The Senior Honors Thesis Project
The Honors Thesis is an opportunity for students, with the close support of the Theatre Arts faculty, to develop an original and substantial research project. The aim of this project is for students to situate their theatrical practice—as a director, actor, writer, dramaturg, or scholar—as part of a rigorous, inquiry-driven project. In most cases, student research will be centered on participation in a program-approved production process. In all cases, students will produce a written thesis of between 15,000 and 20,000 words.
Students who conduct theses in acting, design, or dramaturgy will usually participate in a faculty directed project in the fall of their senior year. Playwriting theses will usually involve the writing of an original piece as well as a staged reading or workshop of the play. Directing students will be granted the resources to mount a production for the Theatre Arts Program. Theatre History, Literature, and Theory theses will involve academic research under the guidance of a faculty member.
Requirements for the Thesis:
To conduct an honors thesis, students must meet the following requirements:
- A 3.5 GPA in Theatre Arts coursework
- A completed practicum
- A completed application
- For theses in acting, design, or directing, there are additional pre-requisites. Speak to a faculty member to plan your coursework accordingly.
The Cabanne C. Smith Undergraduate Research Award
The Cabanne C. Smith Undergraduate Research Award is awarded annually to an outstanding honors thesis. It is administered through the College of Arts and Sciences and provides a $1,000 prize.