School of Theater
The School of Theater offers programs leading to the Master of Fine Arts and Master of Arts degrees. To apply, you must have earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and be able to demonstrate motivation and talent for the program of your choice. In addition, you should present a background of training that correlates with your professional goals. For unconditional admission, you must have a satisfactory academic record with strong indications of success in your chosen area and sufficient preparation to qualify for graduate courses to be included in the program. Any deficiencies must be made up by taking appropriate courses in addition to normal requirements.
Applicants for admission to one of the professional M.F.A. programs must demonstrate qualification by audition, submission of portfolio, interview, or other appropriate means before final approval is granted (see below). This requirement is in addition to the basic admission standards for entrance into the graduate program of the School of Theater.
It is expected that you will have a firm grounding in theater history and dramatic literature, as well as demonstrable proficiency in fundamental production techniques, or that these areas will be included in your graduate program.
Throughout the program, you are closely observed and counseled by the faculty. You are expected to show consistent progress toward improvement of those skills that the faculty deems necessary for entry into the profession. At the end of every quarter in residence, and in some programs also at midterm of each quarter in the initial year, a thorough evaluation is made. The faculty discuss with you particular areas of strength and weakness in your performance and how they may affect your professional potential.
If, in the judgment of the faculty, you fail to meet professional standards or to show improvement in necessary skills, you are placed on program probation for the following quarter. Normally this action occurs at the end of a quarter, and the probation is for the following quarter. However, You may be placed on program probation at any time if the faculty deems it necessary. Written notice of this decision is provided, along with an explanation of the academic or artistic reasons for the decision. You are expected to make improvement immediately in the indicated areas.
At the end of the period of program probation, the area faculty, in consultation with the director of the School of Theater, takes one of three actions:
- Removal of program probation; recommendation for continuation in the program.
- Continued program probation for an additional quarter.
- Denial of further enrollment.
If you are placed on program probation in the first five weeks of a quarter, the period of probation may extend until the end of that quarter. If you are placed on probation after the first five weeks of the quarter, the period of probation may extend until the end of the following quarter.
In no case will program probation continue for more than three consecutive quarters.
Students in the Professional Actor Training Program, the Professional Director Training Program, The Professional Playwriting Program, and the Production Design and Technology Program must begin their program of study in the fall quarter. Application materials for these programs must be received by April 1. Students in the other M.F.A programs are encouraged to begin their program in the fall quarter and should observe the April 1 application deadline. An M.A. degree candidate may apply for admission for any quarter.
Applicants seeking financial aid in the form of OGS stipends or graduate assistantships for the following academic year should submit application materials to the School of Theater by March 1. If you wish to apply for financial aid in the form of work study and/or loans, contact the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships. (See the Financial Aid section.)
Graduate candidates are required to participate each quarter in the production activities of the school as a supplement to and as an extension of their academic work. In addition, all graduate candidates are required to enroll for Lunchbag Theater Seminar each quarter of residence.
The production program of the school is conducted in two adjoining buildings on the Athens campus. The first is Kantner Hall, housing a comfortable and well-equipped proscenium theater; four small studio-classroom theaters; scenery, props, and costume laboratories; and related facilities. A second mainstage theater, incorporating a thrust stage and capable of modification for use in various theatrical forms, is located in the Radio-Television Communication Building next door. Significant repertory production opportunities are available through the university's Monomoy Theater on Cape Cod (Chatham, Massachusetts).
Visiting artists from the professional theater are brought to the campus in all areas of the school to augment the teaching of the faculty. Full-term residencies, shorter-term (two or more weeks) residencies, master classes, and audition opportunities with theater professionals are supported by visiting artist funds. Recent visiting artists have included prominent actors, directors, designers, playwrights, administrators, and teachers from England and Europe, as well as the North American commercial and LORT theaters.
M.A. in Theater History and Criticism
The M.A. in theater history and criticism is a one-year program requiring 45 credit hours and a minimum of three quarters of residency. You may choose either to write a thesis or to take a comprehensive examination on all coursework. If you wish to pursue the thesis program in place of the comprehensive examination program, an additional quarter of residency is expected. A quarter of internship with a professional theater as a dramaturg or literary advisor may substitute for the comprehensive examination or thesis.The purpose of the degree is to prepare students for scholarship, research or new play development, whether associated with an academic institution or a professional theater. In the context of a professionally oriented School of Theater, students survey theater history and criticism, use current research methodologies, and study specific areas in depth. Students are required to engage in independent research and to convey their ideas orally and in writing. The degree is an excellent basis for introductory teaching in higher education, work as a dramaturg, or further study toward a terminal degree in theater.
