Program Overview

Overview of the Theatre Arts, MFA Program

The three-year MFA Program in Theatre is committed to each student's professional advancement and creative journey. Providing autonomy for self-discovery, the program prepares students through experiential learning reinforced by fundamental practices. The foundation of this program lies in practical application centered in production or project experience and management of production and management processes. Each student, in agreement with their Principal Advisor and graduate committee, develops an individualized program over the course of three years that responds to the student's background, needs, and goals.

Program Structure

• Students work on productions and projects in our department, at the Moss Arts Center, or with regional arts organizations, assuming a greater responsibility as they progress through the program.
• In the student’s final year, they undertake an internship with a theatre company, arts organization, or specific artist, to provide extended professional experience in the field.

Disciplinary Areas

• Applied Theatre & Public Dialogue
• Arts Leadership
• Costume Design
• Lighting Design
• Scenic & Properties Design
• Stage Management
• Technical Direction

Admission Requirements

• Minimum GPA: 3.0
• TOEFL IBT: 90
  • TOEFL reading sub-score: 20
  • TOEFL listening sub-score: 20
  • TOEFL speaking sub-score: 20
• IELTS (TOEFL alternative): 6.5
• GRE: optional
• Letter(s) of recommendation: 3 required
• Required supplemental materials: Varies by program area

Admission Terms and Deadlines

• Admission terms: Fall
• Admission application deadlines:
  • Program-specific: Jan 15 for consideration for funding
  • Graduate School: Aug 1 for Fall

Degree Requirements

• Minimum total credit hours required for the degree: not stated
• Total minimum credit hour requirement of graded graduate-level courses: 60
• Total minimum credit hour requirement of Project and Report: 6
• Degree options: Non-thesis project and report

Core Courses

• TA 5015 (2 semesters)
• TA 5016 (2 semesters)

Elective Courses

Electives vary by program area.

Other Requirements

• Completion of the MFA degree in Theatre Arts generally requires:
  • A three-year program of study
  • A minimum 60 credit hours of approved coursework
  • A professional internship for at least one semester (or approved equivalent) in the third year with a successful evaluation
  • A Final Project and Report

Program Details

• Graduate Program Director: Amanda Nelson
• CIP code: 50.0501
• College: College of Architecture, Arts, and Design
• Campus(es) where program is offered: Blacksburg
• Institution code: 5859