Here are the classes that we recommend you take during your first year as a Theatre major at Chapman.
For your first semester, we recommend taking 12-15 credits (most classes are 3 credits; those with labs are 4). You must be enrolled in 12 credits to be considered a full-time status student. The recommended courses below will put you at around 15 credits per semester (fall and spring).
Introductory Math Requirement
General Education Classes
You can choose a General Education (GE) class from any GE category – it’s your choice. In general, the following GE areas are recommended to begin/complete during your first year:
- GE Language Study (strongly recommended)
- GE Quantitative Inquiry
Note: Some GE courses may “double count” with your major or minor. Students can share up to 9 credits between major and GE requirements and can share up to 6 credits between minor and GE requirements. Visit the General Education Program site to review the GE policies and see a list of approved courses for each GE area.You may be able to fulfill some of your GE requirements with classes from your major and/or minor.
You can learn more about general education on our General Education: How it Works page.
Fall Semester
Theatre BA Majors are part of the Block Scheduling program for first-year students in the Fall 2023 semester. You will be pre-registered by the department in your major courses in May/June. You can then build the rest of your schedule around these required major courses.
FFC 100 - You Choose!
Credits: 3
All first-year students at Chapman have to take First Year Foundations. The class will introduce you to college and there is a different topic for every section.
Certain major programs require that their students take a specific FFC course, or give you a choice from a list of FFC courses specific to the major. If you are in a major that doesn't require you to take a specific FFC course, then you will be directed to choose from a listing of all FFC course options for Fall 2023. See the First-Year Focus GE page for your major’s list of FFC options.
TH 100 - Introduction to Theatre Technology (Block Scheduled)Credits: 3
TH 105 - Theatre Practicum (Block Scheduled)
Credits: 0.5
Do not enroll in night classes. Doing so will mean that you will not be able to complete TH105 Theatre Practicum, which requires you to be available to complete a technical area of production during the semester (is currently a TBD time until you are a assigned a show/production). If you have a night class, you are not eligible to take part in this activity (make sure classes end by 5:30pm).
TH 111 - Introduction to Performing Techniques (Block Scheduled)
Credits: 2
TH 170 - Creating Theatre: From Page to Stage - The Art of Collaboration (Block Scheduled)
Credits: 3
TH 209 - Introduction to Stage Management (Block Scheduled)
Credits: 3
Spring Semester
Students must declare an area of study in the spring semester of the first year.
TH 105 - Theatre Practicum
Credits: 0.5
TH Area of Study course (review with Program Advisor in TH dept)
Credits: 3
TH Area of Study course (review with Program Advisor in TH dept)
Credits: 3
Any GE class/minor exploration
Credits: 3
Any GE class/minor exploration
Credits: 3
Any GE class/minor exploration
Credits: 3