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-345 20th Century American Drama (3 credits)
  • LENG-336 Scriptwriting for Theater, TV, and Film (3 credits)
  • LENG-401 Plays in Performance (3 credits)
  • LHUM-251 The Language of Film (3 credits)
  • LENG-325 Theater Workshop (3 credits)

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

  • LENG-319 Fiction and Film (3 credits) 
  • LENG-343 Queer Onstage (3 credits)
  • PST-385 Elements of Theater Production (2 credits)
  • SW-461: Writing the Film Musical (2 credits)