College of Arts and Humanities
Department of Theatre and Dance
201 Performing Arts Center
507-389-2118
Website: Theatre and Dance

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.

Theatre Arts MFA

(Thesis Plan - 60 credits)

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.

Admission

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:

1. a 3.0 GPA (based on 4.0) for the last two years of undergraduate work
2. a major in Theatre Arts or its equivalent
3. three letters of recommendation
4. resume of theatre work
5. acting and directing applicants must submit
   1. prompt book samples of plays directed by applicant
   2. photographs and tape recordings of plays directed or acted in by applicant
   3. appropriate reviews or criticisms of acting or directing by applicant
6. design/technical production applicants must submit
   1. renderings
   2. working drawings and/or patterns
   3. photographs/slides of completed work

Required Performance Core (34 credits)

• THEA 514 – Stage Dialects I (2)
• THEA 515 – Stage Dialects II (2)
• THEA 526 –Stage Combat (2)
• THEA 581 – Theatre History I (3)
• THEA 582 –Theatre History II (3)
• THEA 60X – Project Practicum (6)
• THEA 612 Advanced Theatre Speech I(2)
• THEA 613–Adv. Theatre Speech II (2)
• THEA 680 – Theatre Research (3)
• THEA 681 – Theatre Theory and Criticism (3)
• THEA 699 – Thesis (3)

Choose one of the following performance tracks:

Acting Track

Required Acting

• THEA 510 –Musical Theatre Act I (3)
• THEA 516– Acting Scene Studies (3)
• THEA 518 –Acting Styles (3)
• THEA 519– Acting For Radio/TV (3)
• THEA 583 –Musical Theatre History or THEA 585 Theatre Dramaturgy
• THEA 617– Advanced Acting Techniques (3)
• THEA 621/622 –Advanced Theatre Movement (6)
• THEA 697– Internship (5)

Directing Track

• THEA 530 – Theatre Management (3)
• THEA 535 – Advanced Directing Methods (3)
• THEA xxx – Acting Elective (3)
• THEA 585 – Theatre Dramaturgy
• THEA 630 – Design for Directors (8)
• THEA 635 – Advanced Directing Methods II (3)
• THEA 697– Internship (6)

Musical Theatre

Required Musical Theatre

• THEA xxx – Acting Electives (6)
• THEA 510 – Musical Theatre Acting I (3)
• THEA 511 – Musical Theatre Acting II (3)
• THEA 583 –Musical Theatre History
• THEA 621/622 – Advanced Theatre Movement (8)
• THEA xxx – Private Voice (0)
• THEA 697– Internship (6)

 

Required Design Core (51 credits)

Choose three of the following four:

• THEA 540 – Scene Design I (3)
• THEA 560 – Costume Design I (3)
• THEA 570 – Lighting Design I (3)
• THEA 575 –Sound Design I (3)
  
  and the following courses

• THEA 530 Theatre Management
• THEA 581 – Theatre History I (3)
• THEA 582 – Theatre History II (3)
• THEA 585 – Theatre Dramaturgy (3)
• THEA 670 – Advanced Design Laboratory (3)
• THEA 675 – Portfolio Seminar (1)
• THEA 680 – Theatre Research (3)
• THEA 681 – Theatre Theory and Criticism (3)
• THEA 60x– Project Practicum (6)
• THEA xxx – Electives (9)
• THEA 697 – Internship (5)
• THEA 699 – Thesis (3)

Choose one of the following design tracks:

Scenic Design Track

Required Scenic Design (9 credits)

• THEA 541 – Scene Design II (3)
• THEA 545 – Scene Painting (3)
• THEA 677 – Independent Study (Drafting) (3)

Costume Design Track

Required Costume Design (9 credits)

• THEA 561 – Costume Design II (3)
• THEA 564 – Costume History (3)
• THEA 677 – Independent Study (Advanced Makeup) (3)

Lighting Design Track

Required Lighting Design (9 credits)

• THEA 551 – Drafting for the Theatre (3)
• THEA 571 – Lighting Design II (3)
• THEA 6XX – Elective (3)

Technical Direction Track

Required Technical Direction (9 credits)

• THEA 551 – Drafting for the Theatre (3)
• THEA 555 –Technical Direction (3)
• THEA 6xx– Theatre Elective (3)

Sound Design Track

Required Sound Design (9 credits)

• THEA 551– Drafting for the Theatre (3)
• THEA 556– Sound Design II (3)
• THEA 6xx – Elective (3)

 

Additional Requirements

Master of Fine Arts students must fulfill a residence requirement of two years (4 semesters) and have 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.

Theatre Arts MA

(Thesis Plan - 30 credits)

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.

Course Descriptions

THEA 510 (3) Musical Theatre Acting I

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

THEA 511 (3) Musical Theatre Acting II

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

ALT-F Prerequisite: CON

THEA 512 (2) Theatre Speech I

Study and exercises in vocal development emphasizing the demands of stage speech.

S Prerequisite: CON

THEA 513 (2) Theatre Speech II

Theatre speech including study of the International Phonetic Alphabet.

F Prerequisite: CON

THEA 514 (2) Stage Dialects I

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

ALT-S Prerequisite: CON

THEA 515 (2) Stage Dialects II

A continuation of Stage Dialects I.

