Theatre, B.A.

Mission

The mission of the Bachelor of Arts in Theatre is to produce committed Christian graduates who are prepared to express, represent, and dramatize insights and ethical messages in performances. They illustrate through acting, directing, design, and criticism insightful interpretations of dramatic literature in performance, both popular and religious. These graduates demonstrate proficiency in both theory and praxis of the theatre arts discipline.

Degree Program

Upon completion of the University baccalaureate and major requirements, the Biola Conservatory offers the Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre. Obtaining a degree with this major requires 47 to 62 credits, depending on the concentration chosen.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Arts in Theatre, students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate accurate critical analysis through the presentation of oral and written critiques of texts and performances (ULO 1).
  2. Identify and describe where and how the theatrical arts complement, mirror, and are informed by biblical values and content (ULO 1, ULO 2).
  3. Exhibit collaborative skills as members of a team in the creation of artistic endeavors (ULO 2).
  4. Demonstrate knowledge of theatre history and literature, applying connections between theatrical practices and social contexts (ULO 2).
  5. Integrate research and critical thinking skills towards excellence in preparation and presentation (ULO 3).
  6. Apply experiential training in the art and business of the theatre production process, in the classroom and on stage (ULO 3).
Each Program Learning Outcome (PLO) listed above references at least one of the University Learning Outcomes (ULO 1, 2, 3), which may be found in the General Information section of this catalog.
 

Writing Competency Requirement

Every Biola student must fulfill the Writing Competency Requirement (WCR). Students fulfill the WCR by passing ENGL 313 with a C+ or better. If they fail to meet this requirement, they must consult with their major advisor for an alternative WCR pathway. For more information, see the section titled "Writing Competency Requirement" under the Admission, Enrollment and Graduation Requirements section. 

Curriculum Requirements

Under this major, students may choose from the four concentrations detailed below.

Acting for Stage and Screen

Students may choose a concentration in Acting for Stage and Screen with the completion of 62 credits.

Students in the Acting for Stage and Screen concentration meet the Core Curriculum requirement of 12 credits in behavioral science, fine arts, literature, and philosophy within the concentration.
Concentration Courses
CNMA 104History of Cinema3
ENGL 230Topics in Diverse Literatures 13
or ENGL 283 Race and Ethnicity in American Literature
or ENGL 290 World Literature
PHIL 216Introduction to Philosophy and Aesthetics 23
PSYC 200Introduction to Psychology 33
THTR 110Theatre History I3
THTR 112Production Lab I1
THTR 160Theatre Appreciation 43
THTR 162Voice and Speech for the Actor3
THTR 212Production Lab II1
THTR 241Intro to Technical Theatre4
THTR 264Beginning Acting3
THTR 312Production Lab III1
THTR 350Theatre History II3
THTR 353Textual Analysis3
THTR 360Screen Acting I3
THTR 362Movement for the Actor3
THTR 369Intermediate Acting3
THTR 412Production Lab IV1
THTR 460Screen Acting II3
THTR 463Advanced Acting Workshop3
Elective Courses: Select 9 credits from the following: (3 lower-division, 6 upper-division) 59
Makeup for Stage and Screen
Topics in Theatre
Costume Study and Construction
Stage Managing or Directing Practicum
Lighting and Sound for Theatre
Stage Managing and Directing Theatre
Dramatic Theory and Criticism
Advanced Topics in Theatre
Stagecraft
Playwriting for Performance
Theatre Internship
Theatre Teaching Assistant
Drama for Christian Ministry
London Theatre Study Tour
Concentration Course Requirements: 62 credits
Core Curriculum Requirements 662
Total Credits124
1

ENGL 230ENGL 283, or ENGL 290 fulfills the Literature Core Curriculum requirement.

2

PHIL 216 fulfills the Philosophy Core Curriculum requirement.

3

PSYC 200 fulfills the Behavioral Science Core Curriculum requirement.

4

THTR 160 fulfills the Fine Arts Core Curriculum requirement.

