School of Theater

Graduate Theater Courses

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. You may be placed on program probation, however, 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:

1. Removal of program probation; recommendation for continuation in the program.
2. Continued program probation for an additional quarter.
3. 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, 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 graduate scholarships or graduate associateships 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 the newly renovated 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. Other requirements include Introduction to Graduate Studies, 4 hours of Practicum, and no more than 12 hours of electives.

The purpose of the degree is to pre-pare students for scholarly or research activity, whether associated with an academic institution or a professional theater. Students acquire a general knowledge of theater history and criticism and study specific areas in depth. The education emphasizes a knowledge of the history and literature of theater and research mehtodologies. 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 degree is intended for a number of different kinds of students. The program is for students interested in gaining an advanced degree in theater history and criticism in the context of a professionally oriented school of theater. This education can be especially valuable for students interested in dramaturgy. In this case, students gain the solid basis of general and advanced coursework in drama, theater history, and criticism, and are able to apply this work through dramaturgy on School of Theater productions. An internship at a professional theater is especially valuable in this case.

The program is also for students who want a 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 international students who are able to study in the United States only long enough to earn an M.A.. These students gain a thorough education in western theater history and criticism, as well as scholarly and pedagogical methodologies.

Admission is based on a 3.0 g.p.a. in undergradute work, three letters of recommendation, and a sample critical or research paper. A personal interview is recommended.

Sample Program

Fall

Introduction 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

Winter

Practicum 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

Spring

Seminar 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.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 Director Training Program each require a minimum of 135 credit hours over a nine-quarter (three-year) residency period. 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. The M.F.A. in playwriting is a professional degree and covers 90 credit hours of study. The theater general M.F.A. program requires a minimum of 90 credit hours.

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. Particu-lar 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.

Performance Opportunities

The first 10 weeks are dedicated to the diagnosis of individual needs. In succeeding quarters, performance opportuities abound. Every actor per-forms 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 involved 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 forty years been an enduring experience for students and public alike.

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. 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 istory/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 Quarter

Introduction to Graduate Studies

Acting I

Voice and Speech I

Movement I

Improvisation

Technical Practicum

Winter Quarter

Acting II

Movement II

Voice and Speech II

Audition Techniques

Practicum in Acting

Spring Quarter

Acting III

Voice and Speech III

Movement III

Text Analysis

Practicum in Acting

Second Year
Fall Quarter

Acting IV

Voice and Speech IV

Movement IV

Dramatic Literature or Theater History

Practicum in Acting

Winter Quarter

Acting V

Voice and Speech V

Movement V

Elective

Practicum in Acting

Spring Quarter

Acting VI

Voice and Speech VI

Movement VI

Dramatic Literature or Theater History

Practicum in Acting

Third Year
Fall Quarter

Independent Studies in Acting

Internship in Acting

Winter Quarter

Independent Studies in Acting

Internship in Acting

Spring Quarter

Independent 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 is structured so aspects may be designed according to the talents, background, and professional goals of the individual student. 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 concerns itself with process and 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 professional theater. This may be accomplished by directing a fully supported thesis production or through an internship at a major LORT theater or equivalent producing organization or an internship or observership at a theater abroad.

Requirements for a M.F.A. in directing are 135 hours, including 78 credits in directing, four credits in acting, 16 credits in production design, 12 credits in theater history and criticism, 4 credits in theater management, 4 credits in production practicum, and 17 elective credits principally outside the School of Theater. There is a quarterly evaluation of each student. Students exhibiting consistent growth and preparation for a career in the profession theater will be invited to return for the next year of training.

Sample Program

First Year
Fall Quarter

Introduction to Graduate Studies

First Principles of Directing

Seminar in Directing

Practicum in Production

Scene Design

Historical Basis of Design

Winter Quarter

Seminar in Directing

Audition Technique/The Business of Theater

Costume Design

Costume History

Speech for Actors

Practicum in Directing

Spring Quarter

Seminar in Directing

Directing Project I

Practicum in Directing

Text Analysis

Playwright Workshop

Second Year
Fall Quarter

Seminar in Directing

Directing

Improv Technique

Practicum in Directing

Director/Designer

Dramatic Criticism I

Winter Quarter

Seminar in Directing

Practicum in Directing

Advanced Lighting Technique

Dramatic Criticism II

Spring Quarter

Seminar in Directing

Practicum in Directing

Directing Theories

Third Year

Seminar in Directing (Quarter in Residence)

Internship in Directing

Thesis Production

Professional Playwriting Program

The Professional Playwriting Program at Ohio University seeks to train playwrights who will, through a lifetime of professional experience, become artists who contribute to the culture. Playwrights are craftspeople as well as artists. 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 90 credit hours of study. The program of study may include 135 credit hours of course-work (three years) where appropriate. The third year may include an internship with a professional theater company. Coursework includes theater history, criticism, a continuing dramatic writing seminar and workshop, a variety of electives, and a course in the collaborative process. The degree is awarded for the completion of a body of work that is ready for production and for significant progress in the development of dramatic writing skills.

