The School of Theatre & Dance provides a lively theatre production environment and academic program that is positive, supportive, and rigorous in its expectations of graduate students. The goal of professional training at an advanced level is to prepare the student artist for a career in professional theatre or theatre education. Graduate students are given opportunities to teach in labs, shops, studios, and in the classroom because we recognize that teaching one's art has become an integral, beneficial, and often necessary part of the professional artist's career. Teaching also further develops the students' understanding of their own craft and theory.
All programs in the School of Theatre & Dance are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST) and we are a participating member of the Association for Theatre in Higher Education (ATHE) and an organizational member of the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT). The School of Theatre & Dance is one of four programs--Art, Media Arts, Music, and Theatre & Dance--within the College of Visual and Performing Arts. The School has an average enrollment of 240 undergraduate students and 12 graduate students. The teaching staff consists of 14 full-time faculty, several adjunct faculty, and a professional production staff of three. All staff and faculty are active artists and scholars in their respective areas of expertise.
Other distinctive features of the School include the Montana Repertory Theatre (MRT), a nationally touring professional company in residence at The University of Montana. MRT operates under an agreement with Actors' Equity Association and U/RTA. Graduate students often have opportunities to interact and work with MRT.
Program
Degree Offered
Theatre
MA
Theatre (Acting)
MFA
Theatre (Design/Technology)
MFA
Theatre (Directing)
MFA
Degrees Offered
Master of Arts in Theatre (MA/THTR)
Requirements
30 credits
This program is designed for those seeking preparation for a PhD or MFA degree, as well as for experienced and certified secondary school- or community college-level teachers who wish to complete intensive academic coursework in theatre.
A basic core of theatre and critical-analysis courses is required, plus the designation of one of two possible areas of emphasis as selected in consultation with the student's advisor:
Performance Theory and Criticism
Teaching
Students who are admitted to the MA program must demonstrate that they have an appropriate accredited undergraduate degree and a working knowledge of basic theatre theory and practice. The program typically takes two years to complete: three semesters of coursework and one semester to write/defend the selected written requirement.
Candidates must select one of three options: 24 semester graduate credits and a thesis, 27 graduate credits and a professional paper, or 27 graduate credits and a theratre practice project. Submission of a written analysis and assessment is required at the conclusion of a theatre practice project.
The MA in theatre accepts candidates every year, preferably in the fall semester.
All MFA programs in Theatre require a Final Creative Project in addition to the above-listed credit requirements.
Acting
Requirements
The MFA in acting is tailored for individuals with a solid undergraduate background in theatre and acting experience who seek professional careers in acting and/or teaching. A three-year residency features training in acting, voice, and movement, with some training in directing and related skills. There is also supervised teaching experience. 66 semester graduate credits are required for the degree. Submission of a written analysis and assessment is required at the conclusion of the Final Creative Project.
A prospective student is expected to have a solid general background in theatre. A BFA, BA or equivalent theatre experience is helpful, though not mandatory.
The MFA in acting accepts candidates every three years. Applications for the MFA in acting will be accepted during Fall Term 2014 for admission in Fall 2015.
The MFA in design/technology is a three-year program combining professional instruction and practical experience. Program emphases are offered in scenery, costumes, and lighting. Each program is under the direct guidance of a full-time faculty member with the support of professional staff. All programs are structured on student involvement in the design or production process of a seven-show season including contemporary, historical, period and experimental plays, musicals, and dance productions.
The curriculum is designed to fully develop the technical skills and the artistic abilities of each student. Sequences are offered in scenic design, drawing and drafting, costume design and construction, and lighting/sound design, which are followed by advanced work and independent study in the student's area of concentration. Students are required to complete coursework in several areas of theatrical production. Electives are offered each semester to allow a more concentrated study in areas such as properties, decor, technical direction, and dyeing and painting. All graduate students are expected to be involved in some supervised teaching as part of their professional training. 60 semester graduate credits are required for the degree. The MFA degree in design/technology culminates with a two-part Final Creative Project in the student's area of concentration. Submission of a written anlaysis and assessment is required at the conclusion of the Final Creative Project.
A prospective student is expected to have a solid general background in theatre. A BFA, BA, or equivalent theatre experience is helpful, though not mandatory.
The MFA program in design/technology accepts candidates every year, preferably in the fall semester.
The MFA in directing is a professional degree program that offers preparation to the student seeking a directing and/or teaching career in the theatre. The core of the program is a directing sequence promoting a progressive development from the basics of proscenium staging, analysis and acting process through advanced conceptual approach, and finally styles. Paralleling this sequence of courses is a graduated series of directing projects ranging from classroom and laboratory exercises to supported showcases and a final mainstage production. The three-year residency includes some training in acting and related skills. There is also supervised teaching expereince. 66 semester graduate credits are required for the degree. Submission of a written analysis and assessment is required at the conclusion of the Final Creative Project.
