Minor in Theatre:

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Minor in Theatre for Youth

The minor in Theatre for Youth is designed for the emerging theatre professional and for those seeking teacher certification. Those seeking a degree in communication or in theatre will find that a minor in Theatre for Youth may increase their employment potential in a competitive workplace. The Theatre for Youth minor consists of a minimum 20 semester hours of Theatre, including 12 upper-level courses.

Students who select this minor must consult with the faculty advisor to the Theatre for Youth minor prior to completing 6 semester hours of course work listed in the program. The minor plan must be filed with the Academic Advisor in the College of Liberal Arts and certified prior to application for graduation by the Dean of the College in which the major study is awarded.

Required Courses for the Theatre for Youth minor:

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Teacher Certification in Theatre Arts
(Grades Early Childhood - 12)

All students seeking certification in Theatre Arts should select a Theatre faculty advisor to help them choose appropriate courses and co-curricular activities. Students certifying to teach in Theatre will be required to perform in at least one University Theatre performance and to work design/technical crew in at least one production. A student may receive course credit for working on a theatre production.

For information on required professional development courses and other teacher certification requirements, please see the College of Education section of the catalogue. Students should also consult the Certification Office of the College of Education for complete and current information about teacher certification requirements.

To qualify to take the TExES (Texas Examinations of Educator Standards), in the field of Theatre, students must meet the following criteria:

1. Make pre-specified acceptable scores on TExES practice tests, or departmental equivalent, and participate in practice text review and analysis session.
   
   
2. Provide official permit with signature of Program Coordinator or designated person for each teaching field on the student’s certification plan.
   

Requirements leading to teacher certification in Theatre Arts: