In addition to the Theater courses outlined below, Lang has general requirements, including a minimum number of credits in liberal arts courses and college residency requirements. All students should read these general requirements for all BA and BS degrees and consult with their Student Success advisor and departmental faculty advisor each semester to ensure that they are on track to graduate.
Students in the Theater program at Eugene Lang College take part in seminar classes and develop their craft through innovative acting, directing, and playwriting work. They also take foundational courses in theater history, theory, and dramatic literature. The program emphasizes civic engagement and global perspectives on theater as well as media and performance. Theater students take courses with students in the Dance, Music, and Visual Studies concentrations.
Students must receive grades of C or better in all courses taken to fulfill major requirements. Only specific courses satisfy the major requirements, including electives. Courses should be chosen carefully, in consultation with the departmental faculty advisor.
The major in Theater requires completion of 13 courses, distributed as follows. Track your progress using the program worksheets (below). See the Course Catalog for an updated list of courses that fulfill these requirements.
Theater Degree Requirements*
Introductory courses:
- ULEC 2320 Aesthetics or another approved aesthetics course (3-4 credits)
- Two foundational courses in theater practice chosen from the following (total 8 credits):
- Acting Fundamentals
- Introduction to Playwriting
- Introduction to Directing
- One theater history course (4 credits)
- One production course (4 credits)
- One production course (4 credits)
Other required courses:
- One theater theory course (4 credits)
- One dramatic literature course (4 credits)
- Two theater electives chosen from courses with subject code LTHR or other approved theater courses cross-listed with other programs or divisions (total 8 credits)
- Three Lang Interarts courses, identified by subject code LINA (9-12 credits)
Senior capstone:
- Senior Capstone project (4 credits). Choose one:
- Senior Seminar
or Individual Independent Project
or Collaborative Independent Project
Total credits: 48-52
* Note on Distribution Requirements
Students must take at least one course in each of the three focus areas listed below. The three courses can be chosen from all required or elective courses designated for the focus area in the course description.
Media and Performance
Courses exploring new approaches to performance and technology through the study of contemporary artists and theater companies. Sample courses: Puppetry in the Digital Age, Acting for the Camera, Intermedia, and Intersection of Theater and Technology.
Global Perspectives
Courses exploring theatrical traditions and dramatic literature from cultures around the world, often in relation to contemporary international issues such as human rights and immigration. Sample courses: The Drama of Global Issues, History of World Theater, Nordic Drama, Latin American Theater, and Middle Eastern Theater.
Civic Engagement
Courses exploring theater with an emphasis on social justice, civic engagement, and practical work in the community through such programs as I Have a Dream. Sample courses: Theater of Social Action, Playwriting: Renegade Text, Social Themes in the American Musical, IHD: Harlem Afterschool Theater Program.