DEPARTMENT OF DRAMA (DRAM) D. Andrew Gibbs Degrees Conferred: M.A., M.F.A. (DRAM)
The graduate program in drama provides a general course of advanced studies within the areas of acting, directing, theory and criticism, design, and history. It aims to develop in students a high level of understanding and competence in theatre and drama. Graduates of the program are prepared to move into a variety of occupations or to proceed to doctoral studies or advanced conservatory training in performance and design. Prerequisites to Degree Programs: A student entering graduate studies in the Department of Drama should have a minimum of 24 semester hours in undergraduate drama/theatre credit. In the event a student does not satisfy this requirement, the student and an adviser will assess the student's needs and establish a plan of study which will prepare the student for advanced degree work. Before being granted full admission, the student must take the Graduate Record Examination. The test should be taken prior to the beginning of graduate studies or, if this is not possible, during the first term of residency. Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree: Thesis Option: 24 semester hours in graduate-level course work including the following: Research Techniques in Drama, Dramatic Theory and Criticism, History of the Theatre I, History of the Theatre II, and History of the Theatre III. Additional hours may be selected from within the Department of Drama or, with the consent of the student's major adviser, from courses in a cognate field of study outside the Department of Drama. A thesis (6 semester hours credit) must be a written work approved by an examining committee. Non-Thesis Option: 30 semester hours in graduate-level course work including the following: Research Techniques in Drama, Dramatic Theory and Criticism, History of the Theatre I, History of the Theatre II, and History of the Theatre III, plus at least six additional semester hours in Drama Department courses. The remaining 9 semester hours may be taken within the Department of Drama or, with consent of the student's adviser, in a cognate field of study outside the Department. Students electing the non-thesis option will demonstrate a high level of proficiency in research and writing by submitting to the examining committee two major research papers. One of these papers will be theoretical or critical and one will be historical. The candidate must also demonstrate proficiency in a major production or research area as determined mutually by student and his or her adviser. The Comprehensive Examination: Students electing either the thesis or non-thesis option will demonstrate a thorough knowledge and understanding of drama and theatre by passing a written and oral comprehensive examination at the end of their course of studies. Please note that any departmental requirement may be waived by the faculty upon receipt of evidence of equivalent learning or skill resulting from earlier education or experience. Admission Procedures: In addition to complying with all Graduate School admission procedures, prospective students should submit to the Department of Drama a statement of goals and an example of research and writing carried out at the undergraduate level. Requirements for the Master of Fine Arts Degree: The Master of Fine Arts Degree in Drama is considered to be the terminal degree in the creative and performance aspects of Drama. It is awarded in recognition of professional-level achievement in drama as evidenced by successful fulfillment of a prescribed series of creative and academic requirements. Admission procedures: In addition to meeting the prerequisite requirements described above, all M.F.A. degree applicants will present an audition and/or portfolio for assessment and evaluation prior to consideration for acceptance. Degree requirements: The Master of Fine Arts degree requires 60 hours of approved graduate-level coursework that is focused in one of three study tracks: Performance (Acting and Directing), Playwriting or Design. Specific course requirements and related production requirements are determined in conference with the particular track advisor. All students will produce a thesis (6 hours credit) prior to graduation. This thesis will take the form of a performance, design or playwriting project with appropriate written research and documentation to support it. Both the proposed thesis project and the final product shall be subject to review and approval by the student's thesis committee. Each student will be reviewed annually. Departmental faculty will determine whether sufficient progress has been made to warrant continuation into the subsequent year of study and eventual graduation. A final examination will be administered to all graduating MFA students. This examination will allow students to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of theatre at a level appropriate to those who have reached the end of their particular course of studies. Transfer of credit may be considered for those students entering the M.F.A. program and to those already holding the M.A. degree in Drama. However, a minimum of 42 hours of graduate-level courses and four (4) regular semesters must be completed on the Fayetteville campus. Departmental requirements may be waived by the faculty in Drama only upon receipt of evidence of equivalent learning or skill resulting from earlier education or experience. Students not holding a Bachelor's degree in Drama may be required to take supplemental coursework and/or demonstrate proficiency in the creative areas of Drama.
