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Bachelors

Theater, BFA

George Mason University
Virginia , United States
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Tuition Fee
Not Available
Start Date
Not Available
Medium of studying
On campus
Duration
4 years
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Program Details
Degree
Bachelors
Major
Dance | Performing Arts | Theater Arts
Area of study
Arts
Education type
On campus
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
About Program

Program Overview

Theater, BFA

The BFA degree prepares students for graduate study or entry into the profession through rigorous, concentrated, and individualized training. All BFA students complete the theater core and are admitted into a chosen concentration to organize their advanced work within the major. Upon admission, BFA students will complete coursework in a specified area of emphasis through one of our five concentrations:


  • Design for Stage and Screen
  • Performance for Stage and Screen
  • Musical Theater Performance
  • Sound Engineering and Design
  • Theater Education for Theater Arts PK-12

Admissions

Acceptance to a Theater Major is by successful completion of an audition/portfolio-review and interview. Admission to the university is determined by the Admissions Office.


Policies

For policies governing all undergraduate degrees, see AP.5 Undergraduate Policies. Please note, all students are required to complete a minimum of 45 credits of upper-division courses (300-400 level).


Degree Requirements

Total credits: 120


Mason Core

  • Foundation Requirements:
    • Oral Communication: 3 credits
    • Information Technology: 3 credits
    • Quantitative Reasoning: 3 credits
    • ENGH 101: Composition (Mason Core): 3 credits
    • ENGH 302: Advanced Composition (Mason Core): 3 credits
  • Core Requirements:
    • Literature: 3 credits
    • Arts: 3 credits
    • Natural Science: 7 credits
    • Global History: 3 credits
    • Global Contexts: 3 credits
    • Social and Behavioral Sciences: 3 credits Total Credits: 37

Major

  • Theater Core Requirements:
    • THR 150: Global Theater Histories I (Mason Core): 3 credits
    • THR 151: Global Theater Histories II (Mason Core): 3 credits
    • THR 196: Production Practicum: 1 credit
    • THR 198: Construction or Admin Practicum: 1 credit
    • THR 199: Production Run Crew Practicum: 1 credit
    • THR 210: Acting I (Mason Core): 3 credits
    • THR 230: Fundamentals of Production (Mason Core): 3 credits
    • THR 240: Introduction to Theatrical Design: 3 credits
    • THR 329: Directing: 3 credits
    • THR 338: Production Stage Management: 3 credits
    • THR 350: Script Analysis (Mason Core): 3 credits
    • THR 351: Dramatic Theory and Criticism (Mason Core): 3 credits
    • Apex: 3 credits
    • Select one course from the following: THR 440 or THR 496: 3 credits
    • Dramatic Literature: Select one course from the following: 3 credits
      • THR 352: Dramatic Literature Seminar
      • THR 353: Advanced Studies in Theater History
      • THR 354: American Voices
      • THR 356: History of Musical Theater
      • THR 359: World Stages (Mason Core)
      • THR 424: Contemporary Women Playwrights Total Credits: 33

Concentrations

Theater majors earning a BFA in Theater must complete one of the following concentrations:


