Graduate Bulletin
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1996-1997
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Drama
In the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts
Office: Dramatic Arts 204
Telephone: (619) 594-6363
Fax: (619) 594-7431
Alicia M. Annas, M.F.A., Professor of Drama, Chair of Department
Ralph Funicello, B.F.A., The Don W. Powell Chair in Scene Design
Anne-Charlotte Harvey, Ph.D., Professor of Drama
Michael L. Harvey, Ph.D., Professor of Drama
Peter F. Larlham, Ph.D., Professor of Drama
Margaret McKerrow, Ph.D., Professor of Drama
Terry L. O'Donnell, D.M.A., Professor of Drama
Beeb Salzer, M.F.A., Professor of Drama
R. Craig Wolf, M.F.A., Professor of Drama
Paula Kalustian, M.F.A., Associate Professor of Drama
William N. Reid, M.F.A., Associate Professor of Drama
Loren P. Schreiber, M.F.A., Assistant Professor of Drama
Rick A. Simas, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Drama
Graduate teaching and nonteaching associateships are available to a limited number of qualified students. Application forms and further information may be obtained from the department.
The Don W. Powell Chair in Scene Design was established through a trust provided by the late professor emeritus. Always concerned about students, Powell, who retired after 30 years with the drama department, created the trust in order to enhance theatre education at S.D.S.U. The first holder of The Don W. Powell Scene Design Chair is the nationally acclaimed designer Ralph Funicello.
The Department of Drama, in the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts, offers graduate study leading to the Master of Arts degree and the Master of Fine Arts degree. The Master of Fine Arts degree is offered in the areas of design/technical theatre and musical theatre. The M.A. is a 30-unit program; the M.F.A. a 60-unit program. Both programs of study limit the number of students accepted in order to offer individual attention and extensive opportunity to participate in theatre production. The Dramatic Arts building contains the proscenium-style Don Powell Theatre seating 500, with state-of-the-art computer lighting and sound control, and the flexible Experimental Theatre seating 200, rehearsal and recording areas, a design studio and CADD laboratory, paint shop, wagon house, spacious scene shop, and fully equipped costume laboratory. The Department of Drama is a member of the National Association of Schools of Theatre (N.A.S.T.).
Master of Arts Degree in Drama
General requirements for admission to the University with classified graduate standing are described in Part Two of this bulletin. In addition, the student's area adviser will judge the applicant capable of graduate work in drama. The judgment will be based on (1) the applicant's transcripts of prior academic work; (2) three current and relevant letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant's academic ability; (3) the applicant's scores on the GRE General Test; and (4) an interview, when appropriate, revealing the applicant's ability to succeed in the chosen area. NOTE: M.A. applications are accepted for Fall admission only. Application deadline is April 15 for the following Fall semester.
All students in the Master of Arts program must meet the general requirements for advancement to candidacy, as described in Part Two of this bulletin. In addition, students seeking the Master of Arts degree in Drama (regardless of area of specialization) are required to have completed Drama 600A, and to have removed any deficiencies assigned. It is recommended that all graduate students take Drama 600A during their first semester.
In addition to meeting the requirements for classified graduate standing and the basic requirements for the master's degree as described in Part Two of this bulletin, the student must complete a graduate program of a minimum of 30 units to include Drama 600A, 600B, 610, 621, 647A or 647B or 649, and 799A. Eighteen of the 30 units must be in 600- and 700-numbered drama courses and the remaining 12 units may be selected from 500-, 600-, or 700-numbered courses. A maximum of 9 units may be elected outside the Drama department. PLEASE NOTE: Drama 600A, 600B, 610, 621, 647A or 647B or 649, and 799A are required courses for all Master of Arts candidates.
Master of Fine Arts Degree in Drama
In addition to meeting the general requirements for admission to the University with classified graduate standing, as described in Part Two of this bulletin, a student must satisfy the following requirements before being recommended for classified graduate standing:
- 1. Achieve a score of not less than 1000 on the GRE General Test (combined verbal and quantitative).
- 2. Possess a baccalaureate degree in drama or an approved affiliated field with a grade point average of not less than 2.5 overall in the last 60 units of study attempted, with a 3.0 undergraduate average in the major, and a 3.5 average in those theatre classes considered prerequisites for the M.F.A. concentration in design/technical theatre or musical theatre.
