Theatre (Theatre & Dance, B.A.)
The Theatre Major is for students who want to explore every aspect of theatre -- from acting to producing to designing. If your goal is to work as a director, producer or dramaturg, this is for you. You'll develop a well-rounded understanding of the what, how and why of theatre. The best candidates for our performance emphasis are ready to take artistic risks, support the ensemble, and be leaders in the ODU Theatre community. Performance students commit to performing as a member of ODURep and completing the rigorous sequence of classes. Senior students may be eligible for internships at the Virginia Stage Company, Norfolk's Equity company.
Theatre (Theatre & Dance, B.A.)
Description
What is Theatre at ODU like?
The Theatre Major is for students who want to explore every aspect of theatre -- from acting to producing to designing. If your goal is to work as a director, producer or dramaturg, this is for you. You'll develop a well-rounded understanding of the what, how and why of theatre. The best candidates for our performance emphasis are ready to take artistic risks, support the ensemble, and be leaders in the ODU Theatre community. Performance students commit to performing as a member of ODURep and completing the rigorous sequence of classes. Senior students may be eligible for internships at the Virginia Stage Company, Norfolk's Equity company.
Program Highlights
What makes Theatre at ODU unique?
-
Theatre at ODU is home for creative people exploring the possibilities, excitement, and energy of the performing arts beyond the safe boundaries of the familiar. We feature individualized instruction, rigorous curriculum, dedicated faculty, and professional internship options
-
Performance Emphasis students are mentored as pre-professionals and should be passionate about performance. That passion should lead them towards doing the work of the actor - reading scripts, finding audition material, keeping in shape, and rehearsing, rehearsing, rehearsing!
-
The Design/Technology Emphasis is for students who wish to become professionals in the theatre off-stage. Our Design/Technology students become Designers, Scenic Artists, Technicians, Engineers, Stage Managers and Producers. Design/Technology majors make a commitment to work as pre-professionals on at least one production for ODURep each semester. Usually by the third year, our students are designing their own productions, and they may be eligible to complete a professional internship
AT A GLANCE
College / School:
Major:
Theatre and Dance
Concentration:
Theatre
Degree Level:
Undergraduate
Delivery Mode(s):
On-Campus
Degree Earned:
Bachelor of Arts
Department:
Careers
What are some careers in this field?
Check out these ideas from ODU Career Development Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is the midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
Producers and Directors
$90,770
MEDIAN SALARY
Produce or direct stage, television, radio, video, or motion picture productions for entertainment, information, or instruction. Responsible for creative decisions, such as interpretation of script, choice of actors or guests, set design, sound, special effects, and choreography.
Commercial and Industrial Designers
$70,540
MEDIAN SALARY
Develop and design manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and children's toys. Combine artistic talent with research on product use, marketing, and materials to create the most functional and appealing product design.
Actors
$32.89 per-hour
MEDIAN SALARY
Play parts in stage, television, radio, video, motion picture productions, or other settings for entertainment, information, or instruction. Interpret serious or comic role by speech, gesture, and body movement to entertain or inform audience. May dance and sing.
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
$78,720
MEDIAN SALARY
Teach courses in drama, music, and the arts including fine and applied art, such as painting and sculpture, or design and crafts. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Courses
What are some courses offered in Theatre at ODU?
THEA 152R:
Acting One
An introduction to the physical and vocal principles of performance coupled with an opportunity to increase awareness of the constructed nature of social interactions. Students will explore confident self-expression through the physical, vocal, emotional and technical aspects of acting, as an art form and a daily experience, in a format that encourages freedom of imagination and personal growth. Emphasis is on the fundamental communication skills of presence, body language, imagination, and social communication.
THEA 230:
Drama for Production
A practitioner-oriented examination of drama from its origins to the present. Particular emphasis is placed on plays from around the world that are associated with changes in theatre practice.
THEA 244:
Introduction to Production Design
An introduction to principles, methods, and materials used in designing stage and film productions.
Requirements
What are the requirements to apply for Theatre at ODU?
Students entering the Bachelor of Arts program in Theatre should meet the minimum university admission requirements (Undergraduate Admission)
A Performance emphasis requires an audition; a Design/Technology emphasis requires a portfolio review. These are both scheduled in Spring semesters.
Performance emphasis majors are required to audition for shows, and all majors are strongly urged to audition each semester.
Cost
Tuition and Fees
Estimated rates for the 2022-23 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.
Virginia Resident
Per Credit:
$ 374
Non-Resident
Per Credit:
$ 1,039
Active Duty Military Rate
Per Credit:
$ 250
Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States
Per Credit:
$ 407
Ways to Save
Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial aid
Scholarships
The Edith b. & Forrest White scholarship
The Viburnum Scholarship
Next Steps
I like this program. What are the next steps?
-
Visit Campus Tour your future campus -
University Life Experience our community -
College Website See what we have to offer -
Department Website Explore our academics
Contact
Need help applying?
Meet Your Enrollment Team
Our enrollment coordinators are ready to help you through the admissions process.
PROFESSOR & THEATRE DIRECTOR
Name:
Christopher Hanna
Location:
1001 UNIVERSITY THEATRE, NORFOLK, VA, 23529
Email:
Office:
757-683-3391
Undergraduate Admissions
Location:
1004 Rollins Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529
Phone Office:
757-683-3685
Fax:
757-683-3255
Email:
admissions@odu.edu
International Admissions
Location:
2101 Dragas Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529
Phone Office:
757-683-3701
Fax:
757-683-3651
Email:
intladm@odu.edu
Transfer
I like this program and want to transfer. What are my next steps?
At ODU, we understand that as a transfer student you have unique needs that require a wide array of campus resources. The Center for Advising Administration and Academic Partnerships aims to create a transfer inclusive culture that supports the successful transition, engagement, and academic achievement of transfer students. The services and programs offered to you as a Monarch are endless so take advantage of every opportunity. Even before you set foot on campus, we encourage you to Explore, Experience, and Engage! Visit our Transfer Students page for more information.
Additional Programs
Are there other programs at ODU I may be interested in?
With over 120 undergraduate programs, 130 graduate programs at the master's, education specialist and doctoral levels plus a wealth of certificate and professional development programs, Old Dominion University has the program for you. Visit our academic program listing page to see other programs ODU has to offer.
How would you like to complete your program?
Enhance your college career by gaining relevant experience with the skills and knowledge needed for your future career. Discover our experiential learning opportunities.
Get an inside look into your major of interest when you speak to professors and current students at our monthly First Friday events.
Explore our beautiful campus and its community! Join us for our Spring Open House events in February and March.