Drama, B.F.A.
Curriculum
The School of Drama curriculum is continuously reviewed and modified in an effort to provide the best conservatory experience for undergraduate students in the School of Drama. The curriculum is subject to change. Not all requirements are listed, and units are often variable within each concentration based on performances, production assignments, and individual projects. A minimum of 360 units is required for graduation from Carnegie Mellon University. Taking more than 60 units in a semester requires good academic standing and advisor approval.
Browse each program’s curriculum using the tabs above or by selecting one of the following concentrations:
- Acting
- Design
- Directing (admissions on pause)
- Dramaturgy
- Production Technology & Management
- Musical Theater
Acting Program
First Year
| Fall | Units | |
| 54-011 | Introduction to Alexander Technique (mini 1) | 1 |
| 54-101 | Acting I | 10 |
| 54-103 | Speech I | 4 |
| 54-105 | Voice for the Stage I | 5 |
| 54-107 | Movement I | 4 |
| 54-110 | Text for Actors (mini 2) | 2 |
| 76-101 | Interpretation and Argument | 9 |
| or 76-106 & 76-108 | Writing about Literature, Art and Culture and Writing about Public Problems | |
| xx-xxx | Cultural Competency | 9 |
| 99-101 | Core@CMU (section CF) | 3 |
| Spring | Units | |
| 54-102 | Acting I | 10 |
| 54-104 | Speech I | 6 |
| 54-106 | Voice for the Stage I | 5 |
| 54-108 | Movement I | 4 |
| 54-177 | Foundations of Drama I | 6 |
| 54-159 | Production Practicum (section A) | 6 |
| xx-xxx | Global Persepctives or Non-Drama Elective 1 | 9 |
| 54-285 | Alexander Technique (optional) | 1.5 |
Sophomore Year
| Fall | Units | |
| 54-201 | Acting II | 12 |
| 54-203 | Voice and Speech II | 4 |
| 54-207 | Movement II | 4 |
| 54-209 | Voice and Speech II: Practicums | 3 |
| 54-211 | Actor Dance II | 3 |
| 54-281 | Foundations of Drama II 2 | 6 |
| xx-xxx | Non-Drama Elective | 6-9 |
| 62-314 | The Art of Personal Finance 3 | 6 |
| 54-285 | Alexander Technique | 1.5 |
| 54-213 | Singing for Actors II (optional) | 3 |
| xx-xxx | Global Persepctives (if not taken) 1 | 9 |
| Spring | Units | |
| 54-202 | Acting II | 12 |
| 54-204 | Voice and Speech II | 4 |
| 54-208 | Movement II | 3 |
| 54-209 | Voice and Speech II: Practicums | 3 |
| 54-212 | Actor Dance II | 3 |
| 54-242 | Improvisation | 2 |
| 54-381 | Special Topics in Drama | 6 |
| or 54-336 | Musical Theater History | |
| 54-159 | Production Practicum (section B) 4 | 6 |
| 54-285 | Alexander Technique (optional) | 1.5 |
| 54-214 | Singing for Actors II (optional) | 3 |
| xx-xxx | Non-Drama Elective | 6-9 |
Junior Year
| Fall | Units | |
| 54-301 | Acting III (mini 1 & mini 2) | 10 |
| 54-305 | Voice for the Stage III | 5 |
| 54-311 | Rehearsal and Performance III | 16 |
| 54-307 | Movement III | 5 |
| 54-309 | Speech III | 4 |
| 54-325 | Actor Dance III | 2 |
| xx-xxx | Non-Drama Elective | 6-9 |
| 54-317 | Singing for Actors III (optional) | 2 |
| 54-327 | Auditioning for TV/Film (optional) | 2 |
| 54-285 | Alexander Technique (optional) | 1.5 |
| Spring (or full-time study abroad) | Units | |
| 54-302 | Acting III (mini 3 & mini 4) | 10 |
| 54-306 | Applied V&S Techniques III | 6 |
| 54-308 | Movement III | 5 |
| 54-312 | Rehearsal and Performance III | 16 |
| 54-326 | Actor Dance III | 2 |
| xx-xxx | Non-Drama Elective | 6-9 |
| 54-318 | Singing for Actors III (optional) | 2 |
| 54-335 | Auditioning for the Stage (optional) | 2 |
| 54-285 | Alexander Technique (optional) | 1.5 |
Senior Year
| Fall (or full-time study abroad) | Units | |
| 54-285 | Alexander Technique (optional) | 1.5 |
| 54-407 | Movement IV | 6 |
| 54-411 | Rehearsal and Performance IV | 16 |
| 54-493 | Business of Acting & The Practice | 4 |
| 54-519 | Acting for the Camera | 6 |
| 54-403 | Actor as Artist | 6 |
| xx-xxx | Non-Drama Elective | 6-9 |
| Spring | Units | |
| 54-285 | Alexander Technique (optional) | 1.5 |
| 54-412 | Rehearsal and Performance IV | 16 |
| 54-414 | Showcase | 9 |
| 54-520 | Acting for the Camera | 8 |
| 54-438 | Acting IV: Synthesize Elements of the Craft (mini 4) | 3 |
| xx-xxx | Non-Drama Elective | 6-9 |
| NON-DRAMA ELECTIVES: | ||
| Actors take a minimum of four Non-Drama Electives, 6-9 units each. | ||
- 1
Students are required to take a Global Perspectives course in one elective slot over the course of the first two years.
- 2
Foundations of Drama II will be taken only one semester in the sophomore year. Acting Students are still required to take a non-drama elective during the semester they are enrolled in Foundations of Drama II.
- 3
Students are required to take an approved Scientific and Quantitative Reasoning elective. Students usually take 62-314 The Art of Personal Finance to fulfill this requirement.
- 4
54-159 is required in ONLY ONE semester of the sophomore year.
- NOTE:
Students are required to take a course in Cultural Competency. This can be fulfilled by taking 54-362 AREPT or one of the approved courses from the Dietrich list of “Perspectives on Justice and Injustice”.
