Missouri State University

Graduate College

2013-14 Graduate Catalog

Preliminary Edition
published April 2013

Department of Theatre and Dance

Craig Hall, Room 355, Phone: (417) 836-4400, Fax: (417) 836-4234
Email: TheatreandDance@missouristate.edu
Website: http://www.theatreanddance.missouristate.edu
Department Head: Bob Willenbrink

Graduate faculty

Professor:  Robert W. Little, Cynthia Winstead

Associate Professor:  Ruth Barnes, Sara J. Brummel, Kurt G. Heinlein, Christopher J. Herr, Carol J. Maples, Mark Putman

Assistant Professor:  Telory Davies

Emeritus Professor:    Byrne D. Blackwood, Robert H. Bradley, Katherine M. Brown, Rhythm L. McCarthy, John S. McElhaney

Programs

Master of Arts, Theatre

Christopher Herr, Graduate Director
Craig Hall, Room 352; Phone 836-3212
CJHerr@missouristate.edu

The MA program in Theatre is designed to give students the skills they need to be successful as theatre scholars, teachers, or practitioners.  It is broad enough to allow students to discover a more particular area for future study, but it is also rigorous enough to allow students to develop their practical and pedagogical skills.  Interdisciplinary in focus, the program allows students to explore theatre not just as a blending of theory and practice, but also as it relates to other fields within the University.  All of the requirements for the degree are designed to provide students with the tools, especially teaching, research, and writing skills that they will need whether they choose to be teachers, scholars, or artists.

Aside from the Theatre Practicum course (THE 794), all 700-level and many 600-level courses are offered online, so that it is possible to complete the entire degree program online, or with a combination of online and face-to-face instruction.

The Master of Arts in Theatre is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre.

Entrance Requirements for the M.A. in Theatre
  1. The MA in Theatre requires an undergraduate major in Theatre or a minimum of 24 hours in Theatre to demonstrate an adequate background for graduate work.  A student may make up a deficiency with additional undergraduate courses, though such courses may not be counted toward the total requirements for the master's degree. 
  2. The student must have a GPA of at least 3.00 for the last 60 hours of undergraduate work.
  3. The student must submit a writing sample.
  4. The student must submit three (3) letters of recommendation.
Degree Requirements. (Minimum of 33 hours)

 

Curriculum

Core: The academic program consists of a required core of the following seminars:  27 hrs

Course CodeCourse TitleCredit Hours
THE 631 Theatre History I* 3 hrs
THE 632 Theatre History II* 3 hrs
THE 794 Theatre Practicum** 3-6 hrs
THE 700 Graduate Research Methods in Theatre and Interpretation 3 hrs
THE 707 Seminar-Theatre Pedagogy: Theories and Practices 3 hrs 
THE 742 Seminar-Dramatic Theory and Criticism 3 hrs

The core curriculum also includes a Research Requirement:  6-9 hrs

Course CodeCourse TitleCredit Hours
THE 798 Thesis Research 3 hrs
THE 799 Thesis Writing 3 hrs
OR
THE 793 Degree Paper 3 hrs
THE 795 Applied Research Project 3 hrs
                                                                    OR  
THE 793 Degree Paper 3 hrs
THE 793 Degree Paper   
   Total 33 hrs

* May be able to test out of course.  Please note that if this option is allowed, or if the student completed THE 541 and/or THE 542 as an undergraduate at Missouri State, the student will be required to take additional hours to meet degree requirements.

** Demonstration of proficiency in at least one area of theatre production (design, acting, directing, etc.) is required for graduation.  Student may fulfill this requirement with successful completion of THE 694 (Practicum in Theatre), or they may demonstrate proficiency to the graduate faculty through independently adjudicated production work.  Work completed for THE 795 (Applied Research Project) may fulfill this requirement.

Research Requirement. A research requirement must be satisfied. (See below for explanation).

Comprehensive Examination. A comprehensive examination must be passed by the candidate before a degree will be granted.

Production Proficiency.  As explained above, students must demonstrate practical proficiency in at least one area of theatrical production.  Such proficiency may be demonstrated through the successful completion of coursework (e.g., THE 794, a final project (e.g., THE 795) or through independent adjudication by department graduate faculty.