Script Development

Scripts are developed at several levels. Assignments and early drafts are developed in the Seminar in Dramatic Writing, where students examine and employ the principles and advanced theories of dramatic writing. Later drafts are presented in the Playwrights Workshop, where guest audiences are invited when appropriate. Script development and presentation are a component of a second section of the Playwrights Workshop, which focuses on playwright and director collaboration. New work is presented in department-produced workshop readings, and production-ready plays are produced in the school's Lab Series.

For the Seabury Quinn, Jr., Playwrights Festival, theater professionals are invited to the university to respond to the work of OU playwrights. Playwrights experience public readings, audience feedback, professional response, and individual mentoring.

Note:Plays begun before enrollment in the School of Theater will not be developed in the Playwriting Program.

Minimum Writing and Production Expectations

In the first year, playwrights are likely to develop a monologue play, a one-act play, and a later draft full-length play. Wither the one-act play or the full-length play is eligible for a rehearsed reading in the Annual Playwrights Festival. This work is rewritten, based on festival feedback. Projects at various levels of development will receive readings. A new piece may be created for the Playwright and Directors Collaborative Workshop. First-year playwrights are encouraged to apply for Lab Series Production.

In the second year, students may finish the first-year full-length play, develop another full-length play and a draft of a full-length screenplay or a completed short screenplay. Students who have not had an original work produced must participate in the production of their work in the Lab Series or an equivalent venue. Second-year students serve as the producers of the Playwrights Festival, where their works are read.

In the optional third year, students may work as an intern for a professional theater and/or assist a professional playwright. Our circle of theater is always expanding; we now have internship contracts with Off-Broadway theaters, regional theaters, and produc-tion companies. Third-year students are expected to produce a full-length play in the Lab Series or complete an equivalent experience and to develop a full-length play or screenplay.

New work may be submitted for production on the School of Theater's mainstage.

As a graduation requirement, each student must turn in a bound copy of collected works developed at Ohio University.

Note:Scripts must be judged by the playwriting faculty as ready for production development to receive production approval.

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. A visit to the university and an interview are encouraged.

Sample Program

Introduction to Graduate Studies

Practicum

Playwrights Workshop

Seminar in Dramatic Writing

Independent Studies

Theater History And Criticism sequence to be selected from the following:

Dramatic Criticism I & 2

Greek Theater and Drama

Roman and Medieval Drama

Renaissance Theater and Drama

Restoration and 18th Century

Baroque European Theater

19th-Centruy European

Modern Drama

American Theater and Drama

Independent Study

Electives

In consultation with program advisor, students may take courses in theater or outside courses to further support their major area. Courses in screenwriting are encouraged.

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. The first year of the program deals primarily with fundamental design principles. The second year focuses on skills needed to execute these designs, such as drafting, draping, or painting. During the third year, emphasis is placed on the ability to work independently and to integrate and implement all aspects of the training.

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.

Total credit hour requirements are based on a normal load of 15-18 credit hours per academic quarter for nine quarters of residency. Participation in a specified production activity each quarter is required. It is expected that these activities will relate directly to your major interests and that, during specified times, they will consist of major production responsibilities such as designing or technical directing for a mainstage production. A thesis project (a complete design project in the student's major and secondary areas of interest) is required for graduation.

At least one quarter of the third year is expected to consist of an internship at a major LORT or commercial theater in the U.S. or Great Britain.

Minimum course requirements for the three-year M.F.A. 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 depending upon your background.

Program Requirements

Core Courses

Introduction to Graduate Studies

Practicum in Design and/or Technical Production (18 cr.)

Lighting Design

Scene Design

Historical Bases of Design I and II

Thesis (3 cr.)

Internship (15 cr.)

Scene Design

Scene Design (8 additional cr.)

Advanced Scene Techniques (8 cr.)

Studies in Scene Design (12 cr.)

Advanced Costume Design

History of Costume

Lighting Design or Advanced Lighting Techniques

Model Construction for the Scene Designer

Drafting for the Stage

Scene Painting

Studio Art (8 cr.)

