Welcome to the Fine Arts (FAS) at Wheeling Jesuit University. Housed within this division of the Department of English, Professional Communications and Fine Arts are all fine and performing arts-related courses. We currently offer a number of sections of the FAS 105 course, the completion of which is required of every WJU student. The  mission of a liberal arts institution like WJU encourages personal development and exploration outside of one's area of study, and we encourage you to take other fine arts courses upon your completion of the FAS 105 course. Please check the most recent information from the Registrar to see which classes are currenlty being offered.

In addition to the FAS courses, you can also pursue a Minor in an area of Fine Arts. Currently, we offer a Theater Minor. The Theater Minor will provide an overview of the practice of theater. A Theater Minor would be perfect for Elementary Education, Teacher Prep or English majors, and would aid them if they were asked to teach drama or direct in elementary or high school programs. The theater minor is open to anyone who is interested in theater. 

By Spring of 2005, we will be offering a Music Minor. We are currently exploring the possibility of offering a Visual Arts Minor. Once these are in place, we hope to offer an Independent Degree in Fine Arts.

In addition to the Fine Arts academic programs, there are a number of ways to take part in the Fine Arts performance programs. We currently offer 5 plays a year, one of which is a musical and one of which is a children's play. We also have at least one dance concert each year. All students, regardless of their area of study are invited to audition for these events. Auditions are usually held within the first week or two of each semester.

If you have any questions or are interested in ANY of these areas, or just want to talk Fine Arts, please drop me a line or an email by clicking on my name below.

John Whitehead, Director of Fine Arts
304-243-2353

Here are some pictures of what we've done recently!

Angela Pasternak, Bethany Beppler, "The Glass Menagerie" 2003

Charles Graytok, Jesse Austin, "The Arkansaw Bear," 2003

Niko Salera, Meredith Bradley, Ryan Sears, "Foxfire." 2004

Charles Graytok as Seymour in "Little Shop of Horrors," 2003

WJU Dance Concert, 2003-2004

THE THEATER MINOR AT WHEELING JESUIT UNIVERSITY

Theater Minor Objectives: The Theater Minor at Wheeling Jesuit University strives to combine the student’s interest in theater with the socially conscious mission of this university. Students will learn the foundational tools and language of theater, as well as study theater in depth in a historical context, a social context, and a practical application context. We will not only inspire the students and prepare them to actively and creatively participate in society, but also inspire them to use their impassioned creativity to improve it.

We provide a study of theater in:

• a Foundational Context
• a Historical Context
• a Social Context, and
• a Practical Application Context

<Foundational Context: Through “Exploration in Arts: Theater” and “Acting I,” the students will learn the “language” of the theater, as well the basics of the practice of theater.

Historical Context: Though all theater courses include historical perspectives, the students will explore the history of theater -- from the Greeks to the present state of theater -- through one of two course offerings: “Theater History” or “Studies in Drama.”

Social Context: The student is not only required to learn the foundations of theater and theater history, but he or she will also be required to understand the various social contexts in which theater can be explored, as well as theater’s importance to today’s society. As part of this study of the social aspect of theater, the student will be required to take part in community outreach theater through one of two courses: “Creative Drama and Children’s Theater” or “Theater and Social Issues.”

Practical Application Context: A study of theater is incomplete if it is merely theory-based, therefore the redesigned Theater Minor will require the student to apply his or her knowledge to actual theater experiences. As mentioned, the student will do this through their study of theater in social contexts. They are also required to take “Stagecraft,” a “hands-on” course in which the student learns the basics of technical theater. Once learned, the student will apply this knowledge of technical theater through “Practicum,” in which he or she is required to work on a WJU production in a technical capacity. Not only will the student gain invaluable knowledge of the actual workings of a production, but the WJU performing arts efforts will also benefit from their knowledgeable participation.

The Theater Minor Track at Wheeling Jesuit University

 17 Hours

Exploration in Arts: Theater (3)

Through an examination of the role of theater in society, and an in-depth study of theatrical works, this interactive course provides an understanding of the creative process and develops skills in creativity and critical analysis. Heightened perceptual abilities are developed through field visits to arts events and class projects.

Acting I (2)

This is a beginning Acting class and will introduce the non-theater student to a specific, systematic technique for acting through the rehearsal and performance of two or three scenes.  These presentations are approached through careful script analysis, attention to detail and acting and directing selections.  Much attention is paid to guiding and highlighting the student’s innate creative sensibilities through games and improvisation. Be prepared to discover and be prepared to play.  Prerequisite: FAS 101 OR FAS 105.

Stagecraft (2)

Procedures and practice in the basics of theatrical production. Through small projects, the students gain practical experience in set, costume and prop construction, lighting and sound design.  Prerequisite: FAS 105

Theater History (3)

A study of the major developments of theater and drama through the Greek, Roman, medieval, Renaissance, and modern periods, their relation to society, and their impact on history. Prerequisite: Completed FAS core

Studies in Drama (3)

Study of significant plays from the early Greek to the contemporary stage together with emphasis on tradition and innovation in dramatic technique. Prerequisite: Completed literature core.

Creative Drama and Children’s Theater (3)

This course covers the theory and application of creative dramatics and children’s theater activities in education and performance. The members of this course will, over the course of the semester, create an original children’s theater production and tour that show in appropriate local settings. Prerequisite: FAS 105 and Acting I

Theater and Social Issues (3)

This course looks at theater, the artists involved in artistic production and, beyond its function as entertainment, how theater functions (and has functioned) as an instrument of social commentary. The members of this course will, over the course of the semester, create an original theater production that explores a relevant social issue and tour that show in appropriate local settings. Prerequisite: FAS 105 and Acting I

Practicum (2)

Supervised lab practice in design and execution of scenery, lighting, costumes, properties, and sound. Must be repeated for a total of 4 hours. May be repeated. Prerequisite: FAS 105 and Stagecraft