Theatre (BA)
What is Theatre?
Wayne State University's Theatre program is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in all aspects of theatre and theatre production. Having completed a rigorous fundamental sequence of courses, students are prepared to choose their path of study (acting, design and technology, stage management, theatre management, history and dramaturgy, etc.).
What can I do with a Theatre Degree?
The various programs of the Department of Theatre offer creative opportunities for theatrical learning and pre-professional training at every academic level. Undergraduate majors may prepare for careers in teaching, acting, design/technology, and related fields. The Department sponsors a large number of production activities and practicum experiences including the Bonstelle Theatre, Studio Theatre, Director's Series, and Student Stage. Participation in these activities is available to all University students.
Course planning
Choose an area of study (associate degree), earn Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA), and complete pathway courses. The below pathway outlines the required Oakland Community College courses. Courses not taken or transferred from Oakland Community College can be completed at Wayne State University
Choose an area of study
| Associate Degree | |
|---|---|
| Associate in Arts (AA) | Cinematic Arts (AA) |
| Associate in Science (AS) | Fine Arts/Visual (AA) |
| Associate in General Studies (AGS) | Music (AA) |
| Theatre Associate in Arts (AA) |
Earn the Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA)
| MTA Requirement/Specific Course | Credit Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| *ENG 1510 Composition I (ENG 1020) | 3 | ENG 1510E also acceptable |
| *COM 2620 Oral Interpretation of Literature (COM 2500) | 3 | |
| Approved Mathematics (see MTA) | 4 | |
| Approved Natural Science (see MTA) | 4 | |
| Approved Natural Science with lab (see MTA) | 4 | Second science must be from different discipline with lab |
| Approved Social Science (see MTA) | 3 | |
| Approved Social Science (see MTA) | 3 | Second Social Science must be from different discipline |
| *THE 1561 Intro to Theatre (THR 1010) | 3 | |
| *ENG 1720, 2750, 2780, or HUM 1900 (see MTA) | 3 | |
| Total | 30 credits min. |
*Meets MTA requirements and/or satisfies Wayne State degree requirement (prerequisites may be required, see OCC counselor).
Complete pathway courses
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| THE 1571 Acting I (THR1211) | 3 |
| THE 1601 Theatre Production & Tech (THR 2130) | 3 |
| THE 1701 Theatre Activity (THR 2580) | 1 |
| THE 1702 Theatre Activity (THR 2580) | 2 |
| Total | 9 credits |
Course planning
The following courses are required to finish the degree requirements. Any pathway course(s) not completed at the community college can be completed at Wayne State University.
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Theatre
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| THR 1121 Play Analysis | 3 |
| THR 1411 Fundamentals of Crafts: Scenery/Costumes | 3 |
| THR 1451 Principles of Makeup | 1 |
| THR 5841 Theatre History I | 3 |
| THR 2581-2587 Theatre Studio (min. 4 credits) | 1 |
| THR 5811 Development of Drama I: Greek to 18th Century | 3 |
| THR 5812 Development of Drama II: 19th to Modern | 3 |
| THR 5993 Writing Intensive Course in Theatre | 0 - Taken with THR 5812 |
| THR 4997 Theatre Capstone Experience | 3 |
| THR Electives | 5-6 |
| Additional electives | 16 Credits could be used for BFA requirements |
| Choose one: 3 credits | |
| THR 2220 Fundamentals of Voice and Movement | 3 |
| THR 2301 Intro to Design for the Theatre | 3 |
| THR 3731 Applied Theatre Studies: Community | 3 |
| THR 3735 Applied Theatre Studies: Education | 3 |
| Choose one: 3 credits | |
| THR 1030 Intro to Black Theatre and Performance | 3 |
| THR 1041 Musical Theatre | 3 |
| THR 5821 Black Dramatic Literature and Performance | 3 |
| THR 5831 Pioneers of Modern Theatre | 3 |
| THR 5842 Theatre History II | 3 |
Transfer credit summary
| Transfer credit summary | Credits |
|---|---|
| Oakland Community College transferrable credits | 70 credits |
| Required Wayne State University credits | 50-51 credits |
| Total credits required to complete bachelor's degree | 120 credits (transferred or WSU) |
- WSU requires a minimum of 30 hours in residency.
- You can review how courses transfer using the course equivalency tool for other acceptable equivalences.
Admission Requirements
- Admission requirements for the program include an audition or interview with the Theatre Faculty and satisfying the general requirements for undergraduate admission to the University.
- Matriculation: All students in baccalaureate theatre degree programs begin as BA students and subsequently may change to the BFA program depending on interest and ability.
How do I get started?
- Join Wayne State Transfer Pathways
- Schedule a WSU Transfer Success Appointment
- Meet with your academic advisors and track your academic progress
Notes
- The pathway allows multiple associate degree options with the flexibility to customize your degree path. The minimum eligibility to participate in the Wayne State Transfer Pathways is a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above, Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA), and an associate degree (earned or Reverse Transfer).
- All college-level (non-developmental), non-duplicated courses with a 2.0 (C) grade point average (GPA) or above will be considered for transfer credit. Earned credit will transfer as 1) direct course equivalency, 2) major/department credit, or 3) elective credit. Credits not earned at the community college will need to be taken at WSU.
- These pathways do not replace the importance of community college and Wayne State academic advising. The pathway provides a general roadmap to degree completion.
Primary contacts
Oakland Community College
Counseling Office
oaklandcc.edu/counseling
248-341-2000
Transfer Student Success Center
transfer@wayne.edu
313-577-2487