Research Option

All master’s work shall conclude with a research component.  To satisfy the research requirement, students may choose one of two options: an academic research option which requires the submission of a thesis or an applied research option which requires the submission of one degree paper and a graduate project.  Up to 6 hours of research credit hours (THE 798 and 799 or THE 793 and 795 or THE 793 and THE 793) may be counted toward the degree.

  • Academic Research Option
    Students preparing for Ph.D. programs are encouraged to take the academic research option consisting of a thesis which may be a critical, historical, theoretical, ethnographic, or pedagogic study.  After completing 18 graduate hours, students should enroll in THE 798 (Thesis Research).  During that semester, students will complete a thesis prospectus.  The following semester, students will enroll in THE 799 (Thesis Writing), during which time, they will complete the thesis.

    Alternatively, students have the option of completing two degree papers, a path designed primarily for students working in secondary schools.  Students should enroll in THE 793 twice for their research credit hours.  The degree papers must be produced from work begun in theatre 700-level courses, but will entail substantial revision and development of that work.  Arrangements must be made with both the instructor and the candidate's research advisor during the semester(s) in which the degree papers are to be produced.
  • Applied Research Option
    Students preparing to work in theatre companies, community colleges, agencies, or secondary schools are encouraged to take the applied research option consisting of one degree paper and a research project.  Students should enroll in THE 793 and THE 795 for their research credit hours.  The degree paper must be produced from work begun in theatre 700-level courses. Arrangements must be made with both the instructor and the candidate’s research advisor during the semester in which the degree paper is to be produced.  The degree paper may or may not relate to the applied research project.  The applied research project may consist of: (1) creative project (directing, designing, scripting, performing), or (2) an internship with a host company or agency.  Usually creative projects are done in cooperation with an already-scheduled production or activity.  Occasionally, students may apply to direct, design, or present a show expressly selected to address their research objectives.  Internships are done in cooperation with a theatrical company, a community agency, corporation, or other appropriate institution. 

    Arrangements must be made with the candidate’s research advisor and, if appropriate, the host institution during the semester before the project shall be conducted.  For the applied research project, students must design specific educational, as well as artistic, objectives and appropriate assessment measures in consultation with an advisor.  Students who choose the applied research option will present to the graduate faculty and interested students a research report based upon either the degree paper or the project before they will be allowed to graduate.
Research Advisor

Each candidate is required to arrange for a research advisor from the graduate faculty.  The candidate will work with the advisor to develop a curriculum and a schedule for the completion of the research requirement.  If the candidate chooses the academic research option, the research advisor should serve as the chair of the thesis committee.  If the candidate chooses the applied research option, the research advisor should serve as the applied research project mentor.

Accelerated Master's Degree Option

Eligible Missouri State undergraduate theatre majors may apply for preliminary acceptance into the Master of Arts in Theatre program after admission requirements for the accelerated master’s option are met.  If a student is accepted, the undergraduate requirements of up to nine (9) hours of 600-level theatre courses may be counted towards both the undergraduate and graduate degrees.  These courses will include, except in rare circumstances, THE 631 (3 hrs) and THE 632 (3 hrs).  This option allows student with exceptional academic achievements to complete the coursework for both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in ten semesters with additional time as needed for the completion of the research requirement (see information under MA, Theatre requirements).

Before enrolling in a course to be counted towards both programs and to count the course towards the MA degree, an undergraduate student must be accepted into the accelerated program and receive proper approval from the graduate program advisor, department head, and Dean of the Graduate College.  Acceptance into the program and all approvals must be completed prior to the end of the Change of Schedule period for the semester the course is taken.  See the Graduate College for further information.

Entrance Requirements for the Accelerated Master's Option in Theatre
  1. Junior standing.
  2. Successful completion of at least 12 hours of THE courses and a Writing II course with a GPA of 3.40 or above.
  3. Overall GPA of 3.40 or above.
  4. Submission of a statement of purpose, an academic writing sample, and two letters of recommendation from faculty.

