Theatre Arts and Dance - Undergraduate Programs
Mission and Objective
The mission of the Department of Theatre Arts and Dance in the College of Liberal Arts at The University of Texas at Arlington is to provide a comprehensive undergraduate education through theory, research, and practice in the theatre arts and dance.
The objective of the department is to provide an extensive and wide-ranging education in the theatrical and dance professions through applied and practical experiences acquired through performance and production opportunities. Undergraduate students in the Department of Theatre Arts and Dance explore the components which comprise the performance and production event. The research of new theories and their applications to the art, craft, and management of Theatre Arts and Dance is highly encouraged through one-on-one mentoring and supervision by specialized, professional faculty. A primary aspect of the Department of Theatre Arts and Dance is to provide a challenging educational environment for each student characterized by shared values, unity of purpose, diversity of opinion, mutual respect, and a commitment to lifelong learning. The following degrees are offered:
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Theatre Arts
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Theatre Arts with concentrations in:
- Design and Technology
- Musical Theatre
- Acting
In addition, the Department offers the following minors:
- Minor in Dance
- Minor in Theatre Arts
Dance courses are listed as Dance (DNCE). Several approved university core courses are also offered by the department that satisfies core degree requirements in other disciplines.
Production and Performance
Maverick Theatre Company
The Maverick Theatre Company is the production company of the Department of Theatre Arts and Dance at the University of Texas at Arlington, providing a showcase for the creative research of the academic program. A resident company of professional artists and students present a wide variety of plays and musicals from past and current theatrical literature with a special focus on new play development. Every student, upon admission to a theatre degree program in the department, becomes a Maverick Theatre Company member. These activities directly support the academic objectives of the department.
Maverick Dance Company
The Maverick Dance Company is the resident dance company of the Department of Theatre Arts and Dance, producing performances featuring the University of Texas at Arlington dance students, faculty, and guest artists. Directors, choreographers, and performers of Maverick Dance Company emphasize creative research to develop original, progressive dance works for the concert stage. Every student enrolled in a Dance Performance course becomes a Maverick Dance Company member. Each performance activity expands upon a variety of theories and practices studied within the dance curriculum.
The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Theatre Arts
Liberal Arts Requirements
The Bachelor of Arts degree provides a general background in Theatre Arts and Liberal Arts. The B.A. allows students the opportunity, through elective coursework in Theatre Arts, to tailor their degree program in areas of interest that the student may wish to explore.
Admission
In addition to the general requirements for admission to the University, the aspiring undergraduate must meet the following requirement for admission to the Bachelor of Arts degree program:
- Participation in advisement and a personal interview.
To be fully accepted in the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Theatre Arts degree program, all students must complete at least one semester as a "Theatre Arts Intended" student and earn a 2.25 cumulative grade point average in all courses including theatre courses taken at UT Arlington. Once these standards are met, the student may be declared as a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts major.
B.A. in Theatre Arts - Academic Requirements
All Theatre Arts majors shall enroll in THEA 0181 for one hour per semester in residence in order to graduate. Eight (8) hours of THEA 0181 are required. Students should see their advisor regarding practicum obligations.
All B.A. students are encouraged to audition for each major production each semester they are enrolled, though they may choose to decline being considered for a role at the time of the audition. Production activities and Theatre Arts disciplinary rules are governed by a student handbook that is available to the student through the Department of Theatre Arts and Dance.
A minimum 2.25 overall grade point average is required for all courses, including theatre courses, taken at UT Arlington in order to remain in the B.A. degree program. Students currently enrolled at UT Arlington who wish to declare Theatre Arts as a major must have a minimum grade point average of 2.25 in overall coursework taken at UT Arlington in order to be admitted.
A student will be placed on departmental academic probation in the Department of Theatre Arts and Dance if her/his grade point average drops below the minimum requirements for the degree plan in which they are enrolled. If after a regular semester the student's grade point average returns to at least the minimum required grade point average for their degree plan, then the probation is removed. However, if after a regular semester the student's grade point average does not meet the minimum required grade point average, the student may, at the discretion of the department chair, be removed from the degree program and will be advised as to other degree plan alternatives, should they exist.
Department Scholarships
The Department of Theatre Arts and Dance offers limited scholarships to deserving students based upon talent, academic excellence, and merit. Work-study positions may be available. Contact the Department of Theatre Arts and Dance for information.
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.)
Liberal Arts Requirements
The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is a specialized, pre-professional degree that provides a background in the liberal arts with specialized concentrations in: Design and Technology, Musical Theatre, or Acting.
