Program Description

Theater Major
The Theatre Major is a new major in the new Department of Theatre. Course work and performance are planned so as to allow movement into professional and community theatre, teacher certification, graduate school, or the general communication job market. Many chances to work in Theater and other areas of public performance exists. Theater at Monmouth offers significant advantages. It is not uncommon for freshmen to act in two shows, even to have lead roles. All Theater design is done via computer-aided drafting. All majors direct a one-act play; most have additional experience directing or designing full-length productions. Crimson Masque (Drama Club) members organize workshops, attend area productions and participate in state-wide festivals. Crimson Masque is one of the largest student groups on campus.

Equipment/Facilities
The Wells Theater, built in 1990, is a state-of-the-art facility. It features computerized lighting control, a counterweighted fly system, large scenic and costume shops, a design lab with a CAD system and plotter, and computerized front-of-house operations.

Our all-digital state of the art cable television studio is a versatile facility with stage, lighting and equipment for producing newscasts and variety shows. The programming is broadcast through a campus-wide cable television station which is supervised by the CATA department.  Video and audio production as well as graphics and web design are supported by a departmental computer lab with a full range of digital editing and standard office software.

The radio station is a fully operational, student-operated campus station. WMCR is broadcast through the campus cable system in FM stereo. It can be listened to through a television receiver or a hi fi stereo system. Because it is on-campus only, it is not regulated /controlled by the FCC, which permits greater flexibility in the training and programming provided - a big advantage over educational FM licensed stations. The station has two professionally equipped audio broadcast studios, one "on-air" and one for production and laboratory work. The studio equipment used is very similar to that of a commercial studio. WMCR has a large music library of classic rock and a CD collection of recent rock, rap, reggae and other music - all available for use at the station or to be checked out.

Off-campus Programs
Theatre majors have profited from the ACM Chicago Studies programs - Urban Studies, Arts and Business. The internship opportunities in Chicago are excellent, giving students the chance to work in major corporate, government, arts or media settings.   Study in Perth, Scotland has become increasingly popular with Communication students, especially those interested in media or international careers.

Many students serve internships with local theater and arts groups, or in larger operations, such as Goodman Theater in Chicago.

Independent Study
Students regularly do independent study projects in areas such as CAD, directing, playwriting and TV production or by doing research aimed at preparation for graduate school..

Theatre Major
A major in Theater Arts consists of 40 semester hours, including:

Teacher Certification
Those majors working toward secondary teacher certification should confer as early as possible with the Director of Theatre and the chair of the Education Department to ensure that their program will meet state standards. (Note: Secondary certification in a "primary teaching field" requires a minimum of 32 semester hours.) A second teaching field in a related area of study is recommended. 

Theater Arts Minors
The following programs are currently available from the department for students who are not seeking a major in Theater Arts:

Career Paths

A THEA Major may lead to work in the professional theater (highly competitive), teaching, and arts management and promotion among many possibilities.  It can also be an excellent preparation for a career in business, advertising or law.