The University sets minimum standards of academic performance and places on probation any student who fails to meet these standards. Students placed on academic probation are not eligible to participation as cast or crew in any Departmental production.
Theatre students are assigned an advisor. Academic advising takes place each semester on a schedule based on class rank. The Registrar will announce this schedule and you should arrange a meeting with your advisor. You are encouraged to prepare for your advisement meeting by examining your DARS (Degree Audit Report), the Master Schedule and establish a tentative plan for the ensuing semester.
You should meet with your advisor:
In accordance with the University, the Faculty subscribes to a policy requiring students to attend class regularly. It is vital for theatre artists to establish professional work habits, especially punctuality. Therefore, it is expected that Theatre students will attend each and every class and be consistently on time. Illness, religious holidays, or participation in athletic or University sponsored activities are usually acceptable reasons for absences, but notification and arrangements should be made with the instructor by the student. Faculty establishes, publish, and enforce attendance policies for their classes. Faculty may request reasonable documentation or verification of claims regarding absences.
Majoring in Theatre requires extensive work outside of class preparing scenes and monologues for acting, voice, and directing courses, completing projects for design and technology courses, and preparing for academic courses. Successful balancing of all the demands placed on Theatre students requires a great deal of personal discipline and strong time management skills. In order to receive the most benefit from work in class, students must devote the time outside of class. Creative work takes time to incubate--rarely can the process be rushed successfully. Steady consistency throughout the semester is another important work habit to cultivate.
Performers should always have a résumé ready and eventually should have 8x10 black and white headshots available. Designers and technicians should have an updated portfolio available. A portfolio is a visual record of your artistic and creative work. You should make photographs of any scenery, props, or costumes you design, build or paint. You should include examples of your drafting, painting, designs, swatches, renderings, etc. Students should start building a resume and portfolio early in their college career so it can be used for summer employment, internship opportunities as well as a final portfolio for graduation. This requires collecting and updating materials each year. Theatre Faculty and Career Services will assist you in preparing your resume, portfolio and audition pieces.