Physical Theatre

Physical theater has recently enjoyed a renaissance. Dozens of theaters now specialize in physical theater performance, which has created a need for training programs. Internationally there are a number of undergraduate training programs for the physical theater artist, but Coastal Carolina University offers one of the only BFA concentrations in Physical Theatre in the United States.

BFA Theatre Arts, Physical Theatre concentration

Experiential Opportunities

Study Abroad
(photo taken in Arezzo, Italy)

Student performing in a turning wheel during student-developed production of Putt Putt.

Student-Devised Productions

Guest Artists and Workshops

Facilities

Wheelwright Auditorium

TAPS Theatre Workshop

Edwards Theatre

Courses

Foundations
(8 Courses)

THEA 100 - Common Hour
THEA 130 - Principles of Dramatic Analysis
THEA 150 - Acting I
THEA 154 - Introduction to Costuming
THEA 155 - Stagecraft
THEA 361 - Theatre History and Literature I
THEA 362 - Theatre History and Literature II
THEA 425 - World Dramatic Literature

Major Requirements
(11 Courses)

THEA 160 - Acting | Studio
THEA 242 - Vocal Production for the Actor
THEA 245 - Introduction to Physical Theatre
THEA 250 - Acting II
THEA 260 - Acting II Studio
THEA 372 - Movement for the Actor
THEA 445 - Physical Theatre Studio
THEA 462 - Dramatic Theory and Criticism
THEA 472 - Movement for the Actor II
THEA 495A - Theatre Internship
THEA 495B - Theatre Internship

Electives
(4 Courses)

ENGL - 311 Topics in Shakespeare
THEA 114 - Fudamentals of Dance
THEA 174 - Ballet I
THEA 175 - Jazz I
THEA 176 - Tap I
THEA 230 - Complete Stage Makeup
THEA 274 - Ballet II
THEA 276 - Jazz II
THEA 277 - Tap Dance II
THEA 288 - Directing I: The Directors Vision
THEA 321 Q* - Applied Theatre
THEA 323 Q* - Topics in Applied Theatre
THEA 329 - Stage Managment
THEA 331 - Introduction to Playwriting
THEA 333 - Introduction to Dramaturgy
THEA 342 Q - Voice and Speech
THEA 350 - Acting III
THEA 364 - Acting III Studio
THEA 368 - Acting for the Camera
THEA 442 - Actors Voice Lab
THEA 450 - Acting IV
THEA 460 - Acting IV Studio

Major Requirements »

Sample 4-Year Plan »

Program Faculty Spotlight

Benjamin Sota

Associate Professor

Movement, Clown, Pantomime, Circus Skills

Monica Bell

Associate Professor

Stage Acting, Voice Acting

Dory Sibley

Assistant Professor

Movement for Musicians, Mask Work, Voice in the Mask, Commedia dell'Arte, Clown

All Theatre Faculty »

Student and Alumni Work

Peter Seifarth (2017)

Seifarth was the first CCU student to win a Fulbright grant in 2018. He created a nonverbal show that uses physical theatre to tackle complex ideas and relevant social issues for the Nepali community.
Find Out More
Milla Blackwater

Milla Blackwater clowns in Costa Rica for a cause with faculty Ben Sota. Sota and Blackwelder traveled to San Jose, Costa Rica, in late August to attend 10th Annual Clowning and Caring in Costa Rica.
Find Out More

Other BFA Concentrations

Acting

Musical Theatre

Design and Technology

Application Requirements

» Digital Audition (Deadline: January 15, 2023)

» Application

» $45 Application Fee

» Official Transcripts (Highschool, Secondary School, or Previous College)

» SAT/ACT Test Scores (optional)

For International Students

» Proof of English Proficiency (ESL Students)

» Passport

Take the Next Step

Audition

Visit

Apply

Get in Touch

Have more questions or want more information? Fill out the form below, which goes directly to the program's contact. You can also visit the department site or follow them on social media to learn more about the great work our students and faculty are doing.

Program Contact

Steven Higginbotham
Chair, Theatre
843-349-2570
shigginbo@coastal.edu

DEPARTMENT WEBSITE

COLLEGE WEBSITE