COURSE CURRICULUM

The Acting and Directing option in the theatre major at University of New Hampshire provides intensive professional-style training for students interested in acting, directing and theatre performance. Students are encouraged to take at least two major courses and two Discovery courses each semester during their freshman and sophomore years to build a strong academic and artistic foundation. All theatre majors must maintain a minimum grade of C- in each required course and an overall GPA of at least 2.0 within the major. The curriculum combines performance, theatre history, directing, movement, voice and stage production into a comprehensive education that prepares students for work in theatre, film, media and related creative industries. Required courses include History of Theatre I and II, Stagecraft, Elements of Design, Acting I, II and III, Movement and Vocal Production, Dialects, Directing I and II, and advanced performance study through Shakespeare interpretation or Acting: Period and Style. Students also complete dance training through Ballet I or Theatre Dance I, helping them improve body movement, expression and stage presence. Practical experience is a major part of the program, with students completing multiple practicum experiences through theatre productions and creative projects. These practicums provide real-world training in acting, directing and backstage collaboration. The program also requires students to complete a digital portfolio demonstrating their artistic development and learning outcomes throughout the degree. Senior students complete a Capstone Project where they apply their acting or directing skills in a professional-level creative production. The curriculum is designed to develop self-sufficient theatre artists who can perform, direct and contribute creatively across many areas of production. Students also have opportunities to participate in plays, musicals, student productions and experimental theatre projects throughout the academic year. Graduates are prepared for careers in acting, directing, theatre production, arts education, film and media performance, while also gaining valuable communication, teamwork, leadership and creative problem-solving skills that apply to many professions beyond entertainment.