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Academic Units: School of Theatre and Dance

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Mission Statement
Study in the School of Theatre and Dance leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree. The theatre, dance and musical theatre concentrations will provide students with the skills required for graduate study and for employment in theatre and dance. The theoretical lessons of the classroom are complete only when applied in the context of active learning with practical work in studios and theatres. The course work includes: performance techniques, business management, dance composition, directing, scenic and costume design, technology, theatre and dance history and literary theory. Students think critically as they evaluate performances, designs, literary texts and practical projects. Such a broad-based liberal arts curriculum prepares students to pursue lifelong learning.
  Goals
The School of Theatre and Dance aims to provide students with:
  • an ability to understand and express conceptual knowledge.
  • an appreciation of the great works of theatre and dance.
  • an appreciation of theatre and dance as they exist on television, in films, on the stage and in other daily activities.
  • preparation to work within a group toward a defined goal.
  • preparation for a professional career in theatre and dance.
  • preparation for graduate-level studies in theatre and dance.
The school also seeks:
  • to support and enrich interdisciplinary and other academic programs at James Madison University.
  • to provide artistic stimulation and cultural enrichment to the extended community of James Madison University and the Shenandoah Valley.
Back to top of page Career Opportunities
For information about career opportunities in theatre and dance, contact the appropriate coordinator.
  • Dr. Roger Hall, theatre coordinator
  • Mr. Shane O’Hara, dance coordinator
Back to top of page Co-curricular Activities and Organizations
The School of Theatre and Dance offers a number of co-curricular activities and organizations. They allow students to apply and experiment with the theories they learn in the classroom and gain practical experience in their field.
  • Alpha Psi Omega
  • Children’s Playshop
  • Contemporary Dance Ensemble
  • Dance Studio Productions
  • Dance Theatre
  • Experimental Theatre Productions
  • Mainstage Productions
  • Stratford Players
  • Virginia Repertory Dance Company
Back to top of page Special Admission and Retention Requirements
Students planning to declare a dance concentration must audition through the dance program for placement purposes. To schedule an audition, contact the dance office by calling (540) 568-6511.

Students planning to declare a musical theatre concentration should contact the school office by calling (540) 568-6342 for current audition information.

A grade of “C-” or better must be achieved in all courses that apply to a major in the School of Theatre and Dance. All School of Theatre and Dance majors must complete the General Education program. Theatre/Musical Theatre concentration students cannot take GTHEA 210, Introduction to Theatre, to meet the fine arts/aesthetics requirements. Courses from other departments may not be counted both for the School of Theatre and Dance major and for another major.

Back to top of page Degree and Major Requirements
  Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Dance
The School of Theatre and Dance offers one B.A. major with a choice of three concentrations: theatre, dance or musical theatre. A theatre and dance major must fulfill core requirements and the requirements of a particular concentration.
  Degree Requirements
Required Courses
Credit Hours
General Education1
41
Foreign Language classes (intermediate level
required)2
0-14
Philosophy course (in addition to General Education courses)
3
University electives
4-34
Major requirements (listed below)
42-58
120
1 The General Education program contains a set of requirements each student must fulfill. The number of credit hours necessary to fulfill these requirements may vary.
2 The foreign language requirement may be satisfied by successful completion of the second semester of the intermediate level of the student’s chosen language (typically 232) or by placing out of that language through the Department of Foreign Language’s placement test.
Major Requirements
All students pursuing a B.A. degree in the School of Theatre and Dance must complete the core requirements listed below.
Core Requirements
Credit Hours
Choose one of the following:
2
DANC 140. Elementary Modern Dance1
DANC 142. Elementary Ballet
DANC 143. International Folk Dance
DANC 144. Ballroom Dance
DANC 146. Jazz Dance2
DANC 147. Tap Dance
DANC 245. Dance Improvisation1
THEA/DANC 171. Performance Production
3
THEA 273. Visual Aspects
3
8
1 DANC 140 and DANC 245 are not core options for the dance concentration. 2 DANC 146 is not a core option for the musical theatre concentration.
