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 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 |
Requirements
The MA is oriented toward students who have a commitment to the scholarly study of theatre and who plan to pursue future graduate work or further their academic training for teaching in the discipline of theatre. A basic core of courses is required, plus the designation of an emphasis in either teaching or performance theory and criticism. The program typically takes two years to complete; three semesters of coursework and one semester to write the thesis or complete and document the Special Project.
Students may take up to 15 credits in courses outside the School. Students may count up to six credits toward those required for the degree and may take up to nine credits of Graduate Independent Study.
Candidates must select one of two options: 30 semester graduate credits and a thesis or 36 semester graduate credits and a Professional Paper/Special Project. Submission of a written analysis and assessment is required at the conclusion of a Special Project.
The MA in theatre accepts one or two new students each year.Contact
Jere Hodgin, Head, Acting/Directing Division
(406) 243-2877
jere.hodgin@umontana.edu
Acting
Design/Technology
Directing
Requirements
Acting: 66 credits
Design/Technology: 60 credits
Directing: 66 credits
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 supervised teaching experience. 66 semester graduate credits are required for the degree.
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 three-year residency includes some training in directing and related skills, as well as supervised teaching. Submission of a written analysis and assessment is required at the conclusion of the Final Creative Project.
The MFA in acting accepts candidates every three years.
Contact
Jere Hodgin, Head, Acting/Directing Division
(406) 243-2877
jere.hodgin@umontana.edu
Requirements
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. The MFA degree in design/technology culminates with a two-part Final Creative Project in the student's area of concentration.
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. Admission to the MFA design/technology program is possible each year, preferably in the fall semester. 60 semester graduate credits are required for the degree.
Contact
Michael Monsos, Head, Design/Technology Division
(406) 243-5138
michael.monsos@umontana.edu
Requirements
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. 66 semester graduate credits are required for the degree.
A prospective student is expected to have a solid general background in theatre. A BFA, BA, or equivalent theatre experience is helpful, though not absolutely mandatory. The three-year residency includes some training in acting and related skills, as well as supervised teaching. Submission of a written analysis and assessment is required at the conclusion of the Final Creative Project.
The MFA in directing accepts candidates every three years.Contact
Jere Hodgin, Head, Acting/Directing Division
(406) 243-2877
jere.hodgin@umontana.edu
Master of Arts in Theatre -
Master of Fine Arts in Theatre, Acting -
Master of Fine Arts in Theatre, Design/Technology -
Master of Fine Arts in Theatre, Directing -
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 -
Master of Fine Arts in Theatre, Acting -
In-person auditions/interviews are strongly preferred, but other arrangements may be made when necessary. To arrange for a campus visit, please contact the Theatre & Dance office at umtheatredance@umontana.edu.
Master of Fine Arts in Theatre, Design/Technology -
Master of Fine Arts in Theatre, Directing -
In-person auditions/interviews are strongly preferred, but other arrangements may be made when necessary. To arrange for a campus visit, please contact the Theatre & Dance office at umtheatredance@umontana.edu.
Placement in all graduate programs is determined through creative work, past experience, and the student's personal and professional goals.
See the International Student Admission section on this website.
For additional information about financial assistance, see the Financial Information section on this website.
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.
|
Theatre |
|---|
Campus Location
Performing Arts and Radio/Television Center, Room 196
Street Address
32 Campus Drive
Mail Stop 8136
Missoula, MT 59812
(406) 243-4481
Fax: (406) 243-5726
umtheatredance@umontana.edu
Graduate Program Coordinators
Jere Hodgin, Acting/Directing
Mike Monsos, Design/Technology
