Theatre Arts
Graduate Programs
Description
Theater and Dance offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Fine Arts and Master of Arts. With its emphasis on professional preparation in acting, directing, design or technical production, graduate studies in Theatre at Minnesota State University provides many opportunities for students seeking to enrich and broaden their backgrounds and interests.
The Department of Theatre and Dance is production-oriented and offers six mainstage productions during the academic year, four studio shows, two touring theatres, along with a four-play summer season and two laboratory theatres. Approximately 12 graduate assistantships are available each year.
Majors |
Program | Locations | Total Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theatre Arts MA | MA - Master of Arts |
|
34 |
| Theatre Arts MFA | MFA - Master of Fine Arts |
|
60 |
Policies & Faculty
Policies
Theatre Arts MA
Programs are available for students who have an undergraduate major or minor in theatre or its equivalent.
- Thirty credits of graduate level work is required to complete the Master of Arts degree.
- A minimum of 17 credits must be at the 600 level.
- In addition to Theatre Research, specific plans of study are to be devised with the concurrence of the student's advisor.
- No P/N grades are acceptable in fulfilling major requirements.
- Students planning programs concentrating on theatre are advised to consult with the Department of Theatre and Dance chairperson.
Theatre Arts (MFA)
Admission Requirements
In addition to meeting the general admission requirements of the College of Graduate Studies and Research, the Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Arts degree has special entrance requirements. A student must have:
- a 3.0 GPA (based on 4.0) for the last two years of undergraduate work
- a major in Theatre Arts or its equivalent
- three letters of recommendation
- resume of theatre work
- acting and directing applicants must submit
- prompt book samples of plays directed by applicant
- photographs and tape recordings of plays directed or acted in by applicant
- appropriate reviews or criticisms of acting or directing by applicant
- design/technical production applicants must submit
- renderings
- working drawings and/or patterns
- photographs/slides of completed work
Additional Requirements
- Master of Fine Arts students must fulfill a residence requirement of two years (4 semesters)
- Complete a minimum of 26 credits at the 600 level
- Must pass a written comprehensive examination during the final semester of residency
- Complete four projects representing different styles of theatre productions.
- No P/N grades are acceptable in fulfilling major requirements.
- An internship performing professional theatre activities and a written thesis documenting artistic work must be complete in order to qualify for the degree.
Contact Information
College of Arts and Humanities
Department of Theatre and Dance
201 Performing Arts Center
507-389-2118
500 Level
Credits: 3
A performance based class concentrating on using the song as the basis for acting.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Introductory survey of American Musical Theatre history and repertoire as well as performance techniques for the singing actor. ALT-FPrerequisites: none
Credits: 2
Study and exercises in vocal development emphasizing the demands of stage speech. SPrerequisites: none
Credits: 2
Theatre speech including study of the International Phonetic Alphabet. FPrerequisites: none
Credits: 2
A study and practice of dialects most often used in performance. ALT-SPrerequisites: none
Credits: 2
A continuation of Stage Dialects I. ALT-FPrerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Advanced scene studies with a focus on analysis and the varied approaches to developing motivations. ALT-SPrerequisites: none
Credits: 3
The development of individual performance craft and advanced acting methodologies. ALT-FPrerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Advanced scene studies in classical and stylized dramatic literature. ALT-SPrerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Development of performance craft for the media. ALT-SPrerequisites: none
Credits: 1-2
Specialized training in a variety of physical techniques. ALT-SPrerequisites: none
Credits: 2
An exploration of basic skills involved in unarmed combat and a variety of historical weapons systems with primary emphasis on theatricality and safety. FPrerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Exposes students to the functions of theatre managers through case studies, discussions, practical application and readings. ALT-SPrerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Advanced studies in script analysis, actor psychology, and staging techniques culminating in performance projects with critical analysis. SPrerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Development of techniques and skills in the creation of scenery. FPrerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Refinement of model building and drawing skills in theatrical design. SPrerequisites: none
Credits: 3
A visual appreciation of assorted cultures through the study of their architecture, decoration, furniture, utensils, etc.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Provides information on materials and techniques of scenic painting with a large amount of lab time for experimentation with technique. ALT-FPrerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Enhances the advanced theatre student's ability to show complex elements of a theatrical design in a clear manner using accepted theatrical drafting methods. ALT-FPrerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Explores duties and construction techniques of the theatre technical director including budgeting, stage machinery, theatrical systems, and project management. ALT-FPrerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Theory and techniques in costume design and execution. FPrerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Advanced costume design theory and techniques. ALT-SPrerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Survey of costume history from ancient Egypt to 1900. ALT-SPrerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Practical application of advanced makeup techniques. ALT-SPrerequisites: none
