A minor in theatre arts allows students across the University to explore this area of focus by developing an understanding of theatre arts theory and history while building technical skills.
With a minor in theatre arts from Sacred Heart University, students will grow academically and artistically with the guidance of industry professionals. This interactive program combines theory and practice to prepare students for a career in the arts while making network connections before graduation. Students explore all elements of the craft, from performance to directing, writing and design. Students also build meaningful skills in communication, analysis, public speaking, teamwork and problem-solving.
Choose between THR 210 and THR 110 and between THR 211 and THR 111. No more than 3 credits of performance credits (these are the 1 credit classes). Choose 6 credits of Theatre Electives.
Focuses on basic acting skills including the development of imaginary circumstances, improvisation, and creative development. Students are introduced to skills in script analysis, character identity, emotional reality, and objective-driven structure through monologues and scene study.
Focuses on acting skills including the advance development of imaginary circumstances, improvisation, and creative development. Students will develop skills in script analysis, character identity, emotional reality, and objective-driven structure through monologues and scene study.
Prerequisite: Take THR-110
History of theater from antiquity through early nineteenth century. Students will also learn the foundational concepts and theories of theatre.
This course focuses on basic acting skills as they apply to musical theater. In particular, students will focus on working with elevated text and the transitions from scene into song.
This course focuses on advanced acting skills as they apply to musical theater. In particular students will focus on working with elevated text and the transitions from scene into song as well as musical interludes, dance breaks, and reprises.
History of theatre from the nineteenth century to the present. Students will also learn advanced concepts and influential theories of theatre.
Students across any major at the University may declare a minor in theatre arts.
The theatre arts curriculum prepares students for careers in production and performance as well as many other industry opportunities. Students build a broad range of skills applicable to a variety of roles, including:
Potential employers of theatre arts graduates include:
During an academic year, students have numerous opportunities to work on live shows. The program produces six full-scale productions each year – two main stage shows in the Edgerton Center and four Little Theatre shows. The musicals and plays vary in style: past shows include:
Rent
Chicago
Spring Awakening
Best Little Whorehouse in Texas
Hair
Playboy of the Western World
Richard III
Be More Chill
Falsettos
The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later
Each show is under professional direction and is presented to the Sacred Heart University community and the public. In addition, students also have the chance to perform alongside professionals from the Connecticut Children’s Theatre as they present their biannual children’s show.
Learn more about SHU’s program and productions on the theatre arts program website.
Performances and rehearsals take place at the Edgerton Center for the Performing Arts, which features a newly renovated and air-conditioned 776-seat auditorium. Theatre students and faculty also make use of the 60-seat black box style Little Theatre. Additionally, students have access to the Frank & Marisa Martire Center for the Liberal Arts, a $50 million, 120,000-square-foot world-class facility offering unparalleled resources, including a sound stage for film and television production and performance/motion capture animation studio.
In addition to having the ability to explore theatre at a collegiate level, students in the theatre arts program at SHU have the opportunity to earn participation grants and merit scholarships.
Ready to declare your minor in theatre arts? Fill out the "Change/Add/Delete Minor" form on our Forms & Requests page.
