Comprehensive Requirement

The Department has established standards of excellence in theoretical analysis, performance, devising and production that our students meet by completing a comprehensive project in the senior year.

Information concerning all phases of the senior project can be obtained from the Department Chair.

The department accomplishes the college objectives for the Senior Comprehensive by having each candidate, having completed the THEA 121/THEA 122 requirement, (1) propose a creative or research project; (2) submit a paper of research and/or preparation during the comprehensive process, to be discussed with the faculty; and (3) execute the project. Projects may include but are not limited to acting, directing, design, playwriting, stage management, technical direction, theater management, devising, and scholarly research.

Required Courses for Comps Areas

In addition to fulfilling all required courses for the major, (including two THEA121/122s) to be approved for a comps project in a specific area, students must have completed certain courses and/or have related experience. Requirements are:

Directing Comps Requirements

• THEA410: Directing (or comparable experience approved by faculty)

• Work as an assistant director or stage manager on faculty or guest directed performance (or comparable experience approved by faculty)

• A 4 unit performance class that includes a component of translating text from the page to the stage in addition to THEA110 (Such as THEA210, THEA310, THEA315, THEA204, THEA212, THEA215, THEA290)

• Recommended: Choreography

• See guidelines for Directing Projects

Acting Comps Requirements

• THEA210: Acting

• A 4 unit advanced acting/performance course (Such as THEA310, THEA315, THEA204, THEA212, THEA215, THEA290)

• A 1 unit dance class (or equivalent TBD with faculty approval)

• Perform in a main stage or studio show (or comparable experience approved by faculty)

Playwriting Comps Requirements

• THEA380: Playwriting

• Participation in the NWF as a playwright, actor, producer, designer, or stage manager

Independent Devised Project Comps Requirements

• Must begin working on the project during the summer prior to senior year in consultation with a faculty mentor

• THEA210

• A course focused on devising such as THEA290, THEA310:Solo Performance, THEA204 (or equivalent experience approved by faculty)

• THEA380

• Recommended: THEA330 (Producing the live event)

• Before your senior year, help on a senior comps devised project or independent project

• See guidelines for independent projects

Tech Comps Requirements

• Assist in area of interest

• Advanced class in area of interest

Design Comps Requirements

• Assist in design in area of interest

• Advanced class in that area of design (THEA275:Scenic Design, THEA325:Lighting Design, THEA370:Costume Design, THEA246:Costume Construction, THEA 250:Period Styles for Stage & Screen)

Research Paper Comps Requirements

• A theory/history/literature class in addition to THEA301 (if not in the Department of TPS, then in a course approved by faculty at a 200 or above level)

• Recommended: apply for URC summer funding for summer research for your comps project