Credits: 3
The study of lighting equipment, usage, techniques, and stage lighting design. SPrerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Solving particular lighting design challenges. ALT-FPrerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Production and sound effects, electronic sound reinforcement of live performance, choice and operation of sound equipment, as well as basic music styles and terminology. SPrerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Integrated sound design to support and enhance theatrical production.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Survey of theatrical history from its origins to 1700. ALT-SPrerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Survey of theatrical history from 1700 to the present. ALT-SPrerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Survey of the history of the American Musical Theatre from its origins to the present.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
This class teaches how to access historical information and present it to directors, actors or designers in a way that will help them make informed and practical artistic choices.Prerequisites: none
600 Level
Credits: 1-4
Technical work or acting in summer theatre productions.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 1-2
A considerable production responsibility which utilizes skills in script analysis, actor coaching, design coordination, and general production management. F,SPrerequisites: none
Credits: 1-2
A considerable production responsibility dealing with the preparation and performance of a major acting role including a character study, a rehearsal diary, research materials on the author, play and character analysis, and post-production evaluation of the project. F,SPrerequisites: none
Credits: 1-2
Special assignments in stage management, house and/or concessions management, public relations, recruitment, and related areas. F,SPrerequisites: none
Credits: 1-2
Preparation and execution of a major scene design assignment. Requires a design and construction schedule, preliminary and final design concepts, necessary drafting details, and a final evaluation of the finished project. F,SPrerequisites: none
Credits: 1-2
A considerable production responsibility dealing with some technical aspect including technical drawings, budget management, and construction techniques. F,SPrerequisites: none
Credits: 1-2
Full and assistant costume design assignments for production offered to aid in development of techniques and creativity. F,SPrerequisites: none
Credits: 1-2
The construction of costumes for theatre productions, used to increase student's skills in advanced costume construction. F,SPrerequisites: none
Credits: 1-2
Preparation and execution of a major lighting design assignment with appropriate schedules, supervision of hanging, focusing, and cues, with a final evaluation of the finished product. F,SPrerequisites: none
Credits: 1-2
Preparation and execution of a major sound design assignment including all sound effects, reinforcement, and amplification. F,SPrerequisites: none
Credits: 0
Private lessons in developing the actor's singing voice. May be repeated.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 2
Advanced study and exercises in vocal development.SPrerequisites: none
Credits: 2
Advanced theatre speech including study of the International Phonetic Alphabet.FPrerequisites: none
Credits: 1-4
Supervision or directing of theatre tour.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Advanced study and development of individual performance, craft, and acting methodologies. FPrerequisites: none
Credits: 1
Individual exploration of ballet, jazz, modern, or tap dance based upon the student's expertise.FPrerequisites: none
Credits: 1
Continuation of Advanced Theatre Movement I. SPrerequisites: none
Credits: 2
Theory and Practice of basic design principles geared for the theatrical director. The course may be repeated to include set, costume, lighting, and sound design.F, SPrerequisites: none
Credits: 1
Advanced exploration of all aspects of theatrical stage management activities through specific theoretical and practical study.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Continuation of Advanced Directing Methods I. SPrerequisites: none
Credits: 1
Communication skill enhancement between the director and designers of complex theatrical productions.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Advanced theatrical scene painting techniques.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Exploring compositional organization of the two-dimensional surface by experimenting with a variety of media, materials, forms, approaches and subjects as a means for theatrical communication.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Advanced techniques in theatre drafting and CAD for the theatre design professional.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Explores advanced facets of technical direction including entertainment engineering and technology currently in use in the field.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Advanced study and practical application techniques in either scene, costume, or lighting design. F, SPrerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Computer realization for virtual lighting design to enhance practical production quality.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
A study of the concepts behind digital audio and an exploration of their practical uses.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 1
Exploring the techniques of building a working design/technical portfolio and resume. FPrerequisites: none
Credits: 1-4
Advanced independent study. F,SPrerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Techniques in advanced theatre research and appropriate project and thesis. FPrerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Survey of drama and theatre critics from Aristotle to the present. SPrerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Writing the short and long play.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Special topics not covered in other classes. May be repeated.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 1-6
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 1-3
Prerequisites: none