- 3. Complete undergraduate requirements commensurate with the proposed concentration in the M.F.A. program.
- 4. Complete a minimum of six units of theatre history.
- 5. Satisfy additional concentration requirements listed below.
Students who have not met certain criteria or demonstrate deficiencies in undergraduate preparation or basic skill development, may be granted conditional admission with the understanding that remedial coursework will be completed prior to advancement to classified standing. Remedial coursework cannot be applied to the 60-unit minimum requirement for the degree. Students who do not satisfy the requirements for an M.F.A. degree will not automatically be considered for an M.A. degree. A student holding an M.A. degree in drama from San Diego State University or any other institution of higher learning must formally apply for the M.F.A. degree. PLEASE NOTE: Applicants holding an M.A. or M.F.A. degree from an accredited institution may transfer up to 30 units upon review and recommendation of the faculty in the area of specialization, and approval of the graduate coordinator of the Drama Department.
Students already accepted into the program who request a change of specific concentration at a later date, will be required to meet the admission requirements for the new concentration.
No new students being admitted to program
at this time.
In addition to meeting the admission requirements listed above, a student must demonstrate exceptional artistic talent in the acting area by providing:
- 1. A resume of acting accomplishments.
- 2. An audition, either in person or via videotape (VHS), which would include two contrasting works: one contemporary piece and one classical piece from Shakespearean drama (total time not to exceed 12 minutes).
- 3. Three letters of recommendation attesting to the candidate's academic qualifications and level of competence in acting.
For specific audition dates and locations, write to the Director, Graduate Acting Program, Department of Drama, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182-7601.
In addition to meeting the admission requirements listed above, a student must demonstrate outstanding abilities in a particular area of design/technical theatre by submitting the following items.
- 1. Those students primarily interested in design must submit a design portfolio which contains sketches, renderings, graphics, floor plans, elevations, plots, color/fabric swatches, and photographs of productions, revealing the applicant's creative ability in the chosen area or areas of design.
- 2. Those students primarily interested in technical theatre must submit a portfolio which contains evidence of technical direction and management experiences in scenic, lighting, or costume technology and design.
- 3. A resume which contains documentation of participation in not less than five full-length theatrical productions.
- 4. Three letters of recommendation attesting to the candidate's academic, professional and personal qualifications from academic or professional theatre sources.
For specific interview dates and locations, write to the Director, Design Program, Department of Drama, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182-7601.
In addition to meeting the admission requirements listed above, a student must demonstrate unusual artistic talent in the musical theatre area by providing:
- 1. A resumé of musical theatre accomplishments.
- 2. An audition, either in person or via videotape, which would include two contrasting vocal selections, two contrasting monologues, and a dance/movement piece.
- 3. Three letters of recommendation attesting to the candidate's academic qualifications, and level of competence in musical theatre performance in the areas of acting, singing, and dancing.
For specific audition dates and locations, write to the Director, Musical Theatre Program, Department of Drama, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182-7601.
This program admits new students every other year
only. Application may be made Spring of even
numbered years for the following Fall admission.
All students must meet the general requirements for advancement to candidacy as described in Part Two of this bulletin. Candidates for the M.F.A. must have completed 30 units within their official program with a minimum grade point average of 3.0. A minimum of 24 units in the official program must be enrolled in and completed concurrently with or after advancement to candidacy. Students in each concentration must have successfully completed Drama 600A and removed any deficiencies noted by the faculty.
Forty-five of the sixty units required must be completed in courses numbered 600 or above. The remaining units may be selected from 500-, 600-, or 700-numbered courses in drama or outside departments.
At least 30 units of the student's program must be completed in residence at San Diego State University, and the student must be in residence not less than two semesters. No more than six units in 798 will be accepted for credit toward the degree.
No new students being admitted to program
at this time.
Candidates for the M.F.A. with a concentration in acting, in addition to meeting the requirements for classified graduate standing, must complete a 60-unit graduate program consisting of the following courses: Drama 600A, 600B, 607* (must be taken four times for a total credit of 12 units), 610, 621, 624*, 630 (maximum 2 units), 631*, 632*, 633*, 634*, 746, 795, 799A.
