Theatre Production Specialization
The theatre production specialization is designed to prepare teachers to teach and produce theatre. Courses include the study of theatre technology, acting and movement skills, literature and theory, in the context of theatre history, supervised practice in directing plays, musicals, and pedagogical theory.
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 will be required to register for thesis credits during the academic year. Residency requirement for this program is fulfilled over three summers.
Program Requirements
A minimum of 45 credits is required for the theatre production specialization. The creative project (thesis) required is a full production of a play or musical at an approved outside venue - usually the candidate’s school, 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 venue. An oral examination and defense of the creative project (thesis) is required and is scheduled the quarter following the realized project. The oral exam/project defense can be held on campus or via electronic conferencing through a committee-approved provider such as Skype or Google Hangout.
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; a maximum of 9 credits can be accepted from other institutions.
Theatre Endorsement in Washington State
Meeting the state standards, under department advisement, is required to fulfill the theatre endorsement in Washington State. To earn the Washington State endorsement in Theatre the candidate must successfully complete all the standards set forth by the state - this is documented by successful completion of all Theatre Production program requirements, or evaluations, creative project and oral examination - and successfully pass the WEST-E examination. The Praxis or equivalent test may be required to complete certification in other states.
In addition to the MA Theatre core of 13 credits, the student must complete the following: