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Non Majors
Non–Major Frequently Asked Questions
- Which Theatre and Dance courses are open to non–majors?
- How do I register for Theatre and/or Dance courses open to non–majors?
- Which Theatre and Dance courses will be offered next semester?
- How can I get into a dance class that’s restricted to Dance Majors in Theatre and Dance?
- How can I obtain permission to get into other restricted Theatre and Dance courses?
- Can I minor in Theatre or Dance?
- Can non–majors audition for Theatre and Dance productions?
- Where else can I enroll in theatre and/or dance courses?
- What UT theatre and/or dance student organizations are open to me as a non–major?
- Related Websites
Which Theatre and Dance courses are open to non-majors?
A limited number of Theatre and Dance courses are open to non–Theatre and Dance majors. Courses marked with an asterisk
(*) are designed specifically for non-majors.
Lower–division Theatre and Dance Courses Open to Non–majors:
*TD 301: Introduction to Theatre
Course description: TD 301 is a lecture course that does not include a studio component (you will not act or dance in this class). Students read a variety of dramatic literature, see, discuss, and write about performance, gain a basic understanding of Theatre conventions, the roles of theatre practitioners, and theatre history. Students will be required to attend at least three productions in the course of the semester. It is the student's responsibility to make reservations, purchase tickets, etc. TD 301 is open to all UT students EXCEPT for TD majors.
*TD 302T: Non–Major Dance (Ballet or Modern)
Course description: TD 302T dance classes (Ballet and Modern topics) are "practice," or "studio" oriented. All sections of TD 302T are appropriate for students with some previous dance experience, as well as those who may be new to dance. Please note that the demand for this class is extremely high.
*TD 303: Fundamentals of Acting
Course description: TD 303 requires a high degree of participation. Students will become acquainted with and begin to learn the basic techniques used by actors. This course is open to all UT students EXCEPT for TD majors.
*TD 303C: Training the Speaking Voice
Course description: TD 303C requires a high level of participation. The goal is to expand and enrich the vocal instrument; working to gain an understanding of vocal health, physiology, and production. Open to all UT students EXCEPT for TD majors.
TD 306: Introduction to Improvisational Drama
Course Description: General Introduction to improvisational activities with application to the theatre.
TD 315: Playwriting I (instructor consent required)
Course Description: The study and practice of writing plays.
Upper–division Theatre and Dance Courses Open to Non–majors:
TD 325: Playwriting II (TD 315, upper–division standing and instructor consent required)
Course Description: Emphasis on the form and writing of the full–length play, or the equivalent.
TD 326C/ Theatre Studies: Creative Drama (upper–division standing and instructor consent required)
Course Description: Theory and practice of creative drama for children, both as an art form and as a process for emphasizing creative expression and aesthetic growth.
TD 326D/Theatre Studies: Theatre for Young Audiences (upper–division standing required)
Course Description: Theory and practice of all phases of play production for young audiences.
TD 356T: Topics in Theatre Studies (upper–division standing and instructor consent required)
Course Description: Topics in Theatre Studies, including creative drama, theatre for children and youth, and theatre with young adults.
TD 357T: Topics in History, Criticism and Performance Studies (upper–division standing and instructor consent required)
Course Description: Contact the instructor of the topic in question for a course description.
How do I register for Theatre and/or Dance courses open to non–majors?
You may register for Theatre and/or Dance courses that are open to non–majors by using the ROSE online registration system during your registration access period. If the class you are trying to register for is full you should add yourself to the waitlist for the course, if one is available. Please note that the demand for our non-majors’ classes is extremely high.
Which Theatre and Dance courses will be offered next semester?
To learn about Theatre and Dance course offerings for any given semester, visit UT’s online course schedule.
How can I get into a dance class that’s restricted to Dance Majors in Theatre and Dance?
If you believe that you have achieved a level of proficiency beyond our non-majors’ TD 302T Dance classes you may audition for a dance course for Dance Majors (TD 312C- Contemporary or TD 312F- Ballet). Dance placement auditions for restricted dance classes are held on the day before the first class day each fall and spring semester. Audition flyers detailing audition times, location and other specifics will be posted in the Winship Drama Building a few days before the audition. You may also contact the Undergraduate Advising Office in the Department of Theatre and Dance to obtain audition information. The dance placement audition only determines the appropriate level of instruction for each individual student. It does not guarantee placement into restricted dance classes. If space is available after dance majors have been placed into dance courses for Dance Majors non-majors will then be added. Please note that because the department restricts these courses, you will be unable to register for them on your own or in advance of passing the audition.
How can I obtain permission to get into other restricted Theatre and Dance courses?
Registration priority is given to Theatre and Dance majors for all restricted Theatre and Dance courses. During the first four class days of any fall or spring semester, however, the Undergraduate Advisor (located in WIN 1.118) can assist you with registration for restricted Theatre and Dance courses provided that you present *WRITTEN* instructor consent and the course has space available. Refer to the links at the bottom of the page to locate Theatre and Dance instructor contact information.
Can I minor in Theatre or Dance?
While some colleges at UT will allow you to declare a minor in Theatre and/or Dance, the Department itself will not recognize any official minor. It is therefore the student's responsibility to identify courses available to them as non-majors that fulfill the requirements of their own college. These students should meet with an academic advisor in the college in which they are currently enrolled to discuss how to complete a minor for that particular degree plan.
Can non–majors audition for Theatre and Dance productions?
At this time, only Current Theatre and Dance majors MAY audition for departmental productions.
Where else can I enroll in theatre and/or dance courses?
There are a number of places in the Austin area that offer theatre and or dance courses. Some of these courses yield college credit, such as Austin Community College’s Drama classes, while others do not. To find out whether or not a particular course will yield college credit, check with the school, organization or studio offering the course in question. The list below will give you a place to start with your search!
- Austin Community College
- Austin School of Classical Ballet
- Ballet Austin
- Café Dance
- The Dance Zone
- Footworks Dance
- The Hideout Theatre
- The State Theatre School of Acting
- Tapestry Dance Company
- TexArts
- UT’s Informal Classes
- Zach Scott’s Performing Arts School
What UT theatre and/or dance student organizations are open to me as a non–major?
- Dance Action
- Foot In the Door Theatre
- Longhorn Singers
- Roustabouts Dance Company
- Spotlight, A Music Theatre Ensemble
- STEEL Dance Company
- Student Events Center’s Madrigal Dinner
- University Theatre Guild
- UT Dance Team
Related Websites:
Theatre and Dance Home Page
Theatre and Dance Course Descriptions
Theatre and Dance Faculty Directory
UT Directory
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