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The Design and Technology Concentration is for students seeking a professional career as a scenic, lighting, sound or costume designer, technical director, and/or theatre technician.
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The Musical Theatre Concentration is designed for students seeking a professional career in musical theatre performance.
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The Acting Concentration is designed for students seeking a professional career as an actor.
Students seeking the B.F.A. elect additional courses chosen from the University and Liberal Arts core curricula outside the Department of Theatre Arts and Dance.
Admission - B.F.A.
The aspiring undergraduate must meet the following requirements for admission to the Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) degree program:
* Participation in advisement.
* A personal interview with a designated faculty member (all students).
* A design/technical production portfolio review for the Design and Technology B.F.A. Concentration or an audition and interview for the Musical Theatre and the Acting B.F.A. Concentrations are required for admittance into one of these three B.F.A. Concentrations.
* Upon acceptance by the University and the Department of Theatre Arts and Dance, an indication of an area of concentration (Design and Technology, Musical Theatre, or Acting) is required.
B.F.A. - Academic Requirements
All Theatre Arts majors shall enroll in THEA 0181 for one hour per the requirements of their B.F.A. concentration in order to graduate. Students should see their advisor regarding practicum obligations. Transfer students must discuss THEA 0181 requirements with the Theatre Arts academic advisor.
- B.F.A. Design and Technology Concentration students are required to present an updated portfolio and resume of production and course work at a formal portfolio review session at the end of each semester enrolled. Students are required to perform an assigned BFA assignment each semester enrolled. These assignments can be work on a departmental production or projects geared to enhancing specific skill sets and portfolio materials. The BFA assignment is in addition to the requirements of the THEA 0181 Theatre Practicum course and any other course work. BFA assignments will be assigned by the Area Head of the Design and Technology Concentration with consultation from the design and technology faculty. Upon completion of the final semester of the B.F.A. Design and Technology Concentration, students will present their work at an exit portfolio presentation showcasing the student’s accumulated design and production work completed while enrolled in at UTA
- B.F.A. Musical Theatre Concentration students are required to audition for each major production each semester they are enrolled, unless special permission has been obtained in advance of the audition from the Musical Theatre Concentration Chair or the Chair of the Department.
- B.F.A. Acting Concentration students are required to audition for each major production each semester they are enrolled, unless special permission has been obtained in advance of the audition from the Acting Concentration Chair or the Chair of the Department.
A minimum grade point average of 2.25 is required in overall coursework taken at UT Arlington in order to remain in the B.F.A. degree program. A minimum grade point average of 2.50 is required for all Theatre courses taken at UT Arlington in order to remain in the B.F.A. degree program. Students currently enrolled at UT Arlington who wish to declare Theatre Arts as an intended B.F.A. major must have a minimum grade point average of 2.25 in overall coursework taken at UT Arlington, in addition to the admission requirements stated above, in order to be admitted.
Concurrent enrollment in more than one B.F.A. concentration is not allowed. A student must complete a B.F.A. concentration and graduate with that concentration before being allowed to enroll in a second B.F.A. concentration.
Students wishing to change their B.F.A. concentration from one plan to another must reapply for and be accepted by the faculty to the new concentration according to the application procedures applicable for that concentration. Students should be aware that changing B.F.A. concentrations may result in additional semesters of study. Students should contact their academic advisor to obtain a new graduation date when changing concentrations.
A student will be placed on departmental academic probation in the Department of Theatre Arts and Dance if their grade point average drops below the minimum requirements for the degree plan in which they are enrolled. A theatre arts student who is on academic probation must continue to audition for each major production but will not be allowed to accept a role or serve as a designer, stage manager or other significant production position for any of the productions during the next regular semester they are enrolled. If after a regular semester the student's grade point average returns to at least the minimum required grade point average for their degree plan, then the probation is removed. However, if after a regular semester the student's grade point average does not meet the minimum required grade point average, the student may be removed from the degree program as determined by the Department Chair and will be advised as to other degree plan alternatives, should they exist.
Production activities and Theatre Arts disciplinary rules shall be governed by a student handbook that is available to the student upon request through the Department of Theatre Arts and Dance or at <https://www.uta.edu/theatre>.
Department Scholarships
The Department of Theatre Arts and Dance offers limited scholarships to deserving students based upon talent, academic excellence, and merit. Work-study positions may be available. Contact the Department of Theatre Arts and Dance for information.