The program is intended for a number of different kinds of students. Those interested in dramaturgy are able to apply their coursework, which also includes playwriting and directing, to School of Theater productions. An internship at a professional theater is especially valuable in this case.
The program also is for students who the first graduate degree in preparation for a terminal degree, whether M.F.A. or Ph.D. The academic rigor and broad scope of this degree can be a valuable testing ground for students to determine their subsequent educational goals.
Finally, this degree is for foreign students who are able to study in the United States only long enough to earn an M.A degree. In this case, students gain a solid, thorough education in Western theater history and criticism, as well as scholarly and pedagogical methodologies.
Degree Requirements
Total credits required: 45 Residency: 3 quarters minimum Capstone experience: Thesis, comprehensive examination, or internship with completion of dramaturgy casebook Specific Course RequirementsIntro to Grad Study (THAR500) 4 cr Production Practicum (THAR 505 or 535) 2 cr Dramaturgy or Production Practicum (THAR 505, 535, or 575P) 2 cr Readings in Theater Studies (THAR 570), 3 quarters 3 cr Dramatic Criticism (THAR 575, 576, 675) 8 cr Dramatic Literature (THAR 573, 670, 770, 771, 772, 773, 774, 775, 776, 777, CA 770, 771, 772, 773, 774, 775, 776) 8 cr Independent Study in Theater History (preparation for comprehensive examination) 6 cr Total Required Courses 36 crElectives 9 crCourses in directing and playwriting are strongly encouraged for students interested in dramaturgy. Other electives may include design, dance, music, literature, languages, etc., with the advice and consent of your advisor.
Admission is based on a 3.0 g.p.a. in undergradute work, three letters of recommendation, and a sample critical or reasearch paper. A personal interview is recommended.
Sample Program FallIntroduction to Graduate Studies Practicum in Design and Technical Theater Seminar in Theater History Greek Theater and Drama or Restoration and 18th-Century Theater or Seminar in Dramatic Writing (Playwriting) Readings in Theater Studies WinterPracticum in Dramaturgy Dramatic Criticism I or Dramatic Criticism II Roman and Medieval Theater or Baroque European Theater or Seminar in Theater History Research Techniques for the Theater Elective SpringSeminar in Theater History Nineteenth Century European Theater or Modern Theater or First Principles of Directing Readings in Theater Studies Comprehensive Examination Additional Quarter (optional)Thesis or internship Practical Work: two practicum assignments in production work, e.g., acting, technical production, or public relations crew work Electives: classes in directing, theatrical design, dance, music, literature, languages, etc., with advice and consent of your advisor Thesis/Comprehensive Exam/Internship
M.A. in Theater
The Master of Arts degree in Theater is a one-year program that provides the student with a broad-based graduate-level education in all areas of theater: historic, dramatic, and practical. Each student is required to undertake a strong base in theater history and drama, with additional coursework in playwriting, directing, and design. The student is able to apply this work to the practice of School of Theater producions. Masters' students demonstrate their proficiency through a comprehensive examination, written thesis, performance project, or, for exceptional students, internship at a professional theater. All work takes place in the context of a professionally oriented School of Theater, and coursework is with M.F.A. students led by professionally active faculty.Providing a diverse education, this program enables graduate students and those entering the professional theater to broaden future goals and hone skills. The program is especially appropriate for individuals whose undergraduate major was in an area other than theater/drama, or for those who are returning to theater studies in mid-career. International students who wish to gain a knowledge of Western theater studies and practice are also encouraged to apply.
Admission is based on a 3.0 g.p.a. in undergraduate work, three letters of recommendation, and a writing sample. Admission to an area of specialization is required for entry. A personal interview is recommended.
Specific Course RequirementsThree quarters of residency including: THAR 500 4 Theater History/Drama 12 Playwriting 4 Directing( 1 ) 4 Design( 1 ) 4 Practicum 5 Exam/Thesis/Project/Intern 4 Specialization Area( 2 ) 8 TOTAL 45For the thesis or internship option, an additional quarter of registration is required.
