Mar 28, 2024  
2015-2016 Graduate Catalog 
    
2015-2016 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Theatre Arts MA, Theatre Studies Specialization


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Theatre Studies
The theatre studies specialization is specifically designed for students with career goals in dramaturgy, teaching in higher education, or pursuing a PhD in theatre history, research, literature, or criticism. The program is designed to build the research and analytical skills needed for an academic career in theatre. This Resident Program focuses on the dramaturgical aspects of production, as well as individual scholarly interests related to theatre arts. With opportunities to both teach and undertake research projects in theatre, this program offers the perfect blend of pedagogy and theory needed to prepare students for careers as theatre scholars. A limited number of teaching or research assistantships are available to qualified candidates for the academic year. Out-of-state tuition waivers are also available to qualified candidates.

Admission Requirements
Theatre Studies Specialization

Incoming candidates are expected to meet both the requirements for admission to the graduate programs at Central and the following requirements:

  • A writing sample, preferably in the discipline, of at least five pages.
  • Permission of the faculty, which may include prerequisite or background courses.

The GRE is required for admission to this specialization and a foreign language is required as a graduation requirement. 

Graduate Assistantships
A limited number of teaching or research assistantships are available to qualified candidates for the academic year. Assistantships are appointed by the dean of Graduate Studies and Research upon recommendation of the department chair. No assistantship covers summer programs.

Assistantship applications must be completed by February 16 in order to insure full consideration; applicants should submit all materials required by the Office of Graduate Studies and Research. Contact them at (509) 963-3101 to request application materials or visit www.cwu.edu/masters.

Theatre Arts MA Core


Total Required Core Credits: 13


Theatre Studies Specialization


The theatre studies specialization is designed to build the research and analytical skills students will need for academic careers in theatre.
Through opportunities for hands-on dramaturgical experience, teaching, and theatre research, this program offers the perfect blend of theory and practice needed to prepare students for entry into PhD programs, begin teaching careers, and/or professional theatre dramaturgical positions for which they are well qualified.

The program is offered entirely during the academic year requiring a minimum two academic year residency or equivalent.
 

Program Requirements
A minimum of 45 credits is required for the theatre studies specialization. Thesis credits are included in the minimum. An oral examination and defense of the thesis is required.

In addition to the MA Theatre coreof 13 credits, the student must complete the following:

Required Courses


Component 1: Research and History


Component 2: Dramatic Literature


Select a minimum of 10 credits from the following:

Component 3: Focal Area


Select a minimum of 9 credits of the following:

Component 4: Foreign Language


In order to place students in the best position possible for entry into nationally recognized PhD programs, a minimum of two years of at least one foreign language at the undergraduate level with a minimum grade of B or higher in all terms is required. This may be completed prior to admission or while enrolled in the Theatre Studies Program.

Total Required Courses Credits: 32


Total Credits: 45


Theatre Arts Department Graduate Information


College of Arts and Humanities
Ellensburg
McConnell Hall, room 102
Mail Stop 7460
509-963-1750
Fax: 509-963-1767
email: theatre@cwu.edu
www.cwu.edu/theatre
    See the website for how this program may be used for educational and career purposes.

Faculty and Staff
Chair

Scott R. Robinson, MFA

Professors
Scott R. Robinson, MFA, chair, theatre management
Michael J. Smith, MFA, head of performance, dialect, acting for the camera

Associate Professors
Christina Barrigan, MFA, head of design, resident lighting designer
George W. Bellah, 3rd, MFA, movement, performance, stage combat, Asian drama
Terri Brown, PhD, head of music theatre, history, literature and music theatre
David Brown, MM, musical director, music theory
Marc Haniuk, MFA, resident scenic designer

Assistant Professors
Patrick Dizney, MFA, voice, performance

Senior Lecturer
Jerry Dougherty, MFA, stage and production management

Lecturers
David Barnett, MFA, McConnell stage manager, scene shop manager, technical director
Matthieu Chapman, PhD, theatre and performance studies
Joshua Legate, MA, light shop manager
Meredith Magoun, MFA, costume design and technology
M. Catherine McMillen, BA, costume shop manager, wigs and makeup
Joseph Sasnett, BFA, voice instructor
Megan Smith, BFA, dance instructor, choreographer
Jason Tucholke, MFA, sound design and technology

Staff
Gwen Bruce, fiscal technician II
Mary Makins, secretary senior

Department Information
Students must choose one of two specializations: theatre production or theatre studies.