5

Additional electives from CNMA, JOUR, PREL, COMM, and THTR by arrangement. Contact the Theatre department for advising.

6

See Core Curriculum Program section for details.

Musical Theatre

Students may choose a concentration in Musical Theatre with the completion of 57 credits. 

Students in the Musical Theatre concentration meet the Core Curriculum requirement of 3 credits in fine arts within the concentration.
Concentration Courses
MUSC 002Music Ensemble1
MUSC 145Applied Music 14
MUSC 154Theory I3
MUSC 153Musicianship I1
MUSC 445Applied Music 24
THTR 110Theatre History I3
THTR 112Production Lab I1
THTR 160Theatre Appreciation 33
THTR 162Voice and Speech for the Actor3
THTR 212Production Lab II1
THTR 241Intro to Technical Theatre4
THTR 264Beginning Acting3
THTR 312Production Lab III1
THTR 320Dance for Musical Theatre3
THTR 350Theatre History II3
THTR 353Textual Analysis3
THTR 362Movement for the Actor3
THTR 369Intermediate Acting3
THTR 412Production Lab IV1
THTR 463Advanced Acting Workshop3
Elective Courses: Select 6 credits from the following: (3 lower-division, 3 upper-division) 46
Opera and Musical Production
Makeup for Stage and Screen
Topics in Theatre
Costume Study and Construction
Stage Managing or Directing Practicum
Lighting and Sound for Theatre
Stage Managing and Directing Theatre
Dramatic Theory and Criticism
Advanced Topics in Theatre
Stagecraft
Playwriting for Performance
Theatre Internship
Theatre Teaching Assistant
Drama for Christian Ministry
London Theatre Study Tour
Concentration Course Requirements: 57 credits
Core Curriculum Requirements 571
Total Credits128
1

Must be taken for a total of 4 credits through proficiency: level 224.

2

Must be taken for a total of 4 credits through proficiency: level 428.

3

THTR 160 fulfills the Fine Arts Core Curriculum requirement.

4

Additional electives from CNMA, JOUR, PREL, COMM, and THTR by arrangement. Contact the Theatre department for advising.

5

See Core Curriculum Program section for details.

Production

Students may choose a concentration in Production with the completion of 47 credits. 

Students in the Production concentration meet the Core Curriculum requirement of 3 credits in fine arts within the concentration and are recommended to take PHIL 215 and PSYC 200.
Concentration Courses
THTR 109Production Practicum1
THTR 110Theatre History I3
THTR 160Theatre Appreciation 13
THTR 209Production Practicum II1
THTR 241Intro to Technical Theatre4
THTR 264Beginning Acting3
THTR 309Production Practicum III1
THTR 350Theatre History II3
THTR 353Textual Analysis3
THTR 369Intermediate Acting3
THTR 391Stage Managing and Directing Theatre3
THTR 405Dramatic Theory and Criticism3
THTR 409Production Practicum IV1
THTR 468Drama for Christian Ministry3
Elective Courses: Select 12 credits from the following (6 lower-division, 6 upper-division) 212
Voice and Speech for the Actor
Makeup for Stage and Screen
Topics in Theatre
Costume Study and Construction
Stage Managing or Directing Practicum
Lighting and Sound for Theatre
Movement for the Actor
Advanced Topics in Theatre
Stagecraft
Playwriting for Performance
Theatre Internship
Theatre Teaching Assistant
Advanced Acting Workshop
London Theatre Study Tour
Concentration Course Requirements: 47 credits
Core Curriculum Requirements 371
General Electives2
Total Credits120
1

THTR 160 fulfills the Fine Arts Core Curriculum requirement.

2

Additional electives from CNMA, JOUR, PREL, COMM, and THTR by arrangement. Contact the Theatre department for advising.

3

See Core Curriculum Program section for details.

Theatre Design and Technology

Students may choose a concentration in Theatre Design and Technology with the completion of 47 credits. 