Practicum in Design and/or Technical Production (8 additional cr.)

Photography for the Theater

AutoCAD

Directed Electives (7 cr.)

Costume Design

Advanced Costume Design and Studies in Costume Design (24 cr.)

Costume History

Costume Crafts Construction

Props Construction and Organization for the Stage

Fabric Painting

Costume Period Patterning

Advanced Studies in Clothing

Studio Art

Scene Design (4 additional cr.)

Internship (6 additional cr.)

Directed Electives (3 cr.)

Scenic Technology (Props and/or Scenic Artist)

Scene Design (8 additional cr.)

Props Construction and Organization for the Stage

Advanced Scenic Techniques or Studies in Scene Design

History of Costume

Model Construction for the Scene Designer

Drafting for the Stage

Costume Crafts Construction

Scene Painting

AutoCAD or Computer Graphics

Photography for the Theater

Directed electives (35 cr.)

Costume Technology

Advanced Costume Design

History of Costume (8 cr.)

Costume Crafts Construction

Props Construction and Organization for the Stage

Fabric Painting

Costume Period Patterning

Advanced Studies in Clothing

Advanced Studies in Textiles

Studio Art and/or Scene Painting

Internship (6 additional cr.)

Directed electives (19 cr.)

Lighting Design

Stage Management

Lighting Design

Electrics

Advanced Lighting Techniques

Advanced Lighting Studies

Advanced Costume Design

Scene Desgn (4 additional cr.)

Advanced Scene Techniques

Practicum in Design and/or Technical Production (8 additional cr.)

AutoCAD

Photography for the Theater

Directed Instruction

Directed Electives (21 cr.)

Technical Direction

Technical Direction

Advanced Technical Studies

Electrics, Scene Design (4 additional cr.)

Props Construction and Organization for the Stage

Practicum in Design and/or Technical Production (8 additional cr.)

Drafting for the Stage

Costume Crafts Construction

Scene Painting

Welding, Rigging

AutoCAD

Photography for the Theater

Directed Electives (15 cr.)

Sound Design

Stage Management

Electrics

Practicum in Design and/or Technical Production (8 additional cr.)

Drafting

Sound Design I

Sound Production

AutoCAD

Scene Design Collaboration

Film Topic Seminar

History of Musical Styles I, II, III

Audio and Video Production

Directed Instruction

Directed Electives (21 cr.)

Theater General Program

The theater general degree is intended for exceptional students with demonstrated ability and intellectual maturity who wish to design their own program to satisfy particular academic or career goals. This degree program allows you to study in two or three areas within the School of Theater. If you wish to pursue arts administration or stage management, for example, you may find this degree particularly useful. Various options are available. (If you have additional interests outside the School of Theater, see the Individual Interdisciplinary Programs section.)

You may receive an M.A. or an M.F.A. upon completion of study.

M.A. requirements

The M.A. in theater general requires a minimum of 45 credit hours. If two areas of emphasis are chosen, each area must include a minimum of 20 credit hours with the appropriate number of elective hours. If three areas of emphasis are chosen, each area must include a minimum of 15 credit hours.

M.F.A. requirements

The M.F.A. in theater general requires a minimum of 90 hours with the possibility of 135 hours for a three-year program. If two areas of emphasis are chosen, each area must include a minimum of 30 credit hours with the appropriate number of elective hours. If three areas of emphasis are chosen, each area must include a minimum of 20 credit hours with the appropriate number of elective hours.

Shared requirements

Both the M.A. and the M.F.A. require the completion of a written thesis, a comprehensive examination, or a performance project.

Because of the independent nature of the program, you must work closely with your advisor at each stage. This unique advisor-advisee relationship encourages inquiry, originality, and determination in the pursuit of the degree.

Admission

You must apply initially with an earned 3.0 g.p.a. in an appropriate undergraduate degree. In addition to the usual application materials, you must submit a plan of study and a statement of goals describing your intent and rationale for pursuing the degree. A visit and interview are strongly encouraged. You must have achieved a minimum g.p.a. of 3.3 during your first quarter of residency and have an approved plan of study before the end of your second quarter of residency.

The initial advisor for the degree is the director of graduate studies; you may choose or be assigned another advisor at a later date.

University Publications and Computer Services revised this file ( https://www.ohio.edu/~gcat/97-99/areas/thea.htm ) on June 18, 1998.

Please e-mail comments or suggestions to " gcat@www.ohiou.edu ."