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 44 to 54 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 50 credits.

Program-Specific Core Curriculum Courses
Theatre Appreciation
The Rhetorical Act
Topics in Diverse Literatures
Race and Ethnicity in American Literature
World Literature
Introduction to Psychology
Introduction to Philosophy and Aesthetics
Concentration Courses
CNMA 104History of Cinema3
THTR 110Theatre History I3
THTR 112Production Lab I1
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) 19
Makeup for Stage and Screen
Topics in Theatre
Costume Study and Construction
Lighting and Sound for Theatre
Stage Managing and Directing Theatre
Dramatic Theory and Criticism
Advanced Topics in Theatre
Dramatic Design
Playwriting for Performance
Drama for Christian Ministry
London Theatre Study Tour
Communication Seminar
Concentration Course Requirements: 50 credits
Core Curriculum Requirements 274
Total Credits124
1

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

2

See Core Curriculum Program section for details.

Musical Theatre

Students may choose a concentration in Musical Theatre with the completion of 54 credits. 

Program-Specific Core Curriculum Courses
Theatre Appreciation
The Rhetorical Act
Introduction to Psychology (Recommended)
Introduction to Philosophy and Aesthetics (Recommended)
Concentration Courses
THTR 110Theatre History I3
THTR 112Production Lab I1
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
MUSC 002Chamber Music Ensemble1
MUSC 145Applied Music4
MUSC 153Musicianship I1
MUSC 154Theory I3
MUSC 445Applied Music4
Elective Courses: Select 6 credits from the following: (3 lower-division, 3 upper-division) 16
Makeup for Stage and Screen
Topics in Theatre
Costume Study and Construction
Lighting and Sound for Theatre
Stage Managing and Directing Theatre
Dramatic Theory and Criticism
Advanced Topics in Theatre
Dramatic Design
Playwriting for Performance
Drama for Christian Ministry
London Theatre Study Tour
Opera Theatre
Communication Seminar
Concentration Course Requirements: 54 credits
Core Curriculum Requirements 274
Total Credits128
1

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

2

See Core Curriculum Program section for details.

Production

Students may choose a concentration in Production with the completion of 44 credits. 

Program-Specific Core Curriculum Courses
Theatre Appreciation
The Rhetorical Act
Introduction to Psychology (Recommended)
Introduction to Philosophy and Aesthetics (Recommended)
Concentration Courses
THTR 109Production Practicum1
THTR 110Theatre History I3
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) 112
Voice and Speech for the Actor
Makeup for Stage and Screen
Topics in Theatre
Costume Study and Construction
Lighting and Sound for Theatre
Movement for the Actor
Advanced Topics in Theatre
Dramatic Design
Playwriting for Performance
Advanced Acting Workshop
London Theatre Study Tour
Communication Seminar
Concentration Course Requirements: 44 credits
Core Curriculum Requirements 274
General Electives2
Total Credits120
1

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

2

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 44 credits. 

Program-Specific Core Curriculum Courses
Theatre Appreciation
The Rhetorical Act
Introduction to Psychology (Recommended)
Introduction to Philosophy and Aesthetics (Recommended)
Concentration Courses
THTR 109Production Practicum1
THTR 110Theatre History I3
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 419Dramatic Design3
Elective Courses: Select 9 credits from the following (3 lower-division, 6 upper-division) 19
Topics in Theatre
Beginning Acting
Intermediate Acting 2
Advanced Topics in Theatre
Playwriting for Performance
Advanced Acting Workshop 3
London Theatre Study Tour
Communication Seminar
Concentration Course Requirements: 44 credits
Core Curriculum Requirements 474
General Electives2
Total Credits120
1

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

2

THTR 369 has a prerequisite of THTR 264.

3

THTR 463 has a prerequisite of THTR 369.

4

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
Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4COMM 200 (required)3
THTR 160 (required)3Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4
THTR 1623HIST 100 or 1013
GNST 1021KNES 1071
 17 17
Total Credits 34
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CNMA 1043BBST 209 or 2103
THTR 1103THTR 1121
THTR 2643THTR 3503
PHIL 216 (required)3THTR 3693
Science (see Core Curriculum)3PSYC 200 (required)3
 KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum)1
 15 14
Total Credits 29
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 2513BBST 3543
BBST 300/400 Bible Elective3THTR 3121
THTR 2121THTR 3623
THTR 3603THTR 4603
THTR 4633ENGL 3133
HIST 200, 201, or POSC 2253Math (see Core Curriculum)3
 Graduation Petition due in Registrar's Office
 16 16
Total Credits 32
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 3653BBST 300/400 Bible Elective3
THTR 2414BBST 4653
THTR 3533Theatre Elective (upper-division)13
THTR 4121Theatre Elective (upper-division)13
Theatre Elective (lower-division)13 
ENGL 230, 283, or 290 (required)3 
 17 12
Total Credits 29
1

See list of approved electives from Department.