Twelve additional units are to be selected from courses acceptable for graduate credit in the following areas: art, drama education, English and comparative literature, history, linguistics, mass communication, music, physical education, speech communication, telecommunications and film. It is recommended that students include at least 3 units from Drama 532, 533A, 533B, 551 among the 12 units of electives. In special circumstances, additional courses acceptable for graduate credit in other departments may be selected with the approval of the student's adviser.
Students in the concentration in acting will be reviewed by a faculty panel each semester to determine if their progress warrants continuation in the program. In conjunction with the completion of Drama 746 and 799A, students must complete an adjudicated performance thesis project established and approved by their thesis committee. This project will be supported by a written analysis/apologia.
Candidates for the M.F.A. with a concentration in design and technical theatre, in addition to meeting the requirements for classified graduate standing, must complete a 60-unit graduate program to include 36 units of core courses as follows: 1) during the first year of study, Drama 530 and three units selected from Drama 540, 547, or 552, depending on student's area of specialization; 2) Drama 600A, 600B, 610, 621, 645, 646A, and 646B; and 3) four semesters (12 units) of Drama 643. The student must also complete 15 units of practicum, internship, and thesis/project selected from Drama 642, 746, 795 (must be taken for a total of six units) and 799A.
Nine units of electives selected by student and adviser from graduate level courses in the following areas: art, drama, education, English and comparative literature, history, linguistics, and telecommunications and film. In special circumstances courses acceptable for graduate credit in other departments may be selected with the approval of the student's adviser.
Candidates must prepare a production thesis project approved by their thesis committee. This project must be supported by a written analysis/apologia.
Candidates for the M.F.A. with a concentration in musical theatre, in addition to meeting the requirements for classified graduate standing, must complete a 60-unit graduate program which includes a core of courses totaling 23 units as follows: Drama 520, 551, 555, 600A, 600B, 610, 623, 650, and 659. The student must also complete 29 units of studio, voice, internship, practicum, and thesis/project under the course numbers: Drama 627 (taken four times for a total of 16 units), Drama 630 (taken four times for a total of four units), 746, 795, 799A.
Eight additional units are to be selected from courses acceptable for graduate credit in the following areas: art, drama, education, English and comparative literature, history, linguistics, mass communication, music, physical education, speech communication, telecommunications and film. In special circumstances additional courses acceptable for graduate credit in other departments may be selected with the approval of the student's adviser.
Candidates will prepare an adjudicated performance thesis project established and approved by their thesis committee. This project will be supported by a written analysis/apologia.
510. Creative Drama II (3) I
Prerequisite: Drama 310.
Advanced techniques and procedures in teaching creative drama. Emphasis on a multicultural approach. Practical experience through fieldwork in elementary or middle school classrooms.
515. Directing for Young Audiences (3) II
Prerequisite: Drama 315.
Techniques of directing productions for young audiences: casting, staging, characterization, rehearsal techniques.
520. History of Musical Theatre (3) I
Prerequisite: Upper division standing.
Musical theatre from early Viennese operettas to musicals of modern times; representative works.
530. Period Dress and Decor (3) I
Prerequisite: Drama 240B or graduate standing.
Visual survey of relationships and cultural significance of period dress, architecture, and decorative arts as applied to theatrical productions. Emphasis on significant historic periods in dramatic -literature. (Formerly numbered Drama 450.)
532. Advanced Acting and Directing (3) I
Prerequisite: Drama 231. Acting students admitted by audition
only; directing students by interview.
Problems in characterization in contemporary drama, and in plays of Ibsen, Strindberg, Chekhov, and Shaw.
533A-533B. Theory and Styles in Acting and Directing I
and II (3-3)
Prerequisite: Drama 231. Acting students admitted by audition
only; directing students by interview.
Acting and directing problems in theory and style related to the production of plays from great periods in theatre history, with attention to characterization, dramatic values, creative directing and production approaches. 533A: Shakespearean tragedy and history, melodrama. 533B: Greek tragedy, Shakespearean comedy.
539. Theatre Design Visualization (2) I
Four hours of activity.
