Theatre Arts and Dance

CHAIR and PROFESSOR: Georgia C. Gresham, M.F.A.
Office: 312 Marquette Hall
ASSOCIATE PROFESSORS: Artemis Preeshl
ASSISTANT PROFESSORS: Geoffrey Hall, Laura Hope
EXTRAORDINARY FACULTY:  C. Patrick Gendusa, Kellie Grengs, Robert Self, Laura Zambrano
WEB PAGE: cmfa.loyno.edu/theatrearts/

INTRODUCTION

The Jesuit tradition in theatre goes back to the very beginning of the order’s educational activities. In the Jesuit school theatre, "the attempt was made for the first time to use the stage, not as the Humanists had used it, mainly for the sake of teaching Latin, but as a formative influence on the student’s entire personality." ¹ At the same time, no element of the dramatic arts was left unexplored, so that the spoken word, while retaining its importance, took its place alongside of mime, music, and spectacle. It is not surprising, therefore, that a number of leading dramatists began the development of their art through contact with the Jesuit stage–Molière, Corneille, and Voltaire in France; Lope de Vega, Calderón de la Barca, and Tirso de Molina in Spain.

MISSION

The mission of the Department of Theatre Arts and Dance at Loyola University New Orleans is to educate and develop the whole person, focusing on undergraduate education that prepares students for meaningful lives, professional accomplishments, and responsible world citizenship. The Department distinguishes itself as a noteworthy center of learning by creating and structuring a collaborative learning environment. As part of a thriving Jesuit university, the Department supports the university ideal to “Think Critically, Act Justly,” providing our students with a thorough understanding of the ways in which performance can be a tool of critical thought, social justice, and education. The Department of Theatre Arts and Dance at Loyola University New Orleans envisions and promotes a better society by training artists who will play a significant role in forming and shaping the future.

Desired Outcomes for Theatre Arts and Dance Students at Loyola University

The Department creates an atmosphere in which each student can take artistic risks as part of a supportive team committed to the joy of discovery, respect for self and others, a solid work ethic and artistic creation. Theatre Arts and Dance students shall:

1. Research, analyze, and express creative ideas in verbal, written, artistic and performance contexts.
2. Master diverse skills through research, creative process and practical experience in performance, design, history and management, culminating in advanced skills and leadership in a primary area of specialization.
3. Evaluate theatre performance, history, and literature in the context of current and historical global events.
4. Increase self-confidence and foster respect for peers and colleagues through a collaborative process of discovery.
5. Understand how theatre and dance impacts the audience's knowledge, values, and insight in contemporary society by exploring multiculturalism, social justice and responsibility through the arts.

CURRICULUM

The department administers three degree programs, a bachelor of arts in theatre arts, in theatre and mass communication, and in theatre arts with a minor in business administration. All three are designed to provide 128 credit hours.

The theatre arts major provides concentrated theatre courses within a liberal arts context. The theatre /mass communication major allows the student to combine the study of theatre with mass communication courses and one of the School of Mass Communication sequences. The possible mass communication sequences in the theatre /mass communication major include advertising, journalism, media studies, and public relations. The theatre arts major with a minor in business administration was developed for those who are interested in arts management. The required core of theatre courses roots the individual student in the theatre arts, while the business courses give the student complementary skills which may be applied to many areas of business and arts management.

In all three degree programs, no more than a total of six additional hours in Play Production (THEA M300), Theatre Workshop (THEA M262), and Advanced Performance Workshop (THEA M321) may be counted toward the 128 hours needed for graduation.

All students are expected to be involved in at least one production each semester. Completion of at least one production crew is required by the fall term of the sophomore year. A student placed on academic probation must cease all production activity until good standing is restored. Majors and minors are expected to participate in departmental forums and the annual spring meeting.

Each senior develops a personalized project. Projects maybe the directing of a short play and the compiling of a production book; the writing of a research thesis; the design of a production. Those in theatre arts/business may propose a management project.

In order to graduate with a degree in theatre arts, a student must maintain an overall 2.0 GPA as well as a 2.5 departmental GPA. All majors are expected to achieve a minimum of 2.5 in theatre arts courses.

FACILITIES

There are two theaters. Marquette Theater is a proscenium theater, and the Lower Depths Theater is a flexible black box theater space. They are equipped with state-of-the-art lighting equipment. Productions are staged annually in both spaces. Support spaces include a computer equipped design studio, scenic shop, costume shop, two acting studios and a dance studio.

^{1 Reader’s Encyclopedia of World Drama}

LOYOLA AND NEW ORLEANS THEATERS

Loyola University’s Department of Theatre Arts and Dance has affiliations with all local producing theatre companies for the placement of internship programs. Theaters with current or past affiliation include Southern Repertory Theater, Producer’s Circle, Summer Lyric, Jefferson Performing Arts Center, Crescent City Lights Youth Theatre and the Saenger Theater. Junior or senior standing of Loyola students is required for internship. Internship programs, which are available, include: assistant stage manager, assistant director, lights, sound, costumes, and public relations.

UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMS

Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts

Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts and Mass Communication

Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts with a Minor in Business Administration

Minor Programs

• Theatre Arts
• Ballet

BACHELOR OF ARTS–THEATRE ARTS

(View Common Curriculum Requirements.)

BACHELOR OF ARTS–THEATRE ARTS/COMMUNICATIONS

(View Common Curriculum Requirements.)

^{* One theatre elective to be selected from M255, M325, M326, M331, or M430.}

BACHELOR OF ARTS–THEATRE ARTS WITH A MINOR IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

(View Common Curriculum Requirements.)

Those who wish may select the additional business courses which fulfill the entrance requirements to Loyola’s M.B.A. program.

^{* One theatre elective to be selected from M325, M326, M331, or M430.}

View Theatre Arts course descriptions