Graduate Courses

Intensive examination of research methods and resources and the principles of advanced scholarly writing in the performing arts. Must be taken within the first nine hours of graduate study.

A chronological study of the historical development of theatre from its beginnings through the Restoration period. Emphasis will be on historical research and dramatic literature.

A chronological study of the historical development of theatre from the eighteenth century to the present. Emphasis will be on historical research and dramatic literature.

Study of selected theories of dramatic criticism from Aristotle to the present.

Intensive work on scene study, development of characterizations, and advanced acting approaches. Work in acting theory and history.

Study of the aesthetics and techniques involved in the writing of plays. Selected readings, lectures, and discussions. Emphasis upon writing, workshop critiques, and discussion of student plays. Will include a public reading of final projects.

A graduate course that helps students develop a personal creative process for conceptualization and collaboration necessary in theatrical production. Students will explore proper production procedures and techniques. Finally, students will practice approaches to writing about conceptual ideas for thesis projects.

This advanced course is designed to include lectures and practical experience in directorial techniques.

This course will focus on more specialized projects related to a director's production preparation; production styles, creating dramatic adaptations, selecting translations, and script editing.

This course is designed to supervise students through the major steps in the production process. This course allows student directors to acquire production laboratory experience prior to the thesis production project.

This MFA core course is designed to give directors a variety of script analysis strategies for use in preparing a production. Students explore the value of the chronological, character, and audience-based analysis structures and apply them to dramatic literature. In addition, action based analysis will be used for interpretation of individual scenes within particular dramas.

Advanced course of study in lighting that includes designing for thrust, arena, musicals, and dance. Work with projections, automated equipment and CADD. Sound work includes computer editing and cueing for theatrical production.

A graduate course in stage design where students will be introduced to the more advanced practices of stage design, model building, and drafting. Students will apply learned theories and skills to several projects and written presentations.

Study of theatrical singing and acting techniques as applicable to all varieties of musical theatre pieces. Students must participate in various performances prepared by the class. In this combined undergraduate and graduate student pool, graduate students will be expected to take on more challenging pieces and to provide mentoring to those undergraduates who require it.

This course introduces graduate students to the history and style approaches to major decorative design periods from the Greeks to the Moderns. Students will apply style history to Scenic Art and Decorative Art projects that include mural painting, scrim painting, upholstery and fabric crafts.

Students will participate in advanced discussions and projects in textiles, color palettes, silhouettes, and costume fashion research. These concepts will be implemented in formal costume design projects utilizing a variety of dramatic styles.

Participation in the production process in the University's drama program. The graduate student will usually serve as assistant director or stage manager on a production. To be completed during the first two semesters of the program.

This workshop/seminar course for graduate directors will focus on professional topics and directing craft. DRM 572 and DRM 573 are not sequenced and may be taken in either order.

This workshop/seminar course for graduate directors will focus on professional topics and directing craft. DRM 572 and DRM 573 are not sequenced and may be taken in either order.

This course provides a professional development opportunity through an internship with an organization outside of the University. The student seeks out and obtains an internship with the guidance and advice of the Graduate Program Director. (IP grade allowed.)

Individualized programs which focus on a specialized areas in theatre. These are available only when developed through a contractual agreement between the student and a supervising faculty member.

Credit arranged.

Credit arranged.

Credit arranged.

Credit arranged.

Credit arranged.

Credit arranged.

Credit arranged.

This course is the capstone production for the graduate directing student application of the full directing process from conceptualization to finished produced production. Student will defend the final production in front of the entire drama faculty.

Graduate directing students will work under an advisor in the creation of a thesis that documents the research and directing process for their produced Thesis Production. Students will defend the final draft of paper in front of the entire drama faculty.