The creative, collaborative processes inherent in the theatre make theatre arts one of the most effective majors for those students who are eager to acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes they will need to succeed in the 21st century workplace. Productions serve as the central applied component of this major. They are the public laboratories in which students test the theories and apply the technologies studied in the classroom. Productions also serve as cultural resources that provide significant department outreach to the SDSU campus and San Diego community. A core sequence of theoretical and practical courses is required of all undergraduate majors.
Introductory courses provide students with a solid foundation in all aspects of theatre.
They include acting, design, dramatic literature, and theatre technology. Upper division requirements round out the student's background with courses in play analysis, theatre history, directing, performance, design and practical production experience. A unique Production Synthesis course serves as the capstone for the theatre arts curriculum. Students may elect either the General Theatre Arts program or pursue a single specialized emphasis in Performance, Design and Technology for the Theatre, Design for Television and Film, Children's Drama, or the Single Subject Teaching Credential. Those who prepare for the Credential take a combination of English, linguistics and specific theatre arts courses that meet state Credential requirements.