Program Overview

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Theatre, MFA

The Master of Fine Arts degree in Theatre offers intensive training in six areas of study giving students the tools necessary to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. Programs typically only accept students in Fall Semesters.

Acting

The Acting Concentration is a rigorously structured sequence of study that provides the actor a solid base of technique and proficiency in an array of acting styles and methods.

Arts Management

The Arts Management Concentration offers a well-rounded education through coursework from the Department of Theatre and Dance, the Manderson Graduate School of Business, and the College of Communications and Information Sciences. There is also the opportunity to simultaneously pursue an MBA through the Manderson Graduate School of Business.

• Note: The Arts Management concentration total enrollment is capped at six students.

Costume Design and Production

The Costume Design and Production Concentration includes general and advanced courses in costume design, history, construction, and crafts.

Design and Technical Production

The Design and Technical Production Concentration includes study in Lighting Design, Scenic Design, Sound Design, Technical Direction, and associated areas. Students are exposed to all areas within coursework throughout their time in the program. Students' realized production work can be centered around a particular area or they can have opportunities in multiple areas.

Directing

The Directing Concentration is an intense three-year program with a dual focus on production and preparation for academia. It is geared towards nascent directors who have already mastered the basics of theatre directing and helmed a few productions (of any size or budget, including very small).

• Note: The Directing program typically accepts only one new MFA candidate per year.

Stage Management

The Stage Management Concentration is a production-oriented, three-year intensive that focuses on providing a diversity of management experience to candidates as well as ongoing mentorship and teaching opportunities in an academic environment.

• Note: The Stage Management program typically accepts only one new MFA candidate per year.

Admissions

The Theatre MFA degree requires specialization and admission to one of the following areas of study: acting, arts management, costume design and production, design and technical production, directing, or stage management. Admission to the MFA degree program in theatre requires satisfaction of all admission requirements as described in the Admission Criteria section of this catalog. Admission is awarded based upon a portfolio review, interview, and acceptance into The University of Alabama Graduate School for specialization in arts management, costume design and production, design and technical production, directing, and stage management. Admission is awarded based upon audition, interview, and acceptance into The University of Alabama Graduate School for the acting specialization.

Curricular Requirements

Should deficiencies in the student's undergraduate program be perceived, appropriate undergraduate courses will be required. While these undergraduate courses may not be counted toward the graduate degree, they may be taken in addition to the maximum allowable number of graduate hours.

• All students must follow Plan II (non-thesis) and complete a minimum of 60 credit hours of graduate coursework for the degree.
• The MFA program has a required core curriculum and the individual program Concentrations have both required and elective coursework.
• Continuation in the MFA degree program is contingent upon recommendation by the theatre faculty, following an annual review of the student's academic and production work.
• Students may be placed on probation following the review; students placed on probation have one semester in which to reestablish good academic standing.
• Under no circumstances will a student be permitted to continue in the program on probation for more than one semester.

Program Core

Program Core	Hours
History, Theory, and Criticism Requirements	6
TH 530	Hy Costume For Stage
TH 543	Script Analysis Interptn
TH 551	Hist Of The Theatre I
TH 552	Hist Of The Theatre II
TH 554	Seminar Contemp Theatr
TH 555	Seminar Th Hy: Classic
TH 558	American Feminist Theatre
TH 621	History of Stage Design
TH 662	Hist of Directing and SM
Other courses may be considered as approved by the student's Area Concentration Head.
**May be required based on evaluation of student's undergraduate program.
Additional Requirements	9
TH 600	Advanced Practicum I (1st Semester)
TH 600	Advanced Practicum I (2nd Semester)
TH 601	Advanced Practicum II (3rd Semester)
TH 601	Advanced Practicum II (4th Semester)
TH 603	Advanced Practicum III (5th Semester)
TH 603	Advanced Practicum III (6th Semester)
TH 695	Capstone Experience in Theatre
TH 600, TH 601, and TH 603 must be taken twice.
Total Hours	15

Acting Concentration Requirements

The following are in addition to the Required Program Core of 15 Credit Hours.

