Theatre Arts Major: Curriculum and Requirements

Satisfying the requirements for the major in Theatre Arts includes completing a minimum of 42 credits and a minimum of 11 courses, as specified below. In addition, each theatre major is required to serve on the Board of Directors of the Merrimack College Theatre Program for a minimum of two semesters and maximum of five semesters during their undergraduate academic career.

The following courses are required of all Theatre Arts majors:

Core Courses (7 courses, 26 credits)

FAA 2520:  Theatre History I

FAA 2530:  Theatre History II

FAA 1510:  Acting I

FAA 2505:  Theatre and Social Change

FAA 2590:  Arts Management  

FAA 2570:  Technical Production for the Theatre

FAA  1515:  Theatre Practicum: Rehearsal and Performance (2 credits, repeatable)

Methods Course (1 course, 4 credits)

FAA 3960:  Theory in the Visual and Performing Arts (formerly Historiography and Methodologies of Art History)

Elective Courses (2 courses, 8 credits)

FAA 2510: Acting II

FAA 3520: Acting III: Special Topics in Acting

FAA 3510: Directing I

FAA 2540: Introduction to Playwriting

FAA 2550: American Musical Theatre

FAA 1520: Voice for the Stage

FAA 2560: The London Theatre: A Study/Travel Experience

FAA 2500: Women in Theatre

FAA 2580:  Design for the Theatre

FAA 4910: Theatre Internship

FAA 4510: Arts Management Internship

A student may take 1 of the following courses in the English department to fulfill 1 of the 2 required electives:

ENG 3220:  Renaissance Drama

ENG 3250: Shakespearean Drama

ENG 3680: World Drama

ENG 3820: Twentieth Century Drama and Performance by Women

Senior Capstone Course (1 course, 4 credits)

FAA 4500: Senior Seminar

Performance Opportunities

Students majoring in Theater are required (minors are strongly encouraged, but not required) to participate in departmental productions, as determined by the needs of the student and the production.  Students also have the opportunity and are encouraged to participate, onstage or off, in the Onstagers Dramatic Society productions at the college. 

More Information about Theatre Majors Post-Graduation:

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts prepares students for entry-level work or graduate school training focused toward a career in live theater production, arts management and/or performance as an actor, director, writer, technician, or designer. Graduates would also be able to pursue work in television and film studios, creating training films, advertising, features, and commercials. Many graduates will find success by participating in self-produced “boot-strap” productions in major metropolitan areas. Graduates with a major in theatre will find themselves well suited to other careers that require collaborative skills and creative imagination coupled with the discipline of artistic creation. Education, advertising, teaching/training, management, and law practice are examples. This degree is well suited for budding entrepreneurs because it sharpens their creative abilities, especially when paired with a co-major or minor in Business.