Theatre Department

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Eric Hagen, Chairperson
184A Warren M. Lee Center for the Fine Arts
(605) 677-5418
theatre@usd.edu

FACULTY:

Professors:

Tim Case, Scene Design, Scene Painting
Daniel G. Guyette, Dean, College of Fine Arts, Scene Design
Eric Hagen, Directing, Acting, Stage Combat , Stage Management
Ronald L. Moyer, Theatre History, Dramatic Literature, Directing, Acting

Associate Professors:

Dennis Chandler, Lighting and Sound Design
Bruce Earnest, Musical Theatre
Charlotte Guyette, Acting, Directing
Priscilla Hagen, Acting, Voice & Speech for the Stage
Roberta N. Rude, Movement for the Stage, Directing, Acting
Linda Wigley Scribner, Costume Design, Make-up

Assistant Professors:

Patricia Downey, Dance, Choreography, Musical Theatre
Scott Mollman, Technical Direction, Scenic Construction and Rigging

MAJOR: THEATRE, B.F.A.

SPECIALIZATIONS:

ACTING
DESIGN/TECHNOLOGY
MUSICAL THEATRE
THEATRE

MINOR: THEATRE

From acting in Shakespeare festivals or television to creating costumes for leading theatres, from the design of television scenery to voice-over work in film, from digital sound design to creating amusement park rides or constructing movie monsters, a major in theatre is an extraordinary preparation for a wide variety of possible careers. At the same time, theatre studies provide individuals with excellent communication, creative problem solving, and group interpersonal skills that will profit them in any career they might choose. In addition to arts and entertainment professionals, theatre majors have become successful lawyers, public relations directors, newscasters, ministers, advertising executives, sales managers, restaurateurs, and, of course, educators. In small classes, working closely with faculty mentors, explore your Self while realizing your creative potential within a supportive, collaborative setting. Money magazine ranks entertainment as one of the ten “hottest jobs in America,” an encouraging situation for anyone interested in any aspect of the performing arts

The Department of Theatre prepares the student for a career in the theatre and encourages personal and creative growth. It does this by providing a comprehensive humanistic education, supplemented by intensive craft-training, in which classroom study and practical experience are of equal and complementary value. The Department promotes excellence in education, research, and service; explores new questions, techniques, and practices in theatre; and inspires students to become life-long learners who contribute to their respective discipline and profession while enhancing the cultural life of their community. 

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

A 2.50 grade point average in theatre coursework is required for graduation with a B.F.A. A 3.00 GPA is required in the professional focus area for continuation in the Acting, Design/Technology, or Musical Theatre specialization. All B.F.A. majors enter in the Theatre specialization. Entrance into the Acting, Design/Technology, or Musical Theatre specialization is by permission of the Theatre faculty upon completion of an interview and an audition for Acting or Musical Theatre specializations or an interview and portfolio presentation for the Design/Technology specialization; the interviews, etc., are normally held in the spring of each academic year.

SCHOLARSHIPS

A limited number of First-year Student Talent Scholarships are available to incoming first-year students who declare a Theatre major. Interview and audition or art/technical portfolio are required. Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA, register for 2 theatre courses (6 credit hours), and participate in one University Theatre production each semester of this first-year student scholarship.

Endowed Scholarships (awarded by faculty to Sophomore-Seniors; students must maintain a 3.0 GPA in the major and a 2.5 overall GPA, and be actively involved in the University Theatre season), including:

Dorothy & Robert Foote Scholarship 
First Nighters Scholarship 
Harvey J. & Alwayne B. Gunderson Scholarship (available to Senior Theatre major) 
Louise Hansen Scholarship 
Nelville A. Seeley Theatre Scholarship 
Robert & Karen Twitchell Scholarship 
Roger Miller Memorial Scholarship 
Strollers Memorial Scholarship 
University Theatre Scholarship 
Warren M. Lee University Theatre Scholarship 
Wayne S. & Esther M. Knutson Scholarship

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