Theatre Arts - MFA

A. Required Course (3 credits)

• THEA 6010 - Introduction to Graduate Study in Theatre 3

B. Advanced Literature Component (select two courses) (6 credits)

• THEA 6030 - Storytelling in Education 3
• THEA 6240 - Contemporary Theatre 3
• THEA 6250 - Playwriting 3
• THEA 6270 - Performance Theory and Criticism 3
• THEA 6290 - Special Topics in Theatre History and Literature 3

C. Advanced Design Coursework (in areas of specialization) (select 6 credits)

• THEA 5510 - Computer-Aided Design for Theatre 3
• THEA 5950 - Rendering and Painting for the Theatre 3
• THEA 6510 - Advanced Scene Design 3
• THEA 6520 - Advanced Costume Design 3
• THEA 6540 - Advanced Lighting Design 3
• THEA 6790 - Seminar in Drama 1-4 (Topics include: Drafting for Theatre, Tailoring, Pattern Drafting, Structural Design for the Stage, Costume Crafts)
• THEA 6900 - Research Studies 1-4

D. Design Studies (complete 2 credits each semester) (4 credits)

• THEA 5590 - Design Studies for Theatre 2

Note:

During (or upon the completion of) the first semester of this phase, the student will:

1. Submit a petition to advance to the next phase.
2. Nominate an MFA Supervisory Committee of at least three members and submit the list of members to the department head.
3. Identify three projects for the next phase, after consultation with the graduate committee and department head of Utah State Theatre regarding program scheduling for the following season.
4. Develop a study list with the help of the committee, outlining the course of study for the project and culminating phases.

A. Design Studies (complete 2 credits each semester) (6 credits)

• THEA 6590 - Design Studies for Theatre 2

B. Cognate Skill Coursework (6 credits)

A minimum of two courses is required to develop skills or increase knowledge in a field related to the area of specialization. Courses are subject to approval by  the Graduate Study Committee. Students in any of the Design or Advanced Technical Practice specializations will take courses in: art, engineering and technology  education, welding, furniture construction or cabinetry, or landscape architecture. Students may petition to take coursework in other disciplines, upon justification of relevance to the course of study.

C. Advanced Design Coursework (in areas of specialization) (9 credits)

• THEA 5510 - Computer-Aided Design for Theatre 3
• THEA 5950 - Rendering and Painting for the Theatre 3
• THEA 6510 - Advanced Scene Design 3
• THEA 6520 - Advanced Costume Design 3
• THEA 6540 - Advanced Lighting Design 3
• THEA 6790 - Seminar in Drama 1-4 (Topics include: Drafting for Theatre, Tailoring, Pattern Drafting, Structural Design for the Stage, Costume Crafts)
• THEA 6900 - Research Studies 1-4

D. Graduate Projects in Theatre (9 credits)

•  
  THEA 6920 - Graduate Projects in Theatre A
    3
•  
  THEA 6920 - Graduate Projects in Theatre B
    3
•  
  THEA 6920 - Graduate Projects in Theatre C
    3

E. Repertory Theatre Performance or Production (4-8 credits)

• THEA 6740 - Repertory Theatre Performance 2-8 (repeatable) or
• THEA 6750 - Repertory Theatre Production 2-8 or its equivalent in a recognized stock or repertory program; a letter of satisfactory performance from the company director should be submitted to the department (repeatable)

Note:

1. Students may also begin projects while they are still in the Entry Phase, but credit given for projects should include time for assembling and writing up the report, which is due the  following semester; the supervising instructor will notify the major professor or advisor when this is completed.
2. Planning of the major projects should begin as early as possible in this phase.
3. Qualified major and minor projects should be identified by the faculty each spring, based upon the plays selected for the following season. Graduate students will meet with the  faculty or department head to discuss directing, design, or technical assignments; or request a list of such projects by mid-April each year.
4. During (or upon completion of) this phase, the student will:
   1. Submit a petition to advance to the final phase. The date of this petition will depend upon individual progress.
   2. Submit proof that projects A, B, and C, as well as the written reports for them, have been completed.
   3. Submit a proposal and/or preliminary work for the major culminating project: renderings, preliminary working drawings, etc.

Required Courses (7 credits)

• THEA 6180 - Theatre Production Portfolio 3
• THEA 6970 - Thesis 1-4 (3 credits required)

• (Assemble Plan B reports and complete major report in thesis format.)

Note:

The option to cancel a student project, or to allow work to proceed but disqualify it as an MFA project based upon insufficient preparation or validity, rests with  the department’s Graduate Study Committee, the student’s Supervisory Committee chairperson (advisor), and the Executive Producer of Utah State Theatre. This  rule is designed to protect the priorities of the department and the integrity of its productions.

During (or upon completion of) this phase, the student will:

1. Assemble the Supervisory Committee for a final review (defense) of the student’s graduate work.
2. File a complete copy of all Plan B reports with the department, in accordance with procedures of the School of Graduate Studies. Copyrighted material, such as published scripts,  will be filed separately in the Theatre Arts Office.
3. Be awarded the appropriate degree.