Students in the Theatre Design and Technology concentration meet the Core Curriculum requirement of 3 credits in fine arts within the concentration and are recommended to take PHIL 215 and PSYC 200.
Concentration Courses
THTR 109Production Practicum1
THTR 110Theatre History I3
THTR 160Theatre Appreciation 13
THTR 209Production Practicum II1
THTR 215Makeup for Stage and Screen3
THTR 232Costume Study and Construction3
THTR 241Intro to Technical Theatre4
THTR 309Production Practicum III1
THTR 345Lighting and Sound for Theatre3
THTR 350Theatre History II3
THTR 353Textual Analysis3
THTR 391Stage Managing and Directing Theatre3
THTR 405Dramatic Theory and Criticism3
THTR 409Production Practicum IV1
THTR 419Stagecraft3
Elective Courses: Select 9 credits from the following (3 lower-division, 6 upper-division) 29
Topics in Theatre
Beginning Acting
Stage Managing or Directing Practicum
Intermediate Acting
Advanced Topics in Theatre
Playwriting for Performance
Theatre Internship
Theatre Teaching Assistant
Advanced Acting Workshop
London Theatre Study Tour
Concentration Course Requirements: 47 credits
Core Curriculum Requirements 371
General Electives2
Total Credits120
1

THTR 160 fulfills the Fine Arts Core Curriculum requirement.

2

Additional electives from CNMA, JOUR, PREL, COMM, and THTR by arrangement. Contact the Theatre department for advising.

3

See Core Curriculum Program section for details.

NOTE: The course sequence table is designed by the major department and is one way that the classes will work out properly in sequence for your major. However, there are alternative or flexible ways to rotate some of the classes within the same year/level and sometimes between year levels. Please contact your major department advisor to discuss flexible alternatives in scheduling the sequence of your classes.

Taking coursework during the summer session may also be an option to accelerate your degree path.

See Core Curriculum Program section for a list of approved Core Curriculum courses.

Theatre, B.A. Acting for Stage and Screen (COSS)

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 103 or 1653BBST 103 or 1653
ENGL 100 or 1123BBST 209 or 2103
GNST 1021HIST 100 or 1013
THTR 160 (fulfills Fine Arts Core Curriculum requirement)3KNES 1071
THTR 1623Communication (see Core Curriculum)3
Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4
 17 17
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CNMA 1043BBST 209 or 2103
PHIL 216 (fulfills Philosophy Core Curriculum requirement)3PSYC 200 (fulfills Behavioral Science Core Curriculum requirement)3
THTR 1103THTR 1121
THTR 2643THTR 3503
Science (see Core Curriculum)3THTR 3693
 KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum)1
 15 14
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 2513BBST 3543
BBST 300/400 Bible Elective3ENGL 3133
HIST 200, 201, or POSC 2253THTR 3121
THTR 2121THTR 3623
THTR 3603THTR 4603
THTR 4633Math (see Core Curriculum)3
 Graduation Application due in Registrar's Office
 16 16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 3653BBST 300/400 Bible Elective3
ENGL 230, 283, or 290 (fulfills Literature Core Curriculum requirement)3BBST 4653
THTR 2414Theatre Elective (upper-division)13
THTR 3533Theatre Elective (upper-division)13
THTR 4121 
Theatre Elective (lower-division)13 
 17 12
Total Credits 124
1

See list of approved electives from Department.

Theatre, B.A. Musical Theatre (THMT)

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 103 or 1653BBST 103 or 1653
ENGL 100 or 1123BBST 209 or 2103
GNST 1021HIST 100 or 1013
MUSC 1451MUSC 1451
THTR 160 (fulfills Fine Arts Core Curriculum requirement)3Communication (see Core Curriculum)3
THTR 1623Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4
Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4 
 18 17
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 2513BBST 209 or 2103
MUSC 1451KNES 1071
THTR 1103MUSC 1451
THTR 2643MUSC 1543
Philosophy (see Core Curriculum)3THTR 1121
Science (see Core Curriculum)3THTR 3503
 THTR 3693
 Behavioral Science (see Core Curriculum)3
 16 18
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 300/400 Bible Elective3BBST 3543
HIST 200, 201, or POSC 2253ENGL 3133
MUSC 0021MUSC 1531
MUSC 4451MUSC 4451
THTR 2121THTR 3121
THTR 4633THTR 3623
Theatre Elective (lower-division)13Graduation Application due in Registrar's Office
 15 12
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 300/400 Bible Elective3BBST 4653
BBST 3653MUSC 4451
MUSC 4451THTR 3203
THTR 2414THTR 4121
THTR 3533Theatre Elective (upper-division)13
Literature (see Core Curriculum)3KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum)1
 Math (see Core Curriculum)3
 17 15
Total Credits 128
1

