HomeThe Master of Fine Arts Degree Curriculum
At least 65% of the credits toward the degree are in the student’s major area of concentration. Specialization is offered in
Acting
The Hilberry acting program was conceived and implemented in 1963 with the belief that one of the best systems of theatre training is an intensive performance-guided experience based on a series of classic plays performed in rotating repertory. Director Tyrone Guthrie, a consultant in planning this program, believed that the most effective way to teach the craft of acting was to work on the challenging roles found in great classic plays. This principle is embodied within the structure of the program. A major portion of the actor’s day is devoted to rehearsal and performance, during which time the craft of acting is nurtured and monitored. Continuous performance before a live audience is considered a fundamental part of the learning process.
In addition to rehearsal and performance, the Hilberry actor takes Studio classes in the mornings which include acting, voice and movement. Acting classes emphasize the exploration of various techniques, including neutral mask, physical action, playing goals and obstacles, study of verse, scansion and characterization. Movement classes emphasize alignment, agility and strength as well as period dance/deportment and Pilates® -based body conditioning by a certified instructor in the Pilates® method of body conditioning. Voice classes emphasize Patry Rodenburg’s approach to vocal workout and heightened text, working to ground the student in language through the words, thought structures and images. The department invites guest artists and teachers for additional instruction in movement, dance, Shakespearean play analysis and performance, audition technique, and the "business" side of acting.
The following selection of courses is typical for actors:
Studio Acting
Studio Voice and Speech
Studio Movement and Dance
Repertory Theatre (rehearsals and performances)
Advanced Script Analysis
Dramaturgy
Advanced Development of Drama
Studies in Dramatic Criticism
Seminar: Period Drama
Seminar: Modern Drama
Seminar: Theatre History
Theatre Aesthetics
Costume Design
The MFA Costume Design program gives you an opportunity to study and practice the art of costume design through intensive classroom experience and design production opportunities. Whether you recently graduated from a baccalaureate program or are a more experienced professional desiring additional training, the comprehensive course of study, classroom learning and numerous design challenges affords the costume design student many opportunities to develop as a creative artist.
The typical course of study includes traditional courses in design technique and technical production. You learn the techniques of costume technology through production work with plays of many genres, periods and styles. You will have ample actualized design work with which to enhance your portfolio, having the opportunity to produce four to six realized productions at the Hilberry and Bonstelle theatres.
The following selection of courses is typical for costume designers:
Fundamentals of Graduate Design
Styles of Drama
Costume History and Design I and II
Professional Costume Design I and II
Design Studio I-IV
Theatre Costuming I and II
Costume Design for the Theatre
Advanced Stage and Film Makeup
Repertory Theatre (design practicum)
Architecture and Decor
Teaching Internship Option
Play Direction
Development of Drama
Electives from which the student may select:
Draping
Flat Patterning
Tailoring
Life Drawing
Watercolor
Painting, etc.
Lighting Design
The MFA in lighting design focuses on the production of theatre in combination with individualized coursework to develop you as an artist. Working in both the Hilberry and Bonstelle theatres, a wide variety of design opportunities are available. You will design major productions in five of their six semesters in the program, as well as numerous smaller productions in the Studio Theatre. These opportunities are combined with classes that are kept small enough to address your particular needs. This combination provides a solid experience in both the theory and practice of lighting design.
The assistantships awarded to graduate students allow the work assigned to provide a technical background and expertise in lighting and sound, while maximizing each student’s exposure to the variety of work being produced within the Department of Theatre.
The following selection of courses is typical for lighting designers:
Foundation of Graduate Design
Advanced Lighting Design
Professional Lighting Design I & II
Design Studio I-IV
Technical Theatre Problems
Intro. to Scenic Painting
Play Direction
Development of Drama
Theatre Aesthetics
Theatre Costuming
Stage Design
Teaching Internship Option
Repertory Theatre (design practicum)
MFA Exit Project
Scenic Design
The program in scenic design is production oriented, emphasizing practical training and experience in designing for a wide variety of styles - from the classics to established modern plays to new plays. It is devoted to developing professional artists in a broad range of theatre activities. Training provides for the development of artistic, presentational and technical skills required by each discipline as well as rich experience in collaboration with other theatre disciplines. Learning emphasizes spontaneity, conceptualization, originality and self-questioning. An atmosphere of trust, exploration and respect for tradition is sought for a rich experience in collaboration with other theatre disciplines.
You have an opportunity to design two to five fully realized productions in three years. You work in rotation as a designer, assistant designer, technical director, property master and scenic painter. At the end of each semester, a portfolio presentation of studio work demonstrates professional growth. The training program gives an opportunity to work with students on an individual basis.
The following selection of courses is typical for scenic designers:
Stage Design
Advanced Design
Introduction to Scenic Painting
Advanced Scenic Painting
Style of Design
Advanced Stage Lighting
Costume Design for Theatre
Technical Theatre Problems
Repertory Theatre (design practicum)
Development of Drama
Play Direction
Teaching Internship Option
Theatre Aesthetics
Design Studio I-IV
Stage Management
The stage management specialization is intended to train you for professional positions in stage management or for teaching stage management in higher education. You are expected to have previous stage managing experience at the undergraduate level and be well-organized, self-starting, highly motivated and possess excellent interpersonal communication skills. The stage manager’s role requires a wide range of artistic, technical, managerial and communication abilities. It demands a strong, unwavering commitment to the process of theatre production, and to serve that process by fostering a creative work environment that is conducive to its ultimate success. Stage managers are obligated to maintain the welfare of the actors, promote the director’s artistic goals, and to facilitate open communication of the production’s needs to the artistic team in order to advance those goals.
The curriculum consists of a balanced selection of courses providing a wide range of skills critical to the success of a stage manager. Production assignments are also central components of this program. In the course of three years, you will normally have the opportunity to stage manage a minimum of six to nine faculty-directed main stage productions at the Hilberry Theatre.
The following selection of courses is typical for stage managers:
Stage Management
Scenic Design
Costume Design
Lighting Design
Technical Production
Theatre Management
Theatre History
Development of Drama
Dramaturgy/Advanced Script Analysis
Repertory Theatre (stage management practicum)
Other courses available:
Group Dynamics
Labor Management
Psychology
Interpersonal Communication
Contracts and Grants
Theatre Management
MFA Theatre Management students are assigned to an assistantship in one of the following areas: advertising, alumni/recruitment relations, box office, development, group sales, house management, subscription sales and media relations. You function in your assigned areas as you would in any regional theatre - creating a budget and plan of operation, then implementing and evaluating the plan.
In addition to the major area of assignment, theatre managers serve as publicists for department productions. If not assigned to the Hilberry Theatre box office or house management, students also house manage in the Bonstelle Theatre.
Intensive seminars that focus on particular subjects and skills in theatre management are also part of this vigorous program.
Theatre management students take courses from different areas of the university: the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts as well as the College of Business. This varied course of study, combined with three years of intensive practical experience, creates a unique managerial opportunity that prepares you to competitively enter the job market.
The following selection of courses is typical for theatre managers:
Human Resources and Financial Management for the Theatre
Public Relations and the Theatre
Marketing for the Theatre
Fund Development and the Theatre
Advanced Studies in Theatre Management
Survey/Research Techniques for Theatre Managers
Theatre Management Practicum
Some of the electives from which you may select include:
Dramatic Criticism
Theatre History
Development of Drama
Financial Reporting and Analysis
Management Principles and Organizational Process
Organizational Communication
Grant writing for Nonprofits
Legal Environment of the Arts