Degrees Offered

The Hofstra Drama Faculty support the idea that theatre artists should approach their craft with the broad understanding that can be acquired in a liberal arts setting. Therefore, the Hofstra Drama and Dance Department has embedded its performance and production program in a curriculum that requires a complement of general education courses including English composition, math and natural sciences, social sciences, languages and literature.

Undergraduate

• The B.A. in Drama
  The BA in Drama explores theatre as a liberal art, including some exposure to both performance and production areas. The BA candidate is required to complete 45 credits in drama and 79 credits outside their major to fulfill the 124 credits required for graduation. The 79 credits are comprised of distribution requirements, electives, and/or a minor (usually 18 credit hours). It is possible for the BA student to double major. Currently students are either minoring or double majoring in Psychology, Political Science, Creative Writing, English Literature, Marketing, Computer Science, Film and TV, Dance and Fine Arts.
• B.A. Major in Dance
  A performing art program with emphasis on the study of technique, composition, performance and production. The course of study is designed to complement the existing academic programs and to provide students with the opportunity for a concentrated experience in dance as an art form. A personal interview with a member of the dance faculty is required prior to registration as a major.
• The B.F.A. in Theatre Arts
  Those students wanting our more specialized course of theatre studies must either present an audition for the BFA in performance or a portfolio for the BFA in production. The faculty base their decisions not only on the audition or portfolio, but also on their collective experience with the student. Self-discipline, focus, initiative, and the ability to work well with peers count in equal measure to raw talent. The BFA programs require a minimum of 132 credits. Approximately 72 of those credits are taken in drama classes. In regard to transfer students, the BFA requires a minimum of six semesters at Hofstra.
  • B.F.A. in Performance
    In the fall of the sophomore year, students may take Voice and Speech for the Actor, Movement for the Actor and Acting II - each of which are required for the BFA and are electives for the BA. Mid-semester, students who are interested in the BFA submit letters of application and are granted an audition. Once accepted, they pursue additional courses in Voice and Speech, Movement, and Acting for both Stage and Film/TV. Interested students can opt for courses in Musical Theater. As part of the BFA curriculum, graduating performance students present a showcase in New York City for agents, managers and casting directors. This has traditionally been scheduled the day after commencement.
  • B.F.A. in Production
    In the fall of the sophomore year, students may take Theatre Design, Drafting for the Theatre, and begin a series of skills classes related to various areas of production - any of which are required for the BFA and are electives for the BA. Mid-semester, students who are interested in the BFA submit letters of application and are granted an interview. Once accepted, they can choose a generalized production track or pursue additional courses in areas of interest such as Theatre Design (scenic, costume, lighting, or sound), Stage Management, Technical Production, or Directing. As part of the BFA curriculum design students may be given the opportunity to design a university theatre production, stage managers work in a variety of theatre settings, and directors assist faculty and guest directors and may have the opportunity to direct a full length play. Directors assist faculty and guest directors and may have the opportunity to direct a full length play.
• B.S. in Education: Dance Education
  This program is designed to prepare prospective dance teachers to be highly skilled and creative dancers and choreographers, as well as educators able to meet the varied needs of children. Upon successful completion of the program, students will be eligible for New York State initial certification as a teacher of dance in all grades.

Minors

• Minor in Drama
  A minor in Drama consists of 18 semester hours of drama classes, as least 6 hours in residence.
• Minor in Dance
• Minor in Musical Theater
  By audition only. An interdisciplinary minor which consists of successful completion of 18 semester hours, at least 9 hours in residence, including a selection of classes from the Dance Program and the Department of Music. To participate in the Musical Theater Minor the student must be enrolled in voice lessons each semester or under the tutelage of a private vocal instructor.

Courses

• Course Information Search

Use the prefixes DRAM (Drama) or DNCE (Dance) to find the most up-to-date information about courses offered in this department.