Prerequisite: Drama 240B.
Approaches to completing successful set and costume rendering, scenic models, and lighting studies. Techniques, media, and portfolio presentation.
540. Scene Design II (3) II
Prerequisites: Drama 440 and 530.
History of scene design and application of contemporary styles to various types of dramatic production.
541. Scene Painting (2) II
Four hours of activity.
Prerequisite: Drama 530.
Theories and techniques of scene painting, including both historical backgrounds and modern procedures. Full-scale projects executed in scenery studio.
543. Stage Property Design (2) II
One lecture and two hours of activity.
Prerequisite: Drama 530.
Theories and techniques of property design for the theatre: script analysis, research methods, planning and budgeting procedures, construction techniques and materials. Projects in property design for selected scripts.
546. Computer Systems for the Theatre (2) II
One hour of discussion and three hours of activity.
Prerequisite: Drama 448A.
Functional study of computer systems and their application to the theatre. CADD, lighting and sound control, and production -management.
547. Lighting Design II (3) I
Two lectures and three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisite: Drama 447.
Advanced design theories and lighting practice for theatre and dance. Laboratory and production related activities.
548. Sound Design for the Theatre (3) I
Two lectures and two hours of activity.
Prerequisites: Drama 240B and 325.
Theories and techniques of sound design and reinforcement for theatrical performance. Laboratory experience in sound production.
551. Costume, Movement, and Manners (3) I
Prerequisite: Upper division standing or admission to the graduate
program.
Interrelationship of period costumes and the movement and manners of selected historical periods; application to staging of plays from pre-modern theatre.
552. Costume Design II (3) II
Prerequisites: Drama 452 and 530.
Advanced studies in costume design. Emphasis on theatrical style, rendering layout, design problems, materials, and budget.
554A. Costume Design Technology I (2) II
Four hours of activity.
Prerequisite: Drama 240B.
Current materials and practices of costume technology: advanced construction techniques, fabric selection and use, period pattern drafting, draping and cutting.
554B. Costume Design Technology II (2) II
Four hours of activity.
Prerequisite: Drama 240B.
Advanced costume craft construction techniques and management procedures for costume production: millinery, fabric dyeing and painting, jewelry, and related crafts.
555. Movement for the Theatre II (2) I
Four hours of activity.
Prerequisite: Drama 130 or admission to the M.F.A. program.
Movement techniques for theatre. Movement patterns, phrase development, and musical theatre movement styles. Maximum credit four units applicable to a bachelor's degree; maximum credit eight units applicable to the M.F.A. degree in drama.
589. Playwriting: The Full-Length Play (3)
Prerequisite: Drama 325. Recommended: English 588.
Format and techniques of writing the full-length play. Problems in characterization, plot, and dialogue. Reading and analysis of full-length plays written by students.
596. Selected Topics in Drama (1-3) I, II
Prerequisite: Twelve units in drama.
A specialized study of selected topics from the areas of drama. May be repeated with new content. See Class Schedule for specific content. Limit of nine units of any combination of 296, 496, 596 courses applicable to a bachelor's degree. Maximum credit of six units of 596 applicable to a bachelor's degree. Maximum credit of six units of 596 applicable to a 30-unit master's degree.
600A. Research and Bibliography (2)
Basic reference works, scholarly and critical journals; introduction to bibliographical techniques; exercises and problems in methods and exposition of research as it relates to the various areas of theatre. Recommended for first semester of graduate work, and prerequisite to advancement to candidacy. (Formerly numbered Drama 600.)
600B. Thesis Preparation (1)
Prerequisite: Drama 600A.
Development and presentation of thesis with focus on writing and formal parameters. (Formerly numbered Drama 600.)
610. Aesthetics for the Stage (3)
Prerequisites: Drama 600 and admission to M.A. or M.F.A. program in drama.
Selected aesthetic theories (i.e., aesthetic distance, empathy, illusion) and their significance in contemporary theatre. Class presentations in techniques of conceptual thought including stylistic approaches, unity of design, and textual communication.
621. Seminar in Theories of the Theatre (3)
Prerequisites: Minimum three units of upper division theatre history; credit or concurrent registration in Drama 600A.
