Major – The Applied Theatre Concentration

Why consider Applied Theatre at IU Indianapolis?

Are you curious as to what defines the term “applied theatre” and whether it is the right artistic and educational career path for you? Well, here’s a great place to start! Applied Theatre is a relatively new term that has emerged in popularity since the end of the 20th century to describe a spectrum of diverse theatrical practices in community, educational, or therapeutic contexts.

Fortunately for you, Indiana University Indianapolis is one of fewer than 10 undergraduate institutions in the United States, where you can earn this degree. This will automatically distinguish you from other budding artists and practitioners, across the nation (and the world!).

What does Applied Theatre look like?

Applied Theatre can take on many forms — scripted, unscripted, improvisational, scripted play development, devised performances, indigenous forms of cultural performance, along with innovative hybrids that incorporate new forms of digital communication. It also includes many other genre-defying forms (that are as unique as your own theatre artistry and aesthetics) and can be informed by the contexts, and spaces where applied theatre work takes place. It is also informed by the communities that are being engaged as learners, collaborators, and “theatre-makers” in the process under the guidance of a teaching artist or facilitator.

What are some of Applied Theatre’s Common Characteristics?

• It happens in non-conventional theatre spaces and alternative social settings (e.g., corporate events, health care facilities, correctional facilities, museums, schools, streets, etc.).
• Its primary intention is to generate change (of awareness, attitude, behavior, etc.) towards some “thing” (a goal, an objective, a political issue, a social problem, etc.) and lead the participants or “audience” into action. 
• It requires and invites the active participation of an “audience” by being responsive to the stories of conventional people and giving them agency and artistry to challenge, question, and re-envision their lives and the status quo via the theatre medium.

Watch the videos below to learn more about Applied Theatre, the goals of the degree program, and the benefits of pursuing this degree at IU Indianapolis:

Applied Theatre Course Concentration Requirements:

The Applied Theatre concentration requires a minimum of 34 credit hours. The following outlines the specific requirements needed for successful completion of the major. Each of these courses must be passed with a final semester grade of C or ABOVE:

• Fundamental Core Course (Required for all ATFT Concentrations): M150: Mass Media and Contemporary Society
• Theatre Discipline Core Courses: T130: Introduction to Theatre; T265: Fundamentals of Applied Theatre; T437: Creative Dramatics
• 1 Credit Hour Jr. Internship Core Course: T275: Community-Engaged Experiences in Applied Theatre  (Usually taken Jr/Sr. Year)
• 3 Credit Hour Capstone ATFT Core Course (Required for all ATFT Concentrations): G300 (Usually Taken Senior Year)
• 6 Elective Credit Hours (ANY TWO) of Core Courses in Theatre Production: (*See Electives Below)
  
• 6 Elective Credit Hours (ANY TWO) of Core Courses in Theatre Performance: (*See Electives Below)
  
• 6 Elective Credit hours (ANY TWO) of Core Courses in Theatre Criticism-History-Theory and/or Interdisciplinary Practice. (*See below) At least 3 hours must be at the 300 level or above.

Other General ATFT Course Concentration Requirements:

• At least 15 credit hours in the (Applied Theatre Concentration) major must be in courses at the 300 level or above.
• At least 21 credit hours must be taken in offerings specific to courses in Theatre.
• No more than 12 credit hours may transfer (with approval) from another institution.
• No more than a total of 9 credit hours of combined Independent Study courses and/or Internship courses may apply to this degree.
• A grade of C or higher must be earned in all major course work for the degree.

Required Courses

• COMM M150: Mass Media and Contemporary Society (3 cr.)
• COMM T130: Introduction to Theatre (3 cr.)
• COMM T265: Fundamentals of Applied Theatre (3 cr.)
• COMM T437: Creative Dramatics (3 cr.)
• COMM T275: Community-Engaged Experiences in Applied Theatre (1 cr.)
• COMM G3XX: ATFT Capstone Course (3 cr.)

Elective Courses

*2 Core Courses in Theatre Production (6 cr.)

• COMM T100: Devising Issue-Based Theatre (3-6 cr.)
• COMM T339: Play Directing (3 cr.)
• COMM T431: The Playwright’s Voice (3 cr.)

*2 Core Courses in Theatre Performance (6 cr.)

• COMM T133: Introduction to Acting (3 cr.)
• COMM T205: Introduction to Oral Interpretation (3 cr.)
• COMM T333: Acting II (3 cr.)
• COMM G300: Independent Study-Performance Based Outcome (3 cr)

*2 Core Courses in Theatre Criticism-History-Theory and/or Interdisciplinary Practice (6 cr.)

• • WOST W300: Topics in Women’s Studies (with consent)
  • CLAS C310: Classical Drama (3 cr.)
  • CLAS C-321 Classical Myth and Culture in Theater and Film (3 cr)
  • ENG L315: Major Plays of Shakespeare (3 cr.)
  • COMM C482: Intercultural Communication (3 cr.)
  • COMM T337: History of Theatre I (3 cr.)
  • COMM T338 History of Theatre II (3 cr.)
  • ENG L203: Intro to Drama (3 cr.)
  • ENG L365: Modern Drama: Continental (3 cr.)
  • ENG L366: Modern Drama: English, Irish, and American (3 cr.)
  • ENG L370: Recent Black American Writing (3 cr.)
  • ENG L379: Ethnic and Minority Literature of the United States (3 cr.)
  • ENG L406: Topics in African American Literature (with consent) (3 cr.)
  • ENG L433: Conversations with Shakespeare (3 cr.)
  • ENG W377: Writing for Social Change
  • COMM-R 478: Persuasion and Media in Social Movements (3 cr.)
  • MSTD A460: Museum Theatre (3 cr.)

*Additional Electives with Independent Studies, Approved Internships and/or Other Course Substitutions:

Independent Studies: Up to 9 credit hours may be earned in the Applied Theatre Concentration by enrolling in COMM G300. These are Independent Studies or (on occasion) internships facilitated by someone in the department who can provide academic oversight in an area of specialization that the student would like to explore. Proposals for G300 Independent Study topics must be approved by the concentration head or coordinator and a rationale must be shared for how this complements the degree plan.

Substitutions/Transferring Credit: With approval of the concentration head or coordinator, certain courses may be substituted for core courses under extenuating circumstances to fulfill degree requirements.

Questions? Contact:

Emilio G. Robles
Assistant Professor in Applied Theatre and Teaching Artist
CA 307B
317-274-2060
egrobles@iu.edu

*Watch the video below to learn more about Applied Theatre degree, and its connection to Liberal Arts and the discipline of Communication Studies:

Degree Map

To help you guide your four-year college journey, consult your degree map for a snapshot of classes you will take to finish your degree.