The following is information for instructors regarding production attendance policy for undergraduate major and non-major courses in Theatre and Dance.
Looking for information to provide to students about the policy and ticketing options? Direct them to our Student Resources.
Attendance Policy for Majors Enrolled in a Theatre and Dance Majors' Course
Undergraduate Theatre and Dance majors enrolled in a majors' course are required to attend department productions. For the 2015-2016 year, majors must attend the following performances: The Diary of Anne Frank, Fall For Dance, The Wild Party, Twelfth Night, Dance Repertory Theatre’s Bodies & Souls, and one of the four plays presented in UTNT (UT New Theatre). Venues, dates and times are available on the department's Season and Tickets web page.
All instructors of majors’ courses must include a statement explaining the attendance policy in their syllabi. The specific way(s) in which attendance is verified and the impact on students' grades is up to each instructor to determine and should also be clearly articulated in syllabi.
Major's Pass/Major's Ticket Package
Beginning this academic year, the Major’s Pass is being replaced by a Major’s Ticket Package. Available exclusively to Department of Theatre and Dance majors, the package provides six tickets to the 2015-2016 Theatre and Dance performances at a savings of 30% off student ticket prices. Best yet, the package allows majors to secure their ticket in advance of the performance and thereby guarantee their seat. Students may purchase the package on the department's TXShop Store. Information regarding this package must be included in syllabi for majors’ courses.
Proof of Attendance Receipts
The department will no longer issue Proof of Attendance receipts following a production. A list of students who have purchased the Major’s Ticket Package may be provided to instructors as needed.
Syllabi and Grading
Here is a sample statement for inclusion in a spring semester syllabi for Theatre and Dance majors' courses:
It is the policy of the Department of Theatre and Dance that our majors attend department season productions and that this attendance is a part of the coursework for our majors' classes. For the spring semester, you are required to attend the following performances: Twelfth Night (Feb. 26-Mar.6), Dance Repertory Theatre's Bodies & Souls (Apr. 8-17), and one of the four plays presented in UTNT (UT New Theatre) (Apr.14-24). Information on how majors may obtain discounted admission is available on the Department of Theatre and Dance wiki under the "Student Resources" tab (https://wikis.utexas.edu/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=51841138).
Note that while all Theatre and Dance majors are required to see departmental productions, only Theatre and Dance majors' courses are required to utilize this as part of the coursework.
Attendance Policy for Non-Majors Enrolled in TD301 (Introduction to Theatre)
Students enrolled in TD 301 (Introduction to Theatre) are required to attend at minimum one Department of Theatre and Dance production. For the spring semester, students should attend Twelfth Night (Feb. 26-Mar. 6) to meet this requirement. Venues, dates and times are available on the department's Season and Tickets web page.
All instructors of TD 301 courses must include a statement explaining the attendance policy in their syllabi. The specific way(s) in which attendance is verified and the impact on students' grades is up to each instructor to determine and should also be clearly articulated in syllabi.
Non-Major's Ticket Package
Non-majors are encouraged to purchase the Non-Major’s Ticket Package. The cost is $45 for the entire academic year or $22.50 for one semester. When purchased for the entire academic year, the package provides four tickets to Theatre and Dance productions, distributed in any combination the student chooses (i.e. four tickets to one show, two tickets to two shows, etc.). Please include information about this package in syllabi for TD 301 courses. Package details and a link to our online store are available here.There is no formal department attendance requirement for the 2023/2024 production season. Each instructor is encouraged to make decisions about requiring or encouraging attendance at department productions based on the learning outcomes for their course(s).
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Faculty are encouraged to include information in course syllabi to help students take advantage of the department’s production season and access discounted tickets. The range of options in sample syllabi statements below provides template language for instructors who intend to require productions as well as for instructors who simply want to encourage attendance.
Faculty requiring student attendance should determine their own method for verification (photo prior or after the event, short writing prompt, quiz, etc.). Please note that photography and videography is strictly prohibited in the theatre spaces during performances.
Sample syllabi language:
Required Attendance Option
This course requires students to attend Department of Theatre and Dance productions as part of the 2023/2024 season. Information on discounted tickets for major and non-major students can be found at: theatredance.utexas.edu/discounted-student-tickets. Students with questions or concerns related to ticketing or attending performances as part of this requirement should first contact their instructor to discuss available options.
Students interested in attending shows for free by participating in our volunteer usher program or in applying for paid positions as part of our front of house team may request more information by emailing tadticketing@austin.utexas.edu
Encouraged Attendance Option
Students in this course are encouraged to attend Department of Theatre and Dance productions to enhance course content. Information about discounted student tickets for major and non-major students can be found at: theatredance.utexas.edu/discounted-student-tickets
Students interested in attending shows for free by participating in our volunteer usher program or in applying for positions as part of our front of house team may request more information by emailing tadticketing@austin.utexas.edu