A prospective student is expected to have a solid general background in theatre. A BFA, BA, or equivalent theatre experience is helpful, though not mandatory.
The MFA in directing accepts candidates every three years. Applications for the MFA in directing will be accepted during Fall Term 2014 for admission in Fall 2015.
Fall--Priority will be given to complete application packets postmarked by January 31. Complete application packets received after this date will be considered on a space-available basis.
Applications are accepted every year.
Master of Fine Arts in Theatre, Acting
Fall - Priority will be given to complete application packets postmarked by January 31. Complete application packets received after this date will be considered on a space-available basis. On-campus auditions/interviews are strongly recommended and are scheduled by invitation in February/March.
Applications will be accepted during the 2014-2015 academic year for entry into the program in Fall 2015.
Master of Fine Arts in Theatre, Design/Technology
Fall - Priority will be given to complete application packets postmarked by March 1. Complete application packets received after this date will be considered on a space-available basis.
Spring - Priority will be given to complete application packets postmarked by November 1. Complete application packets received after this date will be considered on a space-available basis.
Applications are accepted every year.
Master of Fine Arts in Theatre, Directing
Fall - Priority will be given to complete application packets postmarked by January 31. Complete application packets received after this date will be considered on a space-available basis. On-campus demonstrations/interviews are strongly recommended and are scheduled by invitation in February/March.
Applications will be accepted during the 2014-2015 academic year for entry into the program in Fall 2015.
1b. Application Materials
Instructions for applying to the Graduate School are in the Applying for Admission section on this website.
In addition to the application materials required by the Graduate School, the School of Theatre & Dance also requires:
Master of Arts in Theatre -
Letter of intent indicating specialty, objectives, strengths, etc.
Complete resume.
A writing sample, preferably a research paper or critical analysis, of at least 10 pages.
Interview with the MA Advisor and at least one additional member of the Theatre & Dance faculty.
Three letters of recommendation (We prefer electronic
submission through the Admission Application. If the electronic method is used
there is no need to send paper copies to the department.)
Master of Fine Arts in Theatre, Acting
Letter of intent indicating specialty, objectives, strengths, etc.
Complete resume and headshot.
Audition: two contrasting monologues (one classical and one contemporary) of no more than four minutes total.
In-person auditions/interviews are strongly preferred, but other arrangements may be made when necessary.
Three letters of recommendation (We prefer electronic
submission through the Admission Application. If the electronic method is used
there is no need to send paper copies to the department.)
Master of Fine Arts in Theatre, Design/Technology
Letter of intent indicating specialty, objectives, strengths, etc.
Complete resume.
A design portfolio and/or color slides. THESE WILL ONLY BE RETURNED WITH INCLUSION OF SELF-ADDRESSED AND PREPAID PACKAGING.
Interview with the Head of Design/Technology and at least one additional member of the Theatre & Dance faculty/staff.
Three letters of recommendation (We prefer electronic
submission through the Admission Application. If the electronic method is used
there is no need to send paper copies to the department.)
Master of Fine Arts in Theatre, Directing
Letter of intent indicating specialty, objectives, strengths, etc.
Complete resume.
Statement of Directing Philosophy.
A "production notebook" from a recent production in which the applicant was involved and a sample analysis of a play. THESE WILL ONLY BE RETURNED WITH INCLUSION OF SELF-ADDRESSED AND PREPAID PACKAGING.
Demonstration of directing technique via scene selected by Head of Acting/Directing.
In-person auditions/interviews are strongly preferred, but other arrangements my be made when necessary.
Three letters of recommendation (We prefer electronic
submission through the Admission Application. If the electronic method is used
there is no need to send paper copies to the department.)
2. Program Requirements for Admission
Applicants are expected to have the equivalent of an undergraduate degree in theatre including coursework in acting, stagecraft, dramatic literature, theatre history and design/technical areas.
Placement in all graduate programs is determined through creative work, past experience, and the student's personal and professional goals.
For additional information about financial assistance, see the Financial Information section on this website.
Teaching Assistantships
A number of teaching and production scholarships and teaching assistantships are available to qualified applicants who have been admitted to the graduate program. These are awarded annually on a competitive basis and are renewable depending on the candidate's progress and job performance and the instruction needs of the program. All applicants are considered for these awards. Students need not apply under separate cover. Teaching assistants are required to register for nine credits each semester.