1 *Certain courses require permission for enrollment.
2 **Specialization areas include theater history/drama, playwriting, directing, and design.
M.F.A. Programs
The M.F.A.s offered by the School of Theater are professional degrees. The Professional Actor Training Program and the Professional Playwriting Program each require a minimum of 135 credit hours over a nine-quarter (three-year) residency period. The Professional Director Training Program requires a minimum of 135 credit hours over an eight (8) quarter residency. The M.F.A. in production design and technology is a professional degree and normally requires a minimum of 135 credit hours over a nine-quarter period, but may also be, with approval of the faculty, a six-quarter program with a 90-credit-hour requirement.Professional Actor Training Program
The Professional Actor Training Program (PATP) prepares advanced students for a career as a professional actor. Led by a faculty of working theater practitioners, the school offers an intensive three-year practical program. The training is dedicated to the goal of producing well rounded, skillful actors who are as comfortable exploring the mysteries of the inner life as they are in meeting the external demands of technique--actors at home in any theatrical environment, regardless of content, style, or period. Particular emphasis is placed on conditioning the actor's vocal and physical instruments. Development of a reliable process for approaching and rehearsing a role makes up a vital part of the work. The program also includes career studies aimed at fostering an understanding of the entertainment business.Immersion in the acting, voice, and movement studios constitutes the bulk of the first two years. Additional coursework includes text analysis, dramatic literature, theater history, special areas of movement, and audition technique.
The Acting Studio.The first year of training features a back-to-basics curriculum concentrating on the authentic use of self, the reality of doing, and living truthfully within imaginary circumstances. The classical repertory forms the basis for the second year of work, with an emphasis on the Greeks, Shakespeare, Moliere, and Restoration comedy.
Internship.The third year is devoted exclusively to an internship at the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. Students are auditioned by the Artistic Director of Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park early in spring of the second year. If the audition is successful, the student is invited to spend the third year in residence as a member of the acting intern company. The interns understudy main stage roles, perform small roles on the main stage, attend workshops, and are occasionally assigned to crew or work in the box office. A final thesis show is produced at the end of the internship.
Performance Opportunities.The first 10 weeks are dedicated to the diagnosis of individual needs. In succeeding quarters, performance opportuities abound. Every actor performs a practicum role each quarter, either in the School of Theater's mainstage offerings or in its many laboratory productions. Special stress is placed on the emerging ability to synthesize the lessons learned in the studio with the practical realities of his or her casting.
Summer.Some actors are afforded the opportunity to be participate in a full summer of performance activities at Monomy Theater on Cape Cod. Operated in conjunction with the Ohio University School of Theater, Monomy has for 40 years been a memorable experience for students and public alike. Students may receive up to 18 credit hours in acting practicum, which count toward graduation and usually earn points toward their Equity Membership.
Assessment.There is continual communication among the PATP faculty members, aimed at monitoring and advancing the training of each student. Quarterly evaluations are scheduled to inform students of their progress and outline specific areas of strength and weakness. Students showing consistent growth are invited by the faculty to continue in the succeeding year of training.
Admission.Admission to the program is by interview and audition conducted at the University/Resident Theatre Association (U/RTA) National Unified Audition in New York, Chicago, and the West Coast, as well as as on the OU campus in Athens. The PATP is open to a limited number of talented, mature, and motivated students. Minimum requirements for the M.F.A. include 78 credit hours in acting courses, 10 credits in acting practicum, 2 credits in technical or management practicum, 2 credits in introduction to graduate studies, 12 credits in history/criticism/literature, 12 credits in thesis production, and 15 credits in internship. Independent studies and/or electives comprise the remaining requirements.