Design for Stage and Screen Concentration (DSS)
  • THR 338: Production Stage Management: 3 credits
  • Design Course: Select one course from the following: 3 credits
    • THR 333: Scenic Design
    • THR 334: Lighting Design
    • THR 335: Costume Design
    • THR 337: Sound Design
  • Technical Production Course: Select one course from the following: 3 credits
    • THR 313: Event Technical Production
    • THR 314: Lighting Stagecraft
    • THR 315: Sound Engineering
    • THR 316: Scene Painting
    • THR 330: Seminar in Technical Theater
    • THR 331: Drafting and Modeling
    • THR 336: Technical Direction
    • THR 343: Costume Technology
  • Design and Technical Theater Electives: Select five courses from the following: 15 credits
    • THR 313: Event Technical Production
    • THR 314: Lighting Stagecraft
    • THR 315: Sound Engineering
    • THR 316: Scene Painting
    • THR 330: Seminar in Technical Theater
    • THR 331: Drafting and Modeling
    • THR 332: History of Fashion and Dress
    • THR 333: Scenic Design
    • THR 334: Lighting Design
    • THR 335: Costume Design
    • THR 336: Technical Direction
    • THR 337: Sound Design
    • THR 339: Principles of Design
    • THR 340: Advanced Studies in Directing
    • THR 342: Makeup Design
    • THR 343: Costume Technology
    • THR 401: Professional Presentation
    • THR 415: Advanced Sound Engineering
    • THR 428: Musical Theater Ensemble
    • THR 434: Advanced Lighting Design
    • THR 437: Advanced Sound Design
    • THR 490: Special Topics in Theater
    • THR 491: Seminar on the Profession
    • THR 492: Advanced Practicum
    • THR 493: Collaborative Lab Experience
    • THR 494: Field Experience
  • Stage and Screen Elective: Select one course from the following: 3 credits
    • THR 354: American Voices
    • THR 382: Screenplay Workshop
    • THR 411: Great Film Directors (Mason Core)
    • THR 412: Great Film Performances (Mason Core)
    • THR 484: Translation Adaptation for Stage Screen
  • Connected Industry Electives: Select four courses from the following: 12 credits
    • ARTH 315: Modern Architecture (Mason Core)
    • ARTH 350: History of Photography (Mason Core)
    • ARTH 373: Studies in 20th-Century Art of the United States (Mason Core)
    • ARTH 375: Indigenous Arts of the US and Canada (Mason Core)
    • AVT 110: Digital Design Studio (Mason Core)
    • AVT 180: New Media in the Creative Arts (Mason Core)
    • AVT 222: Drawing I (Mason Core)
    • AVT 232: Painting I (Mason Core)
    • AVT 262: Sculpture I (Mason Core)
    • AVT 309: Art as Social Action
    • AVT 318: History of Graphic Design
    • AVT 374: Sound Art I
    • COMM 302: Media Theory
    • DANC 390: Dance History I (Mason Core)
    • DANC 391: Dance History II (Mason Core)
    • FAVS 110: Beyond Screens: Digital Creation
    • FAVS 204: Film Art (Mason Core)
    • FAVS 250: Business of Film
    • FAVS 255: Film Production
    • FAVS 311: Film Producing
    • FAVS 331: Cinematography
    • FAVS 333: Sound Editing and Recording
    • GAME 250: Music for Film and Video
    • MUSI 301: Music in Motion Pictures (Mason Core)
    • MUSI 315: Music Technology
    • MUSI 354: Electronic Composition
    • MUSI 355: Recording Techniques
    • TOUR 220: Introduction to Event Management
    • TOUR 355: Event Logistics
    • TOUR 440: Meetings and Conventions Total Credits: 39
Musical Theater Performance Concentration (MTPF)
  • Required Core Courses:
    • THR 300: Voice and Speech: 3 credits
    • THR 306: Movement in Musical Theater: 3 credits
    • THR 310: Acting II: 3 credits
    • THR 320: Performance Studio: 3 credits
    • THR 406: Advanced Movement in Musical Theater: 3 credits
    • THR 427: Musical Theater Workshop: 3 credits
    • MUSI 108: Practical Musicianship: 3 credits
    • MUSI 113: Aural Skills I: 1 credit
    • MUSI 171: Keyboard Skills I: 1 credit
    • MUSI 223: Applied Music in Voice: 8 credits
  • Dance Course: Select one course from the following: 3 credits
    • DANC 145: Ballet I (Mason Core)
    • DANC 125: Modern/Contemporary Dance I (Mason Core)
    • DANC 225: Modern/Contemporary Dance II (Mason Core)
    • DANC 245: Ballet II (Mason Core)
  • Ensemble: Select one course from the following: 3 credits
    • THR 428: Musical Theater Ensemble
    • THR 429: Advanced Musical Theater Workshop
    • THR 493: Collaborative Lab Experience
  • Musical Theater Performance Electives: Select two courses from the following: 6 credits
    • DANC 118: Global Dance Perspectives I (Mason Core)
    • DANC 119: Dance in Popular Culture (Mason Core)
    • DANC 125: Modern/Contemporary Dance I (Mason Core)
    • DANC 131: Beginning Jazz Technique (Mason Core)
    • DANC 145: Ballet I (Mason Core)
    • DANC 225: Modern/Contemporary Dance II (Mason Core)
    • DANC 231: Intermediate Jazz Technique (Mason Core)
    • DANC 245: Ballet II (Mason Core)
    • DANC 331: Advanced Jazz Dance (Mason Core)
    • MUSI 102: Popular Music in America (Mason Core)
    • MUSI 107: Jazz and Blues in America (Mason Core)