ALT-F Prerequisite: CON

THEA 516 (3) Acting Scene Studies

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

ALT-S Prerequisite: CON

THEA 517 (3) Acting Techniques

The development of individual performance craft and advanced acting methodologies.

ALT-F Prerequisite: CON

THEA 518 (3) Acting Styles

Advanced scene studies in classical and stylized dramatic literature.

ALT-S Prerequisite: CON

THEA 519 (3) Acting for Radio/TV

Development of performance craft for the media.

ALT-S Prerequisite: CON

THEA 525 (1-2) Styles of Motion

Specialized training in a variety of physical techniques.

ALT-S Prerequisite: CON

THEA 526 (2) Stage Combat

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

F Prerequisite: CON

THEA 530 (3) Theatre Management

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

ALT-S Prerequisite: CON

THEA 535 (3) Advanced Directing Methods

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

S Prerequisite: CON

THEA 540 (3) Scene Design I

Development of techniques and skills in the creation of scenery.

F Prerequisite: CON

THEA 541 (3) Scene Design II

Refinement of model building and drawing skills in theatrical design.

S Prerequisite: THEA 540

THEA 544 (3) Styles and Ornamentation

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

THEA 545 (3) Scene Painting II

Provides information on materials and techniques of scenic painting with a large amount of lab time for experimentation with technique.

ALT-F Prerequisite: CON

THEA 551 (3) Drafting for the Theatre

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-F Prerequisite: CON

THEA 555 (3) Technical Direction

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

ALT-F Prerequisite: CON

THEA 560 (3) Costume Design I

Theory and techniques in costume design and execution.

F Prerequisite: CON

THEA 561 (3) Costume Design II

Advanced costume design theory and techniques.

ALT-S Prerequisite: THEA 560

THEA 564 (3) Costume History

Survey of costume history from ancient Egypt to 1900.

ALT-S

THEA 565 (3) Advanced Make-Up

Practical application of advanced makeup techniques.

ALT-S Prerequisite: CON

THEA 570 (3) Lighting Design I

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

S Prerequisite: CON

THEA 571 (3) Lighting Design II

Solving particular lighting design challenges.

ALT-F Prerequisite: THEA 570

THEA 575 (3) Sound Design I

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 Prerequisite: CON

THEA 576 (3) Sound Design II

Integrated sound design to support and enhance theatrical production.

THEA 581 (3) Theatre History I

Survey of theatrical history from its origins to 1700.

ALT-S

THEA 582 (3) Theatre History II

Survey of theatrical history from 1700 to the present.

ALT-S

THEA 583 (3) Musical Theatre History

Survey of the history of the American musical theatre from its origins to the present.

THEA 585 (3) Theatre Dramaturgy

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.

THEA 600 (1-4) Summer Stock

Technical work or acting in summer theatre productions.

Summer Prerequisite: CON

THEA 601 (1-2) Practicum: Directing

A considerable production responsibility which utilizes skills in script analysis, actor coaching, design coordination, and general production management.

F,S Prerequisite: CON

THEA 602 (1-2) Practicum: Acting

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,S Prerequisite: CON

THEA 603 (1-2) Practicum: Theatre Management

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

F,S Prerequisite: CON

THEA 604 (1-2) Practicum: Scene Design

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 Prerequisite: CON

THEA 605 (1-2) Practicum: Tech Theatre

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

F,S Prerequisite: CON

THEA 606 (1-2) Practicum: Costume Design

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

F,S Prerequisite: CON

THEA 607 (1-2) Practicum: Costume Construction

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

F,S Prerequisite: CON

THEA 608 (1-2) Practicum: Lighting Design

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 Prerequisite: CON

THEA 609 (1-2) Practicum: Sound Design

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

F,S Prerequisite: CON

THEA 611 () Private Voice for the Actor

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

THEA 612 (2) Advanced Theatre Speech I

Advanced study and exercises in vocal development.

S Prerequisite: CON

THEA 613 (2) Advanced Theatre Speech II

Advanced theatre speech including study of the International Phonetic Alphabet.

F Prerequisite: CON

THEA 615 (1-4) Touring Theatre Supervision

Supervision or directing of theatre tour.

Prerequisite: CON

THEA 617 (3) Advanced Acting Techniques

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

F Prerequisite: CON

THEA 621 (1) Advanced Theatre Movement I

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

F Prerequisite: CON

THEA 622 (1) Advanced Theatre Movement II

Continuation of Advanced Theatre Movement I.

S Prerequisite: CON

THEA 630 (2) Design for Directors

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 Prerequisite: CON

THEA 635 (3) Advanced Directing Methods II

Continuation of Advanced Directing Methods I.

S Prerequisite: CON

THEA 670 (3) Advanced Design Laboratory

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

F, S Prerequisite: CON

THEA 675 (1) Portfolio Seminar

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

F Prerequisite: CON

THEA 677 (1-4) Individual Study

Advanced independent study.

F,S Prerequisite: CON

THEA 680 (3) Theatre Research

Techniques in advanced theatre research and appropriate project and thesis.

F Prerequisite: CON

THEA 681 (3) Theatre Theory and Criticism

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

S Prerequisite: CON

THEA 697 (1-6) Internship

THEA 699 (1-3) Thesis