Theatre Arts (MFA)

Summary

The Master of Fine Arts in Theatre represents a minimum of 60 credits beyond the bachelor's degree. The MFA is a terminal degree for the creative artist in theatre and provides training for increased professional competencies in the specialized areas of Theatre Arts. The basis for granting the degree is artistic as well as academic competence. Specific study plans are to be arranged in concurrence with the student's major advisor.A unique feature of the Minnesota State University Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Arts degree program is the professional internship requirement. Each student is required to complete an internship in the student's major specialty with a theatrical company approved by the Department of Theatre and Dance.
Catalog Year

2020-2021

Degree

Master of Fine Arts

Total Credits

60

Locations

Mankato

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Program Requirements

Common Core

Performance Core

A study and practice of dialects most often used in performance. ALT-S

Prerequisites: none

A continuation of Stage Dialects I. ALT-F

Prerequisites: none

An exploration of basic skills involved in unarmed combat and a variety of historical weapons systems with primary emphasis on theatricality and safety. F

Prerequisites: none

Survey of theatrical history from its origins to 1700. ALT-S

Prerequisites: none

Survey of theatrical history from 1700 to the present. ALT-S

Prerequisites: none

Advanced study and exercises in vocal development.S

Prerequisites: none

Advanced theatre speech including study of the International Phonetic Alphabet.F

Prerequisites: none

Survey of drama and theatre critics from Aristotle to the present. S

Prerequisites: none

Design/Production Core

Exposes students to the functions of theatre managers through case studies, discussions, practical application and readings. ALT-S

Prerequisites: none

Development of techniques and skills in the creation of scenery. F

Prerequisites: none

The study of lighting equipment, usage, techniques, and stage lighting design. S

Prerequisites: none

Survey of theatrical history from its origins to 1700. ALT-S

Prerequisites: none

Survey of theatrical history from 1700 to the present. ALT-S

Prerequisites: none

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

Communication skill enhancement between the director and designers of complex theatrical productions.

Prerequisites: none

Exploring the techniques of building a working design/technical portfolio and resume. F

Prerequisites: none

Survey of drama and theatre critics from Aristotle to the present. S

Prerequisites: none

Research/Methods Course(s)

Techniques in advanced theatre research and appropriate project and thesis. F

Prerequisites: none

Restricted Electives

Performance Track (choose one specialization) - * Acting must take 6 credits of 621/622. * Musical Theatre must take 8 credits of 621/622* must take 611 6 times. * Directing must take THEA 630 4 times.

Acting Specialization Core

A performance based class concentrating on using the song as the basis for acting.

Prerequisites: none

Advanced scene studies with a focus on analysis and the varied approaches to developing motivations. ALT-S

Prerequisites: none

Advanced scene studies in classical and stylized dramatic literature. ALT-S

Prerequisites: none

Development of performance craft for the media. ALT-S

Prerequisites: none

Advanced study and development of individual performance, craft, and acting methodologies. F

Prerequisites: none

Individual exploration of ballet, jazz, modern, or tap dance based upon the student's expertise.F

Prerequisites: none

Continuation of Advanced Theatre Movement I. S

Prerequisites: none

Acting Specialization Electives - Choose 3 Credit(s).

Survey of the history of the American Musical Theatre from its origins to the present.

Prerequisites: none

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

Musical Theatre Specialization Core

A performance based class concentrating on using the song as the basis for acting.

Prerequisites: none

Introductory survey of American Musical Theatre history and repertoire as well as performance techniques for the singing actor. ALT-F

Prerequisites: none

Survey of the history of the American Musical Theatre from its origins to the present.

Prerequisites: none

Private lessons in developing the actor's singing voice. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: none

Individual exploration of ballet, jazz, modern, or tap dance based upon the student's expertise.F

Prerequisites: none

Continuation of Advanced Theatre Movement I. S

Prerequisites: none

Musical Theatre Specialization Electives - Choose 6 Credit(s).

Advanced scene studies with a focus on analysis and the varied approaches to developing motivations. ALT-S

Prerequisites: none

The development of individual performance craft and advanced acting methodologies. ALT-F

Prerequisites: none

Advanced scene studies in classical and stylized dramatic literature. ALT-S

Prerequisites: none

Directing Specialization Core

Exposes students to the functions of theatre managers through case studies, discussions, practical application and readings. ALT-S

Prerequisites: none

Advanced studies in script analysis, actor psychology, and staging techniques culminating in performance projects with critical analysis. S

Prerequisites: none

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

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, S

Prerequisites: none

Continuation of Advanced Directing Methods I. S

Prerequisites: none

Communication skill enhancement between the director and designers of complex theatrical productions.