Design Area
First Year
| Fall | Units | |
| 54-151 | Stage and Shop Craft | 10 |
| 54-157 | Production Science | 6 |
| 54-169 | Studiocraft: Drafting | 9 |
| 54-171 | Basic Design 1 | 6 |
| 54-177 | Foundations of Drama I or xx-xxx Cultural Competency 1 | 6 |
| 99-101 | Core@CMU (section CF) | 3 |
| 76-101 | Interpretation and Argument | 9 |
| 54-173 | Seeing and Discussing Theater | 2 |
| Spring | Units | |
| 54-152 | Stagecraft | 12 |
| 54-158 | Production Planning | 6 |
| 54-159 | Production Practicum (Section C) | 6 |
| 54-170 | Studiocraft: Drawing | 5 |
| 54-172 | Basic Design 2 | 6 |
| 54-177 | Foundations of Drama I or xx-xxx Cultural Competency 1 | 6 |
| xx-xxx | Global Perspectives | 9 |
| xx-xxx | Non-Drama Elective (optional) | 6-9 |
| 54-228 | Design and Production Skills: Vectorworks | 6 |
Sophomore Year
| Fall | Units | |
| 54-231 | Design for the Stage | 6 |
| 54-232 | Design for the Stage: Time Based | 4 |
| 54-249 | Stagecraft II | 14 |
| 54-229 | Trial by Combat | 6 |
| 54-271 | Technical Management | 6 |
| 54-281 | Foundations of Drama II (section B, or in the spring) 2 | 6 |
| xx-xxx | Non-Drama Elective | 6-9 |
| 54-284 | Fundamentals of Directing | 6 |
| Spring - ALL DESIGN | Units | |
| 54-xxx | Production Preparation | Var. |
| 54-281 | Foundations of Drama II (if not in fall) 2 | 6 |
| xx-xxx | Non-Drama Elective | 6-9 |
| 54-xxx | Vectorworks (required-VMD, Sound, Lighting, & Scenic) | 6 |
| Spring - SOUND DESIGN (consult with advisor) | Units | |
| 54-166 | Introduction to Sound Design for Theatre | 6 |
| 54-666 | Production Audio | 6 |
| 54-117 | Design Collaboration Project (mini) | 3 |
| 54-548 | Sound Forum | 1 |
| 54-344 | Basic Photoshop (mini 3) | 5 |
| Spring - COSTUME DESIGN (consult with advisor) | Units | |
| 54-162 | Introduction to Costume Design | 6 |
| 54-230 | Make-Up for Designers | 6 |
| 54-346 | Introduction to Costume Construction | 6 |
| 54-447 | Figure Drawing (or in a future semester) | 3 |
| 54-117 | Design Collaboration Project (mini) | 3 |
| 54-320 | Costume Forum | 1 |
| 54-344 | Basic Photoshop (mini 3) | 5 |
| Spring - SCENIC DESIGN (consult with advisor) | Units | |
| 54-386 | Scenic Design Hand Skils (mini) | 4 |
| 54-392 | Scenic Design Digital Skills (mini) | 4 |
| 54-350 | Scenic Design Forum | 2 |
| 54-117 | Design Collaboration Project | 3 |
| 54-227 | Scenic Design Production Advising (section A or B) | Var. |
| 54-344 | Basic Photoshop (mini 3) | 5 |
| 54-304 | Production Prep: Properties Shop | 4 |
| Spring - LIGHTING DESIGN (consult with advisor) | Units | |
| 54-252 | Introduction to Lighting Design | 6 |
| 54-368 | Introduction to Lighting Management | 6 |
| 54-337 | Introduction to Lighting Technology | 6 |
| 54-117 | Design Collaboration Project (mini) | 3 |
| 54-384 | Lighting Forum | 1 |
| Spring - VIDEO & MEDIA DESIGN (consult with advisor) | Units | |
| 54-297 | VMD Systems Studio | 9 |
| 60-120 | Foundations: Digital Media (This is not a non-drama elective) | 10 |
| 54-344 | Basic Photoshop (mini 3) | 5 |
| 54-482 | VMD Production Forum | 1 |
Junior Year
| Fall - ALL DESIGN | Units | |
| 54-xxx | Production Preparation | Var. |
| 54-381 | Special Topics in Drama (if needed) 3 | 6 |
| 54-382 | Sustainably Sculpting Space (mini-optional) | 4 |
| Fall - SOUND DESIGN (consult with advisor) | Units | |
| 54-267 | Conceptual Sound Design | 9 |
| 57-152 | Harmony I | 9 |
| 54-548 | Sound Forum | 1 |
| 54-505 | Ear Training | 1 |
| 54-508 | Theatrical Sound System Design 1 | 9 |
| Fall - COSTUME DESIGN (consult with advisor) | Units | |
| 54-341 | Fundamentals of Costume Design | 9 |
| 54-245 | History of Clothing | 6 |
| 54-441 | Costume Design for Dance (mini) | 5 |
| 54-473 | Drawing for Theatrical Designers | 9 |
| 54-511 | Millinery I (or in senior year/every other year or approved 3D sub) | 9 |
| 54-539 | Fabric Dyeing I (optional, every other year) | 9 |
| 54-373 | Draping Fundamentals (mini 1) | 3 |
| 54-486 | Understanding Textiles (mini 2) | 3 |
| 54-320 | Costume Forum | 1 |
| Fall - SCENIC DESIGN (consult with advisor) | Units | |
| 54-237 | Scenic Painting I | 6 |
| 54-473 | Drawing for Theatrical Designers or approved sub (or in future semester) 5 | 9 |
| 54-350 | Scenic Design Forum | 2 |
| 54-227 | Scenic Design Production Advising | 1 |
| 54-304 | Production Prep: Properties Shop | 4 |
| 54-239 | History of Architecture and Decor | 6 |
| 54-250 | Introduction to Scenic Design (starting in fall 2027) | 6 |
| Fall - LIGHTING DESIGN (consult with advisor) | Units | |
| 54-525 | Concert Lighting Programming | 9 |
| 54-469 | Dance Lighting Design 1 (mini 1) | 3 |
| 54-524 | Dance Lighting Design 2 (mini 2) | 3 |
| 54-351 | Theatrical Lighting Design-UGrad | 9 |
| 54-396 | Theatrical Lighting Management | 4 |
| 54-384 | Lighting Forum | 1 |
| 54-380 | Music Reading for Production (mini 1 & 2 based on placement) | 3 |
| 54-357 | Theatrical Lighting Programming | 4 |
| Fall - VIDEO & MEDIA DESIGN (consult with advisor) | Units | |
| 54-399 | Decoding Media | 9 |
| 54-476 | Specters and Systems: Advanced Horror Experience Studio (A, next offered F27) | 9 |
| 60-110 | Foundations: Time-Based Media | 10 |
| 54-xxx | Other Design "Co-option" course (optional) | Var. |
| xx-xxx | VMD Approved Interdepartmental Course | 9 |
| 54-482 | VMD Production Forum | 1 |
