University of Portland Bulletin 2018-2019

Directing, M.F.A.

Learning Outcomes:

  1. The M.F.A. candidate will articulate a clear and coherent conceptual approach toward a production, demonstrating the ability to explore the play’s historical, theoretical, and literary context.
  2. The M.F.A. candidate will engage in research and analysis of various aspects of performance and production, demonstrating a broad knowledge of theatre practice and dramatic structure.
  3. The M.F.A. candidate will collaborate successfully with all members of the production team, including actors, designers, stage managers, technicians, and others.
  4. The M.F.A. candidate will demonstrate advanced skills in staging a theatrical production, demonstrating advanced skills in both stage composition and movement.
  5. The M.F.A. candidate will engage in professional development experiences in preparation for a career subsequent to their degree, and demonstrate an understanding of professional practice and conduct.

Degree Requirements

A minimum of 60 semester hours is required for the master of fine arts in directing.

Degree Requirements

Core Requirements — 48 hours

THTR 507Survey of Theatre History

3

THTR 510Theories of Dramatic Criticism

3

THTR 515Advanced Studies in Theatre History

3

THTR 521Acting Pedagogy

3

THTR 522/THTR 422Advanced Acting

3

THTR 531Advanced Production Seminar

3

THTR 533Advanced Play Direction

3

THTR 537Advanced Directing Seminar

3

THTR 539Production Process Qualifier

3

THTR 541Script Analysis Seminar

3

THTR 571Graduate Practicum

3

THTR 572Graduate Director's Workshop I

3

THTR 573Graduate Director's Workshop II

3

THTR 579Production Internship

3

THTR 598Thesis Production

3

THTR 599Thesis

3

Program Electives — 6 hours

The candidate will take 6 credits of program electives. The candidate will take a 3 credit course in design (THTR 351, THTR 353, or THTR 363). The candidate will also take a 3 credit course in Directing, Play Analysis, Acting, or Design: THTR 335, THTR 337, THTR 365, THTR 445, or a design course not taken for the design elective (other courses, or a directed study, may fill this requirement with the approval of the graduate program director).

THTR 351Beginning Stage Lighting and Sound

3

THTR 353Beginning Scenic Design

3

THTR 363Beginning Costume Design

3

THTR 335Voice for Stage

3

THTR 337Stage Movement and Combat

3

THTR 365Stage Make Up

3

THTR 445History of Fashion

3

Electives — 6 hours

Courses taken in an area of specialization of the student’s choice. Areas could include music (voice study or other options), education, business or other specialized courses and projects in the theater program.

Total Credit Hours: 60

Course Offerings

See graduate courses in Drama.