Graduate
Graduate Programs:
M.A. Theatre
The M.A. in Theatre is a traditional, academic graduate degree designed for those students preparing for further study in Ph.D. programs. The program follows a course of study grounded in theatre history, dramatic literature and script analysis.
The program is offered with two program options:
- Plan A, a thesis option requiring completion of at least 30 semester hours of approved graduate course work.
- Plan B, a non-thesis option requiring completion of at least 32 semester hours of approved graduate course work, with at least 18 hours in theatre.
Final program approval rests with the candidate's graduate advisory committee. In Plan A, a scholarly thesis may fulfill program requirements; in Plan B, a paper of record is required to demonstrate research and writing competency.
M.F.A. Directing
Students of stage directing at USD are training to be interpretive artists and educators. They are expected to develop a high level of skill in text analysis, interpersonal communication, and the director's tools for effective storytelling, while also attaining a broad knowledge of theatre and its companion arts. In addition to focused instruction in acting, directing and design, students are encouraged to develop an understanding of how the present and the past intersect so that they may help others discover the common threads which link human experience.
Because program admissions are limited, each student receives a high level of individualized instruction, opportunities to direct in the Arena season of plays and, in most instances, the opportunity to direct a mainstage production as part of the directing candidate's culminating project.
All M.F.A. directing candidates must stage manage two approved productions and direct three approved productions. The M.F.A. Directing program requires 60 credit hours of study.
M.F.A. Design/Theatre Technology
With major professor and graduate committee approval, candidates must elect an area of emphasis and must complete additional requirements for the emphasis area:
- Scenic design
- Lighting and sound design
- Costume design
- Technical production
The M.F.A. Design/Theatre Technology program is a theoretical and practical course of study. The Department of Theatre recognizes that the designer and technician must seek to attain a broad knowledge of the theatre and its companion arts, a high level of analytical and communicative skills, an understanding of the design elements as they apply to live, three-dimensional performances revealed by light, a comprehensive understanding of art and theatrical design history and the ability to communicate graphically.
Because program admissions are limited, each student receives a high level of individualized instruction, opportunities to design in the Arena season of plays, and, in most instances, the opportunity to design a mainstage production as part of the design candidate's culminating project. At least fifty percent of the graduate program of study credit hours must be in courses numbered 600 or above.
The program requires 60 credit hours of study.
Admissions
- Applicants should have earned a baccalaureate degree in Theatre or its equivalent, including coursework in acting, directing, technical production, and design and, preferably, a year-long survey of the history of theatre and drama.
- Applicants should have substantial preparation in their areas of specialization.
- Design/Technology students should have background in scenic, costume, and lighting design, as well as art history.
- All graduate students are expected to maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better to remain in the program.
In some instances applicants may not have a comprehensive undergraduate education in theatre. In these situations, additional courses or experiences intended to remedy deficiencies in the student's theatre/artistic background may be required.
Requirements
Send the following materials to the graduate school by March 15:
- The USD application form
- Three letters of recommendation
- Two official copies of the applicant's transcript(s)
In addition, the following must be sent to the Department of Theatre:
- Resumé
- Statement of professional objectives
- Examples of creative work:
- Directors: a written statement of directorial approach to a full-length, published playscript and a promptbook. Samples on video of the applicant's directing may also be included.
- Designers/Technicians: a portfolio emphasizing area/s of specialization. Photographs (slides, prints, or digital), rough sketches, finished renderings, and draftings should be included.
- Alternate means of evaluation may be arranged under special circumstances.
M.A. Theatre program applicants must provide the department with results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).