Sample Program First Year Fall QuarterIntroduction to Graduate Studies Acting I Voice and Speech I Movement I Technical Practicum Winter QuarterActing II Movement II Voice and Speech II Audition Techniques Practicum in Acting Spring QuarterActing III Voice and Speech III Movement III Seminar (Dramatic Literature or Theater History) Practicum in Acting Second Year Fall QuarterActing IV Voice and Speech IV Movement IV Seminar (Dramatic Literature or Theater History) Practicum in Acting Winter QuarterActing V Voice and Speech V Movement V Elective Practicum in Acting Spring QuarterActing VI Voice and Speech VI Movement VI Seminar (Dramatic Literature or Theater History) Practicum in Acting Third Year Fall QuarterIndependent Studies in Acting Internship in Acting Winter QuarterIndependent Studies in Acting Internship in Acting Spring QuarterIndependent Studies in Acting Thesis Performance
Professional Director Training Program
The Professional Director Training Program is designed to train and prepare directors for a career in the professional theater. It embodies the faculty's belief that a classical foundation better prepares a director to work in any style or medium. The program admits no more than two candidates each year. Admission is granted as a result of admission to the University and a combination of recommendations by those familiar with the applicant's work and an interview with the program head.During the three-year course of study, directors will develop and practice their craft in a variety of ways, ranging from scene work to directing fully supported mainstage productions. The primary focus of the first year is for the director to become familiar in working with the elements and people involved in producing theater. Given satisfactory progress, the second year has a focus on the application of work done during the first year through a variety of laboratory and other directing experiences. Given continued satisfactory progress, the third year is the culmination of the previous two and serves as an entry into the theater. This may be accomplished by directing a fully supported thesis production .
Requirements for a M.F.A. in directing are 135 hours. Detailed requirements will be given to the student upon enrollment. There is a quarterly evaluation of each student. Students exhibiting consistent growth and preparation for a career in the professional theater will be invited to return for the next year of training.
Sample Graduate Directing Program
First Year Fall QuarterIntroduction to Graduate Collaboration Directing I Acting I Scene Design Practicum in Production Winter QuarterDirecting II/Performance Collaboration Acting II Costume Design Directing Practicum/Realism Project Elective Spring QuarterDirecting III/New Play Collaboration Acting III Playwright's Workshop Lighting Design Directing Practicum/Realism Project Second Year Fall QuarterDirecting IV Directing Practicum/New Play Project Dramatic Criticism I Elective Winter QuarterDirecting V Playwriting II Directing Practicum/Verse ProjectDramatic Criticism II
Advanced Lighting Technique Spring QuarterDirecting VI/New Play Collaboration Seminar in Directing/Thesis Preparation Directing Practicum/Verse Project Directing Theories Elective Third YearDirecting VII,VIII,IX Thesis Production Management Seminar Playwriting/Screenwriting Intro to Film Directing for Camera
Professional Playwriting Program
The Professional Playwriting Program seeks to train playwrights to become craftspeople and artists who contribute to the culture. The basic and advanced principles of the craft can be learned through earnest study of our dramatic literary heritage and intensive practical application of the craft.The M.F.A. is earned through the completion of a minimum of 135 credit hours of coursework over three years. The third year may include an internship with a professional theater company. Coursework includes Playwrights Workshop, Playwrights Seminar, Playwrights Production, Theater History and Criticism, and a variety of electives. The goal of the program is to create an environment in which each writer can develop his or her unique voice while freely experimenting with different theatrical styles and forms. In this environment, writers in the program will complete a body of work, much of which will be produced during their course of study. The degree is awarded for significant progress in the development of dramatic writing skills and the completion of a body of work that is suitable for professional production.
