The required Senior Project is a cumulative project that reflects each student's specific interests, and the wide range of activity in our department. While majors often begin the planning process for their Senior Project with their advisor during sophomore year, proposals to the department are due late junior year. A wide variety of options are available as valid senior projects. They include:
- creating a major acting role and documenting your efforts,
- directing a one–act play (up to 70 minutes),
- set, lighting, costume, or sound design for a production,
- technical direction or stage management for a production,
- creating and teaching curriculum for primary or secondary students in cooperation with Appleton area schools,
- writing a play and producing a reading of it for a general audience,
- or more scholarly activities such as writing on an aspect of theatre history for presentation or publication.
Proposals for projects must address the following:
- the requirements and challenges of the project including impact on and intersection with the department's ongoing activity,
- the preparation (course and production work) that has prepared you to successfully complete the project,
- the scholarly, artistic, and personal goals you hope to achieve with your project,
- request for space including preferred term and special production needs.
As theatre is a collaborative art form, the senior project is often a shared experience with other seniors; the department encourages groups of rising seniors to propose joint efforts.
The department welcomes project proposals involving shared experiences with other departments. The senior project can be tailored to fit the needs of a student seeking secondary certification.
