Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Arts: Concentration in Design/Technical Production

Temporarily Suspended

Graduate Advisor: Schwartz

Admission

Applications for classified status in the M.F.A. program are accepted beginning October 1st of the preceding year, for admission the following fall.

Contact the department office and the Division of Graduate Studies for specific application deadlines in March for fall and October for spring.

Applicants are required to file the CSU Graduate Admission Application with the SF State Division of Graduate Studies and submit requested materials to the School of Theatre and Dance. Admission to classified status requires acceptance by both the University and the School of Theatre and Dance.

Students must meet University and departmental requirements and must normally have completed an undergraduate major in Theatre Arts. Consideration is given to students with a strong undergraduate minor or other relevant work. Admission to the program is based on the evaluation of a student's previous work and supporting materials.

Written English Proficiency Requirement

The University has a requirement for written English proficiency that is to be assessed at two different levels.

Level One

Evaluation of applicant’s statement of purpose, which is a written requirement for admission to classified status in the theatre arts program. On the basis of this material, the M.F.A. graduate coordinator may properly advise a student of the need to obtain additional skills in writing. If remedial work is required, it is so indicated as a condition to classified status.

Level Two

Evaluation of the student’s written work while enrolled in TH A 700, TH A 701, or TH A 705.

Advancement to Candidacy

Besides meeting all general requirements, a diagnostic examination on the entire field of drama may be given at the time of registration to assist the M.F.A. advisor in developing each student's program. Weaknesses in any area may necessitate enrollment in specified courses selected to build strength in the area. Such courses are usually taken in addition to the minimum number of units required for completion of the graduate major.

Completion of the Degree

To complete the M.F.A., students must satisfy all University and program requirements. University requirements are described in the front of the Graduate Education section of this Bulletin. School requirements are provided in detail by the M.F.A. graduate coordinators and advisors. In addition to satisfactory completion of the course requirements, the School requires satisfactory performance on yearly school reviews, participation in the school’s production program, and the successful completion of a final creative project or thesis. The school accepts a limited number of transfer units on a course-by-course basis.

Admission to the Program

Applicants seeking admission to the M.F.A. in Theatre Arts must submit the following materials directly to the School of Theatre and Dance, M.F.A. Graduate Coordinator, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132-4157:

  1. Statement of purpose (include proposed area and/or areas of emphasis).
  2. Copy of transcripts from all colleges or universities attended.
  3. Three letters of reference from people who know the applicant's theatre work.
  4. A current resume.
  5. Other information considered appropriate, but which does not appear on transcripts.
  6. A portfolio of slides and designs to be submitted upon request to the M.F.A. coordinator.

First-Year Evaluation

The School’s M.F.A. committee evaluates each student’s performance at the end of the first year and recommends for or against continuance in the program.

Temporarily Suspended

Theatre Arts (M.F.A.): Concentration in Design/Technical Production — 60 units

Core Requirements (33 units)

TH A 701Seminar: Theatrical History and Historiography3
or TH A 702 Shakespeare: Text and Performance Seminar
TH A 705Playcrafting and Dramaturgy3
TH A 7113
TH A 7403
TH A 750Design Studio (3 unit course to be taken three times)9
TH A 757Internship in Theatre3
TH A 810Advanced Practicum in Theatre (3 unit course to be taken three times)9

Electives on Advisement (24 units)

Creative Work Project (3 units)

A candidate must demonstrate professional competency in two or more areas of design in a large-scale studio design project that also includes a written component.

TH A 894Creative Work Project3