There are four major components to the Professional Playwriting Program at Ohio University:
Playwrights Workshop
Playwrights Workshop is the laboratory for the development of full-length plays. Much of the work in Playwrights Workshop focuses upon the practical application of playwriting theory introduced in Playwrights Seminar. Workshop consists of a weekly reading of a play by a different writer of the workshop. These rehearsed readings are open to the public and usually draw upon actors from the Professional Actors Training Program at the School of Theater. After each reading, the workshop writers meets in a private session to discuss the play. Approximately half of the discussion during the session is in the form of notes and feedback to the writer whose play was read. The other half focuses upon playwriting theories and concepts generated by the reading. Students in the Professional Playwriting Program take Playwrights Workshop every quarter while in residence at Ohio Unversity, except for the fall quarter of their first year.Playwrights Seminar
Playwrights Seminar is a part of the theory-based portion of the program. In the first year, these classes explore basic theories of dramatic structure and serves as a laboratory for the beginning of new work that will eventually move into the Playwrights Workshop. In the second and third year, Playwrights Seminar focuses upon the application of dramatic structure, its relationship to the craft of playwriting, as well as different playwriting structures within the genre, such as theatrical adaptation of non-dramatic material, the one-person play, or non-linear story-telling. Student in the Professional Playwriting Program must take Playwrights Seminar every quarter during their first year. During their second and third year, they must take seminar four out of six quarters.Playwrights Production
Playwrights Production is part of the practical-based portion of the program consisting of a weekly informal production of new work. It begins early in the week with a different writer of the program selecting a theme, style, or concept for the upcoming production. Each writer must then write a three- to five-minute piece based upon that theme, style, or concept. Each piece is written, cast, and rehearsed throughout the week in preparation for the Friday night, script-in-hand production presented before an invited audience. Students in the Professional Playwriting Program take Playwrights Production every quarter while in residence at Ohio University.Annual Playwrights Festival
The Annual Ohio University Playwrights Festival represents the culmination of the work of the writers in the program. Theater professionals from around the country are invited to the University to respond to the work of Ohio University playwrights. During the festival, first-year students present their work in the form of rehearsed sit-readings. The work of second- and third-year students is presented in the form of rehearsed reading, script-in-hand workshop productions, or full Studio productions. During the festival, playwrights receive audience feedback in addition to individual professional response and individual mentoring.History and Criticism
In addition to these four major components of the program, students are required to take a number of more traditional courses of study in Theater History and Criticism and a variety of electives.Minimum Writing and Production Expectations
In the first year, playwrights are required to develop a full-length play in Seminar. This play is taken into the Workshop in the second quarter of the first year where the play is developed in preparation for the Playwights Festival.In the second year, playwrights will develop another full-length play that may receive a workshop or studio production during the festival. By their third year, students must participate in the production of their work in the Studio Series, the Playwrights Festival, or in an equivalent venue. Third year student may also work as interns for a professional playwright in production. When appropriate, the Playwriting Program attempts to match the neecs of individual students with suitable institutions for internships. Ongoing internships have been established with Victory Gardens Theater in Chicago and with New Dramatists in New York. Both of these organizations have received Tony Awards for leading the nation in their work with playwrights and the development of new plays. Other playwriting internships have been established with organizations such as The Acting Company (NYC), Pan Asian Repertory (NYC), Steppenwolf (Chicago), Goodman Theatre (Chicago), Indiana Repertory Theater (Indianapolis), People's Lights and Theatre Company (Philadelphia), Freedom Theatre (Philadelphia), and Intiman (Seattle). When not on internship, third year students are expected to take a leadership role in the Workshop in addition to serving as producers of the Playwrights Festival.
Note: Plays begun before acceptance in the Professional Playwriting Program will not be developed inthe program.
Enrollment
Minimum standards for acceptance include a 3.0 g.p.a. for undergraduate work and the submission of two sample manuscripts in dramatic form. Admission is based on evaluation of the applicant's writing sample, resume, goals statement, and recommendations from references. A visit to the University and an interview are encouraged.Total RequirementsIntro to Grad Studies 4 hours Practicum 2 hours Playwrights Workshop 21 hours Playwriting Seminar 28 hours History & Criticism 16 hours Playwrights Production Lab 24 hours Playwrights Thesis Production 3 hours Internship 15 hours Electives 22 hours Sample Program First Year Fall QuarterIntroduction to Graduate Studies Practicum Playwritng Seminar: Structure 1 Playwrights Production Lab Independent Study Winter QuarterPlaywrights Workshop Playwritng Seminar: Structure 2 History & Criticism Playwrights Production Lab Electives Spring QuarterPlaywrights Workshop History & Criticism Playwrights Production Lab Playwriting Seminar: Special Topics 1 Second Year Fall QuarterPlaywrights Workshop Playwriting Seminar: Special Topics 2 Playwrights Production Lab Electives Winter QuarterPlaywrights Workshop History & Criticism Playwrights Production Lab Electives Spring QuarterPlaywrights Workshop Playwrights Production Lab Playwriting Seminar: Advanced Topics History & Criticism Electives Third Year Fall QuarterPlaywrights Workshop Playwritng Seminar: Advanced Topics Playwrights Production Lab Electives Winter QuarterInternship( 1 ) Spring QuarterPlaywrights Workshop Playwriting Seminar Playwrights Production Lab Thesis Production 1 Internship may be taken in the fall or winter quarter of the third year. Samples of Theater History and Criticism Sequences:Dramatic Criticism 1 & 2 Greek Theater and Drama Roman and Medieval Drama Contemporary American Women Writers Renaissance Theater and Drama Restoration and 18th Century 19th Century European African Theater Modern Drama Theater of the Harlem Renaissance American Theater and Drama Independent Study
Professional Program in Production Design and Technology
The M.F.A. in production design and technology is a three-year program that strives to prepare students for professional careers. For designers, the first year of the program deals primarily with unleashing the imagination and examining the process of how to translate the written word into meaningful visual images. The second and third years allow for refined skill development and increasing specialization in an area of concentration with an emphasis on professional portfolio development. Technology students are involved in production, craft, and skill classes each quarter of residence. The development of fine craft and technical skills is essential, but the focus is on the development of top-notch managerial skills.
