BA Theatre degree

Inherent in the program is a commitment to give students a broad exposure to all aspects of theatre and drama. Students have great flexibility in shaping their program uniquely through choices of electives in Theatre beyond the requirements, or through choosing to follow a second major. BA students are able to participate in all aspects of the department, such as working on main stage productions as actors, designers, technicians, assistant directors, dramaturgs, or as becoming teaching assistants and stage managers. There really is no "typical" BA theatre student, as each student is free to create an individual program of study. Below are some examples of how students have shaped their BA program.

Students are challenged to aspire to excellence in technique along with professionalism, intellectualism and collaboration. Throughout the four years certain required classes may have a primary focus, and while emphasis may change from year to year, all values are certainly reaffirmed and developed in all area classes throughout the four-year program of study.

Freshman Year

Analysis

Technique

Collaboration

Professional

Creating theatre ultimately involves connecting the unique talents and visions of many individuals. Therefore, practicing skills in collaboration is the main focus of this year. You will be involved in several class group projects as well as participate outside of the classroom in practicum experiences, which support our main stage production season. It is expected that through these experiences individual self-discipline will be developed as well as the ability to play supportively and cooperatively within an ensemble.

You will also learn about and practice fundamental analysis of scripts and basic techniques in acting. Studying stagecraft theory along with hands-on practice helps students to be aware of the variety of skills and talent needed in production areas of theatre. These courses serve as prerequisites for elective choices in Dramatic Literature, Acting, and Design/Technical classes.

Professional skills will be developed through creation of a theatrical resume, and identification of career opportunities for summer work.

Freshman University studies classes of Critical Writing, Reading, and Research I and II enhance theatre students' sensitivity to language, develop close reading skills, and expand abilities in creative expression and research skills.

Sophomore Year

Analysis

Technique

Collaboration

Professional

Students are expected to begin exploring individual courses of study in the sophomore year through beginning a minor or perhaps a second major. Design studio courses allow students to explore specific areas which may inspire further areas of study.

A course in U.S. Studies increases theatre students' awareness of cultural diversity of the human experience. Students may also take the non-sequential course requirements in Quantitative Analysis and Science which help to develop logical and systematic thinking processes to balance creative and imaginative ways of knowing the world.

Junior Year

Analysis

Technique

Collaboration

Professional

In this year students investigate more thoroughly the historical, literary, and theoretical theatrical traditions through Integrated Theatre Studies I and II and Dramatic Literature courses.

A choice of a Global Studies course continues to expand theatre students' awareness of diversity in the world beyond the Western traditions. Also continuing will be courses in a second language, or semiotics or a specific cultural tradition.

Many students take advantage of the flexibility of the Junior year to take a semester abroad. For example, theatre students have recently returned from semester long experiences in England, Ireland, Argentina, Australia, Spain, and Italy.

Senior Year

Analysis

Technique

Collaboration

Professional

Directing I challenges students to bring together their analytical, intellectual, and technical skills as they learn to compose scenes through a collaborative process.

The senior year is a time that students develop individual projects or find opportunities that help to synthesize their learning in professional ways. Students explore employment possibilities as well as graduate school options.

Examples of BA programs of study

Brian Blankenship, class of 2008 (double major with Creative Writing)

Millikin University's Bachelor of Arts program in Theatre fostered my love of the theatre and helped me to define for myself the significance of the art form in my own life. And while the flexibility of the BA major allowed for a second major in Creative Writing as well as an amalgam of other activities, I also found a cohesive synergy between all aspects of my collegiate career which tended to fuel my art, forcing me to explore and dissect and constantly rediscover a variety of facets within the theatre and writing. I am a true believer of the interdisciplinary approach to education encouraged through the BA theatre major and I credit the program for equipping me as a confident performer, a well-informed technician and designer, and a versatile and eclectic writer.

Selected activities:
Student Technical Director for Pipe Dreams studio theatre and Editor and Designer of main stage production programs. Co-Editor in Chief and Design Editor of Collage, Millikin's student published literary magazine. President of Sigma Tau Delta, the international English Honors Fraternity, and Production Manager for and a founding member of Bronze Man Books, Millikin's student owned and operated publishing company. Composer and lyricist for The Mouse Expedition (an original musical play for children which premiered at Millikin).

Heidi Schmitt, class of 2008 (double major in History)

The BA program allowed me the freedom to explore which areas of theatre most interested me. The structure encourages independence and self-motivation through a wide range of choices. I was able to tailor the program to meet my needs and expectations through the vast array of electives. There are many opportunities to experience all aspects of theatre, and to apply the theories learned in class through both main stage and student productions. The BA program also gave me the flexibility to double major in Theatre and History. Gaining this dual perspective has been invaluable to my understanding of the world in which I live. I have been able to draw from each of these disciplines in my work here.

selected activities:
Dramaturg for The Great God Brown. Production Assistant for The Mouse Experdition. Study Abroad in South America which included being a Performer in El Viaje and the Dramaturg for The Primary Spanish Class.

Robert Skosky, class of 2008

Being a BA at Millikin has allowed me to create the perfect major for me. Throughout my four years here, I was able to focus my studies on acting and performing while still being allowed to branch out and explore other areas of theatre as well. In addition to all of the performance classes I knew I wanted to take, I found myself becoming interested in design classes as well. With the wide variety of classes offered at Millikin, I could act in a Main stage and build a costume for a different show all in the same semester. I also had the opportunity to be a Teaching Assistant, which not only allowed me to hone my craft further, but gain confidence and teaching experience as well. Whether you are clueless as to where theatre might lead you or you know exactly what you want to do, Millikin's BA program has something to offer you. It gives you the flexibility to get exactly what you want out of your education and emerge from college not only a well-roundeded performer, but also a well-rounded person. With the BA program I graduated with a program I could call my own.

Selected activities:
Actor: The Great God Brown, The Crucible, The Transfiguation, Six Degrees of Separation, and Arcadia. Teahcing Assistant for Acting for Non-Majors. Pledge Master of Alpha Psi Omega (Theatre Honorary Fraternity) and Theatre Immersion course in South America.

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