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
  • Mankato
30
Theatre Arts MFA MFA - Master of Fine Arts
  • Mankato
60

Policies & Faculty

Policies

Theatre Arts MA

Programs are available for students who have an undergraduate major or minor in theatre or its equivalent.

  1. Thirty credits of graduate level work is required to complete the Master of Arts degree.
  2. A minimum of 17 credits must be at the 600 level.
  3. In addition to Theatre Research, specific plans of study are to be devised with the concurrence of the student's advisor.
  4. No P/N grades are acceptable in fulfilling major requirements.
  5. 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:

  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
  6. prompt book samples of plays directed by applicant
  7. photographs and tape recordings of plays directed or acted in by applicant
  8. appropriate reviews or criticisms of acting or directing by applicant
  9. design/technical production applicants must submit
  10. renderings
  11. working drawings and/or patterns
  12. photographs/slides of completed work

Additional Requirements

  1. Master of Fine Arts students must fulfill a residence requirement of two years (4 semesters)
  2. Complete a minimum of 26 credits at the 600 level
  3. Must pass a written comprehensive examination during the final semester of residency
  4. Complete four projects representing different styles of theatre productions.
  5. No P/N grades are acceptable in fulfilling major requirements.
  6. 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

www.mnsu.edu/theatre/

(507) 389-2118
www.MSUTheatre.com

Faculty

Faculty

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-F

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 2

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

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 2

Theatre speech including study of the International Phonetic Alphabet. F

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 2

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

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 2

A continuation of Stage Dialects I. ALT-F

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

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

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

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

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

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

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

Development of performance craft for the media. ALT-S

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 1-2

Specialized training in a variety of physical techniques. ALT-S

Prerequisites: 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. F

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

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

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

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

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

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

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

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

Prerequisites: 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-F

Prerequisites: 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-F

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

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

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

Theory and techniques in costume design and execution. F

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

Advanced costume design theory and techniques. ALT-S

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

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

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

Practical application of advanced makeup techniques. ALT-S

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

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

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

Solving particular lighting design challenges. ALT-F

Prerequisites: 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. S

Prerequisites: 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-S

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

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

Prerequisites: 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,S

Prerequisites: 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,S

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 1-2

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

Prerequisites: 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,S

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 1-2

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

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 1-2

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

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 1-2

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

Prerequisites: 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,S

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 1-2

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

Prerequisites: 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.S

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 2

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

Prerequisites: 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. F

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 1

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

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 1

Continuation of Advanced Theatre Movement I. S

Prerequisites: 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, S

Prerequisites: 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. S

Prerequisites: 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, S

Prerequisites: 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. F

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 1-4

Advanced independent study. F,S

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

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

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

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

Prerequisites: 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