Bachelor of Theatre Design and Technology at West Virginia University

Common Body of Knowledge and Skills for B.F.A. Theatre students

Students must acquire:

Technical skills requisite for artistic self-expression in at least one major area of production (for example, acting, design/technology, playwriting, musical theatre) and those skills must be progressively developed to the highest level appropriate to the particular area of concentration.

1. An overview understanding of the major aspects, techniques, and directions in the area of concentration.

2. Fundamental, comprehensive understanding of the various elements and basic interrelated processes of creation, interpretation, performance, and production.

3. Fundamental, conceptual understanding of the expressive possibilities of theatre.

4. Knowledge and skills sufficient to work in both collaborative and individual roles in matters of theatre interpretation.

5. Growth in artistry, technical skills, collaborative competence, and knowledge of repertory through regular performance and production experiences. Students must have such experiences throughout the degree program.

6. Repertory. Students must acquire:

   1. Familiarity with theatre literature of various historical periods, cultural sources, and modes of presentation.

   2. Experience with specific repertories and comparative standards of production quality through performance, academic study, and attendance at productions.

7. Theoretical and Historical Studies

   1. Students must acquire:

      1. The ability to analyze plays perceptively and to evaluate them critically.

      2. An understanding of the common elements and vocabulary of theatre and of the interaction of these elements, and be able to employ this knowledge in analysis, including analyses of their productions.

      3. The ability to place works of theatre in historical and stylistic contexts and have some understanding of the cultural milieu in which they were created.

      4. The ability to develop and defend informed judgments about theatre.

   2. Technology. Students must acquire a working knowledge of technologies and equipment applicable to their area(s) of specialization.

8. Synthesis. While synthesis is a lifetime process, by the end of undergraduate studies students should be able to work independently on a variety of professional problems by combining, as appropriate to the issue, their capabilities in performance, repertory, theory, history, and technology, as well as other fields they have studied.

Upon completion of any B.F.A. professional undergraduate degree program:

1. Students must demonstrate achievement of professional, entry-level competence in the area of specialization including significant technical mastery, the capability to produce work and solve professional problems independently, and a coherent set of artistic/intellectual goals that are evident in their work.

2. Students must demonstrate their competence by developing a body of work for evaluation in the major area of study. A senior project or presentation in the major area is required in many concentrations, and strongly recommended for all others.

3. Students must have the ability to communicate ideas, concepts, and requirements to theatre professionals and laypersons related to the practice of the major field. Such communication may involve oral, written, visual, and musical media.

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design & Technology

Essential Competencies, Experiences, and Opportunities (in addition to those stated for all degree programs above)

1. Ability to conceptualize and realize a design aesthetic consistent with the overall artistic concepts of a production.
2. Ability to understand and articulate basic elements and principles of design theory.
3. Ability to understand and articulate basic elements and principles of composition related to line, shape, color, texture, and sound
4. Understanding of the aesthetic use of color.
5. Understanding of the aesthetic use of sound.
6. Ability to communicate design ideas and realities to other personnel involved in the production, including directors, other designers, stage managers, and actors.
7. Ability to produce and communicate design ideas with freehand drawings.
8. Ability to provide formalized, accurate production models and drawings by hand and/or through the use of current industry standard software programs.
9. Fundamental knowledge of the total design process, including the progression of raw materials through multiple design "shops" and the roles that various craftspeople play in the creation of a finished product.
10. Fundamental knowledge of décor, architecture, furniture, dress, crafts, and art as they relate to various historical periods.
11. Ability to demonstrate an understanding of basic engineering principles (electrical, mechanical, and/or structural) as they relate to chosen design specializations.
12. Knowledge of federal, state, and local health and safety codes, best practices, and industry standards as they relate to theatrical venues and production elements.
13. Preparation and presentation of a professional résumé and a portfolio of design- and technology-related work that demonstrate one's abilities, strengths, processes, and experiences.
14. Opportunities for experience in the design/technology aspects of theatre in a variety of formal and informal settings throughout the entire degree program, including an opportunity to design and/or create the technology for at least one fully realized production that will be presented before an audience prior to graduation.