Program Overview
THEATRE
Bachelor of Arts
Jessup’s Bachelor of Arts in Theatre is an immersive, pre‐professional training ground for theatre practitioners. This program offers specializations in Acting, Musical Theatre, Theatre Design and Technology, and Theatre Management. From backstage to onstage, you will learn how to create theatre from concept to performance in a department valuing a hands-on, entrepreneurial approach to theatrical storytelling.
Program Details
- Units: 53
- Semesters: 15 weeks
- Campus: Rocklin Campus
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The mission of the B.A. in Theatre program is to produce students who are highly employable theatre artists, Christian leaders, entrepreneurs, and skilled craftsmen who are capable of vast, positive influence in the arts, media, and entertainment. Jessup Theatre is a four‐year training ground preparing you to make a unique contribution to the art form.
Learning Outcomes
- Develop and articulate an informed theological aesthetic and possess the ability to apply it to theatrical practice.
- An increased knowledge of the history of theatre.
- The ability to effectively analyze the theatre text from an informed artistic sensibility as viewed through the lens of a Judeo-Christian worldview.
- Cultivate technical skill sets for theatrical performance, production, and management.
- Demonstrate proficient strategy and skill in engaging the professional theatrical community.
Program Specializations
- Acting
- Theatre Design and Technology
- Theatre Management
- Musical Theatre
Program Courses
Major Courses (9 Units)
- THE241 | Theatre History I: Greeks to the Restoration
- THE242 | Theatre History II: The Restoration to the Contemporary
- BUS242 | Personal Finance
Core Courses (26 Units)
- CART101 | The Creative Christian
- THE105 | Introduction to the Theatre Profession
- THE106 | Introduction to Technical Theatre
- THE160a | Acting I – Fundamentals
- THE172 | Practicum
- THE250 or ART351 | Voice and Diction or Two-Dimensional Design
- THE345 | Text Analysis
- THE498 | Professional Preparation in Performance, Production, or Management
- THE475 or THE477 | Professional Experience or Senior Project in Theatre
Theatre Specialization
Students must choose a specialization listed below.
Acting Specialization (27 units)
- THE230 | Movement for the Stage
- THE260 | Acting II – Realism
- THE360 | Acting III – Shakespeare
- THE460 | Acting IV – Screen Acting
- THE468 | Directing for the Stage
Theatre Design and Technology Specialization (12 units)
- THE217 | Stage Management
- THE311 | Lighting Design
- THE313 | Set Design
- THE315 | Costume Design
- THE468 | Directing for the Stage
- Theatre Electives
Theatre Management Specialization (27 units)
- ART335 | Web Design and Presence
- BUS260 | Business Law
- BUS320 | Marketing
- LDRS360 | Nonprofit Leadership
- BUS385 | Project Management
- Theatre Electives
Musical Theatre Specialization (27 units)
- THE230 | Movement for the Stage
- THE260 | Acting II – Realism
- THE331 | Ballet
- THE332 | Jazz
- THE333 | Tap
- THE334 or THE335 | Musical Theatre Dance or Swing and Social Dance
- THE360 | Acting III – Shakespeare
- THE365 | Musical Theatre Workshop
- THE460 | Acting IV – Screen Acting
Theatre Minor Courses (23 units)
- CART101 | The Creative Christian
- THE106 | Introduction to Technical Theatre
- THE160b | Acting I
- THE172 | Practicum
- THE241 | Theatre History I: From the Greeks to the Restoration or THE242 | Theatre History II: From the Restoration to the Contemporary or THE345 | Text Analysis
- Theatre electives (Choose three) (9 units)
The Nature and Purpose of the Arts
- To illuminate truth about the human condition
- To tell redemptive and transformative stories, both edifying and cautionary, that examine our relationship with God and one another
- To bring beauty into a fallen world
- To serve the world through sacrifice of one’s own talents toward the betterment of society and culture
- To create an authentic community of diverse individuals that join together for a common purpose
- To invest in imagination, hope, and healing through the power of creation and the creative spirit
Our Response to the Statement
- We will examine all forms, genres and styles of artistry in order to understand and explore the human condition
- We will survey all types of stories to witness the artist journey and message
- We will engage in thoughtful and moral artistic practice
- We will participate in serving the world through the creation of art
- We will work together with respect and encouragement to challenge and cultivate each other as individual artists in the body of Christ
- We will foster an environment where creativity is encouraged, ideas are embraced, and truthful expression is not limited.
Jessup Theatre Scholarship
Interested in a theatre scholarship? Scholarships are available for majors, minors, and non-majors who wish to be involved in the theatre department. Please email to schedule your audition. A current student will connect with you to answer any questions you might have and find a time during the week that would work for you to audition. After the audition, there will be a brief interview with a theatre faculty member where you can ask any questions you might have about the program and share your dreams for the future.
Audition Requirements
- Headshot (or photo) and Resume (or list of previous theatre experience)
- 1 minute monologue (preferably from a play)
- 30 seconds of a song (if you sing). You may also perform 30 seconds of a dance or submit a video of you dancing (if you dance). If you do not sing or dance, you may just do the monologue.
Faculty
- Jennifer Blair, MFA, AEA Program Director, Artistic Director of Jessup Theatre
- Beth Litwak, MFA Theatre Production Manager, Assistant Professor - School of Humanities & the Arts
- Rob Gore, MFA Adjunct Faculty
- Dr. Liz Stanley Ph.D. Adjunct Faculty
- Lorin Miller, M.A. Adjunct Faculty
- Robin Lillie, MBA Adjunct Faculty
- Kayla Johnston Adjunct Faculty
- Brittany Cody-Bays Adjunct Faculty
- Tony Gabrielson Adjunct Faculty
- Marianne Savell, MFA Adjunct Faculty
- Anne Merino Adjunct Faculty
The Jessup Theatre Production Team
We are honored to work with a staff of award-winning professional designers and production team members.
- Tamra Rogers
- Kelly Ann Dunn
- Ardith Ann Gray, MFA
- Rob Gore, MFA
- Kimberly Reimert
- Fred Radford
- Trent Jewell
- Andrea Smit
- Justin LaHiff
- Taylor Miller
- Kelly Harlow
- Robin Lillie, MBA
- Jennifer Blair, MFA
- Beth Litwak, MFA
- Brittany Cody-Bays
- Nick Hancock
Guest Artists
- Stephanie J. Block, AEA
- Marianne Savell, MFA
- Clayton Winters, MFA
- Derek Martin, MFA
- Eric Harrell, MFA
- Tony Gapastione