Sacred Heart University Sets New Theatre Arts Major

Sacred Heart University is announcing a new undergraduate degree in Theatre Arts expected to launch in the fall of 2015. The new program will be housed in the Department of Communication and Media Studies and will be based on the university's main campus in Fairfield, CT. To view student content, photos and video, please visit the Theatre Arts Program website at www.shutheatrearts.org.

"This major was the exciting next step to our fast growing Theatre Arts Program," says Jerry Goehring, Artistic Director of the new major. "Due to overwhelming interest, it seemed like the right time to create an academic track and we are very excited to offer a fresh approach to those who want to pursue theatre academically and as a career."

The Theatre Arts major prepares students to enter the theatre and entertainment industry by gaining the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to pursue the most competitive jobs and career paths in theatre-related performing arts and media. Through a curriculum that combines theory and practice, Theatre Arts majors will acquire leadership skills through collaborative learning that focuses on artistic integrity, intellectual inquiry and development of the professional values and skills that lend themselves to a successful career after college.

Goehring, who started the Theatre Arts Program in 2009, and is also a Tony-nominated Broadway producer, is using his experience in the theatre industry to create a major unlike very few. Goehring says the major is a perfect opportunity for those who wish to double major, especially since the Theatre Arts is housed under the Department of Communication and Media. Goehring adds, "There will be ample opportunities for cross-listed classes with film and TV courses in the recently dedicated Matire Business and Communication Center, including the new performance capture lab."

"We are thrilled to offer so much as a new program," he continues. "From our core academic classes, opportunities to be cast in full productions and creating new works by students as part of the annual TheatreFest, students have ample opportunities to grow academically and as performers and creators." The popular TheatreFest gives student writers, directors, actors and technical crew an opportunity to create new works that are fully student-run, with faculty and staff oversight.

Faculty will consist of current Sacred Heart University faculty and guest professionals of the highest caliber from the theatre and entertainment industry, including Broadway. Students will have opportunities to work with these professionals as class instructors, within master classes and student workshops/labs; in addition the professionals will mentor students in directing, acting, stage management, design, arts management and writing.
Students will earn the degree in one of two tracks: Acting or Musical Theatre. The Bachelor of Arts will consist of 36 credits. Courses will include acting, directing, scene analysis, playwriting and voice for musical theatre. The new Theatre Arts major has been approved by Sacred Heart and is scheduled to begin in fall 2015 pending final approval from the Connecticut Department of Higher Education.
For more information visit www.sacredheart.edu/tap

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