People
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?
- I tried to register for a class that reads open but it gives me an error message, what do I do?
- The course I want is listed as closed, will there be a waitlist option?
- Which Theatre and Dance courses will be offered next semester?
- May I take a dance class beyond the beginner level that is listed as restricted to majors?
- How can I obtain permission to get into other restricted Theatre and Dance courses?
- Can I be added to a Non-Major's Theatre & Dance course after the fourth class day?
- 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?
- University of Texas 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, Modern, or Jazz)
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
Course Description: The study and practice of writing plays.
TD 317C/317D: Theatre History thru 18th Century/Theatre History since 18th Century
Upper-division Theatre and Dance Courses Open to Non-majors:
TD 325: Playwriting II (TD 315 and instructor consent required)
Course Description: Emphasis on the form and writing of the full-length play, or the equivalent.
TD 326D: Theatre Studies – Theatre for Young Audiences
Course Description: Theory and practice of all phases of play production for young audiences.
TD 354T: Topics in Design & Technology (instructor consent required)
Course Description: Topics in costume, scenic, and lighting design & technology.
TD 357T: Topics in History, Criticism and Performance Studies (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.
I tried to register for a class that reads open but it gives me an error message, what do I do?
It is possible that the remaining seats available are only for current majors. You may add yourself to the waitlist, if any.
The course I want is listed as closed, will there be a waitlist option?
could be that the course will not have a waitlist or the waitlist is full. Keep checking the course schedule for updates.
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 located at: http://www.utexas.edu/student/registrar/schedules/.
May I take a dance class beyond the beginner level that is listed as restricted to majors?
If you believe that you have achieved a level of proficiency beyond our non-majors' TD 302T Dance classes, you may attend a Dance Placement Audition for TD 312C – Contemporary Technique or TD 312F – Ballet Technique. Dance placement auditions are usually held the day before the first class day each fall and spring semester. Information detailing audition times, locations and other specifics can be found online at:
http://www.finearts.utexas.edu/tad/admissions/auditions/dance_placement_auditions.cfm. 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 registered, non-majors may register for the course once the restriction has been lifted.
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. The Undergraduate Advisor (located in WIN 2.114) can assist you with registration for restricted Theatre and Dance courses during the last week of registration or the beginning of fall/spring semesters.
Can I be added to a Non-Major's Theatre & Dance course after the fourth class day?
During the first 4 class days, you must follow the waitlist. From the 5th through the 12th class days, you may ask the instructor of the course if he/she will allow a late add. You must have them sign a green “Request to Add Course” form located in the Undergraduate Advisor's Office (WIN 2.114) or the Departmental Office (WIN 1.142). You may submit completed forms to the Undergraduate Academic Advisor and your request should be processed within 1-2 business days.
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. However, anyone is allowed to audition for any New Works Festival show. The festival is during the Spring semesters of every odd year. Auditions for New Works Festival Shows typically take place in the middle of the semester before the production is to be produced. For example, auditions for the Spring 2013 semester will take place in or around October 2012.
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. The list below will give you a place to start with your search!
- Austin Community College
- Austin School of Classical Ballet
- Austin Uptown Dance
- Ballet Austin
- Café Dance
- The Dance Zone
- 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
- Longhorn Singers
- Roustabouts Dance Company
- Steel Dance Company
- Student Events Center's Madrigal Dinner
- University Theatre Guild
- UT Dance Team
University of Texas Websites:
Copyright 2012, The University of Texas at Austin