Majoring & Minoring

At Lewis & Clark, theatre majors are required to study all aspects of the theatre. The major consists of course work in classic and contemporary dramatic literature, acting, directing, theatre design, and dance. Many students also participate in our growing playwriting program.

The Major Program

Students interested in a theatre major are encouraged to participate in theatre department courses or activities in their first year and to consult with a member of the theatre faculty. Students should declare the theatre major by the end of the sophomore year.

The theatre department offers a balanced major that gives students flexibility in determining an area of emphasis. All theatre majors are required to take courses in dramatic literature and theatre history, theatre theory, performance, design, and dance or movement. Students majoring in theatre must choose a concentration in dramatic literature/theatre history, performance, or design/technical theatre.

Senior majors complete a thesis project that is the culmination of their studies in theatre. This project may be based either in performance or research.

Major: Concentration In Literature/Theatre History

Major: Concentration In Performance

Major: Concentration In Design/Technical Theatre

The Minor Program

The theatre department offers two minor programs, one that focuses on theatre studies and one that focuses on dance studies. As an integral part of a performing arts program, the dance minor requires courses in dance and theatre.

Minor: Concentration In Theatre Studies

Minor: Concentration In Dance

Honors

To qualify for honors candidacy, students must show outstanding promise in one or more of the following areas:

1. Performance: directing or playwriting.
2. Theatre technology and design: design and construction of sets or costumes, design and operation of light and sound systems.
3. Theatre and drama: theatre history or criticism.

The required GPA is 3.500 in the major and overall. Normally, qualified students should apply for candidacy during the junior year, no later than two semesters prior to graduation. Honors in theatre is usually limited to the success of a senior thesis project. Transfer students must have completed two semesters of academic residence at Lewis & Clark and should submit a transcript or other evidence of achievement at the time of application. Students who wish to pursue honors in theatre should seek further information from the department.

Resources For Nonmajors

The following courses are appropriate for general students:
104 Stage Makeup
106 Fundamentals of Movement
107 Ballet I
108 Contemporary Dance Forms I
110 Theatre Laboratory
113, 213 Acting I, II
214 Dance History and Performance Criticism
234 Stage Lighting
275 Introduction to Playwriting
281–283 Theatre and Society I–III
351–353 Rehearsal and Performance I–III

Majors are encouraged to participate regularly in all aspects of the production program. Theatre studies at Lewis & Clark are designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the literature of the theatre and the nature of theatrical communication. The development of creative and collaborative abilities are emphasized, as are writing and speaking skills. For more information see Theatre Arts section of the current Lewis & Clark College Catalog.