THPST-BA - Theater and Performance Studies (BA)

The mission of the undergraduate program in Theater and Performance Studies is to provide a strong, non-conservatory program that joins the study and practice of performance within the context of a liberal arts curriculum. The department gives students a strong grasp of historical, cultural, and practical contexts in which live performance develops. With close faculty contact, department majors pursue areas of interest that may include acting, directing, writing, dance, devised theater, design, stage management, performance theory, and cultural studies. During the senior year students complete a senior project as part of fulfilling the 60 units required for the major

Suggested Preparation for the Major

Prospective majors in the first two years of study at Stanford are encouraged to take part in casting opportunities in department productions.

External credit is evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the Director of Undergraduate Studies.

The department expects undergraduate majors in the program to achieve the following learning outcomes:

1. the ability to write analytically about theater and performance

2. the ability to put aesthetic and creative skills into practice

3. the ability to find meaningful ways of integrating theory and practice

4. the ability to research effectively

5. the ability to articulate ideas about theater, dance and live arts.