| 54-476 | Specters and Systems LAB (section B, offered in alternate years) | 3 |
| 54-461 | Experimental Capture | 12 |
| Spring - ALL DESIGN | Units | |
| 54-xxx | Production Preparation | varies |
| 54-381 | Special Topics in Drama (if needed) 3 | 6 |
| 54-228 | Design and Production Skills: Vectorworks (optional-VMD, Sound, Lighting & Scenic) | 6 |
| xx-xxx | Non-Drama Elective | 6-9 |
| Spring - SOUND DESIGN (consult with advisor) | Units | |
| 54-328 | Sound Design Skills | 9 |
| 54-509 | Theatrical Sound System Design 2 | 9 |
| 54-505 | Ear Training | 1 |
| 54-548 | Sound Forum | 1 |
| 54-389 | Composition for Theatrical Sound Design 1 | 9 |
| Spring - COSTUME DESIGN (consult with advisor) | Units | |
| 54-336 | Musical Theater History | 6 |
| 54-246 | History of Clothing II | 6 |
| 54-450 | Painting for the Theatrical Designer & 54-344 Costume Concept Illustration (every other year, required) | 9 |
| 54-320 | Costume Forum | 1 |
| 54-xxx | Costume Crafts Mini (varies each semester, optional) | 6 |
| 54-444 | Advanced Designer Draping (optional) | 6 |
| 54-516 | Fabric Painting (every other year, optional) | 9 |
| 54-344 | Basic Photoshop (mini-3) | 5 |
| 54-347 | Intermediate Photoshop: Focus on Figures | 5 |
| Spring - SCENIC DESIGN (consult with advisor) | Units | |
| 54-238 | Scenic Painting II | 6 |
| 54-332 | Scenic Design: Boot Camp (mini 3 & mini 4) | 9 |
| 54-450 | Painting for the Theatrical Designer (or approved sub) | 9 |
| 54-350 | Scenic Design Forum | 2 |
| 54-227 | Scenic Design Production Advising (section A or B) | Var. |
| 54-331 | Scenic Design: Explorations | 9 |
| 54-240 | History of Architecture and Decor 2: Renaissance to the 21st Century | 6 |
| 54-386 | Scenic Design Hand Skils | 4 |
| 54-392 | Scenic Design Digital Skills | 4 |
| Spring - LIGHTING DESIGN (consult with advisor) | Units | |
| 54-352 | Opera Lighting Design | 9 |
| 54-348 | Advanced Vectorworks for Lighting Design | 3 |
| 54-383 | Lighting for Film & TV | 3 |
| 54-565 | Dance/Light (mini 3) | 3 |
| 54-384 | Lighting Forum | 1 |
| Spring - VIDEO & MEDIA DESIGN (consult with advisor) | Units | |
| 54-400 | Staging Media | 10 |
| or 54-490 | Special Topics in Media: Mediated Reality | |
| xx-xxx | VMD Approved Interdepartmental class | 9 |
| 54-xxx | Other Design "Co-Option" course (optional) | 6 |
| 54-482 | VMD Production Forum | 1 |
Senior Year
| Fall - ALL DESIGN | Units | |
| 54-381 | Special Topics in Drama (if needed) 3 | 6 |
| 54-xxx | Production Preparation | Var. |
| 54-382 | Sustainably Sculpting Space (mini-optional) | 4 |
| Fall - SOUND DESIGN (consult with advisor) | Units | |
| 54-398 | Special Topics in Sound Design | 9 |
| 54-548 | Sound Forum | 1 |
| 54-505 | Ear Training | 1 |
| 54-390 | Composition for Theatrical Sound Design 2 | 9 |
| 54-340 | Coding & Control for Theatrical Sound | 9 |
| Fall - COSTUME DESIGN (consult with advisor) | Units | |
| 54-498 | Expanded Theater (or Scenography in the spring) 6 | 8 |
| 54-447 | Figure Drawing | 3 |
| 54-239 | History of Architecture and Decor | 6 |
| 54-470 | Costume Rendering | 9 |
| 54-511 | Millinery I (offered every other year) or approved 3D sub | 9 |
| 54-539 | Fabric Dyeing I | 9 |
| 54-xxx | Costume Crafts Mini (varies each semester, optional) | |
| 54-320 | Costume Forum | 1 |
| Fall - SCENIC DESIGN (consult with advisor) | Units | |
| 54-498 | Expanded Theater | 8 |
| 54-473 | Drawing for Theatrical Designers or approved drawing sub (if not taken) | 9 |
| 54-432 | Design for Spaces & Screen (mini 1 & mini 2) | 9 |
| 54-451 | Scenic Design Packet (mini 2) | 4 |
| 54-350 | Scenic Design Forum | 2 |
| 54-227 | Scenic Design Production Advising | Var. |
| Fall - LIGHTING DESIGN (consult with advisor) | Units | |
| 54-524 | Dance Lighting Design 2 (mini 2) (may be repeated) | 3 |
| 54-491 | Concert Lighting Design | 9 |
| 54-525 | Concert Lighting Programming (optional) | 9 |
| 54-384 | Lighting Forum | 1 |
| 62-661 | Interaction and Expression using Pausch Bridge Lighting (optional) | 4 |
| Fall - VIDEO & MEDIA DESIGN (consult with advisor) | Units | |
| 54-498 | Expanded Theater | 8 |
| 54-476 | Specters and Systems: Advanced Horror Experience Studio (section A, next offered F27) | 9 |
| 54-476 | Specters and Systems: Advanced Horror Experience Studio LAB (Section B, offered in alternative years) | 9 |
| 54-482 | VMD Production Forum | 1 |
| 54-521 | Video Media Design Senior Thesis or Advanced VMD course | Var. |
| 54-xxx | Other Design "Co-Option" course | Var. |
| 54-461 | Experimental Capture | 12 |
| Spring - ALL DESIGN | Units | |
| 54-381 | Special Topics in Drama (if needed) 3 | 6 |
| 54-361 | Production Preparation | Var. |
| 54-228 | Design and Production Skills: Vectorworks (optional -VMD, Sound, Lighting & Scenic) | 6 |
| xx-xxx | Non-Drama Elective | 6-9 |
| Spring - SOUND DESIGN (consult with advisor) | Units | |
| 54-372 | Theatre for the Ear | 6 |
| 54-397 | Sound Design For Interactive Environments | 9 |
| 54-505 | Ear Training | 1 |
| 54-548 | Sound Forum | 1 |
| Spring - COSTUME DESIGN (consult with advisor) | Units | |
| 54-431 | Scenography (if Expanded Theater not taken in fall) 6 | 4.5 |
| 54-342 | Costume Design for TV and Film 6 | 7 |
| 54-450 | Painting for the Theatrical Designer & 54-344 Costume Concept Illustration (every other year, required) | 9 |
