Course Listings
Theater
A major and a minor in Theater are available, as well as teacher certification in Theater Arts for grades 5-12. See also the minor in Musical Theater and minor in Theater Education.
Major in Theater
41-72 credit hours (core and one concentration area)
Core courses (28 credit hours)
- One of the following3
- THEA 201 Theater for Social Change3
- THEA 225 The Theater Experience3
- One of the following3
- One of the following3
- THEA 386 History of Theater I3
- THEA 387 History of Theater II3
- THEA 409 Internship3
- THEA 410 Senior Seminar3
- THEA 414 Senior Project1
- THEA 200 Theater PracticeNC
- At least six semesters participation in theater productions
Acting/Performance concentration (13 credit hours)
Design/Technical concentration (13 credit hours)
Theater Arts Education concentration (55 credit hours)
Film Studies concentration (22 credit hours)
Generalist concentration (13 credit hours)
Student learning outcomes
Graduates in Theater will:
- Develop an understanding of theater as collaborative and interdisciplinary.
- Demonstrate basic skills in effective oral, written and visual communication.
- Comprehend foundational concepts and practices in the theater discipline and develop fluency in one or more concentration areas.
- Develop a style of leadership that shows respect for others and models the college’s core values.
- Gain a clear understanding of how their work is perceived by others.
- Develop a clear sense of Christian ethics and standards in the theater field.
- Have a working understanding of available theater and related careers and avocations.
- Be prepared for graduate school.
- Serve the campus community and broader public through co-curricular involvement.
Planning guide
| First year | Goshen Core The Theater Experience Theater Practice Acting I or Tech/Design course |
| Second year | Goshen Core The Power of Story Expository Writing or Communication Research History of Theater Theater Practice Courses in major SST |
| Third year | Goshen Core History of Theater Theater for Social Change Theater Practice Upper-level courses in major |
| Fourth year | Balance of Goshen Core Balance of major Senior Seminar Internship |
Planning and advising notes
Transfer students must have a minimum of nine hours of theater courses at Goshen College. The Thea 409/Internship should be in the student’s area of concentration. A senior recital and a portfolio or its equivalent are required for graduation.
A secondary teacher education program in theater arts for grades 5-12 is available. Students should elect the theater education concentration described above. The program requires 36 credits of education courses, including a semester of student teaching.
The first education class, Educ 201, should be taken in May term of the first year or fall of the sophomore year. See the education catalog and web pages for more details about requirements.
Minor in Theater
20 credit hours
Planning and advising notes
Concentration courses are selected in consultation with theater minor advisor. At least eight credit hours in the minor should be upper-level credit (300 and above). At least six credit hours must be taken at Goshen College. A faculty-approved and supervised theater recital (or its equivalent) is encouraged, but not required for theater minors.
COMM 212 Digital Media Production
An introduction to digital media with an emphasis on field video production. The primary goal of the course is the development of the necessary video and audio skills and understandings needed to create effective digital media messages. Secondary goals include...
COMM 386 Film
Survey of film as art, literature and mass medium. Historical development; authors and genres; philosophical, economic and political issues. A selection of 12 films for detailed study. Emphasis on “reading” film, understanding the medium’s function and exploring contemporary cinematic issues.
THEA 200 Theater Practice
Applied on-campus work in a theater production or other theater activity. All students involved in a semester production register for at least 0 credits. A repeatable course with a maximum of two hours applicable toward a theater major or minor....
THEA 201 Theater for Social Change
History, elements, and methods of theater performance. Includes script analysis, developing a performance vocabulary, idea generation/research, theater games/exercises, production work and performance critique. Class members will create and present a public performance that explores a current campus or regional social...
THEA 225 The Theater Experience
This course examines the elements of theater and the production process. It will include script analysis of selected plays, acting exercises, and design and production work. A theater lab will be required.
THEA 234 Acting I
Fundamental acting skills: movement, voice and character development. An emphasis on Stanislavski’s theory of acting and realistic scene work. Scene studies from selected scripts.
THEA 235 The Power of Story
An introduction to performance studies as a mode of inquiry. Concentration on the methods of communicating narrative texts for various audiences. Course activities/assignments will explore the power and role of story in contemporary culture by analyzing and participating in various...
THEA 236 Stagecraft
Introduction to the techniques of theater production including carpentry, scene painting, props, lighting and sound equipment. Lab work on current productions.
THEA 245 Aesthetics
The study of aesthetics focuses on the philosophy of art, the nature of creativity, the work created, the problem of form and style, expression in art, society and ethics and arts and religion. The course includes lectures, primary reading materials...
THEA 332 Design for the Theater
Principles, methods and aesthetics of theater production: design, stagecraft, lighting, costume, sound and make-up. Lab work on current productions.
THEA 334 Acting II
A study of acting techniques that apply to period styles such as Ancient Greece, Elizabethan, the Restoration, etc. Scene study from selected scripts will be used to explore and develop effective vocal and physical skills to communicate expressive meaning. Laboratory...
THEA 335 Audition Technique
Prepare audition material and develop audition etiquette. Experience mock audition scenarios.
THEA 338 Directing
Principles of interpretation, analysis, design, composition and stage movement. The director’s craft: play selection, auditions, rehearsals, and production. Laboratory work under faculty supervision. Prerequisite: Thea 225, Thea 234 or consent of instructor.
THEA 350 Playwriting
Students will examine the theory and practice of playwriting. Typically, students write a one-act play as the course requirement. Class will meet regularly as a seminar. Prerequisite: Any college writing course.
THEA 386 History of Theater I
A study of the forms and conventions of all phases of theater (writing, performance, design, architecture) from classical Greece through the Renaissance. Emphasis on trends in performance. Includes the reading of selected plays. May be taken in either order with...
THEA 387 History of Theater II
A study of the forms and conventions of all phases of theater (writing, performance, design, architecture) from the English Restoration through the 20th century. Emphasis on trends in performance. Includes the reading of selected plays. May be taken in either...
THEA 409 Internship
An off-campus internship in a professional or non-profit setting for theater majors and minors. The student contracts with a faculty member in regard to goals, performance expectations, supervision, evaluation and course subtitle. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
THEA 410 Senior Seminar
Students will discuss practical, professional, and ethical dimensions of their Goshen College education. They will engage in a common reading experience, conduct a final project, interview professionals in their aspirational fields, and prepare a capstone portfolio that reflects designated learning...
THEA 412 Special Project
Students may conduct research of particular interest or pursue specialized applied projects in theater under faculty supervision, such as stage managing, dramaturgy, designing or directing. Repeatable course. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
THEA 413 Mainstage Project
Students in the design/technical theater concentration are required to design or stage manage at least one mainstage production as a major requirement. Students taking on a performance role in a mainstage production can also receive credit with faculty approval. Repeatable...
THEA 414 Senior Project
All theater majors are required to complete a senior theater recital (or comparable project) for credit during the senior year. The student prepares a written proposal in advance that requires theater faculty approval. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.