Prerequisites: none

Directing Specialization Electives - Choose 3 Credit(s).

Advanced scene studies with a focus on analysis and the varied approaches to developing motivations. ALT-S

Prerequisites: none

The development of individual performance craft and advanced acting methodologies. ALT-F

Prerequisites: none

Advanced scene studies in classical and stylized dramatic literature. ALT-S

Prerequisites: none

Development of performance craft for the media. ALT-S

Prerequisites: none

Design/Production Track (choose one specialization)

Scene Design Specialization

Refinement of model building and drawing skills in theatrical design. S

Prerequisites: none

A visual appreciation of assorted cultures through the study of their architecture, decoration, furniture, utensils, etc.

Prerequisites: none

Production and sound effects, electronic sound reinforcement of live performance, choice and operation of sound equipment, as well as basic music styles and terminology. S

Prerequisites: none

Advanced theatrical scene painting techniques.

Prerequisites: none

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

Advanced techniques in theatre drafting and CAD for the theatre design professional.

Prerequisites: none

Advanced study and practical application techniques in either scene, costume, or lighting design. F, S

Prerequisites: none

Costume Design Specialization - Choose 21 Credit(s). Elective credits must include 3 credits of 600 level electives and 3 cr Ind Study

Theory and techniques in costume design and execution. F

Prerequisites: none

Advanced costume design theory and techniques. ALT-S

Prerequisites: none

Survey of costume history from ancient Egypt to 1900. ALT-S

Prerequisites: none

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

Advanced study and practical application techniques in either scene, costume, or lighting design. F, S

Prerequisites: none

Advanced independent study. F,S

Prerequisites: none

Lighting Design Specialization - Choose 21 Credit(s). Electives must include 3 cr 500-level and 2 cr 600-level electives

Solving particular lighting design challenges. ALT-F

Prerequisites: none

Production and sound effects, electronic sound reinforcement of live performance, choice and operation of sound equipment, as well as basic music styles and terminology. S

Prerequisites: none

Advanced exploration of all aspects of theatrical stage management activities through specific theoretical and practical study.

Prerequisites: none

Advanced techniques in theatre drafting and CAD for the theatre design professional.

Prerequisites: none

Advanced study and practical application techniques in either scene, costume, or lighting design. F, S

Prerequisites: none

Computer realization for virtual lighting design to enhance practical production quality.

Prerequisites: none

Sound Design Specialization - Electives must include 3 cr 500-level and 3 cr 600-level electives

Production and sound effects, electronic sound reinforcement of live performance, choice and operation of sound equipment, as well as basic music styles and terminology. S

Prerequisites: none

Integrated sound design to support and enhance theatrical production.

Prerequisites: none

Advanced techniques in theatre drafting and CAD for the theatre design professional.

Prerequisites: none

Advanced study and practical application techniques in either scene, costume, or lighting design. F, S

Prerequisites: none

A study of the concepts behind digital audio and an exploration of their practical uses.

Prerequisites: none

Technical Direction Specialization - Electives must include 3 cr 500-level and 3 cr 600-level electives

Explores duties and construction techniques of the theatre technical director including budgeting, stage machinery, theatrical systems, and project management. ALT-F

Prerequisites: none

Production and sound effects, electronic sound reinforcement of live performance, choice and operation of sound equipment, as well as basic music styles and terminology. S

Prerequisites: none

Advanced techniques in theatre drafting and CAD for the theatre design professional.

Prerequisites: none

Explores advanced facets of technical direction including entertainment engineering and technology currently in use in the field.

Prerequisites: none

Advanced study and practical application techniques in either scene, costume, or lighting design. F, S

Prerequisites: none

Capstone Course

* Performance must choose 3 credits of Thesis and 5-6 credits of Internship.
* Design/Production must choose 3 credits of Thesis and 4 credits of Internship.

Choose 6 Credit(s). Consult with your advisor on options.

Special assignments in stage management, house and/or concessions management, public relations, recruitment, and related areas. F,S

Prerequisites: none

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,S

Prerequisites: none

A considerable production responsibility dealing with some technical aspect including technical drawings, budget management, and construction techniques. F,S

Prerequisites: none

Full and assistant costume design assignments for production offered to aid in development of techniques and creativity. F,S

Prerequisites: none

The construction of costumes for theatre productions, used to increase student's skills in advanced costume construction. F,S

Prerequisites: none

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,S

Prerequisites: none

Preparation and execution of a major sound design assignment including all sound effects, reinforcement, and amplification. F,S

Prerequisites: none