Theories of dramatic literature and performance, reflecting major stylistic movements and aesthetic philosophies of the stage from the classical Greeks to today (e.g., Aristotle, Lessing, Appia, Brecht, and Grotowski).
623. Seminar in Musical Theatre Script and Score Analysis (3)
Prerequisite: Credit or concurrent registration in Drama 325.
Representative works from the musical theatre spectrum analyzed in terms of dramatic and musical content, environment, action, character and style.
627. Musical Theatre Studio (4)
Eight hours of activity.
Prerequisite: Open to M.F.A. musical theatre students. Others by
audition.
Acting, singing, and dancing skills in relation to musical theatre performance, direction, choreography, and composition.
630. Individual Vocal Instruction (1)
Prerequisite: Admission to M.F.A., concentration in acting or
musical theatre.
Individual vocal instruction/coaching devoted to diagnosis and correction of problems for students in M.F.A. concentration in acting or musical theatre. Maximum two units applicable to acting. Musical theatre students must take one unit each semester for a maximum of four units.
642. Theatre Practicum Skills (3) Cr/NC
Prerequisite: Admission to M.F.A. program.
Assisting on design projects for department productions. To be arranged with area adviser.
643. Collaborative Studies in Design (3)
Prerequisite: Admission to M.F.A. program in design/technical
theatre. This course must be repeated each semester by the M.F.A.
design student for a maximum of 12 units.
Design of theatrical productions with emphasis on artistic collaboration and integration of scenery, costumes and lights. Attention to graphic presentation techniques as well as designs produced.
645. Seminar in Lighting for Stage and Television (3)
Prerequisite: Drama 447 or 547.
Projects concerned with the aesthetic and technical problems of stage lighting.
646. Seminar in Design for Stage and Television (3)
The principles of design in the theatre with an emphasis on the historical development of theatrical costume or scenic environment. The investigation of recent tendencies in styles and their evolution. Each section may be taken once for credit.
- A. Costume Design
Prerequisite: Drama 452 or 552.
- B. Scenery Design
Prerequisite: Drama 448A or 540.
647. Seminar in History of Theatre and Drama (3)
Prerequisites: Drama 325, 460A and 460B.
- A. British and Continental Theatre
- B. American Theatre
649. Topics in World Theatre (1-3)
Prerequisite: Admission to M.A. or M.F.A. program in drama.
Intensive study in specific areas of world theatre. Forms, technologies, genres, cultural expressions, and contemporary developments. See Class Schedule for specific content. May be repeated with new content. Maximum credit six units applicable to the M.A. or M.F.A. degree in drama.
650. Seminar in Musical Theatre Dance Repertory (3)
Prerequisites: Drama 555 and 623.
Intensive study of the various choreographic styles of the musical theatre from the viewpoint of the choreographer and director.
659. Musical Theatre Stage Direction (3)
Prerequisite: Drama 600.
Special problems in directing for the musical theatre.
746. Theatre Internship (3) Cr/NC
Prerequisites: Drama 600 and consent of graduate coordinator and
program director.
Professional field experience in areas of design/technical theatre, acting, directing musical theatre, and theatre for young audiences. (Formerly numbered Drama 746B.)
795. Practicum in Theatre Arts (1-6)
Prerequisite: Drama 600.
Faculty supervised projects in design/technical theatre, performance or direction leading to public presentation. Maximum credit six units.
798. Special Study (1-3) Cr/NC/SP
Prerequisite: Project/assignment to be arranged with area adviser.
Individual study. Maximum credit six units applicable to a master's degree.
799A. Thesis or Project (3) Cr/NC/SP
Prerequisites: An officially appointed thesis committee and
advancement to candidacy. Drama 795 (Practicum in Theatre Arts) is
a prerequisite if the student elects the preparation of a project.
Preparation of a project report or thesis for the master's degree.
799B. Thesis or Project Extension (0) Cr/NC
Prerequisite: Prior registration in Thesis or Project 799A with an
assigned grade symbol of SP.
Registration required in any semester or term following assignment of SP in Course 799A in which the student expects to use the facilities and resources of the university; also student must be registered in the course when the completed thesis is granted final approval.