| 54-xxx | Costume Crafts Mini (varies each semester) | |
| 54-320 | Costume Forum | 1 |
| 54-240 | History of Architecture and Decor 2: Renaissance to the 21st Century | 6 |
| 54-344 | Basic Photoshop (mini-3, optional) | 5 |
| 54-347 | Intermediate Photoshop: Focus on Figures (optional) | 5 |
| Spring - SCENIC DESIGN (consult with advisor) | Units | |
| 54-431 | Scenography | 4.5 |
| 54-450 | Painting for the Theatrical Designer (or approved sub, if not taken) | 9 |
| 54-350 | Scenic Design Forum | 2 |
| 54-227 | Scenic Design Production Advising (section A or B) | 1 |
| 54-386 | Scenic Design Hand Skils | 4 |
| 54-392 | Scenic Design Digital Skills | 4 |
| Spring - LIGHTING DESIGN (consult with advisor) | Units | |
| 54-565 | Dance/Light (may be repeated) | 3 |
| 54-452 | Architainment Lighting Design | 9 |
| 54-427 | Musical Lighting Design | 9 |
| 54-384 | Lighting Forum | 1 |
| 54-492 | Concert Lighting 2 (recommended, optional) | Var. |
| Spring - VIDEO & MEDIA DESIGN (consult with advisor) | Units | |
| 54-521 | Video Media Design Senior Thesis or Advanced VMD course | Var. |
| 54-400 | Staging Media or VMD: Mediated Reality (if offered) | 10 |
| 54-xxx | Other Design "Co-Option" course (optional) | Var. |
| 54-482 | VMD Production Forum | 1 |
| NON-DRAMA ELECTIVES: | ||
| Designers take a minimum of five Non-Drama Electives, 6-9 units each. | ||
Notes:
- 1
Foundations of Drama 1 will be taken only one semester in the freshman year.
- 2
Foundations of Drama II will be taken only one semester in the sophomore year.
- 3
All Designers are required to complete Special Topics in Drama: History, Literature and Criticism. It may be taken at any time after Foundations II has been completed.
- 4
Costume and Scenic students are required to complete one approved Art History course.
- 5
Scenic Design students are required to take two 6-9 unit Drawing/Painting courses in The School of Drama, Art of Architecture.
- 6
Costume Design Students are required to take Expanded Theater or Scenography and Costume Design for TV and Film.
- NOTE:
Students are required to take a course in Cultural Competency. This can be fulfilled by taking 54-362 AREPT or one of the approved courses from the Dietrich list of “Perspectives on Justice and Injustice”.
Directing Program (Admissions on pause)
First Year
| Fall | Units | |
| 54-121 | Directing I: A Director's Mindset | 9 |
| 54-167 | Acting for Directors I | 10 |
| 54-107 | Movement I (section C) | 4 |
| 54-109 | Dramaturgy 1: Approaches to Text | 9 |
| 54-110 | Text for Actors (mini-2, section C) | 2 |
| 99-101 | Core@CMU (section CF) | 3 |
| 54-517 | Directors Common Hour | 1 |
| 54-159 | Production Practicum | 6 |
| xx-xxx | Cultural Competency |
| Spring | Units | |
| 54-122 | Directing I: A Director's Preparation | 9 |
| 54-168 | Acting for Directors I | 10 |
| 54-159 | Production Practicum | 6 |
| 54-184 | Dramaturgy 2: Introduction to Production Dramaturgy | 9 |
| 54-177 | Foundations of Drama I | 6 |
| 76-101 | Interpretation and Argument | 9 |
| or 76-106 & 76-108 | Writing about Literature, Art and Culture and Writing about Public Problems | |
Sophomore Year
| Fall | Units | |
| 54-233 | Acting For Directors II | 12 |
| 54-221 | Directing II: In the Studio | 9 |
| 54-281 | Foundations of Drama II (or in the spring) | 6 |
| 54-271 | Technical Management (Optional) | 6 |
| 62-314 | The Art of Personal Finance (mini) | 6 |
| 76-270 | Writing for the Professions (section J) | 9 |
| 54-xxx | Directing: Production II (by assignment) |
| Spring | Units | |
| 54-234 | Acting For Directors II | 12 |
| 54-222 | Directing II: In The Room | 9 |
| 54-117 | Design Collaboration Project (mini) | 3 |
| xx-xxx | Non-Drama Elective (Global Perspective if not completed) | 9 |
| 54-xxx | Directing: Production II (by assignment) | 6 |
| 54-381 | Special Topics in Drama (or in a future semester) | 6 |
| 54-616 | MFA Director's Lab | 10 |
Junior Year
| Fall | Units | |
| 54-322 | Directing III: Introduction to TV & Film | 9 |
| 54-381 | Special Topics in Drama or 54-336 (if needed) | 6 |
| 85-100 | Introduction to Psychology (section F or one that fits) | 9 |
| xx-xxx | Non-drama elective | 6-9 |
| 54-247 | Dramaturgy 5: In Company | 9 |
| 54-xxx | Explorations mini-1 | |
| 54-xxx | Design Elective | |
| 54-410 | Directors Discourse | 2 |
| Spring - NYC TEPPER INTERNSHIP SEMESTER | ||
| Tepper Semester courses (register with Syracuse) | 36 | |
Senior Year
| Fall | Units | |
| 54-422 | Directing IV: Next Steps | 6 |
| 54-247 | Dramaturgy 5: In Company (if not taken) | 9 |
| xx-xxx | Non-Drama Elective | 6-9 |
| 54-498 | Expanded Theater | 8 |
| 54-381 | Special Topics in Drama (if needed) | 6 |
| 54-xxx | Directing: Production IV (Capstone prep) | 6-16 |
| 54-410 | Directors Discourse | 2 |
| 54-xxx | Design Elective (if not taken) | |
| 54-735 | Text to Stage II: Global Theatre Traditions | 6 |
| Spring | Units | |
| 54-422 | Directing IV: Next Steps | 6 |
| 54-458 | Directing: Production IV (Capstone) ** | Var. |
| xx-xxx | Non-Drama Elective | 6-9 |
| 54-381 | Special Topics in Drama (if needed) | 6 |
| 54-431 | Scenography | 4.5 |
| 54-330 | Introduction to Stage Management (if not taken) | 6 |
| 54-410 | Directors Discourse | 2 |
| NON-DRAMA ELECTIVES: | ||
| Directors take a minimum of four Non-Drama Electives, 6-9 units each. | ||
Notes:
** One semester of Directing Production IV: Senior Thesis Play is required. Second semester is Optional.
Dramaturgy Program
First Year
| Fall | Units | |
| 54-109 | Dramaturgy 1: Approaches to Text | 9 |
| 54-284 | Fundamentals of Directing | 6 |
| 54-177 | Foundations of Drama I | 6 |
| 54-200 | Dramaturgy Forum | 1 |
| 76-101 | Interpretation and Argument or 76-102 | 9 |
| or 76-106 & 76-108 | Writing about Literature, Art and Culture and Writing about Public Problems | |
| 54-159 | Production Practicum (Run Crew - section A) | 6 |
| 82-xxx | Foreign Language 1 | 9-12 |
| 99-101 | Core@CMU (section CF) | 3 |
| 62-314 | The Art of Personal Finance | 6 |
| xx-xxx | Cultural Competency | 9 |
| Spring | Units | |
| 54-184 | Dramaturgy 2: Introduction to Production Dramaturgy | 9 |
| 54-281 | Foundations of Drama II | 6 |
| 54-200 | Dramaturgy Forum | 1 |
| 54-159 | Production Practicum (Run Crew - section B) | 6 |
| 54-117 | Design Collaboration Project (mini 4) | 3 |
| 82-xxx | Foreign Language 1 | 9-12 |
| xx-xxx | Non-Dramaturgy Elective | 6-9 |
Sophomore Year
| Fall | Units | |
| 54-241 | Dramaturgy 3: Dramaturgy in Translation | 9 |
| 54-299 | Dramaturgy Production:Assistant (or in spring) | 9 |
| 54-245 | History of Clothing (or 54-246 in spring) 3 | 6 |
| 54-200 | Dramaturgy Forum | 1 |
| 54-239 | History of Architecture and Decor (fall or spring) | 6 |
| 54-219 | Special Topics: Music Theater History and Repertoire | 6 |
| xx-xxx | Playwriting or approved sub | 9 |
| 82-xxx | Foreign Language, if needed 1 | 9-12 |
| 76-275 | Introduction to Critical Writing (or in Jr fall) | 9 |
| xx-xxx | Non-Dramaturgy Elective | 6-9 |
| Spring | Units | |
| 54-256 | Dramaturgy 4: New Play Dramaturgy | 9 |
| 54-xxx | Dramaturgy Production: Assistant (if not in fall) | 3 |
| 54-246 | History of Clothing II (or 54-245 in fall) 3 | 6 |
| 54-240 | History of Architecture and Decor 2: Renaissance to the 21st Century (if not in fall) | 6 |
| xx-xxx | Playwriting or approved sub (if not in fall) | 9 |
| 54-200 | Dramaturgy Forum | 1 |
| xx-xxx | Directed Elective | 9 |
| xx-xxx | Directed Elective | 9 |
| xx-xxx | Non-Dramaturgy Elective | 6-9 |
| 82-xxx | Foreign Language (if needed) 1 | 9-12 |
Junior Year
| Fall | Units | |
| 54-247 | Dramaturgy 5: In Company | 9 |
| 54-xxx | Dramaturgy: Production (or in spring) | 9/12 |
| 54-200 | Dramaturgy Forum | 1 |
| 54-381 | Special Topics in Drama 4 | 6 |
| 54-245 | History of Clothing (or 54-246 in spring if needed) 3 | 6 |
| xx-xxx | Directed Elective | 9 |
| xx-xxx | Directed Elective | 9 |
| xx-xxx | Non-Dramaturgy Elective | 6-9 |
| 54-239 | History of Architecture and Decor (fall or spring) | 6 |
| Spring | Units | |
| 54-256 | Dramaturgy 4: New Play Dramaturgy (if needed) | 9 |
| 54-xxx | Dramaturgy: Production (if not in fall) | 9/12 |
| 54-200 | Dramaturgy Forum | 1 |
| 54-381 | Special Topics in Drama 4 | 6 |
| 54-246 | History of Clothing II (or 54-245 in fall if needed) 3 | 6 |
| xx-xxx | Directed Elective | 9 |
| xx-xxx | Directed Elective | 9 |
| xx-xxx | Non-Dramaturgy Elective | 6-9 |
| 54-240 | History of Architecture and Decor 2: Renaissance to the 21st Century (fall or spring) | 6 |
Senior Year
| Fall | Units | |
| 54-254 | New Work Development | 6 |
| 54-200 | Dramaturgy Forum | 1 |
| 54-xxx | Dramaturgy: Production or 54-585 Senior Project: Dramaturgy (with faculty approval) | 9/12 |
| 54-381 | Special Topics in Drama 4 | 6 |
| xx-xxx | Directed Elective | 9 |
| xx-xxx | Non-Dramaturgy Elective | 6-9 |
| Spring | Units | |
| 54-364 | Dramaturgy 7 - Expo Prep | 3 |
| 54-200 | Dramaturgy Forum | 1 |
| 54-381 | Special Topics in Drama (if needed) 4 | 6 |
| 54-587 | Dramaturgy Production (if not in fall) or 54-585 Senior Project: Dramaturgy (if approved) | 12 |
| xx-xxx | Directed Elective | 9 |
| xx-xxx | Non-Dramaturgy Elective | 6-9 |
Directed Electives
Dramaturgy students are required to complete a total of 9-10 Directed Electives: a minor in Literature and Cultural Studies in the English department (six courses); three History courses (two 200-level and one 300-level, one course must focus on history pre-1900, and one must focus on non-Western history); one European studies course (can overlap with a history course); and one semester of foreign language at the 200-level.