Theatre, B.A. Musical Theatre (THMT)

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 103 or 1653BBST 103 or 1653
THTR 160 (required)3BBST 209 or 2103
ENGL 100 or 1123COMM 200 (required)3
Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4
THTR 1623HIST 100 or 1013
GNST 1021MUSC 1451
MUSC 1451 
 18 17
Total Credits 35
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 2513BBST 209 or 2103
THTR 1103THTR 1121
THTR 2643THTR 3503
PHIL 216 (recommended Philosophy Core Curr)3THTR 3693
Science (see Core Curriculum)3PSYC 200 (recommended Behavioral Sci Core Curr)3
MUSC 1451KNES 1071
 MUSC 1451
 MUSC 1543
 16 18
Total Credits 34
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 300/400 Bible Elective3BBST 3543
HIST 200, 201, or POSC 2253ENGL 3133
THTR 2121THTR 3121
THTR 4633THTR 3623
THTR Elective (lower-division)13MUSC 1531
MUSC 0021MUSC 4451
MUSC 4451Graduation Petition due in Registrar's Office
 15 12
Total Credits 27
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 300/400 Bible Elective3BBST 4653
BBST 3653THTR 3203
Literature (see Core Curriculum)3THTR 4121
THTR 2414Theatre Elective (upper-division)13
THTR 3533KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum)1
MUSC 4451Math (see Core Curriculum)3
 MUSC 4451
 17 15
Total Credits 32
1

See list of approved electives from Department

Theatre, B.A. Production (THPD)

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 103 or 1653BBST 103 or 1653
THTR 160 (required)3BBST 209 or 2103
ENGL 100 or 1123COMM 200 (required)3
Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4
KNES 1071HIST 100 or 1013
GNST 1021 
 15 16
Total Credits 31
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 2513BBST 209 or 2103
THTR 1091PSYC 200 (recommended Behavioral Sci Core Curr)3
THTR 1103THTR 2091
THTR 2643THTR 3693
PHIL 216 (recommended Philosophy Core Curr)3Theatre Elective (lower-division)13
Science (see Core Curriculum)3KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum)1
 16 14
Total Credits 30
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 300/400 Bible Elective3BBST 3543
THTR 3091THTR 4091
THTR 4683Theatre Elective (lower-division)13
Theatre Elective (upper-division)13Theatre Elective (upper-division) 13
HIST 200, 201, or POSC 2253ENGL 3133
Math (see Core Curriculum)3Graduation Petition due in Registrar's Office
 16 13
Total Credits 29
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 30
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
THTR 160 (required)3BBST 209 or 2103
ENGL 100 or 1123COMM 200 (required)3
Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4
KNES 1071HIST 100 or 1013
GNST 1021 
 15 16
Total Credits 31
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 2513BBST 209 or 2103
BBST 300/400 Bible Elective3THTR 2091
THTR 1091THTR 2153
THTR 2414PSYC 200 (recommended Behavioral Sci Core Curr)3
PHIL 216 (recommended Philosophy Core Curr)3KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum)1
Science (see Core Curriculum)3General Elective2
 17 13
Total Credits 30
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 300/400 Bible Elective3BBST 3543
Math (see Core Curriculum)3ENGL 3133
HIST 200, 201, or POSC 2253THTR 3091
THTR 2323THTR 3453
Theatre Elective (lower-division)13Theatre Elective (upper-division)13
 Graduation Petition due in Registrar's Office
 15 13
Total Credits 28
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Literature (see Core Curriculum)3BBST 3653
Theatre Elective (upper-division)13BBST 4653
THTR 1103THTR 3503
THTR 3533THTR 3913
THTR 4091THTR 4053
 THTR 4193
 13 18
Total Credits 31
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 1021COMM 2003
KNES 1071THTR 1603
THTR 1623Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4
Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4 
 17 18
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 2163THTR 3623
THTR 3121THTR 4603
THTR 3603ENGL 3133
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 142

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
THTR 1603COMM 2003
THTR 1623MUSC 1451
MUSC 1451MUSC 1543
GNST 1021THTR 1121
KNES 1071KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum)1
 17 17
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 2104HNRS 2304
HNRS 2154HNRS 2314
THTR 1103THTR 3503
THTR 2643THTR 3693
MUSC 1451Math (see Core Curriculum)3
 MUSC 1451
 15 18
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 3244HNRS 3374
HNRS 3262HNRS 3392
THTR 2121ENGL 3133
THTR 4633THTR 3121
Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4THTR 3623
MUSC 0021MUSC 4451
MUSC 1531Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4
MUSC 4451 
 17 18
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 4434HNRS 4584
THTR 2414HNRS 4672
THTR 3203MUSC 4451
THTR 3533BBST 4653
MUSC 4451THTR 4121
Science (see Core Curriculum)3THTR Elective (lower-division)3
 THTR Elective (upper-division)3
 18 17
Total Credits 137

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
THTR 1603COMM 2003
Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4
KNES 1071 
GNST 1021 
 17 15
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 127

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
THTR 1603COMM 2003
Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4
KNES 1071 
GNST 1021 
 17 15
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 127

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.