See list of approved electives from Department

Theatre, B.A. Production (THPD)

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 103 or 1653BBST 103 or 1653
ENGL 100 or 1123BBST 209 or 2103
GNST 1021HIST 100 or 1013
KNES 1071Communication (see Core Curriculum)3
THTR 160 (fulfills Fine Arts Core Curriculum requirement)3Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4
Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4 
 15 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 2513BBST 209 or 2103
THTR 1091PSYC 200 (recommended Behavioral Science Core Curriculum)3
THTR 1103THTR 2091
THTR 2643THTR 3693
PHIL 216 (recommended Philosophy Core Curriculum)3Theatre Elective (lower-division)13
Science (see Core Curriculum)3KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum)1
 16 14
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 300/400 Bible Elective3BBST 3543
HIST 200, 201, or POSC 2253ENGL 3133
THTR 3091THTR 4091
THTR 4683Theatre Elective (lower-division)13
Theatre Elective (upper-division)13Theatre Elective (upper-division)13
Math (see Core Curriculum)3Graduation Application due in Registrar's Office
 16 13
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 3653BBST 300/400 Bible Elective3
THTR 2414BBST 4653
THTR 3533THTR 3503
Literature (see Core Curriculum)3THTR 3913
General Elective2THTR 4053
 15 15
Total Credits 120
1

See list of approved electives from Department

Theatre, B.A. Theatre Design and Technology (THDT)

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 103 or 1653BBST 103 or 1653
ENGL 100 or 1123BBST 209 or 2103
GNST 1021HIST 100 or 1013
KNES 1071Communication (see Core Curriculum)3
THTR 160 (fulfills Fine Arts Core Curriculum requirement)3Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4
Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4 
 15 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 2513BBST 209 or 2103
BBST 300/400 Bible Elective3PSYC 200 (recommended Behavioral Science Core Curriculum)3
THTR 1091THTR 2091
THTR 2414THTR 2153
PHIL 216 (recommended Philosophy Core Curriculum)3KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum)1
Science (see Core Curriculum)3General Elective2
 17 13
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 300/400 Bible Elective3BBST 3543
HIST 200, 201, or POSC 2253ENGL 3133
THTR 2323THTR 3091
Theatre Elective (lower-division)13THTR 3453
Math (see Core Curriculum)3Theatre Elective (upper-division)13
 Graduation Application due in Registrar's Office
 15 13
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
THTR 1103BBST 3653
THTR 3533BBST 4653
THTR 4091THTR 3503
Theatre Elective (upper-division)13THTR 3913
Literature (see Core Curriculum)3THTR 4053
 THTR 4193
 13 18
Total Credits 120
1

See list of approved electives from Department

NOTE: The course sequence table is designed by the major department and is one way that the classes will work out properly in sequence for your major. However, there are alternative or flexible ways to rotate some of the classes within the same year/level and sometimes between year levels. Please contact your major department advisor to discuss flexible alternatives in scheduling the sequence of your classes.

Taking coursework during the summer session may also be an option to accelerate your degree path.

See Core Curriculum Program section for a list of approved Core Curriculum courses.