Students may apply for admission to the Accelerated Master’s Option anytime after the admission requirements have been met.  They should submit application materials to the Graduate College and the department’s Graduate Coordinator as early as possible to ensure timely consideration of their materials.

Graduate assistantships may be available to students in the Accelerated Master’s option, but such support is not guaranteed.

Master of Science in Education, Secondary Education: Speech and Theatre Area of Emphasis

(Contact Dr. Christopher Herr and see program requirements for the M.S.Ed., Secondary Education under Interdisciplinary Graduate Programs.

Prerequisite Speech and Theatre Requirements 

The prerequisites for a speech and theatre emphasis require an undergraduate major in speech and theatre, or a minimum of 15 hours in speech and theatre to demonstrate an adequate background for graduate work.

Speech and Theatre Requirements

Speech and theatre courses from both the theatre- interpretation and communication areas to total 15 hours.  A minimum of 3 hours of course work must be in speech and theatre courses numbered 700 or above.

Theatre Courses

THE 605 Theatre for Children and Youth

Special training and techniques involved in the preparation and development of productions for, and by, children and youth. Activities include directing, scenic and costume design, scripting, and a study of the history, literature and research of the field. May be taught concurrently with THE 505. Cannot receive credit for both THE 505 and THE 605.

THE 606 Creative Dramatics

The art of creative drama and how it can be used in the school and community with children, youth, adults, and "special populations." Students teach their own classes in creative drama during the latter part of the semester.

THE 611 Scripting and Performing

Theoretical and practical knowledge in developing performance skills for one-person shows, extended literary performances, performance art, stand-up comedy, personal narrative and other performer-composed theatrical texts. May be taught concurrently with THE 510. Cannot receive credit for both THE 510 and THE 611.

THE 616 Theatre for Social Change

Theoretical and practical knowledge for developing performances for, about, and in partnership with community-based nonprofit organizations. Includes volunteer assignment and techniques for journaling, interviewing, scripting, and directing original material. May be taught concurrently with THE 515. Cannot receive credit for both THE 515 and THE 615.

THE 623 Auditioning and Acting for the Camera

Prerequisite: permission of instructor. A practical immersion into the on-camera market for the professional actor. Auditioning and acting skills for one and three camera formats including commercials, television comedy, television drama, industrials, film, and developing digital mediums. Also covers industry and marketing logistics in relation to the on-camera market. May be taught concurrently with THE 522. Cannot receive credit for both THE 522 and THE 623.

THE 631 Theatre History I

Traces the important periods in the development of theatre from its beginning through the English Restoration. Through analysis of conventions of staging and dramatic literature, examines the aesthetic, cultural, ethical, and social dimensions of theatre in different cultures and time periods. May be taught concurrently with THE 541. Cannot receive credit for both THE 541 and THE 631.

THE 632 Theatre History II

Traces the important periods in the development of theatre from the 18th century to the present. Through analysis of conventions of staging and dramatic literature, examines the aesthetic, cultural, ethical, and social dimensions of theatre in different cultures and time periods. May be taught concurrently with THE 542. Cannot receive credit for both THE 542 and THE 632.

THE 633 Development of Modern Theatre

Examines the aesthetic, cultural, ethical, and social dimension of modern theatre, from the development of naturalism to Theatre of the Absurd, through analysis of staging practices, theatrical theory, and dramatic literature. May be taught concurrently with THE 543. Cannot receive credit for both THE 543 and THE 633.

THE 634 Contemporary Theatre

Examines the aesthetic, cultural, ethical, and social dimension of theatre and drama since 1960. Emphasis will be on theatre as an art form and a social and cultural institution. May be taught concurrently with THE 545. Cannot receive credit for both THE 545 and THE 634.

THE 635 Development of American Theatre

Study of theatre in the United States from colonial times to the present with a focus on the cultural and aesthetic variety of American theatrical practice and the theatre as a reflection of various social, cultural, and political beliefs. May be taught concurrently with THE 547. Cannot receive credit for both THE 547 and THE 635.

THE 640 Directing II

Advanced directing techniques. Directing of a one-act play. May be taught concurrently with THE 530. Cannot receive credit for both THE 530 and THE 640.