COURSES: DRAMA (DRAM) DRAM406V Playwriting (1-3) (FA) A workshop course for students who wish to attempt original work in the dramatic form. (Same as ENGL 406) May be repeated for 9 hours. Prerequisite: junior standing. DRAM4533 Stage Lighting II (FA) Intensive study in the aesthetics and application of stage lighting design, with emphasis on specific production situations. Integration of theatrical lighting techniques with dance and music, will be stressed along with indepth study of lighting facilities and equipment. Practical application provided through departmental productions. Prerequisite: DRAM 3733 and senior standing or graduate standing. DRAM4603 Acting II (SP) Advanced theories and techniques of acting. Prerequisite: DRAM 1223 and DRAM 2653. DRAM4653 Scene Design I (SP, Odd years) Theory and practice in the art of scenic design, including historical and contemporary styles and procedures. Practical experience gained through work on departmental productions. Prerequisite: DRAM 1333. DRAM4663 Theatre Planning (IR) A study of significant theatre buildings, modern and historical, and their relationship to contemporary theatre planning. Practical application of theory through design problems and evaluation. Prerequisite: DRAM 4653. DRAM4673 Theatre Management (FA) Comprehensive study of arts management including personnel, budget audience analysis, fund raising, promotion, operations and organization for professional, academic and community theatre and related performance areas. Practical application through actual production experience in the University Theatre. Prerequisite: junior-level drama major. DRAM4773 Acting Shakespeare (FA, Even years) Work on the special techniques required for performance of the plays of special techniques required for performance of the plays of Shakespeare and his contemporaries. The cultural and theatrical context required for understanding the scripts. Special attention to the speaking of blank verse. Prerequisite: DRAM 4603. DRAM478V Theatre Workshop (1-6) (SU) Production of plays for public performance by all members of the workshop. Mornings are spent in instruction and laboratory work preparing sets, lighting, costumes, and properties. Afternoons are spent in instruction in acting and directing, rehearsal of plays in production. Special problems for graduate credit. Prerequisite: junior standing. DRAM4823 Theatre Graphics and Technology (FA, Even years) An advanced study in theatre drafting, drawing and rendering techniques, and model making skills. Prerequisite: DRAM 1223 and DRAM 1333. DRAM4833 Scene Painting (SP) A studio class in painting techniques for the theatre. Problems in color, textures, styles, and execution. Prerequisite: DRAM 1333. DRAM492V Internship (1-12) (IR) Supervised practice in the various arts and crafts of the theatre (e.g., full design responsibility for a box office management; actor apprenticeship in a professional company). Available only to those who have exhausted the regular curricular possibilities in the area of specialization. May be repeated for 12 hours. DRAM4953 Theatre Study in Britain (FA, SP, SU) Study of the components of stage production through attending and critiquing a wide variety of classical, modern, and avant garde theatre productions in England; includes tours of London and historical British sites and seminars with British theatre artists. DRAM5113 Scene Design II (SP) Major styles and trends in scene design in relation to periods of dramatic literature. Problems in period and contemporary scene design. Prerequisite: DRAM 4653. DRAM5123 Theatrical Design Rendering Techniques (FA, SP, SU) Investigation of drawing and painting methods and materials useful to theatrical designers. Integration of graphic communication with overall production conceptualization will be explored through examination of various theatre styles and periods. DRAM5133 Scene Design III (FA, SP, SU) Work in line, color, and composition using historical conventions as the basis for contemporary theatrical scenic statements. Prerequisite: graduate standing. DRAM5143 History of Decor for the Stage (FA, SP, SU) An overview of architectural decoration and its application to theatrical design from the Predynastic Period (4400-3200 B.C.) through the Art Deco period with references to contemporary decor. Prerequisite: graduate standing. DRAM5213 Costume Design (FA, SP, SU) Advanced study of the art and practice of stage costume design. Emphasis on the expression of character through costume. Development of rendering and research skills. Portfolio development. DRAM5223 Costume Design II (FA, SP, SU) Practical survey of historical costumes and the application of costume history to costume design for the theatre. Exploration of silhouettes, construction details, fabrics and accessories. Costume design and rendering emphasized. Prerequisite: DRAM 5213. DRAM5233 Costume Design III (FA, SP, SU) Advanced study of costume design including the areas of film, dance, and opera. Exploration of advanced rendering techniques and stylization. Development of portfolio and resume. Prerequisite: DRAM 5723. DRAM5243 Costume Technology I (FA, SP, SU) A series of projects focusing on methods of costume construction, pattern drafting techniques, millinery, mask making and fabric modification. Other topics may be included as determined by student needs. DRAM5253 Costume Technology II (FA, SP, SU) Advanced study in methods of costume construction and pattern making techniques with emphasis on tailoring, draping, corsetry and costumes crafts as determined by student needs. DRAM5263 Costume Shop Management (FA, SP, SU) Comprehensive study of costume shop management including physical space, equipment, personnel, budget and time management techniques. Practical application through actual production experience in the University Theatre. DRAM5333 Lighting III (FA, SP, SU) Advanced study of design, technology and production development collaboration involved in lighting at the professional level. Theatre, screen and architectural venues will be examined. Dance, musical theatre, legitimate drama and related lighting situations will be explored through class projects and laboratory exercises. Prerequisite: graduate standing. DRAM5353 