    • MUSI 301: Music in Motion Pictures (Mason Core)
    • THR 301: Advanced Study in Voice
    • THR 304: Advanced Movement for Actors
    • THR 305: Unarmed Stage Combat
    • THR 320: Performance Studio
    • THR 365: Characterization
    • THR 401: Professional Presentation
    • THR 405: Advanced Stage Combat
    • THR 406: Advanced Movement in Musical Theater
    • THR 410: Acting for the Camera
    • THR 412: Great Film Performances (Mason Core)
    • THR 420: Advanced Performance Studio
    • THR 421: One-Person Show
    • THR 425: Applied Techniques in Voice and Speech
    • THR 427: Musical Theater Workshop
    • THR 428: Musical Theater Ensemble
    • THR 429: Advanced Musical Theater Workshop Total Credits: 43
Performance for Stage and Screen Concentration (PSS)
  • THR 300: Voice and Speech: 3 credits
  • THR 301: Advanced Study in Voice: 3 credits
  • THR 303: Movement for Actors: 3 credits
  • THR 304: Advanced Movement for Actors: 3 credits
  • THR 305: Unarmed Stage Combat: 3 credits
  • THR 310: Acting II: 3 credits
  • THR 320: Performance Studio: 3 credits
  • THR 329: Directing: 3 credits
  • THR 365: Characterization: 3 credits
  • THR 410: Acting for the Camera: 3 credits
  • THR 420: Advanced Performance Studio: 3 credits
  • THR 421: One-Person Show: 3 credits
  • THR 423: Audition Techniques: Stage and Camera: 3 credits
  • Performance Electives: Select six credits from the following: 6 credits
    • FAVS 110: Beyond Screens: Digital Creation
    • FAVS 250: Business of Film
    • FAVS 255: Film Production
    • FAVS 311: Film Producing
    • FAVS 334: Cinematic Podcasting
    • THR 321: Acting Shakespeare
    • THR 340: Advanced Studies in Directing
    • THR 342: Makeup Design
    • THR 401: Professional Presentation
    • THR 405: Advanced Stage Combat
    • THR 411: Great Film Directors (Mason Core)
    • THR 412: Great Film Performances (Mason Core)
    • THR 425: Applied Techniques in Voice and Speech
    • THR 428: Musical Theater Ensemble
    • THR 490: Special Topics in Theater
    • THR 492: Advanced Practicum
    • THR 493: Collaborative Lab Experience
    • THR 494: Field Experience
    • THR 497: Independent Study Total Credits: 45
Sound Engineering and Design Concentration (SEND)
  • THR 315: Sound Engineering: 3 credits
  • THR 337: Sound Design: 3 credits
  • THR 338: Production Stage Management: 3 credits
  • THR 415: Advanced Sound Engineering: 3 credits
  • THR 437: Advanced Sound Design: 3 credits
  • FAVS 233: Film Sound: 3 credits
  • MUSI 254: Music and Technology: 3 credits
  • MUSI 355: Recording Techniques: 3 credits
  • Sound Engineering and Design Electives: Select five courses from the following: 15 credits
    • AVT 374: Sound Art I
    • FAVS 433: Film Sound: Advanced
    • GAME 250: Music for Film and Video
    • GAME 367: Writing and Editing Music and Sound
    • MUSI 259: Music in Computer Technology (Mason Core)
    • MUSI 354: Electronic Composition
    • THR 313: Event Technical Production
    • THR 331: Drafting and Modeling
    • THR 401: Professional Presentation
    • THR 411: Great Film Directors (Mason Core)
    • THR 492: Advanced Practicum
    • TOUR 200: Introduction to Tourism Management
    • TOUR 355: Event Logistics Total Credits: 39
Theater Education for Theater Arts PK-12 Concentration (THEA)
  • THR 448: Foundations of Theater Education: 3 credits
  • THR 449: Elementary Theater Education: 3 credits
  • THR 450: Secondary Theater Education: 3 credits
  • EDRD 300: Literacy in Fine Arts, Health, and Physical Education: 3 credits
  • EDUC 301: Educating Diverse and Exceptional Learners: 3 credits
  • EDUC 302: Human Growth and Development: 3 credits
  • THR 455: Theater Education Internship: 6 credits
  • Content Area 1: THR 340: Advanced Studies in Directing: 3 credits
  • Content Area 2: Select one course from the following: 3 credits
    • THR 300: Voice and Speech
    • THR 303: Movement for Actors
    • THR 310: Acting II
    • THR 320: Performance Studio
  • Content Area 3: Select two courses from the following: 6 credits
    • THR 333: Scenic Design
    • THR 338: Production Stage Management
  • Theater Education Elective: Select one course from the following: 3 credits
    • THR 301: Advanced Study in Voice
    • THR 304: Advanced Movement for Actors
    • THR 305: Unarmed Stage Combat
    • THR 313: Event Technical Production
    • THR 314: Lighting Stagecraft
    • THR 315: Sound Engineering
    • THR 321: Acting Shakespeare
    • THR 336: Technical Direction
    • THR 343: Costume Technology
    • THR 352: Dramatic Literature Seminar
    • THR 354: American Voices
    • THR 359: World Stages (Mason Core)
    • THR 365: Characterization
    • THR 410: Acting for the Camera
    • THR 411: Great Film Directors (Mason Core)
    • THR 412: Great Film Performances (Mason Core)
    • THR 424: Contemporary Women Playwrights
    • THR 425: Applied Techniques in Voice and Speech
    • THR 440: Advanced Studies in Directing/Dramaturgy (Mason Core)
    • THR 492: Advanced Practicum Total Credits: 48