THE 652 Scene Design II

Advanced designs of selected plays including floor plans, front elevations, white and finished models and renderings.

THE 655 Lighting Design II

Advanced principles and techniques of lighting for theatre, dance, and other performance/presentational events. May be taught concurrently with THE 555. Cannot receive credit for both THE 555 and THE 655.

THE 658 Sound Design for the Theatre

Principles of sound design with an emphasis on practical application. Includes a study and practice of basic audio production, recording, editing, mixing, reinforcement, and playback techniques used in association with dramatic events. Study of sound design includes aesthetic, dramatic, and practical considerations of script analysis, creative collaboration, research, and problem solving. Practical class application will be in the form of simple projects, exercises, and designs. May be taught concurrently with THE 558. Cannot receive credit for both THE 558 and THE 658.

THE 665 Costume Design II

Emphasis on special problems in costume design including applications of concepts to design projects and presentation of completed design projects. May be taught concurrently with THE 565. Cannot receive credit for both THE 565 and THE 665.

THE 671 History of Costume and Decor I

A survey of styles of dress, interior design and decoration, architecture, art, and historical events as they pertain to the design of theatrical productions, from ancient Egypt to circa 1700. Requires sketching. May be taught concurrently with THE 561. Cannot receive credit for both THE 561 and THE 671.

THE 672 History of Costume and Decor II

Survey of styles of dress, interior design and decoration, architecture, and art as they pertain to the design of theatrical productions, from circa 1700 to the present day. Requires sketching. May be taught concurrently with THE 562. Cannot receive credit for both THE 562 and THE 672.

THE 700 Graduate Research Methods in Theatre and Interpretation

Exploration of the current state of theatre studies. Focuses on strategies for research with primary and secondary sources, critical and theoretical methodologies, and various methods of reporting research.

THE 707 Theatre Pedagogy: Theories and Practices

Designed to acquaint theatre teachers with the field of current theories and practices of theatre and performance pedagogy, and to develop instructional skills with specific application to teaching introductory level theatre courses.

THE 710 Seminar: Performance

Studies in rhetorical, cultural, social and aesthetic dimensions of performance.

THE 742 Dramatic Theory and Criticism

Representative theories of dramatic form and function; works of major critics and philosophers from Aristotle to present.

THE 790 Workshop in Theatre

Designed to improve the students' skill and knowledge in specific areas of theatrical production. Each workshop will be concerned with a single topic, either acting, directing, or design. The course will examine the intersections between theory and practice in the creation of theatrical works. May be repeated to a maximum of 9 hours credit.

THE 793 Degree Paper

Research and writing of an extended paper originating in one of the 700-level courses. Students may choose to present the completed paper for their required research report. May be repeated to a total of 6 hours.

THE 794 Theatre Practicum

Prerequisite: permission of department head. Acting, stagecraft, costuming and associated work in the Tent Theatre or other specified theatre production. May be repeated to a total of 6 hours.

THE 795 Applied Research Project

Prerequisite: permission of research advisor and, if applicable, host institution permission must be obtained the semester prior to enrollment. The applied research project may consist of: 1) a creative project (directing, designing, scripting, performing), or 2) an internship with a host company or agency. For the non-thesis project, students must design specific educational and social as well as artistic objectives and appropriate assessment measures in consultation with the advisor. Students may choose to report on the applied research project for their required research report. Graded Pass/Not Pass only.

THE 796 Readings

Prerequisite: permission of graduate coordinator. Individual, experimental or research studies in theatre and performance studies. May be repeated to total of 6 hours.

THE 797 Topics

Prerequisite: permission of graduate coordinator. Creative or special topics in theatre and performance studies. May be repeated to total of 6 hours.

THE 798 Thesis Research

Prerequisite: permission of the graduate coordinator. Research leading to a masters thesis. Students will present a proseminar on their research during the semester they are enrolled in this course.

THE 799 Thesis Writing

Prerequisite: permission of graduate coordinator. Preparation of thesis. May be repeated, but no more than 3 hours may be counted toward a masters degree. Graded Pass/Not Pass only.