| DIRECTED ELECTIVES: ENGLISH | ||
| All students must complete the minor in Literature and Cultural Studies in the English Department | 54 | |
| DIRECTED ELECTIVES: EUROPEAN STUDIES & HISTORY | Units | |
| Dramaturgy students take at least 3 History courses (two 200-level and one 300-level). One course must focus on history pre-1900, and one must focus on African, Asian, Latin American, or Caribbean studies. | 27 | |
| Dramaturgy students take one European Studies course (cannot be an English course, but can be a History course) | 9 | |
| DIRECTED ELECTIVES: FOREIGN LANGUAGE | Units | |
| Dramaturgy students take at least one Foreign Language course at the 200-level or above. Students may test out of this requirement if they can demonstrate 200-level proficiency. | 12 | |
Non-Dramaturgy Electives
| NON-DRAMATURGY ELECTIVES: | ||
| Dramaturgy students take a minimum of seven Non-Dramaturgy Electives, 6-9 units each. | ||
Dramaturgy Curriculum Notes:
- 1
Dramaturgy students starting a modern language at the 100-level should begin in the fall of freshman year. Completion of one semester at the 200-level is required for the major. Students who place into the fourth semester of a foreign language are exempt from the requirement.
- 2
Dramaturgy students must take one (1) approved History of Art or Architecture course. One option is 48-240 History of World Architecture, I, which is offered with instructor permission in the spring semester. Another option is 60-105 Cultural History of the Visual Arts (fall only).
- 3
Dramaturgy students must take one (1) semester of Evolution of Clothing, either 54-245 History of Clothing or 54-246 History of Clothing II
- 4
Dramaturgy students are required to take a total of 12 units of Special Topics in Drama: History, Literature and Criticism during their junior and senior year.
- NOTE:
Students are required to take a course in Cultural Competency. This can be fulfilled by taking 54-362 AREPT or one of the approved courses from the Dietrich list of “Perspectives on Justice and Injustice”.
Musical Theater Program
First Year
| Fall | Units | |
| 54-101 | Acting I | 10 |
| 54-011 | Introduction to Alexander Technique (mini 1) | 1 |
| 54-103 | Speech I | 4 |
| 54-105 | Voice for the Stage I | 5 |
| 54-107 | Movement I | 4 |
| 54-110 | Text for Actors (mini 2, section B) | 2 |
| 54-123 | Dance I | 5 |
| 54-125 | Music Skills I | 4 |
| 54-500 | Voice Lab | 5 |
| 99-101 | Core@CMU (section CF) | 3 |
| xx-xxx | Cultural Competency | 9 |
| Spring | Units | |
| 54-102 | Acting I | 10 |
| 54-104 | Speech I | 6 |
| 54-106 | Voice for the Stage I | 5 |
| 54-108 | Movement I | 4 |
| 54-124 | Dance I | 5 |
| 54-126 | Music Skills II | 4 |
| 54-159 | Production Practicum (section A) | 6 |
| 54-500 | Voice Lab | 5 |
| 54-177 | Foundations of Drama I | 6 |
| 76-101 | Interpretation and Argument | 9 |
| or 76-106 & 76-108 | Writing about Literature, Art and Culture and Writing about Public Problems | |
Sophomore Year
| Fall | Units | |
| 54-201 | Acting II | 12 |
| 54-203 | Voice and Speech II | 4 |
| 54-205 | Dance II | 3 |
| 54-207 | Movement II | 4 |
| 54-209 | Voice and Speech II: Practicums | 3 |
| 54-217 | Jazz II | 2 |
| 54-219 | Special Topics: Music Theater History and Repertoire | 6 |
| 54-223 | Tap II - Rhythmic Technique/Foundational to Complex | 2 |
| 54-500 | Voice Lab | 5 |
| 54-285 | Alexander Technique (optional) | 1.5 |
| 62-314 | The Art of Personal Finance 1 | 6 |
| xx-xxx | Global Perspectives | 9 |
| Spring | Units | |
| 54-202 | Acting II | 12 |
| 54-204 | Voice and Speech II | 4 |
| 54-206 | Dance II | 3 |
| 54-208 | Movement II | 3 |
| 54-209 | Voice and Speech II: Practicums | 3 |
| 54-218 | Jazz II | 2 |
| 54-224 | Tap II: Rhythmic Technique/Foundational to Complex | 2 |
| 54-220 | Acting A Song | 4 |
| 54-281 | Foundations of Drama II 2 | 6 |
| 54-159 | Production Practicum (section B) | 6 |
| 54-500 | Voice Lab | 5 |
| 54-285 | Alexander Technique (optional) | 1.5 |
Junior Year
| Fall | Units | |
| 54-301 | Acting III (mini 1 & mini 2) | 10 |
| 54-305 | Voice for the Stage III | 5 |
| 54-309 | Speech III | 4 |
| 54-311 | Rehearsal and Performance III | 16 |
| 54-313 | Dance III | 3 |
| 54-315 | Jazz III | 2 |
| 54-319 | Cabaret | 6 |
| 54-323 | Tap III - Expand Percussive Rhythms | 2 |
| 54-500 | Voice Lab | 5 |
| 54-285 | Alexander Technique (optional) | 1.5 |
| 54-327 | Auditioning for TV/Film (optional) | 2 |
| 54-387 | Choreography & Composition (optional) | 2 |
| Spring (or full-time study abroad) | Units | |
| 54-302 | Acting III (mini 3 & mini 4) | 10 |
| 54-306 | Applied V&S Techniques III | 6 |
| 54-312 | Rehearsal and Performance III | 16 |
| 54-314 | Dance III | 3 |
| 54-316 | Jazz III | 2 |
| 54-324 | Tap III: Expand Percussive Rhythms | 2 |
| 54-500 | Voice Lab | 5 |
| 54-374 | Musical Theater Audition | 5 |