Theatre, B.A. Acting for Stage and Screen (COSS)

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 1014HNRS 1054
HNRS 1024HNRS 1064
GNST 1021THTR 1603
KNES 1071Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4
THTR 1623 
Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4 
 17 15
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 2104HNRS 2304
HNRS 2154HNRS 2314
PSYC 2003CNMA 1043
THTR 1103THTR 2121
THTR 1121THTR 3503
THTR 2643THTR 3693
 18 18
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 3244HNRS 3374
HNRS 3262HNRS 3392
PHIL 2163ENGL 3133
THTR 3121THTR 3623
THTR 3603THTR 4603
THTR 4633Math (see Core Curriculum)3
KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum)1 
 17 18
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 4434HNRS 4584
BBST 4653HNRS 4672
THTR 2414ENGL 230, 283, or 2903
THTR 3533THTR Elective (lower-division)3
THTR 4121THTR Elective (upper-division)3
Science (see Core Curriculum)3THTR Elective (upper-division)3
 18 18
Total Credits 139

Note: Certain Theatre courses are not offered every semester. Please check with the Theatre department for the most up-to-date schedule of required courses.

Theatre, B.A. Musical Theatre (THMT)

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 1014HNRS 1054
HNRS 1024HNRS 1064
MUSC 1451MUSC 1451
GNST 1021MUSC 1543
KNES 1071THTR 1121
THTR 1603KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum)1
THTR 1623 
 17 14
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 2104HNRS 2304
HNRS 2154HNRS 2314
MUSC 1451MUSC 1451
THTR 1103THTR 3503
THTR 2643THTR 3693
 Math (see Core Curriculum)3
 15 18
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 3244HNRS 3374
HNRS 3262HNRS 3392
MUSC 0021ENGL 3133
MUSC 1531MUSC 4451
MUSC 4451THTR 3121
THTR 2121THTR 3623
THTR 4633Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4
Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4 
 17 18
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 4434HNRS 4584
MUSC 4451HNRS 4672
THTR 2414BBST 4653
THTR 3203MUSC 4451
THTR 3533THTR 4121
Science (see Core Curriculum)3THTR Elective (lower-division)3
 THTR Elective (upper-division)3
 18 17
Total Credits 134

Note: Certain Theatre courses are not offered every semester. Please check with the Theatre department for the most up-to-date schedule of required courses.

Theatre, B.A. Production (THPD)

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 1014HNRS 1054
HNRS 1024HNRS 1064
GNST 1021Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4
KNES 1071 
THTR 1603 
Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4 
 17 12
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 2104HNRS 2304
HNRS 2154HNRS 2314
THTR 1091THTR 2091
THTR 2414THTR 3693
THTR 2643THTR Elective (lower-division)3
 KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum)1
 16 16
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 3244HNRS 3374
HNRS 3262HNRS 3392
THTR 1103ENGL 3133
THTR 3091THTR 4091
THTR 4683THTR Elective (lower-division)3
THTR Elective (upper-division)3THTR Elective (upper-division)3
 16 16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 4434HNRS 4584
BBST 4653HNRS 4672
THTR 3533THTR 3503
Math (see Core Curriculum)3THTR 3913
Science (see Core Curriculum)3THTR 4053
 16 15
Total Credits 124

Note: Certain Theatre courses are not offered every semester. Please check with the Theatre department for the most up-to-date schedule of required courses.

Theatre, B.A. Theatre Design and Technology (THDT)

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 1014HNRS 1054
HNRS 1024HNRS 1064
GNST 1021Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4
KNES 1071 
THTR 1603 
Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4 
 17 12
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 2104HNRS 2304
HNRS 2154HNRS 2314
THTR 1091THTR 2091
THTR 2414THTR 2153
Science (see Core Curriuclum)3KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum)1
 16 13
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 3244HNRS 3374
HNRS 3262HNRS 3392
THTR 2323ENGL 3133
THTR Elective (lower-division)3THTR 3091
THTR Elective (upper-division)3THTR 3453
 THTR Elective (upper-division)3
 15 16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 4434HNRS 4584
BBST 4653HNRS 4672
THTR 1103THTR 3503
THTR 3533THTR 3913
THTR 4091THTR 4053
Math (see Core Curriculum)3THTR 4193
 17 18
Total Credits 124

Note: Certain Theatre courses are not offered every semester. Please check with the Theatre department for the most up-to-date schedule of required courses.