Theatre

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Degrees:

Master of Arts, Plan A and B
Master of Fine Arts, Plan A and B

Areas of Specializations in the Master of Fine Arts: 

Directing
Design/Technology, with emphases in Scenic Design, Costume Design, Light & Sound
Design, or Technical Production

Department Chairperson: Professor Eric Hagen
Graduate Director: Professor Ronald L. Moyer

Program Description

The University of South Dakota is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Theatre. All USD theatre classrooms and production studios are housed in the Warren M. Lee Center for the Fine Arts. The well-equipped scenic studio has 3,000 square feet of workspace conveniently located between the 470-seat, proscenium Wayne S. Knutson Theatre and a 100-seat, flexible, “black box” Arena theatre. The fully equipped, 2000-square foot costume studio is connected by elevator to the dressing/makeup rooms on stage level and to the design studio. The dance studio provides additional class, rehearsal, and performance space.

The Department of Theatre prepares the student for a career in the theatre and encourages personal and creative growth. It does this by providing a comprehensive humanistic education, supplemented by intensive craft training, in which classroom study and practical experience are of equal and complementary value. The Department promotes excellence in education, research, and service; explores new questions, techniques, and practices in theatre; and inspires students to become life-long learners who contribute to their disciplines and professions while enhancing the cultural lives of their communities.

Graduate Degrees Offered: The Master of Fine Arts degree is designed for the student seeking a career in professional theatre. Through intensive craft studies, close student-mentor relationships, supportive course work, and extensive production application, the 60-credit hour M.F.A. degrees are offered in the areas of Directing and Design/Technology with emphasis in Scenic Design, Costume Design, Lighting and Sound Design, or Technical Theatre. The Master of Arts degree is designed to provide a broad academic experience in theatre and drama; it is offered in both Plan A (thesis; 30 hours) and Plan B (non–thesis; 32 hours) options.

Graduate Faculty

Tim Case, Professor, M.F.A., University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Specialization: Scenic Design, Scene Painting, Technical Direction. 

Dennis Chandler, Associate Professor, M.F.A., Mankato State University. Specialization: Lighting and Sound Design.

Patricia Downey, Assistant Professor, M.A., Central Missouri State University, M.A., The Ohio State University. Specialization: Dance, Choreography, Movement for the Stage.

Bruce Earnest, Associate Professor, M.M., University of Miami. Specialization: Musical Theatre

Daniel Guyette, Dean of the College of Fine Arts, M.F.A., Pennsylvania State University. Specialization: Scenic Design.

Charlotte Guyette, Associate Professor, M.F.A., Pennsylvania State University. Specialization: Acting, Musical Theatre, Directing

Eric Hagen, Professor, Ph.D., University of Minnesota. Specialization: Directing, Acting, Stage Combat.

Priscilla Hagen, Associate Professor, M.F.A., University of Minnesota. Specialization: Acting, Voice and Speech for the Stage.

Scott Mollman, Assistant Professor M.F.A., Wayne State University-Detroit. Specialization: Technical Direction. 

Ronald L. Moyer, Professor, Ph.D., University of Denver. Specialization: Theatre History, Dramatic Literature, Acting, and Directing. 

Roberta N. Rude, Associate Professor, M.A., Trinity University; Post-graduate Certificate, London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art. Specialization: Movement for the Stage, Directing, Acting.

Linda Wigley Scribner, Associate Professor, M.F.A., University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. Specialization: Costume Design, Make-up.

Admission Requirements

• The GRE General test scores are required for the M.A. program. There is no minimum score required; the score is considered along with the other application materials.
• Applicants should have an earned baccalaureate degree in theatre or its equivalent, including course work in acting, directing, technical production, and design, as well as, at least, a year-long survey of the history of theatre and drama. M.F.A. applicants should have substantial preparation in their areas of specialization; M.F.A. Design/Technology applicants should have background in scenic, costume, and lighting design, as well as art history. Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.7.
• Applicants to the M.F.A. programs must submit a resume, a statement of professional objectives, and prescribed examples of creative work (e.g., directorial preparations or design/technical portfolio) to the Department of Theatre.
• Additional requirements exist for international students.

- Subject to faculty approval, those who do not meet all of the criteria above may be admitted on a provisional basis.  

The Black Hills Playhouse

The Department of Theatre maintains a close association with the Black Hills Playhouse, a professional summer theatre. Since its founding in 1946 by Warren M. (Doc) Lee, the Black Hills Playhouse has provided a full and varied bill of high-quality theatrical entertainment to the scenic Black Hills area in western South Dakota, as well as an intensive production experience for USD students and faculty-artists working with other theatre professionals, students, and teachers drawn from across the nation.

For Additional Information

The University of South Dakota
Department of Theatre
Warren M. Lee Center for Fine Arts, Room 184A
414 E Clark Street
Vermillion SD 57069-2390
Phone: (605) 677-5418
Email: theatre@usd.edu
http://www.usd.edu/theatre

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