Theatre Studies
The theatre studies specialization is specifically designed for students with career goals in dramaturgy, teaching in higher education, or pursuing a PhD in theatre history, research, literature, or criticism. The program is designed to build the research and analytical skills needed for an academic career in theatre. This Resident Program focuses on the dramaturgical aspects of production, as well as individual scholarly interests related to theatre arts. With opportunities to both teach and undertake research projects in theatre, this program offers the perfect blend of pedagogy and theory needed to prepare students for careers as theatre scholars.

A limited number of teaching or research assistantships are available to qualified candidates for the academic year. Out-of-state tuition waivers are also available to qualified candidates.

Theatre Production
The theatre production specialization is specifically designed for the working middle and secondary school teacher who produces plays and would like to obtain an advanced degree through hands-on courses in a program offered entirely during the summer months, within the context of the Summer Institute for Theatre Arts. Options of a blend of summer and academic year models are options, under advisement of the department. This may make the earning of and MA possible in an eighteen-month period.

Graduate Assistantships
A limited number of teaching or research assistantships are available to qualified candidates for the academic year. Assistantships are appointed by the dean of Graduate Studies and Research upon recommendation of the department chair.
Assistantship applications must be completed by February 16 in order to insure full consideration; applicants should submit all materials required by the Office of Graduate Studies and Research. Contact them at (509) 963-3101 to request application materials or visit www.cwu.edu/masters.

College of Arts and Humanities Information


Administration and Organization

Dean
Stacey Robertson, PhD (Hebeler Hall, room 202)

Interim Associate Dean
Katharine Whitcomb, PhD (Hebeler Hall, room 202)

Mail Stop 7518
509-963-1858
Fax: 509-963-1851
www.cwu.edu/arts/

Overview
The College of Arts and Humanities (CAH) is comprised of 12 departments and programs, which represent the disciplines of the arts and humanities. All of the departments and some of the programs of CAH offer undergraduate degrees as well as minors which supplement other degree programs. Five departments offer Master’s degrees. In addition to its role in providing degree programs, CAH is responsible for many of the course offerings of the general education programs as well as extensive service coursework for the entire university. The college also plays a major role in Central’s teacher education programs, offering bachelors and master’s degrees for students preparing to be secondary teachers and providing coursework in educational foundations and discipline-specific methods for teacher education majors. Building on a legacy of teaching excellence, college faculty are engaged in research, creative activities and service, involving students in the scholarship and practical applications of their various academic specializations, while making important contributions to the intellectual tradition and to society at large. There are no special requirements for admission to the college, but some departments have requirements that are described under the respective department and program headings in the catalog.

Mission
The College of Arts and Humanities advances knowledge, promotes intellectual inquiry, and cultivates creative endeavor among students and faculty through teaching informed by scholarship, creative activity, and public and professional involvement. We are committed to helping students develop intellectual and practical skills for responsible citizenship and the challenges of contemporary life in a global society. The college offers disciplinary and interdisciplinary programs of the highest quality, acts as a steward of the foundational disciplines upon which all inquiry is based, and serves as a cultural center for arts and humanities for the university and the region.

Vision
The College of Arts and Humanities will be recognized as a distinguished learning community known regionally for scholarly and creative excellence, innovative, and rigorous foundational liberal arts education, and undergraduate and graduate programs that are outstanding and unique in the state.

Departments and Programs
Africana and Black Studies Program: Bobby Cummings, PhD (Michaelsen Hall, room 104)
Art: Gregg Schlanger, MFA (Randall Hall, room 100)
Asia/Pacific Studies Program: Jeffrey Dippman, PhD (Language and Literature Bldg., room 337C)
Communication: Marji Morgan, PhD (Bouillon Hall, room 232A)
English: George Drake, PhD (Language and Literature Bldg., room 423)
Film and Video Studies Program: Liahna Armstrong, PhD  and Jon Ward (Bouillon Hall, room 225)
History: Jason Knirck, PhD (Language and Literature Bldg., room 100)
Latino and Latin American Studies Program: Stella Moreno, PhD (Language and Literature Bldg., room 102J)
Music: Todd Shiver, DMA (Jerilyn S. McIntyre Music Building, room 144)
Philosophy and Religious Studies: Matthew Altman, PhD (Language and Literature Bldg., room 337)
Theatre Arts: Scott Robinson, MFA (McConnell Hall, room 106)
World Languages: Laila Abdalla, PhD (Language and Literature Bldg., room 102)

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