2009-2010 - Bowie State University

Senior Project Guidelines
There are two types of Senior Projects:
Recital Project: 30‐40 minutes of live (real time) performance, containing original music or arranged selections
prepared with sequencing and notation techniques. Program will be advertised and appropriately done as
guided by the standards and procedures which govern MUSA 410. It is suggested that the student employs
his/her applied instrument as part of this program. Works prepared should be of contrasting nature, (jazz,
popular, blues, classical, and urban contemporary).
Collaborative Project: 30‐40 minutes of live or real time performance incorporating dance, theater, film, and
video or computer animation produced in conjunction with a second artist or artists. Works prepared should
be of contrasting nature (jazz, popular, blues, classical, urban contemporary).
All performance materials should be constructed with the consideration of the performance arena used to
assure a good balance of sound, and maximum audience enjoyment.
Appropriate credit should be given to all participants for their contributions and each should adhere to the
rules that establish good concert ethics throughout the presentation.
Permission for taping, use of materials, images and videotaping should be discussed with the coordinator to
assure that all legal and copyright responsibilities are met.
THEATRE ARTS PROGRAM
The Theatre Arts program at Bowie State University offers the Bachelor of Science degree, with a choice
of studies in Musical Theatre or Acting/Directing; for non‐majors, the program offers a minor in theatre
arts or dance. The rigorous program is designed to offer historical, theoretical and experiential studies in
acting, directing, stagecraft, dance, children’s theatre, and the fundamentals of theatre research and
scholarship, as students train in the traditional skills necessary for successfully entering professional
theatre and for succeeding in graduate studies. The program includes continuous assessment and
evaluation throughout a student’s matriculation, beginning with an audition at the onset of the
freshman year and ending with a capstone seminar course that requires the submission of a cumulative
portfolio. A mid‐point evaluation of potential success in the program is also included and usually occurs
when approximately sixty credits are acquired. Taking advantage of the University’s location and the
abundance of community and professional theatre in surrounding areas, the faculty encourages
students to participate in off‐campus as well as on‐campus productions and guides the majors to
develop their personal visions of theatre and dance as dynamic and diverse cultural elements of any
society.
MISSION
The purpose of the Theatre Arts program is to prepare students for successful entrance into the
professional theatre and/or advanced academic study. Through mentorship, practical training, and
academic rigor, the program produces graduates with a unique artistic vision, a strong work ethic, and
an appreciation for theatre as a dynamic cultural force.
Program Goals
1. Cultivate good stewards of the performing arts through progressive academic theatre and
performance studies.
194 2009‐2010 Undergraduate Catalog