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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:
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.
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 Requirements Intro 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 cr Electives 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 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
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 Requirements Three 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.
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 Quarter Introduction to Graduate Studies Acting I Voice and Speech I Movement I 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 Seminar (Dramatic Literature or Theater History) Practicum in Acting Second Year Fall Quarter Acting IV Voice and Speech IV Movement IV Seminar (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 Seminar (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
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.
First Year Fall Quarter Introduction to Graduate Collaboration Directing I Acting I Scene Design Practicum in Production Winter Quarter Directing II/Performance Collaboration Acting II Costume Design Directing Practicum/Realism Project Elective Spring Quarter Directing III/New Play Collaboration Acting III Playwright's Workshop Lighting Design Directing Practicum/Realism Project Second Year Fall Quarter Directing IV Directing Practicum/New Play Project Dramatic Criticism I Elective Winter Quarter Directing V Playwriting II Directing Practicum/Verse ProjectDramatic Criticism II
Advanced Lighting Technique Spring Quarter Directing VI/New Play Collaboration Seminar in Directing/Thesis Preparation Directing Practicum/Verse Project Directing Theories Elective Third Year Directing VII,VIII,IX Thesis Production Management Seminar Playwriting/Screenwriting Intro to Film Directing for Camera
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:
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.
Total Requirements Intro 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 Quarter Introduction to Graduate Studies Practicum Playwritng Seminar: Structure 1 Playwrights Production Lab Independent Study Winter Quarter Playwrights Workshop Playwritng Seminar: Structure 2 History & Criticism Playwrights Production Lab Electives Spring Quarter Playwrights Workshop History & Criticism Playwrights Production Lab Playwriting Seminar: Special Topics 1 Second Year Fall Quarter Playwrights Workshop Playwriting Seminar: Special Topics 2 Playwrights Production Lab Electives Winter Quarter Playwrights Workshop History & Criticism Playwrights Production Lab Electives Spring Quarter Playwrights Workshop Playwrights Production Lab Playwriting Seminar: Advanced Topics History & Criticism Electives Third Year Fall Quarter Playwrights Workshop Playwritng Seminar: Advanced Topics Playwrights Production Lab Electives Winter Quarter Internship(1) Spring Quarter Playwrights 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
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 Courses Introduction 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 Scenography Scene Design Costume Design Lighting Design Costume History Model Construction Drafting for the Stage Directing Directed Electives Scene Design Scene 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 Design Costume 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 Crafts Costume 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 Design Stage 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 Direction Technical 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 Design Stage 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
University Publications staff and Computer Services revised this file (https://www.ohio.edu/gcatalog/03-05/areas/thea.htm) on June 25, 2004.
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