Mar 28, 2024  
2013-2014 General Catalog (Summer, Fall 2013) 
    
2013-2014 General Catalog (Summer, Fall 2013) ARCHIVED CATALOG: To search archives, MUST use search box to left. Current catalog: catalog.usu.edu.

Theatre Arts - MFA


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Academic Programs Listed Alphabetically

Required Courses


The program is completed in three phases, and while there may be considerable overlap between them, students undergo formal reviews before advancing to the next phase. The number of semesters given is approximate.

I. Entry Phase (approximately two semesters) (17 credits)


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


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


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.

 

II. Project Phase (approximately three semesters) (35 credits)


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


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)


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


  • 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.

Culminating Phase (one semester minimum)


Required Courses (7 credits)


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.

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Academic Programs Listed Alphabetically