• Acting Concentration | Hours
  • Select 45 hours from the following
    • TH 540 | Stage Movemnt Phys Acting | 3
    • TH 541 | Advanced Scene Study | 3
    • TH 542 | Careers In Prof Theatre | 3
    • TH 543 | Script Analysis Interptn | 3
    • TH 544 | Period Acting Styles I | 3
    • TH 545 | Period Acting Styles II | 3
    • TH 546 | Adv Voice Speech Perform | 3
    • TH 547 | Stage Dialects | 3
    • TH 548 | Rehearsal Process | 3
    • TH 554 | Seminar Contemp Theatr | 3
    • TH 555 | Seminar Th Hy: Classic | 3
    • TH 558 | American Feminist Theatre | 3
    • TH 570 | Arts Management | 3
    • TH 575 | The Singing Voice | 2
    • TH 576 | Intermediate Group Voice | 2
    • TH 582 | Playwriting I Seminar | 3
    • TH 602 | Internship | 1-3
    • TH 640 | Prob Stage Move Phys Act | 3
    • TH 641 | Alexander Technique | 3
    • TH 642 | Teaching Acting | 3
    • TH 649 | Probs Th Arts: Perform | 3
    • TH 690 | Independent Study | 3
  • *If not taken in Program Core

Arts Management Concentration Requirements

These are in addition to the Required Program Core of 15 Credit Hours.

• Arts Management Concentration | Hours
  • Select 45 hours from the following
    • TH 570 | Arts Management | 3
    • TH 602 | Internship | 6
    • TH 643 | Teaching Practicum | 3
    • TH 670 | Fundraising and Development | 3
    • TH 671 | Leadership in the Arts | 3
    • TH 672 | Venue and Event Management | 3
    • TH 673 | Financial Management | 3
    • TH 674 | Public Policy In Arts | 3
    • TH 675 | Business Legal Issues In Arts | 3
    • TH 676 | Marketing The Arts | 3
    • TH 678 | Board Relations and Planning | 3
    • TH 679 | Probs Th Arts: Managmt | 3
    • TH 690 | Independent Study | 3
    • APR 582 | APR Management | 3
    • MGT 517 | Leadership & Ethics | 3
    • MGT 582 | New Venture Development | 3
    • MGT 586 | Small Business Consulting | 3
    • MKT 510 | Prod Design Marketing Strategy | 3
    • MKT 518 | Mkting Mgmt & Decision Making | 3

Costume Design and Production Concentration Requirements

The following are in addition to the Required Program Core of 15 Credit Hours.

• Costume Design and Production Concentration | Hours
  • Required courses in concentration (18 hours)
    • CTD 548 | History Of Costumes | 3
    • TH 531 | Costume Construction I | 3
    • TH 532 | Draping & Drafting | 3
    • TH 533 | Basics of Costume Design | 3
    • TH 537 | Drawing for Stage Designs | 3
    • TH 635 | Projects in Costume Design | 3
  • Credit Hours Subtotal: 18
  • Elective courses in concentration (select 27 hours or more) | 27 minimum
    • CTD 546 | Cult Dynam Apparel Text | 3
    • TH 515 | Properties Construction | 3
    • TH 521 | Period Decor | 3
    • TH 525 | Scene Painting | 3
    • TH 528 | Drawing and Rendering | 3
    • TH 535 | Presentation for Designers | 3
    • TH 536 | Fabric Modification | 3
    • TH 538 | Probs Th Arts: Crafts | 3
    • TH 570 | Arts Management | 3
    • TH 615 | Lighting Technology | 3
    • TH 621 | History of Stage Design | 3
    • TH 622 | Scene Design I | 3
    • TH 628 | Prob Th Arts: Design | 1-3
    • TH 631 | Cost Constr for Dance | 3
    • TH 632 | Costume Construction II | 3
    • TH 633 | Advanced Draping & Drafting | 3
    • TH 634 | Costume Design for Music | 3
    • TH 636 | Costume Design through the Age | 3
    • TH 637 | Period Costume Construction | 3
    • TH 638 | Advanced Tailoring Techniques | 3
    • TH 639 | Prob Th Art: Costuming | 1-3
    • TH 643 | Teaching Practicum | 1-3
    • TH 658 | Probs Th Arts: Technology | 3
    • TH 690 | Independent Study | 1-6
    • TH 698 | Research Not Related to Thesis | 3
  • *May be taken twice for Degree Credit
  • **If not taken in Program Core

