UNIVERSITY CATALOG: 2023-2024

Mission Statement

The Department of Theatre at California State University, Northridge, encourages active engagement in the art form inspired by and expressive of diverse perspectives. We pursue an ever-evolving definition of theatre in an environment that nurtures creativity.

Vision

The vision for the CSU Northridge Department of Theatre is an academic, creative and vibrant environment, where theatre in process and production inspires the student of theatre and embraces the surrounding community to consider, reflect and possibly recreate the world.

  • We will serve as a resource to the community in the area of theatre arts instruction and support theatre in our schools at all grade levels.
  • We will produce exemplary theatre productions for the San Fernando Valley and surrounding Los Angeles community, as we consistently evolve a dynamic definition of theatre.
  • We will provide exemplary theatre arts instruction that is innovative, hands-on and collaborative.

Core Values

  • We believe theatre is a cultural imperative and champion all forms of expression.
  • We value the struggle to understand humanity through artists and their art.
  • We embrace tradition and expect innovation.
  • We seek inspiration, celebrate imagination and encourage creativity.
  • We take responsibility for a constructive environment for all, fostering safety, respect and risk-taking.
  • We aspire to produce theatre that is reflective of our society, our teachings and ourselves.

Academic Advisement

Prior to each semester’s course registration period, Theatre majors are required to meet with the department staff advisor to discuss course selection and to assess their academic progress. Once a schedule for the following semester is jointly approved, the student receives departmental permission to register for classes online. For undergraduate advisement, contact the department for more information. Advisement for students enrolled in Theatre minors is not required but strongly encouraged.

Careers

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre is a broad-based liberal arts education. The B.A. degree in Theatre prepares a student for advanced study in a professionally oriented program (M.F.A.) or an academically oriented program (M.A.). It also serves as preliminary study for a performance and/or production career in live theatre, as well as the allied industries of television and cinema. The study of Theatre also provides students with the skills needed to work in the expanding fields of live entertainment, gaming and media content creation. The interpersonal and collaborative skills learned in the program will serve the graduate well in a variety of related disciplines, including the fields of education (both as teacher and administrator), psychology, law and a variety of private and governmental positions, where a well-rounded liberal arts education will provide the flexibility and broad base of knowledge likely to be required in future careers.

Accreditation

The Department of Theatre is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre.

Honors

The Theatre Honors Program is a special curricular enhancement for outstanding students in the Theatre major. Students are eligible to participate in the Theatre Honors Program at the beginning of their junior year and will normally complete the program requirements during the ensuing four semesters. The program consists of two major components:

  1. Honors Seminars
  2. Honors Project or Thesis

The Honors seminars, which extend over the first three semesters of a student’s participation in the Theatre Honors Program, provide a unique opportunity to engage in intensive investigations and discussions of significant aspects of theatre practice and theory with a small group of fellow honors students and senior faculty. The Honors project or thesis gives honors students the opportunity to integrate their theatre studies and apply their knowledge and understanding of theatre art to the independent investigation of a significant topic or problem under the direction of a faculty mentor. Honors students will subsequently receive departmental support for the completion of an artistic project or written research thesis based on their investigation.

Admission to the Theatre Honors Program

Students may apply for admission to the Theatre Honors Program upon completion of the following:

  1. All 100- and 200-level requirements in Theatre.
  2. A minimum of 9 units of Theatre courses taken at CSUN.
  3. Attainment of a minimum 3.25 GPA in all Theatre courses taken at CSUN or transferred for credit toward the degree.
  4. Attainment of a minimum 3.0 GPA in all undergraduate work.

Student applications for admission to the Theatre Honors Program will normally be submitted near the end of the sophomore year. In every case, applications will require the support of a CSUN Theatre department faculty member. Applications to the Theatre Honors Program will be reviewed by the Honors committee, which normally consists of the honors advisor and the coordinators of the several curricular areas of the Theatre department.

Credential Information

For details on the Single Subject Credential programs, see the Credentials and the Department of Secondary Education sections in this Catalog.

 

International Study

The Department of Theatre encourages students to investigate opportunities for overseas study. Certain courses taken at CSU International Program Study Centers in foreign countries are equivalent to courses in the Department of Theatre and may be used to fulfill graduation requirements. Students should consult the campus International Programs advisor for more information.

Contact

Department of Theatre
Chair: Dan Weingarten
Nordhoff Hall (NH) 110
(818) 677-3086