General Electives

After fulfilling degree requirements, BFA students may use remaining general electives credits inside or outside of the department. Total Credits: 2-11


Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater Sample Plan of Study

The sample plan below is a recommended sequencing of courses based on pre-requisites and scheduling. This may not fit every student's needs and is a guideline, not a requirement. Students should confirm major requirements with their academic advisor and with PatriotWeb Degree Evaluation to ensure they enroll in the proper courses and are on track to graduate.


  • First Year:
    • Fall Semester:
      • THR 150: Global Theater Histories I (Mason Core): 3 credits
      • THR 210: Acting I (Mason Core): 3 credits
      • THR 230: Fundamentals of Production (Mason Core): 3 credits
      • Mason Core: 3 credits
      • Mason Core: 3 credits
      • Practicum: 1 credit Total Credits: 15
    • Spring Semester:
      • THR 151: Global Theater Histories II (Mason Core): 3 credits
      • Concentration Elective: 3 credits
      • Mason Core: 3 credits
      • Mason Core: 3 credits Total Credits: 16
  • Second Year:
    • Fall Semester:
      • THR 350: Script Analysis (Mason Core): 3 credits
      • Concentration Elective: 3 credits
      • Concentration Elective: 3 credits
      • Mason Core: 3 credits
      • Mason Core: 3 credits
      • Practicum: 1 credit Total Credits: 16
    • Spring Semester:
      • THR 329 (OR Dramatic Literature): 3 credits
      • THR 351: Dramatic Theory and Criticism (Mason Core): 3 credits
      • Concentration Elective: 3 credits
      • Concentration Elective: 3 credits
      • Mason Core: 3 credits Total Credits: 15
  • Third Year:
    • Fall Semester:
      • THR 338 (OR Dramatic Literature): 3 credits
      • Concentration Elective: 3 credits
      • Concentration Elective: 3 credits
      • Mason Core: 3 credits
      • Mason Core: 3 credits Total Credits: 15
    • Spring Semester:
      • Concentration Elective: 3 credits
      • Concentration Elective: 3 credits
      • Concentration Elective: 3 credits
      • Mason Core (Suggested Lab Science): 4 credits
      • Practicum: 1 credit Total Credits: 14
  • Fourth Year:
    • Fall Semester:
      • THR 440 or 496 (Synthesis) OR MC (ENGH 302): 3 credits
      • Concentration Elective: 3 credits
      • Concentration Elective: 3 credits
      • Concentration Elective: 3 credits
      • Mason Core: 3 credits Total Credits: 15
    • Spring Semester:
      • THR 440 or 496 (Synthesis) OR MC (ENGH 302): 3 credits
      • Concentration Elective: 3 credits
      • Concentration Elective: 3 credits
      • General Elective: 3 credits
      • General Elective: 2 credits Total Credits: 14 Total Credits: 120

Honors in the Major

Highly-qualified students who have completed 75 credits may pursue advanced work leading to graduation with honors in the major. Students apply for Honors in Theater by submitting to the Director a two-page written statement outlining their reasons for pursuing advanced coursework and specific professional goals, along with the names of two Mason theater faculty members who have agreed to serve as references.


Students satisfy the honors course sequence by taking three honors-specific courses from their chosen concentration. They must also maintain an overall GPA of 3.50 and a GPA of 3.75 within the major.


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