Design and Technical Production Concentration Requirements

The following are in addition to the Required Program Core of 15 Credit Hours.

• Design and Technical Production Concentration | Hours
  • Required Courses in Concentration (18 Hours):
    • Should deficiencies in the student's undergraduate program be perceived, appropriate graduate or undergraduate courses will be required.
    • TH 520 | Technical Direction | 3
    • TH 525 | Scene Painting | 3
    • TH 526 | Sound Prod Tech Th Dn | 3
    • TH 527 | Computer Drafting For Theatre | 3
    • TH 615 | Lighting Technology | 3
    • TH 622 | Scene Design I | 3
  • Credit Hours Subtotal: 18
  • Elective courses in concentration (select 27 hours or more)
    • TH 515 | Properties Construction | 3
    • TH 516 | Rigging Fundamentals | 3
    • TH 519 | Electricity and Electronics | 3
    • TH 525 | Scene Painting | 3
    • TH 521 | Period Decor | 3
    • TH 527 | Computer Drafting For Theatre | 3
    • TH 523 | Drafting For Theatre | 3
    • TH 528 | Drawing and Rendering | 3
    • TH 530 | Hy Costume For Stage | 3
    • TH 531 | Costume Construction I | 3
    • TH 533 | Basics of Costume Design | 3
    • TH 535 | Presentation for Designers | 3
    • TH 536 | Fabric Modification | 3
    • TH 537 | Drawing for Stage Designs | 3
    • TH 543 | Script Analysis Interptn | 3
    • TH 570 | Arts Management | 3
    • TH 602 | Internship | 3
    • TH 606 | Stage Management I | 3
    • TH 616 | Lighting Design | 3
    • TH 617 | Projection Design | 3
    • TH 618 | Lighting Design III | 1-3
    • TH 620 | Structural Design for Theatre | 3
    • TH 621 | History of Stage Design | 3
    • TH 622 | Scene Design I | 3
    • TH 623 | Scene Design II | 3
    • TH 628 | Prob Th Arts: Design | 3
    • TH 643 | Teaching Practicum | 1-3
    • TH 644 | Advanced Teaching Practicum | 1 to 3
    • TH 658 | Probs Th Arts: Technology | 3
    • TH 672 | Venue and Event Management | 3
    • TH 690 | Independent Study | 3
    • TH 698 | Research Not Related to Thesis | 3
  • *May be taken twice for Degree Credit
  • **If not taken in Program Core
  • Other courses may be considered for electives as approved by the Area Concentration Head.

Directing Concentration Requirements

The following are in addition to the Required Program Core of 15 Credit Hours.

• Directing Concentration | Hours
  • Select 45 hours from the following
    • TH 521 | Period Decor | 3
    • TH 526 | Sound Prod Tech Th Dn | 3
    • TH 543 | Script Analysis Interptn | 3
    • TH 554 | Seminar Contemp Theatr | 3
    • TH 555 | Seminar Th Hy: Classic | 3
    • TH 558 | American Feminist Theatre | 3
    • TH 561 | Advanced Directing | 3
    • TH 570 | Arts Management | 3
    • TH 582 | Playwriting I Seminar | 3
    • TH 585 | Collaborative Theatre Pract | 1 to 3
    • TH 602 | Internship | 1-10
    • TH 616 | Lighting Design | 3
    • TH 621 | History of Stage Design | 3
    • TH 622 | Scene Design I | 3
    • TH 642 | Teaching Acting | 3
    • TH 643 | Teaching Practicum | 1-3
    • TH 662 | Hist of Directing and SM | 3
    • TH 663 | Graduate Directing Studio I | 3
    • TH 664 | Graduate Directing Studio II | 3
    • TH 669 | Probs Th Arts: Directg | 3
    • TH 672 | Venue and Event Management | 3
    • TH 690 | Independent Study | 3
    • TH 698 | Research Not Related to Thesis | 3
  • *If not taken in Program Core

