Bachelor of Theatre Arts (BTHR) - BThA

QTAC code (Australian and New Zealand applicants): Theatre Stage Management (Toowoomba campus: 909792); Theatre (Acting) (Toowoomba campus: 909722); Theatre Studies (Toowoomba campus and Distance education: 909749)

CRICOS code (International applicants): 061477B

Contact us

Please contact the Program Coordinator, telephone +61 7 4631 1135, email artenq@usq.edu.au.

In this section:

• Acting major
• Stage management and technical production major
• Drama and theatre studies major

Acting major

During the three years full-time comprehensive experiential training, acting students undergo classes and skills development in: improvisation, text analysis, fitness training, Laban, voice, movement, clown, character development techniques, rehearsal and performance techniques, Shakespeare and dramatic verse, play-building, story structure and development of original work, independent video production, acting for film, television and radio, physical theatre, stage combat, singing, children’s theatre and T.I.E, mask, career management, arts business practice and industry ethics and policy.

Career opportunities

Actor, theatre, television announcer, community arts, film and television.

Stage management and technical production major

Students undergo both practical and theoretical training in: stage lighting, sound production and engineering, stage management, film and television production, basic video editing and audiovisual equipment operation, design for stage and TV, theatre history, events management and arts’ administration. Throughout the first two years of training students fulfil key production roles in a variety of public productions mounted by Artsworx, the Faculty commercial production house. Students work in a range of performance venues – from the department TV and sound studios, to the Concert Hall, the Arts Theatre and the world standard Empire Theatres. State-of-the-art technical equipment is a feature of the work environment.

Career opportunities

Graduates are ‘job-ready’ for entry level careers as stage managers, technical crew, events managers, production managers, location managers and related production roles in live performance, events and film and television. Stage Management students fulfil key production roles in the annual Shakespeare in Queen’s Park Festival. The hands on training in mounting this major multi-performance event is unique among Australian training institutions and provides graduates with a considerable advantage to their curriculum vitae.

Drama and theatre studies major

Students workshop and study dramatic literature and theory from ancient to contemporary times, and complete practical projects that further apply and explore learned theory. The interface between theory and practice are constantly explored throughout this degree. The 14 courses of the Drama and Theatre Studies major are divided into two seven-course packages.

Note: While this program does involve some opportunity for public performance, it is not a course dedicated to the training of professional actors.

Career opportunities

This program is particularly suited to people pursuing entry-level into the industry as community arts officers, youth theatre workers, arts administrators, drama teachers and academics (with further study), dramaturges and industry advisors/commentators. Dramaturge, theatre researcher, arts administration, teacher (following teacher training), community arts and youth theatre worker. Actor, announcer, stage manager, community arts, director, playwright, dramaturge, theatre researcher, arts administrator, teacher (following teacher training).

Program aims

The aims of the Bachelor of Theatre Arts program are:

• to produce graduates who will have a thorough knowledge and understanding of the complex skills employed in the creation and execution of drama and theatre

• to produce theatre practitioners skilled in working for a variety of audiences in the areas of the stage and, for actors, film and television

• to develop graduates who will have a thorough knowledge of performance theory and of the history and conventions of dramatic writing and theatre practice

• to provide a basic understanding of some of the contemporary issues relating to society in general and Australian society in particular.

Program objectives

On successful completion of the Bachelor of Theatre Arts program, students will:

• demonstrate skills and work methods associated with professional theatre

• demonstrate specialist skills in a particular aspect of theatre; viz Stage Management and Technical Production, or Acting, or Drama and Theatre Studies

• possess a practical and critical understanding of the nature and structure of all aspects of performance

• demonstrate an ability to contribute to theatre arts in a professional, educational, community or commercial context

• possess an understanding of the basic theatre conventions together with an understanding of the historical development of theatre in general

• demonstrate an understanding of the skills, knowledge and values required by the University's core curriculum.

Admission requirements

ACTING

• Audition consisting of 2 monologues, 1 classical set by USQ and 1 of own choice; 1 contemporary scene, short song and interview.

• Callback if initial audition is successful.

STAGE MANAGEMENT

• Interview. Applicant’s academic history, relevant prior experience and aptitude are considered.

DRAMA AND THEATRE STUDIES

• Submit a completed project consisting of a 1000 word essay as well as listing main reasons for wishing to pursue this program.

• Presentation of a performance requirement based on content of own choice with at least one facet of the work being original.

• Interview to discuss process of developing the material and artistic interests.

How to apply

Domestic students

Application for undergraduate programs may be made through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). The same procedure applies whether you plan to study on-campus or by distance education.

If you completed Year 12 at a Queensland secondary school (or equivalent) you will be assessed for entry on the basis of your Overall Position (OP) or equivalent score. Year 12 students from other states or territories are considered for entry on the basis of their UAI, ENTER or TER. Other applicants will be based on their overall Rank. You should ensure you submit your application by the closing dates.

International students

This program is offered to international students. An international student is a person who is not an Australian or New Zealand citizen and not an Australian permanent resident. Please refer to USQ International for information about entry requirements, visa arrangements and how to apply.

Program fees

Student contribution amount

For domestic students who are offered Commonwealth supported places, the Government pays some money directly to the University, but students are also required to make a contribution. This contribution is called the ‘student contribution’. For more information about student contribution amounts, including the calculation of fees for a particular program of study, refer to USQ fees.

International fees

International students pay tuition fees. For details about international student fees, refer to the International Fee Schedule provided by USQ International.

Program structure

The Bachelor of Theatre Arts program consists of 24 units, comprising a major study, core studies and, in some instances, option studies. The program is available in the on-campus mode only for Acting and Stage Management Majors.

A summary of the units in each component of the program is as follows:

Required time limits

Students have a maximum of 9 years to complete this program.

Core courses

All students must take the core courses CMS1000 Communication and Scholarship, CSC1402 Foundation Computing, and an alternative Faculty of Arts from this list below:

• ANT1000 World Archaeology: An Introduction

• ANT1001 Introductory Anthropology

• CHI1000 Mandarin 1A

• CMS1010 Communication, Media and Culture

• CMS1011 Understanding Television

• EDU1141 Australian Indigenous Studies

• ENL1000 Literature, Criticism, Culture

• ENL1001 Narrating Australia

• GER1001 Introductory German A

• HIS1003 World History Since 1500AD

• HIS1001 Introduction to Australian History

• IND1000 Indonesian 1A

• INR1000 International Relations in a Globalizing Era

• INR1001 Global Transitions and Human Security

• MUS1031 Music History 1

• THS1000 Introduction to History and Theory of Drama 1

• VIS1011 Foundation Studies in History of Art

• the course should be chosen from outside the student's majors or option study.

Major studies

Students taking the Bachelor of Theatre Arts program may specialise in one of three major areas of study:

• Acting

• Stage Management and Technical Production

• Drama and Theatre Studies.

Minor or option studies

Students enrolled in the Drama and Theatre Studies major may take any approved option (except the Drama option) listed in the relevant section of this Handbook. Other students may take an option study only with the special permission of the Head of Theatre.

In this section:

• Acting recommended enrolment pattern
• Stage management and technical production recommended enrolment pattern
• Drama and theatre studies recommended enrolment pattern

Acting recommended enrolment pattern

Stage management and technical production recommended enrolment pattern

Drama and theatre studies recommended enrolment pattern