Back to top of page Concentrations
In addition to meeting the core requirements, students must choose a concentration and complete the concentration requirements. The concentrations and their requirements are listed here.
Theatre Program
  • Dr. Roger A. Hall, Coordinator
  • Phone: (540) 568-6037
  • E-mail: hallra@jmu.edu
Courses
Credit Hours
Core requirements
8
Concentration requirements:
THEA 211. Performance Analysis
3
THEA 251. Basic Acting
3
THEA 315. The European Theatre Tradition to 1800
3
THEA 316. The European Theatre Tradition from 1800
3
Choose one of the following:
3
THEA 441. Senior Seminar in Theatre1
THEA 499. Honors Thesis2
THEA 273. Visual Aspects
3
THEA 481. Theory and Performance Studies
3
THEA 200 or 300. Theatre Practicum
4
(Choose four different areas of main stage productions for one credit each from scenery, lighting, costumes, management or performance)
Group A electives (choose one of the following courses):
3
THEA 351. Intermediate Acting
THEA 355. Directing
THEA 452. Advanced Acting
THEA 453. Advanced Performance Techniques
THEA 466. Media Performance
Group B electives (choose one of the following courses):
3
THEA 271. Technical Theatre
THEA 331. Technical Costuming
THEA 332. Survey of Costume
THEA 333. Costume Design
THEA 371. Advanced Technical Theatre
THEA 374. Stage Lighting
THEA 376. Scene Design
Group C electives (choose one of the following courses):
3
THEA 449. London Theatre
THEA 485. American Theatre
ENG 333. Modern Drama
ENG 334. Contemporary Drama
ENG 456. Shakespeare’s Comedies and Tragic Histories
ENG 457. Shakespeare’s Tragedies and Comic Histories
ENG 458. Shakespeare on the Page and Stage in London
Group D electives (choose a course from group A, B or C that has not been applied already to the concentration requirements, or SCOM 243 Oral Interpretation, or any other course offered by the Theatre or Musical Theatre programs.)
3
42
1 This course fulfills the College of Visual and Performing Arts writing-intensive requirement for the major.
2 THEA 390, Directed Projects; THEA 490, Special Studies; THEA 499 Honors: No more than four hours of practicums may be applied to the theatre concentration, and no more than 10 hours of special studies (including practicums) may be applied to the theatre concentration.
Recommended Schedule for Majors
First Year
THEA 171. Performance Production
THEA 211. Performance Analysis
THEA 251. Basic Acting
Second Year
THEA 273. Visual Aspects
THEA 315. The European Theatre Tradition to 1800
THEA 316. The European Theater Tradition from 1800
Theatre Group Elective
Dance Core Requirement
Practicum
Third Year
THEA 481. Theory and Performance Studies
Theatre Group Elective
Practicum
Fourth Year
THEA 441. Senior Seminar in Theatre
Theatre Group Elective
Theatre Group Elective
Practicum
Dance Program
  • Shane O’Hara, Coordinator
  • Phone: (540) 568-6511
  • E-mail: oharast@jmu.edu
Courses
Credit Hours
Core requirements
8
Dance Concentration requirements:
DANC 245. Dance Improvisation
2
DANC 248. History of Dance1
3
DANC 320. Anatomy and Somatic Studies for the Dancer
3
DANC 345. Dance Composition I
3
DANC 445. Dance Composition II
3
DANC 449. The Dance Professional
3
DANC 479. Methods of Teaching Dance
3
Select four credits from the following courses:2
4
DANC 240. Intermediate Modern Dance I
DANC 340. Intermediate Modern Dance II
Select four credits from the following courses:
4
DANC 242. Intermediate Ballet I
DANC 342. Intermediate Ballet II
DANC 110. Associate Group Dance Repertory I
1
DANC 210. Associate Group Dance Repertory II
1
DANC 211 A, B. Contemporary Dance Ensemble Repertory I
2
DANC 311 A, B. Contemporary Dance Ensemble Repertory II
2
42
1 This course fulfills the College of Visual and Performing Arts writing-intensive requirement for the major.
2 The student is required to complete four credits each in modern and ballet technique at the intermediate to advanced-intermediate level, with placement to be assessed in conference with dance faculty. Modern, ballet and jazz technique classes all have an advanced level course in the curriculum. Above requirements are the minimum level expected of dance concentration students. Most majors will take technique courses as university electives through out their study in the dance program.