Stage Management Concentration Requirements

The following are in addition to the Required Program Core of 15 Credit Hours.

• Stage Management Concentration | Hours
  • Select 45 hours from the following
    • TH 521 | Period Decor | 3
    • TH 526 | Sound Prod Tech Th Dn | 3
    • TH 527 | Computer Drafting For Theatre | 3
    • TH 533 | Basics of Costume Design | 3
    • TH 537 | Drawing for Stage Designs | 3
    • TH 554 | Seminar Contemp Theatr | 3
    • TH 555 | Seminar Th Hy: Classic | 3
    • TH 558 | American Feminist Theatre | 3
    • TH 570 | Arts Management | 3
    • TH 582 | Playwriting I Seminar | 3
    • TH 602 | Internship | 1-10
    • TH 606 | Stage Management I | 3
    • TH 615 | Lighting Technology | 3
    • TH 620 | Structural Design for Theatre | 3
    • TH 621 | History of Stage Design | 3
    • TH 622 | Scene Design I | 3
    • TH 634 | Costume Design for Music | 3
    • TH 642 | Teaching Acting | 3
    • TH 643 | Teaching Practicum | 1-3
    • TH 672 | Venue and Event Management | 3
    • TH 690 | Independent Study | 3
    • TH 698 | Research Not Related to Thesis | 3
  • *If not taken in Program Core
• The program typically accepts one new MFA candidate in stage management a year.

Additional Curricular Information

The following information applies to all MFA Concentrations.

Transfer Credit

Subject to approval by the department chairperson and the dean of the Graduate School, in specified programs, a maximum of 15 credit hours of graduate work may be transferred from another institution. These hours must be in theatre or in a closely allied subject, and they must contribute to the student's educational objective.

Comprehensive Exam/Capstone (Plan II - Non-Thesis Process Requirements)

MFA Theatre students follow the Plan II program requirements, as described by the Graduate School, to complete their degree. For the Department of Theatre and Dance, a requirement for this degree plan is that a student must complete a culminating or capstone experience. The Capstone Experience is one in which students are expected to integrate prior learning and demonstrate mastery of their field of study. At a minimum, this will typically take the form of one or more of the following:

