Department of Fine Arts
THEATRE ARTS - OVERVIEW

THE THEATRE ARTS PROGRAM

Located in the Hyman Fine Arts Center, the Theatre program operates as a division of the Department of Fine Arts in the College of Liberal Arts. The program offers a major which leads to the Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts as well as a minor in Theatre Arts.

ACCREDITATION

Francis Marion University is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Theatre. National accreditation by NAST gives Francis Marion University students majoring in theatre performance or theatrical design easier access to graduate and professional programs in parts of the country outside the region already aware of the program's reputation for excellence.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Department of Fine Arts offers a major in theatre arts with specialties in performance (acting and directing) or design/technology (scenery, lighting, costuming, and stagecraft). The department seeks to prepare students for graduate studies in the major, for entering professional training programs, or for entering professions that require creative thinking and artistic expression.  Students may also earn either a minor or a collateral in theatre. The education students participate in develops life skills of self-discipline, personal responsibility, and organization; and the ability to communicate effectively and work cooperatively is fostered in the program. The program educates the student body at large and serves the community through quality performances that exhibit student and faculty artistic work and function as a laboratory for applying skills learned in the classroom and studio.

THE CURRICULUM

The Theatre Arts major provides students with sound training in all areas of theatre, which can serve as an end in itself, as undergraduate preparation for graduate study, or as a program leading directly to a career in theatre. The Theatre Arts core curriculum provides a solid theatre background for either of the advanced specialty areas, performance or design. The core curriculum represents the basic body of knowledge that all theatre artists should have. The specialty courses afford each student advanced training in his selected career area: acting, directing, scenic design, costume design, lighting design, sound design, and theatre management.

The purpose of the Theatre Arts program is to develop a well-rounded understanding of theatre and the related arts. Although some graduates have entered the profession immediately, most seek further training in either graduate or professional schools. Some graduates are actors, directors, producers, etc.; however, most are bankers, school teachers, ministers, college professors, film makers, and business people.

Note:  Many students are under the mistaken impression that it's a good idea to "get all the General Education courses out of the way" first, then concentrate on their major during their last two years. DO NOT DO THIS. You may not be able to graduate on time unless you begin taking (and passing) theatre courses right away.  Some of our courses may not be offered every semester. You should declare your major and have an advisor assigned from the Theatre Arts faculty as early in your academic career as you can order to graduate in four years.

THE UNIVERSITY THEATRE

RECENT MAINSTAGE PRODUCTIONS

ALUMNI "WORKING IN THE BUSINESS"

The Fine Arts Department's co-curricular production company, The University Theatre, offers four major productions each year and as many as 12 student directed experimental theatre productions. Each year more than 150 students from across the campus participate in The University Theatre's productions. Although the productions act as the laboratory for the theatre majors and minors, their primary function is to serve the entire campus and community. Student actors and technicians learn to sustain high standards of performance through exposure to a large and demanding audience.

 

THE FINE ARTS THEATRE FACILITIES

Mr. David C. Granath
Coordinator of Theatre Arts Program
Professor of Theatre Arts and Speech
M.F.A., University of Miami
(843) 661-1536
dgranath@fmarion.edu