Theatre - Directing (M.F.A.)

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The M.F.A. Directing specialization is a theoretical and practical course of study that prepares students to be interpretive artists and educators. Students are expected to develop a high level of skill in text analysis, interpersonal communication, and the director’s tools for effective storytelling, while also attaining a broad knowledge of theatre and its companion arts. In addition to focused instruction in acting, directing and design, students are encouraged to develop an understanding of how the present and the past intersect so that they may help others discover the common threads which link human experience. Because specialization admissions are limited, each student receives a high level of individualized instruction, opportunities to direct in the Arena season of plays, and, in most instances, the opportunity to direct a mainstage production as part of the directing candidate’s culminating project.

In addition to meeting the general requirements of The Graduate School, candidates for degree must complete all specific program requirements as listed in the departmental Graduate Student Handbook and as indicated by the Graduate Advisory Committee. All candidates must pass a final written and/or oral examination as determined by the Graduate Advisory Committee.

All M.F.A. directing candidates must stage-manage two approved productions and direct three approved productions. M.F.A. directing candidates may be required to assistant stage manage an additional approved production. At least 50% of the graduate program of study credit hours must be in courses numbered 700 or above. The M.F.A. Directing program requires 60 credit hours of study, to include:

Master of Fine Arts, Theatre-Directing, Plan A: Total 60 credit hours

Major Area Coursework

THEA 501 - Performance Theatre Studio 1 to 3 cr hrs Professional Aspects (3 credit hours required)
THEA 503 - Design/Technical Theatre Studio 3 cr hrs Production Team Communication (3 credit hours required)
THEA 552 - Stage Management 3 cr hrs
THEA 563 - Modern Drama and Theatre 3 cr hrs
THEA 564 - Contemporary Drama and Theatre 3 cr hrs
THEA 701 - Introduction to Graduate Studies in Theatre 3 cr hrs
THEA 731 - Directing 3 cr hrs (9 credit hours required) three semesters required
THEA 734 - Script Analysis and Dramaturgy 3 cr hrs
THEA 794 - Professional Internship 1 to 15 cr hrs (1-7 credit hours required)
THEA 798 - Thesis Research in Theatre 1 to 6 cr hrs (6 credit hours required over 2 semester period)
Theatre/other electives 7-13 credit hours
Two courses to be chosen from:
THEA 532 - Acting: Shakespeare 3 cr hrs
THEA 585 - Movement Specialties (Combat) 3 cr hrs
THEA 730 - Acting Ensemble 3 cr hrs
Two courses to be chosen from:
THEA 735 - Voice Dynamics 2 cr hrs (Repeatable)
THEA 736 - Movement Dynamics 2 cr hrs (Repeatable)

Master of Fine Arts, Theatre-Directing Plan B: Total 60 credit hours

Major Area Coursework

THEA 501 - Performance Theatre Studio 1 to 3 cr hrs Professional Aspects (3 credit hours required)
THEA 503 - Design/Technical Theatre Studio 3 cr hrs Production Team Communication (3 credit hours required)
THEA 552 - Stage Management 3 cr hrs
THEA 563 - Modern Drama and Theatre 3 cr hrs
THEA 564 - Contemporary Drama and Theatre 3 cr hrs
THEA 701 - Introduction to Graduate Studies in Theatre 3 cr hrs
THEA 731 - Directing 3 cr hrs (9 credit hours required) three semesters required
THEA 734 - Script Analysis and Dramaturgy 3 cr hrs
THEA 788 - MFA Project 3 cr hrs
THEA 794 - Professional Internship 1 to 15 cr hrs (1-7 credit hours required)
Professional elective 3 credit hours required
Theatre/other electives 7-13 credit hours
Two courses to be chosen from:
THEA 532 - Acting: Shakespeare 3 cr hrs
THEA 585 - Movement Specialties (Combat) 3 cr hrs
THEA 730 - Acting Ensemble 3 cr hrs
Two courses to be chosen from:
THEA 735 - Voice Dynamics 2 cr hrs (Repeatable)
THEA 736 - Movement Dynamics 2 cr hrs (Repeatable)

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will demonstrate the ability to analyze, interpret, and effectively stage plays representing different historical periods and theatrical genres.
Students will demonstrate a collaborative style of leadership which incorporates a common language for working with theatre artists and effective interpersonal communication.
Students must demonstrate a knowledge of the work-finding process.

State Authorization - It Matters Where You Live

If your learning placement course (internship, externship, clinical, rotation, practicum, independent study, study away, etc.) or your online course will be taken outside South Dakota, please reference the State Authorization webpage.

State Authorization