• A research paper, a policy and practice paper, or equivalent experience
• A public performance or exhibition along with a contextualizing paper
• A practicum or internship
• Every Capstone submittal must include a significant writing component.
• The specific topic of a student’s individual Capstone will be chosen by the beginning of their final year in the program.
• Each student’s Capstone work must be an individual project rather than a group project.
• While it is understood that students often work together on particular productions, the nature and choice of an individual student’s Capstone must be such that their work can be individualized and reviewed as a distinct piece of work so that their grade is reflective of the work they have done, rather than the work of a group.
• In some cases, the actual development of the project or documentation of the Capstone may occur over multiple semesters, depending on the concentration and the direction of the Area Head.
• Work on a student’s capstone will be performed under the TH 695 Capstone Experience in Theatre course.
• Each student will receive an individual grade within that course that not only reflects what they have submitted but also reflects their demonstration of their overall mastery of their field of study.
• Each student’s submission must be complete and submitted to their Area Head by the last day of Final Exams in their last semester.
• Any submittal past that date will be penalized according to the discretion of their Area head.
• Each student’s submittal must be in the form of a single digital file of an appropriate digital format.
• The most preferred format would be a Portable Document File (PDF).
• Files from particular software products such as Microsoft Word will not be accepted.
• The contents of the file should be appropriately organized as if for publication.
• This file will be submitted as directed by the student’s individual Area Head.
• It is advised that the student have their Area Head review their materials and progress throughout the process to ensure that the final product the student will be submitting is acceptable.
• The Area Head will thoroughly review what the student has submitted before making any determination of a grade assignment.
• With the grade assignment, the Area Head will provide the student with a digital copy of the formal review of their submittal.
• The Area Head will then take the student’s submittal and their formal review to save within the digital repository for MFA Theatre Capstone Projects so that they can be held for archival purposes.
• Capstone Projects are evaluated with scores of 1 (unacceptable) to 4 (exemplary) on the following competencies:
  • Competency 1: Mastery of fundamental technical skills and methods
  • Competency 2: Mastery of specialized skills appropriate to area/Capstone Project
  • Competency 3: Well-articulated conceptual framework for the project
  • Competency 4: Demonstrated fulfillment of project in alignment with the project proposal or planning
  • Competency 5: Demonstrated problem-solving abilities and creative, critical thought processes
  • Competency 6: Clarity of supporting materials that provide explanation of the project
  • Competency 7: Critical assessment of the work and the creative process
  • Competency 8: Clear description of the development of skills or acquisition of new skills related to the production of the project
  • Competency 9: Professionalism throughout the process
• Students must receive a score of 3 or higher on competencies 1 and 2, on at least 2 competencies within 3-6, and on at least 2 competencies within 7-9 to successfully pass their Capstone Experience.

Time Limits for Degree Completion Requirements

Graduate School information on Time Limits.

Student Progress Requirement

The Concentration areas will hold reviews at the end of the 1st-4th semesters for each MFA candidate. Students in their final year are reviewed through the Capstone Project process. The review is designed to give graduate students an idea of their progress towards the successful completion of their degree program, identify strengths and weaknesses, document areas of professional and personal development, and evaluate assistantship duties (as applicable). Faculty will provide numerical scores from 1 (unacceptable) to 4 (exceeds expectations) on academic progress, work ethic, professional development, and assistantship duties (as applicable), as well as provide narrative commentary to support the scores. For scores of 2 or 1 in any given area, a student may be placed on probation and a specific plan for improvements will be included to implement in the following semester. Should students not be able to implement the necessary improvements by their next review, continuing to earn a score of 2 or 1, they may be dismissed from the program. Two weeks before their review students must complete a self-assessment of their skills and progress in response to the Department Self-Reflection instructions to submit to their Area advisor. Before the review meeting, the faculty will submit the completed assessment to the student with the scores and written comments, so the conversation can be more focused during the meeting. In addition to the verbal conversation, students may add additional comments to the written review before signing. Signed and completed reviews will be stored digitally by the Department for archival purposes.

Funding for Students

Based on experience, expertise, and through the interview/audition process, select graduate candidates are eligible for a 0.5 FTE assistantship which covers tuition, course fees, health insurance, and provides a monthly stipend.

• Students on 0.5 FTE assistantship are required to work an average of 20 hours per week for the program.
• Assistantship work is separate from a student’s normal academic load and assignments for their degree program.
• MFA candidates on assistantship serve as teaching assistants for professors, assist with program needs, work in production shops, or teach courses for undergraduate students based on their area of expertise, experience, and assessment of readiness.
• Graduate students are evaluated each semester for their academic performance and, when applicable, for the fulfillment of their assistantship responsibilities.
• In situations where a student is evaluated as not meeting the requirements of the assistantship, students will be put on probation.
• Should students not be able to address concerns presented in their review by their next review, they may be removed from their assistantship.
• Note that a loss of assistantship does not equal dismissal from the MFA program for students in good academic standing and meeting all the requirements for continuing their studies with the university.