Theatre & Dance
Academic policies
Production Participation Policy
The department monitors the academic performance of all theatre majors/minors in order to offer support and services to those students who are not making satisfactory academic progress. Participation in a university theatre and dance production as an actor, designer or stage manager is a privilege and is dependent on a student's academic standing and classroom attendance/participation.
Academic Standing Requirement
You are first and foremost a student and academic achievement and success is essential and required of all theatre majors/minors. Students earning a 2.0 or less cumulative GPA will be required to have scheduled regular meetings with their theatre faculty advisor to discuss resources for time management, health and well-being, etc. and develop a plan for grade improvement through course advisement, production involvement, etc.
Cumulative GPA’s will be collected at the end of each semester so that faculty can reach out to students to set up meetings for the following semester.
Class Attendance Policy
The Department of Theatre and Dance bases its success on discipline, dedication and involvement. No unexcused absences from class are permitted. Being involved with a production is a privilege. It is contrary to this department's philosophy to attend evening rehearsal after missing scheduled classes. Consistent classroom absences will affect your casting opportunities. If you cannot uphold your classroom responsibilities, you may not be allowed to continue in your production opportunities.
Student Outside Activity Policy
While you are a Theatre and Dance major at UWL, your primary focus is your college education. Opportunities to engage in non-departmental theatrical projects, such as shows at the community theatre, or other local/professional companies, is ENCOURAGED as those can be valuable experiences that enrich your education, broaden your experience, and provide possibilities for financial gain.
Maintaining a balance between extracurricular commitments and academic responsibilities is crucial for your well-being and success. When outside production commitments become too demanding, it can indeed lead to exhaustion and negatively impact both your departmental work and overall academic performance. It is essential for both students and faculty to prioritize their academic obligations while engaging in activities outside of their studies in a manageable way. This balance ensures that we continue to excel academically while pursuing our interests and passions outside of the university. As such, the Theatre and Dance faculty require department majors to adhere to a similar process and guidelines that we ourselves must follow before taking on additional outside responsibilities.
Guidelines for Non-UWL Department of Theatre and Dance Production Work:
- Outside production commitments may not conflict with regularly scheduled department or university classes, THA 360 practicum assignments, rehearsals, or performances in which the student is enrolled.
- Outside production commitments may not be made prior to casting and production assignments for the semester have been completed without first consulting with your academic advisor.
- Outside production commitments are not eligible for THA 360 credit.
- Outside production commitments should not interfere with a student’s ability to meet their academic obligations to the university.
Procedure for Securing Outside Production Activities for Theatre Majors*:
- The student seeking outside production work must fill out and sign the “UWL Theatre and Dance Outside Production Activities for Students Form.”
- The student will schedule a meeting with their academic advisor in theatre to go over the form and discuss the scope of the outside activity.
- If the advisor deems that the outside activity adheres to the expectations listed above and is confident in the student’s ability to meet their departmental responsibilities, they will also sign “UWL Theatre and Dance Outside Production Activities for Students Form.”
- The student will then turn in the form to the Chair of Theatre and Dance to keep on file.
*Minors have different degree and production requirements so are exempt from this form, however, it is advisable for all Theatre and Dance minors to meet with their departmental academic advisor in advance of taking on any outside production activities.
Academic Honesty and Plagiarism
The University of Wisconsin and UWL operate under an academic integrity system whereby it is assumed that students understand the rules and agree to abide by them. There are penalties for academic dishonesty. Cheating on exams and quizzes and plagiarism are the most obvious forms of academic dishonesty. However, ANY actions intended to subvert the grading process are included under this heading. Misrepresenting your own attendance record or practicum time card hours or assisting someone else to do so is considered a form of academic dishonesty and therefore subject to disciplinary action and penalty. All incidents of academic dishonesty will be reported and acted upon.
Major/Minor Meeting Attendance
The Department of Theatre and Dance coordinates two meetings each semester for all theatre majors/minors and other interested students. Attendance at these meetings is mandatory for all theatre majors and minors. These meetings are an opportunity to discuss department philosophies, upcoming events, course/production requirements, etc.
The 2024-2025 Major/Minor Meetings will be held in Toland Theatre at 5:20 p.m. on the following dates:
- Tuesday, September 3
- Monday, October 21
- Monday, January 27
- Monday, March 10