Theatre

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

Degrees:

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

Areas of Specialization in the Master of Fine Arts:

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

Department Chairperson: Professor Eric Hagen
Graduate Director: Assistant Professor Raimondo Genna

Graduate Faculty

Professors:

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

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

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

Associate Professors:

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

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

Assistant Professors:

Genna, Raimondo, Ph.D., University of California, San Diego. Specialization: Theatre History, Dramatic Literature, Film

Gordon-Bland, Chaya, M.F.A., University of Pittsburg. Specialization: Movement for the Stage, Stage Combat, Acting Styles

Nesmith, Matthew, M.F.A. and M.M., University of South Dakota. Specialization: Musical Theatre, Vocal Performance, Directing.

Pellecchia, Anthony, M.F.A., Ohio State University. Specialization: Lighting and Sound Design.

Program Description

The University of South Dakota is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Theatre. The Department of Theatre prepares students for a career in the theatre and encourages personal and creative growth. It does this by providing a comprehensive liberal arts 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; promotes student engagement and leadership; develops creative and pragmatic problem-solving skills; 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 the University and their communities.

All USD theatre classrooms and production studios are housed in the Warren M. Lee Center for the Fine Arts. Facilities include well-equipped scenic, costume, and lighting/sound studios that are conveniently located near the 450 seat Wayne S. Knutson Theatre and a 90 seat, flexible, “black box” Arena theatre. The dance studio provides additional class, rehearsal, and performance space.

Graduate Degrees Offered:

The Master of Fine Arts degree is designed for the student seeking a career in professional theatre or higher education. 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 Costume Design, Lighting and Sound Design, or Technical Production.
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.

Admission Requirements

M.A. and M.F.A. 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. Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.7.
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.
M.F.A. applicants 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 Graduate School.
M.A. applicants are required to submit the GRE general test scores. There is no minimum score required; the score is considered along with the other application materials.
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.