Participation in a specified production activity each quarter is required. These assignments relate directly to the students' area of concentration. At specified times they will consist of assuming senior staff positions on the main stage, such as designer, technical director or cutter/draper.
The thesis for all students consists of a main stage design (or equivalent technical assignment) and a formal exit portfolio review. For scenery and costume designers, this simulates the United Scenic Artists Union interview/exam. In all cases, portfolios are expected to meet prevailing professional standards for job placement in the field.
At least one-quarter of the third year is expected to consist of an internship at a major LORT or commercial theater in the United States or abroad (usually London). Students are expected to attend at least one national convention every year. Qualified design students are invited to participate in the Annual National Portfolio Review at Lincoln Center. Students are strongly encouraged to spend their summers and winter breaks working in leading professional theaters.
Total credit-hour requirements are based on a normal load of 15-18 credit hours per academic quarter for nine quarters of residency. Minimum course requirements for the three-year MFA include 58 credits of core courses and at least 77 credits of specific area requirements for a total of 135 credits. Any course may be waived at entry in recognition of previous academic or professional experience. For exceptional students with significant prior experience, a maximum of 45 credits may be waived at entry.
Admission to the program requires either a B.A. or B.F.A. and is based on an evaluation of your portfolio, resume, and recommendations, as well as a review of your academic qualifications for graduate work. A visit to inspect the facilities and an interview with the design staff is encouraged.
Program Requirements Core CoursesIntroduction to Graduate Studies Practicum in Design and/or Technical Production Lighting Design or Electives Historical Bases of Design I and II Theater History Performance Photography Digital Drawing for the Theater Thesis Internship ScenographyScene Design Costume Design Lighting Design Costume History Model Construction Drafting for the Stage Directing Directed Electives Scene DesignScene Design Advanced Scene Techniques Studies in Scene Design Costume Design Lighting Design or Advanced Lighting Techniques Model Construction for the Scene Designer Drafting for the Stage Scene Painting Properties Construction Directing Directed Electives Costume DesignCostume Design Costume History Costume Crafts Construction Costume Painting Costume Period Patterning Costume Construction Scene Design Directing Directed Electives Scenic Technology (Props and/or Scenic Artist)Scene Design Props Construction and Organization for the Stage Specialized Prop Studies Welding History of Costume History of Furniture Costume Painting Model Construction for the Scene Designer Drafting for the Stage Costume Crafts Construction Scene Painting Costume Construction Soft Goods Rigging Directed Electives Costume Technology )Construction or Costume CraftsCostume Design History of Costume Costume Crafts Construction Props Construction and Organization for the Stage Costume Painting Costume Period Patterning Costume Construction Internship Directed Electives Lighting DesignStage Management Lighting Design Electrics Advanced Lighting Techniques Advanced Lighting Studies Scene Design Advanced Scene Techniques Rigging Drafting for the Stage Directing Sound Design Directed Instruction Directed Electives Technical DirectionTechnical Direction Advanced Technical Studies Scene Design Props Construction and Organization for the Stage Drafting for the Stage Costume Crafts Construction Scene Painting Welding Rigging Directed Electives Sound DesignStage Management Electrics Scene Design Advanced Scene Techniques Rigging Drafting for the Stage Sound Design I Sound Production Directing Film Topic Seminar History of Musical Styles Audio and Video Production Directed Instruction Directed Electives
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