Stage Lighting Technology (FA, SP, SU) The thorough examination of the technology of equipment that supports the art of stage lighting design: theory, operating principles and specification of lamps, fixtures, control systems and special effect hardware will be explored. Prerequisite: graduate standing. DRAM5403 Acting/Directing Theories (FA, SP, SU) Examination of the major forms of acting and directing techniques and theories. Practical application through analysis and scene work, with students functioning as both director and actor throughout the course. Prerequisite: graduate standing. DRAM5413 Graduate Acting Principles (FA, SP, SU) An intensive study and practical application of acting techniques. Emphasizes the integration of the physical, emotional, and intellectual life of the character through work on monologues, scenes and exercises. Prerequisite: graduate standing. DRAM5432 Graduate Stage Speech (FA, SP, SU) Training in skills of stage speech including voice production, resonance, articulation, facial structure, physical and vocal energy states and characterization. Standard American and selected European dialects. May be repeated for 4 hours. Prerequisite: graduate standing. DRAM5443 Graduate Acting: Period Styles (SP) Acting in relation to periods of dramatic literature and cultural influences. Prerequisite: DRAM 4603 and graduate standing. DRAM5453 Musical Theatre Performance (FA, SP, SU) Theory and techniques of performing a singing role for the theatre. Integrates acting and vocal techniques and examines the relationship between score and text. Prerequisite: graduate standing. DRAM5463 Audition Techniques (FA, SP, SU) A thorough study and practical application of audition skills and techniques. This course will equip the student with prepared audition pieces and experience in cold reading, on-camera work, and improvisation. The course also explores the practical needs of the actor; from how to get an audition to how to prepare a resume. Prerequisite: graduate standing. DRAM5473 Graduate Acting: Shakespeare (FA, SP, SU) Analysis of Shakespeare for performance; work on the special techniques required for performance of the plays of Shakespeare and his contemporaries; including cultural and theatrical contexts required for understanding the scripts. Prerequisite: graduate standing. DRAM5503 Research Techniques in Drama (FA) basic techniques of research and study in the fields of Drama and Theatre with consideration of the necessary interplay of intellectual and intuitive skills in mature artistry. Practice in the logical, semantic, and evidential work of scholarship and in the various research methodologies. DRAM5513 Graduate Playwriting: Realism (FA, SP, SU) Advanced theory and technique in playwriting emphasizing the realistic mode. Explorations into the manner of expression, plotting the action, and revealing multiple levels of meaning. May be repeated for 6 hours. DRAM5523 Graduate Playwriting: Non-Realism (FA, SP, SU) Advanced theory and technique in playwriting emphasizing non-traditional playwriting styles such as Expressionism, Surrealism, Epic Theatre and the American Musical. Prerequisite: graduate standing. DRAM5533 Graduate Playwriting: Special Projects (FA, SP, SU) Advanced study and practice in the area of playwriting. the area of concentration will be determined by the student's specific writing project(s). May be repeated for 6 hours. Prerequisite: graduate standing. DRAM558V New Script Ensemble (1-3) (FA, SP, SU) An interdisciplinary course for designers, actors, directors, and playwrights. An exploration of techniques and strategies for approaching the new script and realizing the distinctive elements pertinent to developing the new work. Prerequisite: graduate standing. DRAM5613 Graduate Directing: Realism (FA, SP, SU) Theory and technique of directing realistic drama: script analysis; spatial considerations of composition and picturization; development in production of the Aristotelian concepts of plot, character, thought, diction, music (sound), and spectacle. Prerequisite: graduate standing. DRAM562V Seminar in Dramatic Art (1-9) (FA, SP, SU) Research, discussion and projects focusing on a variety of topics including theatre management, advanced acting methods, and specialized periods in dramatic literature. Prerequisite: senior or graduate standing. DRAM5633 Graduate Directing: Non-Realism (FA, SP, SU) Theory and techniques of directing in non-realistic modes. Scene study in the areas of Classical Drama, Expressionism, Epic Theatre, Epic Realism and contemporary staging methods. Prerequisite: graduate standing. DRAM5653 Directing II (FA, SP) Advanced techniques of stage direction. Prerequisite: DRAM 3653 and graduate standing. DRAM5723 History of the Theatre I (FA) A comprehensive study of the theatre in different cultures and ages, as an institution, as an art, and as a vision of life. DRAM5733 History of the Theatre II (SP) A continuation of DRAM 5723. DRAM5753 History of the Theatre III (SP) An examination of history and theory of modern theatrical styles. Prerequisite: senior or graduate standing. DRAM5763 Dramatic Criticism (FA) Analysis of critical theories from Aristotle to the present; interrelationships of theatre disciplines as well as the influence of the church, state, and press on dramatic criticism. Prerequisite: senior or graduate standing. DRAM581V Theatre Production III (1-3) (FA, SP, SU) Participation in the process of production for the University Theatre mainstage at a supervisory level. Areas of involvement may include scenery, lighting, sound, makeup, marketing, etc. May be repeated for 6 hours. DRAM590V Independent Study (1-3) (FA, SP, SU) Individually designed and conducted programs of reading and reporting under guidance of a faculty member. DRAM591V Special Topics (1-3) (FA, SP, SU) Classes not listed in the regular curriculum, offered on demand on the basis of student needs and changes within the profession. DRAM592V Internship (1-12) (IR) Supervised practice in the various arts and crafts of the theatre (e.g. full design responsibility for a production; box office management; actor apprenticeship in a professional company). DRAM600V Master's Thesis (1-6) (FA, SP) Prerequisite: graduate standing. |