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 departmental honors, students must demonstrate, in their first three years, outstanding achievement in one or more of the major’s three concentrations: dramatic literature and theatre history, performance, or design and technical theatre. The required GPA is 3.500 overall and in the major.  Theatre Department faculty will invite qualified students to apply for departmental honors in the fall of their senior year.  They must then demonstrate excellence in the capstone work of the Senior Seminar (Th 450), achieving a B+ or above in both the creative project (if applicable) and written thesis.  Theatre Department faculty will monitor an applicant’s progress toward Honors.

 

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.