| 54-335 | Auditioning for the Stage (optional) | 2 |
| 54-285 | Alexander Technique (optional) | 1.5 |
| 54-388 | Choreography & Composition II (optional) | 2 |
Senior Year
| Fall (or full-time study abroad) | Units | |
| 54-403 | Actor as Artist | 6 |
| 54-411 | Rehearsal and Performance IV | 16 |
| 54-415 | Broadway Dance Styles | 5 |
| 54-418 | Songs for Showcase (mini 2) | 2 |
| 54-493 | Business of Acting & The Practice | 4 |
| 54-500 | Voice Lab /Senior Coaching | 5 |
| 54-519 | Acting for the Camera | 6 |
| 54-285 | Alexander Technique (optional) | 1.5 |
| Spring | Units | |
| 54-412 | Rehearsal and Performance IV | 16 |
| 54-414 | Showcase | 9 |
| 54-416 | Broadway Styles | 5 |
| 54-418 | Songs for Showcase | 2 |
| 54-438 | Acting IV: Synthesize Elements of the Craft (mini 4) | 3 |
| 54-500 | Voice Lab /Senior Coaching | 5 |
| 54-520 | Acting for the Camera | 8 |
| 54-285 | Alexander Technique (optional) | 1.5 |
- 1
Students are required to take an approved Scientific and Quantitative Reasoning elective. Students usually take 62-314 The Art of Personal Finance to fulfill this requirement.
- 2
Foundations of Drama II will be taken only one semester in the sophomore year.
- NOTE:
Students are required to take a course in Cultural Competency. This can be fulfilled by taking 54-362 AREPT or one of the approved courses from the Dietrich list of “Perspectives on Justice and Injustice”.
Production Technology and Management (PTM) Area
First Year
| Fall | Units | |
| 54-151 | Stage and Shop Craft | 10 |
| 54-157 | Production Science | 6 |
| 54-169 | Studiocraft: Drafting | 9 |
| 54-171 | Basic Design 1 | 6 |
| 99-101 | Core@CMU (section CF) | 3 |
| 76-101 | Interpretation and Argument | 9 |
| or 76-106 & 76-108 | Writing about Literature, Art and Culture and Writing about Public Problems | |
| 54-177 | Foundations of Drama I or xx-xxx Cultural Competency 1 | 6 |
| 54-173 | Seeing and Discussing Theater | 2 |
| Spring | Units | |
| 54-170 | Studiocraft: Drawing | 5 |
| 54-158 | Production Planning | 6 |
| 54-172 | Basic Design 2 | 6 |
| 54-177 | Foundations of Drama I or xx-xxx Cultural Competency 1 | 6 |
| xx-xxx | Global Perspectives | 9 |
| 54-159 | Production Practicum (section C) | 6 |
| 54-152 | Stagecraft | 12 |
| 54-228 | Design and Production Skills: Vectorworks | 6 |
| xx-xxx | Non-Drama Elective (optional) | 6-9 |
Sophomore Year
| Fall | Units | |
| 54-231 | Design for the Stage | 6 |
| 54-232 | Design for the Stage: Time Based | 4 |
| 54-271 | Technical Management | 6 |
| 54-249 | Stagecraft II | 14 |
| 54-281 | Foundations of Drama II (section B) (or in spring) 2 | 6 |
| 54-284 | Fundamentals of Directing | 6 |
| xx-xxx | Non-Drama Elective | 6-9 |
| 54-229 | Trial by Combat | 6 |
| Spring - ALL PTM | Units | |
| 54-xxx | Production Preparation (64 units total for PT over 5 semesters 8, 12, 12, 16, 16) (88 units total for TD over 5 semesters 12, 18, 18, 20, 20) | varies |
| 54-281 | Foundations of Drama II (if not in fall) 2 | 6 |
| xx-xxx | Non-Drama Elective | 6-9 |
| 54-228 | Design and Production Skills: Vectorworks (required-VMD, Sound, Lighting & Scenic) | 6 |
| Spring: PTM - Technical Direction | Units | |
| 54-264 | Intro to Welding (MIG & TIG) | 4 |
| 54-265 | Advanced Fabrication 1 | 6 |
| 54-330 | Introduction to Stage Management | 6 |
| 54-272 | Scenic Fabrication and Installation (mini-3) | 3 |
| 54-286 | Stage Rigging Concepts (mini-4) | 3 |
| 54-334 | Production Resource Management | 6 |
| Spring: PTM - Stage & Production Management (SPM) | Units | |
| 54-666 | Production Audio | 6 |
| 54-330 | Introduction to Stage Management | 6 |
| 54-286 | Stage Rigging Concepts (mini-4) | 3 |
| 54-334 | Production Resource Management | 6 |
| Spring: PTM - Production Technology | Units | |
| 54-272 | Scenic Fabrication and Installation (mini-3) | 3 |
| 54-286 | Stage Rigging Concepts (mini-4) | 3 |
| 54-355 | 30 Hour OSHA | 2 |
| 54-xxx | Intro to Production Technology | 6 |
| 54-117 | Design Collaboration Project | 3 |
| AND | ||
| 54-252 | Introduction to Lighting Design or 54-166 Intro to Sound Design or 54-297 VMD Systems Studio | 6 |
| 54-368 | Introduction to Lighting Management and 54-337 Intro to Lighting Technology or 54-666 Production Audio (section B) | 6 |
| 54-330 | Introduction to Stage Management | 6 |
Junior Year
| Fall - ALL PTM | Units | |
| 54-xxx | Production Preparation (64 units total for PT over 5 semesters 8, 12, 12, 16, 16) (88 units total for TD over 5 semesters 12, 18, 18, 20, 20) | var |
| 54-273 | Technical Direction I | 6 |
| 54-381 | Special Topics in Drama 3 | 6 |
| xx-xxx | Non-Drama Elective | 6-9 |
| Fall: PTM - Technical Direction | Units | |
| 54-353 | Structural Design I ~ | 9 |
| or 54-366 | Physics of Stage Machinery | |
| 54-295 | Advanced Fabrication II | 6 |
| 54-455 | Production Data Manipulation (optional) | 9 |
