Theatre Production Specialization

The Theatre Production specialization is designed to prepare English and drama teachers to teach and produce theatre in the secondary and middle schools. Required core courses are designed specifically for the secondary school setting and include study in stage technology, teaching acting skills, acquiring basic learning in dramatic literature and history, supervised practice in directing plays and musicals, compiling classroom activities, and creating a curriculum for drama program development.

The program is offered almost entirely in the summer months within the context of the Summer Institute for Theatre Arts. Some graduate study is available during the regular school year. It should be noted that students may find it necessary to register for thesis credits during the academic year.

Program Requirements
A minimum of 56 credits is required for the degree specialization. Creative project (thesis) credits may be included in the minimum. The creative project (thesis) required is a full production of a play or musical at an approved outside venue, or an approved process drama project with written documentation, director’s book, and video submitted to the department. The candidate’s graduate committee which consists of three faculty members selected by the candidate, will select a member, usually the chair, who will view the production in performance at the candidate’s theatre. An oral examination and defense of the creative project (thesis) is required.

A maximum of 15 graduate credits earned within the previous four years at CWU may be applied to the program. The department and the university reserve the right to determine the acceptability of other transfer credit from any institution. Of the 56 credits required, 40 must be at the 500 level. Prerequisites required for admission to the program may not be applied.

Theatre Production Specialization required courses:
In addition to the MA core of 15 course credits, students must complete the following: