Minor in Drama

The drama minor at Berklee has at its foundation the belief that theater is best understood when performed. Students balance course work in theory, history, writing, and literature with course work in the applied arts of theatrical performance. The minor provides an opportunity for students to study dramatic literature, to write scripts, and to practice theatrical arts—to write, act, perform, direct, and produce plays and musicals. Students explore theater's history and rich literature. They explore theater as a global art embodying diverse cultures and traditions. In addition, they develop their skills in writing dramatic works and in acting, as well as skills in dance, design, and production. Through the minor, students synthesize the interdisciplinary nature of theatrical creation and performance.

Entrance Requirements

Students must complete the following coursework before beginning the minor and follow the regular declaration of minor procedure as outlined in the Registration Guide. This minor is managed by the Liberal Arts Department.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of a minor in drama, students will:

  • synthesize and integrate knowledge of dramatic structure, history, production, and performance;
  • evaluate themes and trends in drama, theater, and musical theater;
  • understand key terminology in the dramatic arts;
  • compose written and oral communications appropriate to the study of the dramatic arts;
  • apply critical thinking and practical reasoning to the study of drama, theater, and musical theater; and
  • synthesize the interdisciplinary nature of theatrical creation and performance.
Curriculum and Courses

10–12 credits required for the minor (4 courses)

Required course (3 credits):

Choose two courses from the following list (6 credits):

  • LENG-321 Modern Drama and Film (3 credits)
  • LENG-325 Theater Workshop (3 credits)
  • LENG-336 Scriptwriting for Theater, TV, and Film (3 credits)
  • LENG-401 Scene Study Workshop (3 credits)
  • LENG-424 Advanced Theater Scriptwriting Workshop (3 credits)

Choose one course from the following list (at least 1 credit):

  • CW-257 Musical Theater Arranging and Orchestration (2 credits)
  • ENCL-404 Musical Theater Orchestra (1 credit)
  • ENVC-370 Musical Theater Ensemble (2 credits)
  • ENVC-470 Musical Theater Chorus (1 credit)
  • ILVC-151 Acting Skills for the Vocalist (1 credit)
  • PSVC-161 The Professional Vocalist Audition Workshop (2 credits)
  • PST-385 Elements of Theater Production (2 credits)
  • SW-345 Musical Theater Writing 1 (2 credits)
  • SW-445 Musical Theater Writing 2 (2 credits)