The faculty in the Department of Theatre offer graduate programs leading to the M.A., the Master of Fine Arts, and the Ph.D. degrees in Theatre. Areas of concentration are acting, scenography and theatre for youth at the M.F.A. level (see Master of Fine Arts, major in “Theatre”) and theatre for youth at the Ph.D. level. Students may also pursue an interdisciplinary program leading to the M.F.A. degree in Creative Writing. This program is offered by the faculties in the Departments of English and Theatre (see “English”).
MASTER OF ARTS
The M.A. degree in Theatre is a flexible program of advanced theatre studies that provides preparation for teaching in secondary schools and colleges and for graduate study beyond the master’s level. The program primarily emphasizes theoretical studies; however, the exceptional student may be allowed to choose the practical application of theatre skills in directing.
See “Master’s Degrees” for information on the M.A. degree.
Admission. Applicants must meet all admission requirements of the Graduate College. In addition, the Department of Theatre requires comprehensive undergraduate preparation in theatre (at least a Theatre minor or its equivalent), acceptable scores on either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test, and three letters of recommendation. Those seeking admission to specialize in directing must be interviewed by a representative from the directing faculty. Dates and times may be arranged through the Department of Theatre.
Application Deadline. The first deadline for receipt of applications and test scores is March 1. After that date, admission is subject to space availability.
Deficiencies. Deficiencies in undergraduate preparation (not to exceed 12 hours) may be removed while pursuing the M.A. degree; courses taken to remove deficiencies may not be counted toward the degree.
Program of Study. Normally, the core courses are THE 500, 504, 505, 520, and 521. Additional course work to complete the degree is selected by the student with the approval of the supervisory committee. Theatre courses must be completed with a grade of “B” or higher. A thesis or equivalent is required.
Foreign Language Requirements. Optional, depending upon research area, and with the approval of the supervisory committee.
Thesis or Equivalent Requirements. For students electing to prepare a thesis, the program consists of a minimum of 24 semester hours of graduate work and three hours each of thesis (599) and research (592) credit. Normally, 15 semester hours on the program of study are in 500-level courses and at least 20 semester hours must be in the major field. The thesis is especially recommended for students planning to continue graduate study beyond the master’s degree and may be elected with the approval of the supervisory committee.
For students electing to prepare a thesis equivalent, the program consists of 36 semester hours of graduate work, of which six hours are research (592) credit, and three hours of THP 593 Applied Project. Each student develops an approved project and supports this project with a written document. The document (thesis equivalent) is bound and placed in the University Library. In addition, at least 18 semester hours of course work on the program of study must be 500-level courses and 20 semester hours must be in the major field.
Final Examinations. Both final written and oral examinations are required of all candidates. The written examination is comprehensive; the oral examination is a defense of the thesis or equivalent.
MASTER OF FINE ARTS
See “Master of Fine Arts” for program descriptions and requirements.
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
The Ph.D. degree is designed to give students a broad knowledge of theatre as well as special research, production and teaching skills in theatre for youth. A detailed description of the program may be obtained from the Department of Theatre.
See “Doctor of Philosophy” for general requirements.
Admission. Applicants must meet all admission requirements of the Graduate College. In addition, the Department of Theatre requires a master’s degree in theatre or education; a minimum of 36 hours of undergraduate and graduate course work in theatre (to include courses in dramatic literature, acting, directing, stagecraft, improvisation with youth, theatre for children, children’s literature, research methods, theatre history, and theatre theory/criticism); acceptable scores on the GRE, and on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (where applicable); and three letters of recommendation. Teaching certification at the elementary or secondary level is strongly recommended but not required.
Application Deadline. The first deadline for receipt of applications and test scores is March 1. After that date admission is subject to space availability.
Program of Study. A total of 90 semester hours is required for this degree, consisting of
A minimum of 30 semester hours of the approved Ph.D. program, exclusive of dissertation and research hours, must be completed after admission to the Ph.D. at ASU.
In meeting these requirements, students, with the advice of the supervisory committee, may select theatre courses in areas such as theatre education, directing, acting, design, playwriting, theatre history, and theatre theory/criticism, in addition to tutorial courses as well as courses offered by other departments in areas such as pertinent research methodologies, educational theory and methodology, aesthetic theory, the arts and arts education, oral interpretation, and children’s literature. Students are encouraged to be involved in on- and off-campus production and teaching. All activities are selected to help students meet the goals of the program and develop the capability of becoming leaders in the field.
Research Technique Requirement. Students must successfully complete a second graduate level course in qualitative or quantitative research, or they must successfully pass an examination in a foreign language approved by their committee.
Preliminary Reviews. Reviews of a student’s performance in courses and development of research skills, artistic skills, and teaching competencies are conducted by the supervisory committee at the end of each semester.
Comprehensive Examinations. This exam is composed of written and oral components centering upon: theatre history, literature, and criticism; theatre for youth and theatre in education; and the research area.
Dissertation Requirements. A dissertation based on original work of high quality and demonstrating proficiency in the student’s special field is required. (See “Research and Dissertation Requirements.”)
Financial Assistance. University scholarships, fellowships, grants, and other forms of financial assistance are available as outlined in “Financing Graduate Studies” and “Assistantships and Associateships.” Graduate assistantships are granted by the Department of Theatre; application forms and information concerning graduate assistantships are available through the director of graduate studies, Department of Theatre. A current résumé and a minimum of three letters of recommendation must accompany applications for graduate assistantships.
RESEARCH ACTIVITY
Recent and continued research by members of the Department of Theatre includes the following: workshops and production of new scripts for audiences of all ages and cultural backgrounds; voice production; study and performance of Shakespeare; history of American theatre; new production utilization in lighting, scene design, and production; aesthetic education; implementation of national standards and assessment for theatre education K–12; teacher training; history; criticism; and theory of theatre for youth.
Omnibus Graduate Courses: See omnibus graduate courses that may be offered.
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