Recommended Schedule for Majors
First Year
DANC 110. Associate Ensemble (Fall)
DANC 171. Performance Production
DANC 210. Associate Ensemble (Spring)
DANC 240. Intermediate Modern
DANC 242 or 342. Intermediate I or Intermediate Ballet II
DANC 248. History of Dance
Second Year
THEA 273. Visual Aspects
DANC 143, 144 or 146. Folk, Ballroom or Jazz Dance
DANC 211. Contemporary Dance Ensemble Repertory I (Fall)
DANC 245. Dance Improvisation
DANC 311. Contemporary Dance Ensemble Repertory II (Spring)
DANC 340. Intermediate Modern II
DANC 342 or 442. Intermediate or Intermediate Ballet II
Third Year
DANC 320. Anatomy and Somatic Studies for the Dancer
DANC 345. Dance Composition I
DANC 479. Methods of Teaching Dance
DANC 411 or 312. Contemporary Dance Ensemble Repertory III or Virginia Repertory Co.
Other dance technique courses to fit the student’s schedule.
Fourth Year
DANC 445. Dance Composition II
DANC 449. The Dance Professional
Other dance technique courses to fit the student’s schedule.
Musical Theatre Program
  • William J. Buck, School Director
  • Phone: (540) 568-6342
  • E-mail: buckwj@jmu.edu
Courses
Credit Hours
Core requirements
8
Concentration requirements:
THEA 211. Performance Analysis
3
THEA 251. Basic Acting
3
THEA 200 or 300 Theatre Practicum
3
(Choose three different areas of main stage production for one credit each from scenery, lighting, costumes or management):
THEA 315. The European Theatre Tradition to 1800
3
THEA 316. The European Theatre Tradition from 1800
3
THEA 353. Music Theatre Workshop
3
THEA/MUS 357. Music Theatre History
3
THEA 441. Senior Seminar in Theatre1
3
THEA 483. Music Theatre Form and Analysis
3
One course from groups A and B of the theatre concentration requirements
6
DANC 146. Jazz Dance
2
DANC 246. Intermediate Jazz
2
DANC 346. Intermediate Jazz II/Musical Theatre Styles
2
MUAP 115/211. Small Group or Applied Voice (one credit)
2
MUS 131/132. Fundamentals of Music I and II
6
Voice/Performance electives from the following (one credit each):
3
MUS 115. Group Voice for Theatre/Dance Majors
MUAP 211. Applied Voice
MUAP 343. Opera Theatre2
Choral Ensemble
58
1 This course fulfills the College of Visual and Performing Arts writing-intensive requirement for the major.
2 May be taken for variable credit, but only one credit will apply towards major requirement.
Recommended Schedule for Majors
First Year
THEA 171. Performance Production
THEA 211. Performance Analysis
THEA 251. Basic Acting
DANC 147. Tap Dance
MUAP 115/211. Group Voice
Second Year
THEA 315. The European Theatre Tradition to 1800
MUS/THEA 357. Music Theatre History
DANC 246. Intermediate Jazz
MUAP 115/211. Group Voice
MUS 131. Fundamentals of Music for Nonmusic Majors I
MUS 132. Fundamentals of Music for Nonmusic Majors II
DANC Core Requirement
Third Year
THEA 353. Music Theatre Workshop
THEA 273. Visual Aspects of Theatre
THEA 483. Music Theatre Form and Analysis
DANC 346. Advanced Jazz/Musical Theatre Styles
THEA 316. The European Theatre Tradition from 1800
Music Elective
Fourth Year
THEA 441. Senior Seminar in Theatre
Theatre Group Elective
Theatre Group Elective
Music Electives
Back to top of page Teaching Licensure
Students considering teacher licensure should consult with the College of Education.
