Philosophy for the Department of Theatre 

In keeping with the general philosophy of University of Mobile, the Department of Theatre seeks to engage its students to embrace learning and to develop confident Christian men and women who demonstrate the integrity to live and work in a manner consistent with the Christian faith. Thus, the intent of the Department of Theatre is reflected in the phrase, “Know and be Known.”

Department of Theatre Statement

Excellence is the goal of all performance benchmarks set for classroom instruction, showcases, ensembles, and productions. Each student is challenged to meet or exceed faculty expectations for theatrical excellence as an individual act of worship, thus integrating the university’s core values―Christ-centered, Academically-focused, Student-devoted and Distinctively-driven.

General Information

Musical Theatre study at University of Mobile includes training in basic theatrical skills, basic music skills, dance training, and studies in the liberal arts.

1. The core of the program are music and the theatrical arts - study in performance practices, theatre history, script analysis, music theory, diction, music history, vocal pedagogy, voice lessons, and collaborative processes.
2. Dance training - will occur in classes as well as practical application in performances.
3. The liberal arts requirements contribute to the breadth and knowledge appropriate for the professional musical theatre artist.

Purpose

The theatre program is designed to help students develop their potential by preparing them for careers in professional theatres, various performance companies, schools, and communities. Its design also provides students with a foundation for postgraduate studies.

Objectives

The student will demonstrate knowledge of:

1. Acting, vocal health, movement styles, and dance.
2. Theatre history, musical theatre history, styles, genres of plays and musicals in many periods.
3. Have a solid knowledge base in not only performance, but also a wide variety of experience in the collaborative process of theatre production.
4. The relationship of theatre to the other arts.
5. The business of theatre, marketing, and theatre company structure in our world today.

The student will demonstrate the ability to:

1. Perform at an advanced level.
2. Analyze a script and to apply that analytical information to their performance.
3. Show a strong comprehension of various theatrical styles and movements and to understand how they can be presented to the audience of today.

Admission/Audition/Placement Exams

Students desiring admission to the Department of Theatre are encouraged to complete University of Mobile’s application for admission. Prospective Alabama School of the Arts (ASOTA) majors and minors are encouraged to schedule an appointment for an audition or portfolio review by calling 251-442-2551 or completing an online application found at www.umobile.edu/audition. Transfer students are required to take an entrance evaluation to determine proper placement for acting and theatre history. 

Department of Theatre Student Manual

Students are required to follow the policies and procedures outlined in the ASOTA Student Manual  concerning the following:

• applied instruction
• freshman review
• junior review
• required production participation
• senior capstones
• internship/study abroad component
• all matters related to the theatre program

The ASOTA Student Manual  can also be viewed in hard-copy form in the ASOTA office.

Programs

• Musical Theatre, B.M.

Courses

• TH 103 Dramatic Production Participation
• TH 104 Dramatic Production Participation
• TH 106 Beginning Ballet
• TH 107 Beginning Tap
• TH 108 Beginning Jazz
• TH 202 Acting I
• TH 203 Dramatic Production Participation
• TH 204 Dramatic Production Participation
• TH 205 Advanced Ballet
• TH 206 Stagecraft and Lab
• TH 207 Advanced Tap
• TH 208 Advanced Jazz
• TH 211 Stage Management
• TH 212 Introduction to Design
• TH 213 History of Musical Theatre
• TH 225 Scenic Design
• TH 297 Study in Selected Topics
• TH 298 Study in Selected Topics
• TH 301 Theatre History
• TH 302 Acting II
• TH 303 Dramatic Production Participation
• TH 304 Dramatic Production Participation
• TH 305 Improvisation and Script Writing
• TH 306 Stage Movement/Combat
• TH 315 Auditioning in the Global Musical Theatre Marketplace
• TH 321 Theatrical Make-Up
• TH 325 Lighting and Sound Design
• TH 330 Production Procedures
• TH 350 Script and Character Analysis
• TH 400 Senior Showcase/Capstone
• TH 402 Acting III
• TH 403 Dramatic Production Participation
• TH 404 Dramatic Production Participation
• TH 405 Shakespeare
• TH 406 Acting for Camera
• TH 415 Dialects and Voice for Actors
• TH 425 Costume Design
• TH 430 Directing
• TH 431 Independent Study
• TH 432 Independent Study
• TH 433 Directing II
• TH 435 Period Styles for Performance
• TH 437 Period Styles for Design
• TH 488 Interdisciplinary Seminar
• TH 495 Theatre Production and Performance
• TH 499 Internship/Study Abroad