All majors complete a Senior Independent Project (THEA 0700). As they work their way through the major, students focus on an area of theatre they would like to explore more deeply for this independent project. 

All majors complete a Senior Independent Project (THEA 0700). As they work their way through the major, students focus on an area of theatre they would like to explore more deeply for this independent project. Students must complete a combination of 11 courses (eight core courses and three additional courses—see Senior Work requirements—in consultation with the advisor, in preparation for Senior 700 work).

Some THEA 0700 options include work that focuses on costume design, light design, set design, sound design, acting, directing, stage management, literature, theory, or playwriting. Students also have the ability to propose a project that encompasses more than one of these areas or that engages with something new or innovative. 

We encourage all students to be in touch with their advisor when planning senior work, as there is required coursework that needs to be completed before embarking on THEA 0700 projects, and it varies depending on your plan.  

Previous options for THEA 0700 work have included Senior Work in Acting, Directing, Playwriting, Costume Design, Lighting Design, Set Design, Sound Design, Digital Media, and Stage Management. Some students elect to pursue a more research-based written thesis, where they study an area of theatre in depth and write an academic paper.

Here, by discipline, is a list of courses required to prepare for the Senior Independent Project. All electives and literature classes must be chosen in consultation with the advisor.

 Note: below, “additional” means in addition to those required by the major.

Full Major

  • Acting: Two additional acting courses and one additional THEA literature course.
  • Directing: Directing II: Advanced (THEA 0324) or Directing and Creating (THEA 0238), AD/SM/ASM a Faculty Show, and one additional THEA literature course.
  •  Design: Two additional courses in design, and either Monuments and Ideas in Western Art (HARC 0100) OR Monuments and Ideas in Asian Art (HARC 0102) OR Modern Art (HARC 0202).  Note:  THEA 0119/0129 and THEA 0125 do not satisfy this Design requirement.
  • Playwriting: Playwriting I:  Beginning (THEA 0218), Playwriting II: Advanced (THEA 0318), and one additional THEA literature course.
  • Literature: Two additional THEA literature courses, and a theatre elective.
  • Applied Theatre: Theatre and Social Change (THEA 0235), one additional THEA literature course and a theatre elective.
  • Devised Theatre:  Devised Theatre (THEA 0237) or Directing and Creating (THEA 0238) and AD/SM/ASM a Faculty Show or Direct THEA 0500, and a theatre elective.
  • Intradisciplinary:  Three additional Theatre electives.

Joint Major

  • Acting:  two additional acting courses,.
  • Directing:  Directing II: Advanced (THEA 0324) or Directing and Creating (THEA 0238), and AD/SM/ASM a Faculty Show.
  • Design: One additional THEA design course and either Monuments and Ideas in Western Art (HARC 0100) OR Monuments and Ideas in Asian Art (HARC 0102) OR Italian Renaissance Art (HARC 0201) OR Modern Art (HARC 0202). Note:  THEA 0119/0129 and THEA 0125 do not satisfy this Design requirement.
  • Playwriting:  Playwriting I:  Beginning (THEA 0218) and Playwriting II: Advanced (THEA 0318)
  • Literature: Two THEA literature course.
  • Applied Theatre: Theatre and Social Change (THEA 0235) and one THEA literature course.
  •  Devised Theatre:  Devised Theatre (THEA 0237) or Directing and Creating (THEA 0238) and AD/SM/ASM a Faculty Show or Directing a THEA 0500.

General Information

All proposals are reviewed collectively by theatre faculty and staff. Approval comes only as the result of a process in which a student demonstrates the necessary a) experience, b) organizational skills and work habits, and c) willingness to work closely with an advisor. Proposals that are late, poorly conceived, or badly written may be rejected.

Students enrolled in 500 and 700 projects are expected to attend weekly meetings during the semester of the project. Attendance will be a factor in the final grade.

Proposal forms are to be submitted the term prior to the project. You must meet with your advisor before submitting this form.

Due Dates

Projects taking place in the Spring: preliminary proposal due October 1, final proposal due November 1

Project taking place in the Fall or Winter: preliminary proposal due March 1, final proposal due April 1

If the deadline falls on a weekend, the proposal is due on the first following business day.

Non-seniors interested in doing independent work should use Preliminary Proposal Form and the Final 500 Proposal Form.