Back to top of page Teaching Licensure in Dance
  • Suzanne Miller-Corso, Adviser
  • Phone: (540) 568-3942
  • E-mail: mille2sm@jmu.edu
In addition to general education and theatre and dance requirements, students desiring PreK-12 teaching licensure in dance must complete 19 credits of additional course work in kinesiology, health science, education and psychology and 16 credits of student teaching. It is necessary to be admitted to the teacher education program prior to enrolling in professional education courses.
Course Requirements
Students seeking licensure are encouraged to consult regularly with the faculty adviser of dance education. The undergraduate degree leading to licensure must include the following minimum requirements in dance:
  • Credit must be earned in each area – ballet, folk, jazz and modern dance (8 credits)
  • Credit must be earned beyond the beginning level of ballet, folk, jazz or modern dance (3 credits)
  • Credit must be earned in dance composition, dance improvisation and dance production (minimum of 7 credits)
  • Credit must be earned in human anatomy, kinesiology, and injury prevention and care for dance (9 credits)
  • Credit must be earned in history of dance (3 credits)
The following is a list of the required courses leading to PreK-12 dance licensure and a suggested sequence of when each may be taken.
Courses
Credit Hours
KIN 311. Elementary Curriculum in Physical Education (fall, junior)
3
KIN 202. Biological Foundations in Kinesiology and Recreation (fall, junior)
3
ATEP 205. Recreation and Care of Athletic Injuries (spring, junior)
3
DANC 490. Special Studies in Dance: Teaching Practicum (prior to student teaching)
2
Required Education and Psychology Courses
Credit Hours
GPSYC 160. Life Span Human Development (may double count)
3
EDUC 360. Foundations of American Education
3
EDUC 480. Student Teaching
16
READ 420. Content Area Literacy, K-12
2
Back to top of page Minor Requirements
The School of Theatre and Dance offers a minor with options in theatre or dance. The following chart outlines each option’s specific requirements.
Theatre Minor
Choose one of the following:
3
THEA 171. Performance Production
THEA 273. Visual Aspects
Choose one of the following:
3
THEA 315. The European Theatre Tradition to 1800
THEA 316. The European Theatre Tradition from 1800
Electives selected from the theatre-designated courses with the approval of the minor adviser
15
21
Dance Minor
DANC 245. Dance Improvisation
2
DANC 248. History of Dance
3
Electives from contemporary dance techniques and/or folk and ballroom techniques with approval of minor adviser
10
Electives selected from dance-designated courses and/or dance related courses at the 300 or 400 level with approval of minor adviser.
6
21
Creative Writing Minor
The interdisciplinary minor in creative writing is designed to give students an opportunity to develop their writing talents across a number of literary forms and communication contexts. For more detailed information on the minor in creative writing, refer to the section on “Interdisciplinary Programs.”
Film Studies Minor
The interdisciplinary minor in film studies is designed for students who wish to extend their critical understanding of visual communication and narrative form by studying how movies tell stories, convey information and influence audiences. For more detailed information on the minor in film studies, refer to the section on “Interdisciplinary Programs."
Back to top of page Credit by Examination
A student may earn credit for a course in the School of Theatre and Dance by passing an examination. The school administers credit by examination tests during only the first two weeks of a fall or spring semester. The tests will not be offered during summer sessions. A student can take a credit by examination test only once during a semester.

A student must request permission for credit by examination by the end of the semester that precedes the semester in which he or she wants to take the examination. Theatre and dance majors who want to meet a major requirement through examination must take the examination before their final year of study. The school does not offer credit by examination for performance or design courses such as acting, directing, scene design, lighting design, costume design, makeup, stage management, dance technique, composition and ensembles.