Technical Direction (BFA)

This program is offered by the Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts/Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts and is only available at the St. Louis main campus.

Program Description

Webster University’s Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts trains our future colleagues to become visionaries, creators, and leaders in the next generation of theatre professionals.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of their training, students in the Sargent Conservatory will be able to:

• Describe the cultural and historical context for theatrical practice.
• Hone strong analytical, research, organizational, and technical skills for the creation and/or performance of theatre.
• Apply skills (outcome # 2) to the production and performance of theatre encompassing a variety of styles with creativity and competence.
• Model positive and effective leadership, clear communication, and collaboration to work well with others.
• Assess power relationships and biases within the arts and society, past and present, and work to promote equity and justice through theatre via classwork and production.

Special Requirements

Only courses completed with a grade of C- or above will count toward fulfilling the specific requirements of the major.

Auditions/interviews are required for all students planning to major in theatre at Webster University. Auditions/interviews are held each year during the spring semester for entrance into the following fall session. 

Degree Requirements

For information on the general requirements for a degree, see Baccalaureate Degree Requirements under the Academic Policies and Information section of this catalog.

• 98 required credit hours
• Applicable University Global Citizenship Program hours, with accommodations for theatre BFAs
• Electives

Global Citizenship Program for Theatre BFAs

• GLBC 1200 Global Cornerstone Seminar
• 3 credit hours from courses designated ‘Roots of Cultures’ (THEA 2030, THEA 2040, THEA 2050 or MUTH 1030 can fulfill GCP and major requirements simultaneously)
• 3 credit hours from courses designated ‘Social Systems & Human Behavior’ or ‘Global Understanding’
• 3 credit hours from courses designated ‘Physical & Natural World’ or ‘Quantitative Literacy’ (SCIN 1410 can fulfill GCP and major requirements simultaneously)
• KEYS 4XXX Global Keystone Seminar

NOTE: Except where specified otherwise, the above courses must not also satisfy major requirements. GCP skills requirements are fulfilled through Conservatory instruction. 'Arts Appreciation' is satisfied in meeting the requirements for the major.

Required Courses

• CONS 1010, CONS 1020, CONS 2010, CONS 2020, CONS 3010, CONS 3020, CONS 4010, CONS 4020 (the Conservatory sequence or its equivalent) (72 hours)
• ART 1110 Introduction to Drawing (3 hours)
• ART 1120 Principles of Drawing (3 hours)
• ART 1130 Figure Drawing for Theatre Majors (2 hours)
• DESN 1210 Design Concepts (3 hours)
• DESN 1220 Design: 3-D (3 hours)
• SCIN 1410 Patterns of Light, Sound and Electricity (3 hours)
• THEA 2030 History of Theatre: Greeks to Elizabethan (3 hours)
• THEA 2040 History of Theatre: Restoration to 1915 (3 hours)
• THEA 2050 History of Theatre: 1915 to Present (3 hours)