| 54-333 | Production Personnel Management (optional) | 6 |
| Fall: PTM - Stage & Production Management (SPM) | Units | |
| 54-266 | Cue Calling Studio | 4 |
| 54-339 | Stage Management Seminar | 3 |
| 54-380 | Music Reading for Production (mini 1 & 2 based on placement) | 3 |
| 54-455 | Production Data Manipulation | 9 |
| Fall: PTM - PTM Production Technology | Units | |
| 54-279 | Embedded Electronics | 3 |
| 54-333 | Production Personnel Management | 6 |
| 54-xxx | SoD Adv Tech course | 6-9 |
| Spring - ALL PTM | Units | |
| 54-xxx | Production Prep (64 units total for PT over 5 semesters 8, 12, 12, 16, 16) (88 units total for TD over 5 semesters 12, 18, 18, 20, 20) | Var. |
| 54-381 | Special Topics in Drama (if needed) 3 | 6 |
| xx-xxx | Non-Drama Elective | 6-9 |
| 54-355 | 30 Hour OSHA (if offered) | 2 |
| 54-468 | Theater Management (or in senior year) | 6 |
| Spring: PTM - Technical Direction | Units | |
| 54-354 | Structural Design II ~ | 9 |
| or 54-365 | Machine Design I | |
| 54-378 | Technical Direction II | 6 |
| 54-xxx | Special Topics Entertainment Engineering (if offered) | 6 |
| Spring - PTM Stage & Production Management (SPM) | Units | |
| 54-339 | Stage Management Seminar | 3 |
| 54-453 | Production Management Workshop | 3 |
| 54-368 | Introduction to Lighting Management | 6 |
| 54-454 | Advanced SM: Actors Equity | 6 |
| 54-270 | Advanced Topics in Stage Management I: Communication | 6 |
| Spring - PTM Production Technology | Units | |
| 54-334 | Production Resource Management | 6 |
| 54-468 | Theater Management | 6 |
| 54-xxx | SoD Adv Tech course | 6-9 |
| 54-xxx | SoD Adv Tech course | 6-9 |
| 54-xxx | Directed Elective | 3-12 |
Senior Year
| Fall - ALL PTM | Units | |
| 54-xxx | Production Preparation (64 units for PT over 5 semesters 8, 12, 12, 16, 16) (88 units total for TD over 5 semesters 12, 18, 18, 20, 20) | Var. |
| 54-381 | Special Topics in Drama (if needed) 3 | 6 |
| xx-xxx | Non-Drama Elective | 6-9 |
| 54-333 | Production Personnel Management (optional for TDs) | 6 |
| Fall: PTM - Technical Direction | Units | |
| 54-477 | Technical Direction III | 9 |
| 54-353 | Structural Design I ~ | 9 |
| or 54-366 | Physics of Stage Machinery | |
| 54-279 | Embedded Electronics (if needed) | 3 |
| 54-455 | Production Data Manipulation (optional) | 9 |
| 54-333 | Production Personnel Management (optional) | 6 |
| Fall: PTM - Stage & Production Management (SPM) | Units | |
| 54-339 | Stage Management Seminar | 3 |
| 54-453 | Production Management Workshop | 3 |
| 54-454 | Advanced SM: Actors Equity | 6 |
| Fall: PTM - Production Technology | Units | |
| 54-xxx | Directed Elective | 3-12 |
| 54-xxx | Directed Elective | 3-12 |
| 54-xxx | SoD Adv Tech course | 6-9 |
| 54-xxx | SoD Adv Tech course | 6-9 |
| 54-xxx | Show Networking Workshop (not offered F26) |
| Spring - ALL PTM | Units | |
| 54-xxx | Production Preparation (64 units total for PT over 5 semesters 8, 12, 12, 16, 16) (88 units total for TD over 5 semesters 12, 18, 18, 20, 20) | Var. |
| 54-381 | Special Topics in Drama (if needed) 3 | 6 |
| 54-355 | 30 Hour OSHA (if not taken) | 2 |
| 54-468 | Theater Management (if not taken) | 6 |
| Spring: PTM - Technical Direction | Units | |
| 54-354 | Structural Design II | 9 |
| or 54-365 | Machine Design I | |
| 54-480 | Technical Direction IV | 6 |
| 54-376 | Entertainment Rigging (optional) | 3 |
| Spring: PTM - Stage & Production Management (SPM) | Units | |
| 54-339 | Stage Management Seminar | 3 |
| 54-453 | Production Management Workshop | 3 |
| 54-475 | Advanced Topics in Stage Management: Cross-Boundaries | 6 |
| Spring: PTM - Production Technology | Units | |
| 54-xxx | Advanced Technology Elective 4 | 6-9 |
| 54-xxx | Directed Elective | 3-12 |
| 54-xxx | Directed Elective | 3-12 |
| NON-DRAMA ELECTIVES: | ||
| PTM students take a minimum of five Non-Drama Electives, 6-9 units each. | ||
| SPM Students must complete 4 Directed Drama Electives. | ||
PTM Curriculum Notes:
- 1
Foundations of Drama I will be taken only one semester in the freshman year.
- 2
Foundations of Drama II will be taken only one semester in the sophomore year. Sophomore PTM students will be required to take an approved Humanities and Social Sciences (H&SS) elective in the Deitrich College during the semester they are not taking Foundations of Drama II.
- 3
All PTM students are required to complete Special Topics in Drama: History, Literature and Criticism. It may be taken at any time after Foundations II has been completed.
- 4
Production Technology students must take 30 units of Advanced Technology Electives–see advisor for list
- ~
Classes offered in alternating years.
- NOTE:
Students are required to take a course in Cultural Competency. This can be fulfilled by taking 54-362 AREPT or one of the approved courses from the Dietrich list of “Perspectives on Justice and Injustice”.