Skip to: Major in Speech/Theatre | Theatre Minor | Course Descriptions
Mission Statement: In accordance with the mission statement of Missouri Baptist University and the academic program, the Theatre discipline offers undergraduate courses of study which equip students with basic skills in theatrical production and prepares them for positions which require heightened aesthetic awareness of drama. Additional purposes are to provide classes and dramatic experience for students majoring in other fields, as well as cultural experiences for the University community.
Major in Speech/Theatre
Leading to Missouri Teacher Certification
Mission Statement: In accordance with the mission statement of Missouri Baptist University, the academic program, and the speech and theatre disciplines, this major focuses on preparing students for careers in speech and theatre education with a program leading to secondary certification (grades 9-12) by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. A concentration in Speech/Theatre is also available as part of the Middle Childhood Education major for those interested in teaching at the middle school level (grades 5-9).
All candidates for Missouri State Teacher Certification must be formally admitted into the Teacher Education program at Missouri Baptist University. No student will be allowed to student teach unless he or she has been formally admitted into the Teacher Education program prior to applying to student teach.
Major (45 hours)
Required Theatre (THEA) courses (18 hours):
THEA 103 Introduction to Theatre*
THEA 113 Acting I
THEA 213 Stage Make-up
THEA 233 Stagecraft
THEA 313 History of Theatre
THEA 333 Directing
Required Communications (CO_) courses (18 hours):
COMM 103 Speech Communications*
COMM 233 Introduction to Cross-Cultural Communication*
COMM 303 Understanding Human Communications
COMM 313 Applied Public Speaking
COST 333 Argument and Debate
COST 403 Oral Interpretation of Literature
Electives from Communications and Theatre
(6 hours from the following):
COMM 113 Introduction to Mass Communications
COMM 143 Introduction to Business Communications
COMM 153 Appreciation of Film
COMM 223 Media Literacy
COMM 333 Small Group Communication
COMT 353 Writing for Audio and Video
MUCS/THEP
111/113 Theatre Production
MUTS 131/331 Musical Theatre Production
THEP 131/331 Drama Troupe – In Charactre
THEA 223 Acting II
THEA 243 Dance I
THEA 323 Singing Actor
THEA 343 Dance II
THEP 471-476 Theatre Internship
Required Speech/Theatre Education (3 hours):
EDST 473/5731 Methods of Teaching Speech and Theatre in
grades 5-12: Seminar and Field Experience
*Also satisfies General Education Requirement. It is recommended
that students take RPHI 203 Introduction to Logic to satisfy the
Humanities General Education Requirement.
1 See the catalog section on Senior Permission for information on
earning graduate credit for this course.
Theatre Minor
The student must complete at least 18 hours in Theatre from the following courses, including 6 hours of upper division. Of the 6 hours of electives, at least 2 hours must be in the performance area (THEP). Elective courses include any relating directly to dramatic reading, writing, technical theatre, or theatrical performance.
THEA 113 Acting
THEA 213 Stage Make-up
THEA 233 Stagecraft
THEA 313 History of Theatre
ELECTIVES: 3 hours of upper division and a minimum of 2 hours from performance classes (THEP 111/311 or THEP 131/331).
Course Descriptions
MUCS/THEP 111/311 THEATRE PRODUCTION
Preparation and performance of musical and theatrical productions.
By audition or permission of the directors only. Students must be
available for rehearsals and performances.
One Hour, On Demand
MUTS 131/331 MUSICAL THEATRE PRODUCTION
Offers experiences in preparation and performance of musical
and theatrical productions. Courses conferring this credit are
MUCS111/311 Theatre Production and MUCS151/351 Opera
Workshop. By audition or permission of the directors only.
Students must be available for rehearsals and performances. Each
level may be taken again for credit. After four semesters, may be
taken for upper division credit.
One Hour, Fall, Spring
THEA 103 INTRODUCTION TO THEATRE
The course surveys theatre as an art form and how it is created, from
concept to curtain call, through the function of the playwright,
actor, director, and designer. Students will be required to see several
live theatre performances.
Three hours, Fall, Spring
THEA 113 ACTING I
Teaching basic skills for the beginning actor, the course explores
concentration, relaxation, nonverbal communication, and
improvisation techniques.
Three Hours, Fall, Even Years
THEP 131/331 DRAMA TROUPE – IN CHARACTRE
Select drama group open to all students who qualify
through audition. Students must be available for on- and
off-campus performances.
One Hour, Fall, Spring
THEA 213 STAGE MAKE-UP
Provides laboratory exercises in the fundamentals of stage make-up.
Three Hours, Spring, Odd Years
THEA 223 ACTING II
This course explores the techniques for character analysis through
scene. Students will gain the necessary skills for building a character
and creating a role for the stage by performing selected scenes. Other
topics discussed include stage combat, use of language and audition
techniques. Prerequisite: THEA 113.
Three Hours, Spring, Odd Years
THEA 233 STAGECRAFT
Introduces the basic principles of set design, scenery
construction and lighting techniques. Part of this class will
include laboratory experiences.
Three Hours, Spring, Even Years
THEA 243 DANCE I
This beginning movement course introduces dance techniques and
styles, including elements of ballet, jazz, period style dance, and
modern dance. It emphasizes development of body awareness,
flexibility, and creativity especially on body placement, alignment,
and stage movement. Beginning instruction in theory and
technique are included.
Three Hours, Fall Odd Years
THEA 313 HISTORY OF THEATRE
Study of the development of drama throughout history from classical
Greek to the present. Prerequisite/Co-requisite: Sophomore standing
and completion or concurrent enrollment in Theatre classes.
Three Hours, Fall, Odd Years
THEA 323 SINGING ACTOR
Acting techniques, vocal exercises, movement, and song
interpretation specifically related to musical theatre and opera are
presented. Selection, preparation, and presentation of appropriate
material (monologues and songs) with honesty, style, and a sense of
professionalism, culminating in preparation of roles and scenes for
laboratory presentation are included. Résumé preparation and
presentation are also covered. Prerequisite/co-requisite: THEA 113
and THEA 223, or permission of instructor
Three Hours, Fall Even Years
THEA 333 DIRECTING
The theory, practice, and ethics of theatre directing is presented,
including blocking/movement, script analysis, interpretation,
creation of rehearsal atmosphere and the effective use of stage
areas. Prerequisite/co-requisite: THEA 113 and 223, or
permission of instructor.
Three Hours, Spring, Odd Years
THEA 343 DANCE II
This advanced movement course continues the study of ballet,
jazz, modern dance, and period style dance, plus ballroom
and tap with a special emphasis on flexibility, learning and
performance styles, and stage presence. Prerequisite: THEA 243
or permission of the instructor.
Three Hours, Spring EvenYears.
THEP 471-476 THEATRE INTERNSHIP
This course exposes students to the disciplines and skills of the
theatre through firsthand experience. Students must have completed
coursework in theatre to enroll in this course. Prerequisite(s):
Consent of instructor and consent of appropriate field supervisor.
One to Six Hours, On Demand
