Senior Capstone
Guidelines and Criteria
THDA 4995 — Senior Capstone (4 Credit Hours)
Prerequisite: Departmental consent, senior status
The capstone course is a method of summative evaluation in which the student is given an opportunity in their final year of study to demonstrate integrated knowledge and growth in the major. With supervision of the department of theatre and dance faculty, each individual senior theatre student will create a substantial work. Application must be approved.
A Capstone project is required for graduation by every BFA and BA in the department of Theatre and Dance at Austin Peay State University. The purpose of the senior capstone is for a graduating student to demonstrate knowledge of theatre, dance, musical theatre or design through research, dramaturgy or performance. The purpose continues with the utilization of theatrical skills in the mounting of a production/performance. The students’ evaluation of their process and product will demonstrate their ability to think in a critical manner. The capstone will demand the student draw from all of their studies in the arts as well as their training in theatre, dance, musical theatre and or design.
Application must be submitted during student’s junior year. All materials should be sent via email to pickardd@apsu.edu by the deadline.
Application Deadline
April 8, 2024 at 5:00 PM CST
BA Capstone: Scholarly Project
Research Paper
The student will write a research paper on their approved topic that proposes a thesis and defends that thesis with citable works. Examples may include but are not limited to dramaturgy, score, vocal arrangements or scripts.
- MLA, 25–30 pages, including:
- Outline
- Literature review, if appropriate
- Citation page
- Bibliography
Oral Presentation
The student will prepare and present a 15-minute oral presentation on their approved topic to a small audience. The student will have 15 minutes to present their thesis and research findings, with a 10-minute question and answer session to follow. The student will turn in all presentation notes with a source citation document to the Capstone Committee and through D2L.
Poster Presentation
The student will present a formal, research-based presentation on their approved topic. The poster presentation will provide a visual representation of your research through text, charts, graphs, and other visual aids. It should allow viewers to read your research material at their leisure and to interact with you, asking questions about your methods and your findings. The student will turn in the materials represented on the poster, and additional research material and methods used to create the poster, with a source citation document.
Workshop
The student will present a 30- to 40-minute workshop using the research completed on their approved topic. This workshop should be interactive and present a unique point of view on the subject. The student will turn in a bulleted list of presentation material, any handouts provided during the workshop, and a source citation document.
Lecture / Demonstration
The student will present a 15–25 minute lecture on their approved topic with an interactive demonstration to accompany the material. The lecture/demonstration should use visual aids, opportunities for questions, and demonstrations. The student will turn in lecture talking points, all visual aids, demonstration guidelines prepared by the student, and a source citation document.
BFA Capstones: Written Component & Production Project
Examples may include, but are not limited to: dance, musical or theatrical production, choreography, direction or design of a full production. BFA Capstone students will have access, with permission, to selected departmental production items.
Required Written Component
- MLA, 10–15 pages, including:
- Outline
- Process journal, to include evidence of research, reading, rehearsals, progress, problems and strategies
- Self-assessment
- Citation page, if appropriate
- Bibliography
BFA Acting Production Project
Evaluation Criteria:
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Required repertoire:
Acting Focus
- 2 monologues and 2 scenes are mandatory
- After that, it's up to you!
- Needs to have a thematic or dramatic arc
Directing Focus
- Prerequisite: Directing I course
- Pitch three shows; faculty will pick one. A “student directed project” in Lab Theatre.
- Smaller cast, simple set shows will be considered much more favorably.
Playwriting Focus
- Prerequisite: Playwriting
- A full-length original or adaptation
- Public reading
Additional guidelines:
- All material must be new to the student the academic year during which the capstone is presented
- All material must be approved by faculty
- Rehearsal schedule must be submitted to faculty
- Performance Capstone should be no shorter than 25 minutes and no longer than 35 minutes
- Performance may include essential costume pieces and/or props as needed
- 1–3 “helpers”
BFA Design Production Project
Evaluation Criteria:
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Requirements:
- Connected to a main-stage faculty/guest directed production
- Appropriate research
- Your process journal
- The creative process will be based on the directorial concept and any input provided by the other designers
- Proceed through established benchmarks at specific dates
- Required attendance at all production meetings, technical, and dress rehearsals
- All paperwork expected of a working designer (unless mutually agreed upon by the design mentor)
BFA Musical Theatre Production Project
Evaluation Criteria:
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Required Repertoire:
- At least 2 monologues
- Can come from existing shows or be original
- 1–2 minutes each
- MT scenes
- Dialogue can come from existing shows or be original
- 8–10 minutes total
- At least 5 songs (solo, duet, small group)
- Various styles, origins, genres
- 18–25 minutes total
- Dance
- Pre-choreographed, any style
- should be incorporated into songs/scenes
Additional Guidelines:
- All material must be new to the student the academic year during which the capstone is presented
- All material must be approved by faculty
- Rehearsal schedule must be submitted to faculty
- Minimum of 3 showings
- Capstone shall not be longer than 40 minutes
- Performance may include essential costume pieces and/or props as needed
- Performance may not involve more than (6) six performing individuals including the senior, any musicians, and any other supporting actors / dancers / singers.
BFA Capstone students will have access, with permission, to select departmental production items.
Please Note: In lieu of a course fee or textbook, students will be responsible for any additional costs incurred by their proposed Capstone.