Theatre & Dance, Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
Program Overview
The MFA in Theatre and Dance is a terminal degree that provides advanced training in theatre and dance. The program offers three tracks: Theatre Performance, Theatre Design/Production, and Dance. Students can specialize in acting, musical theatre, directing, scene design, costume design, lighting design, sound design, technical direction, dance performance, or dance choreography. The program prepares students for careers as performers, choreographers, technicians, designers, educators, arts administrators, arts advocates, and leaders in the arts.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The MFA in Theatre and Dance is a terminal degree for creative artists and educators and provides training for increased professional competencies in the specialized areas of Theatre and Dance. The department offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to balance students' practical training with historical and socio-political context to prepare them as creative and scholarly practitioners in the performing arts. Students’ ability to think critically and act globally equips them with the necessary knowledge and skills to enter professional lives as performers, choreographers, technicians, designers, educators, arts administrators, arts advocates, and leaders in the arts. As a result, they emerge from the program with greater global, historical, racial, cultural, gender, and justice literacy in their fields.
Outline:
Theatre Performance Track
- Acting Specialization
- Core:
- Stage Dialects
- Stage Combat
- History of Western Theatre
- Perspectives in World Performance
- Advanced Theatre Speech
- Theatre Theory and Criticism
- Acting Specialization Electives:
- Musical Theatre Acting
- Acting Scene Studies
- Acting Styles
- Acting for Radio/TV
- Advanced Acting Techniques
- Advanced Movement I
- Advanced Movement II
- Musical Theatre Specialization
- Core:
- Musical Theatre Acting
- Music Theatre Acting II
- Musical Theatre History
- Private Voice for the Actor
- Advanced Movement I
- Advanced Movement II
- Musical Theatre Specialization Electives:
- Acting Scene Studies
- Acting Techniques
- Acting Styles
- Directing Specialization
- Core:
- Theatre Management
- Advanced Directing Methods
- Theatre Dramaturgy
- Design for Directors
- Advanced Directing Methods II
- Director/Designer Communication Seminar
- Directing Specialization Electives:
- Acting Scene Studies
- Acting Techniques
- Acting Styles
- Acting for Radio/TV
Theatre Design/Production Track
- Scene Design Specialization
- Core:
- Scene Design II
- Styles and Ornamentation
- Sound Design I
- Advanced Scene Painting
- Drawing and Rendering for the Theatre
- Advanced Design Laboratory
- Costume Design Specialization
- Core:
- Costume Design I
- Costume Design II
- Costume History
- Drawing and Rendering for the Theatre
- Advanced Design Laboratory
- Individual Study
- Lighting Design Specialization
- Core:
- Lighting Design II
- Sound Design I
- Advanced Stage Management
- Advanced Theatre Drafting
- Advanced Design Laboratory
- Virtual Lighting
- Sound Design Specialization
- Core:
- Sound Design I
- Sound Design II
- Advanced Theatre Drafting
- Advanced Design Laboratory
- Advanced Sound Technology: Digital Audio Systems
- Technical Direction Specialization
- Core:
- Technical Direction
- Sound Design I
- Advanced Theatre Drafting
- Advanced Technical Direction
- Advanced Design Laboratory
Dance Track
- Dance Performance Specialization
- Core:
- Dance Repertory
- Ind. Study: Choreographic Project
- Dance Performance Specialization Theatre Electives:
- Advanced Movement I
- Advanced Movement II
- Dance Performance Specialization General Electives:
- Any Discipline 500 - 699
- Dance Choreography Specialization
- Core:
- Dance Repertory
- Ind. Study: Choreographic Project
- Dance Composition
- Dance Choreography Specialization Theatre Electives:
- Advanced Movement I
- Advanced Movement II
- Dance Choreography Specialization General Electives:
- Any Discipline 500 - 699
Dance Track Electives:
- Topics in Dance
- Musical Theatre Acting
- Theatre Management
- Dance Production: Costumes
- Dance Production: Lighting
- Dance Production: Sound
- Perspectives in World Performance
- Musical Theatre History
- Advanced Acting Techniques
- Director/Designer Communication Seminar
Capstone Course:
- Thesis
Careers:
As a result of completing the program, students will be prepared to enter professional lives as performers, choreographers, technicians, designers, educators, arts administrators, arts advocates, and leaders in the arts.
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Overview:
Minnesota State University, Mankato is a public university located in Mankato, Minnesota. It is known for its supportive community and commitment to providing high-impact educational experiences and real-world opportunities for its students. The university emphasizes its dedication to student success and empowering them to make a positive impact on the world.
Services Offered:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at Minnesota State University, Mankato can expect a vibrant campus life with numerous opportunities for engagement. The university offers a wide range of student organizations, clubs, and activities, including:
Campus Recreation:
Provides opportunities for fitness, recreation, and social interaction.Centennial Student Union:
Serves as a hub for student activities, events, and services.Career Development Center:
Offers resources and support for career exploration, job searching, and professional development.Housing:
Provides various on-campus residence communities for students.Diversity, Equity and Inclusion:
Promotes a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.Health and Safety:
Offers resources and services to ensure the well-being and safety of students.Key Reasons to Study There:
High-Impact Educational Experiences:
The university provides students with opportunities for real-world learning, research, and community engagement.Real-World Opportunities:
Students have access to internships, job shadowing, and other experiences that prepare them for their chosen careers.Supportive Community:
The university fosters a sense of belonging and provides students with the support they need to succeed.Strong Academic Programs:
Minnesota State University, Mankato offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including specialized accreditations and certifications.National Leader in Undergraduate Research:
The university is recognized for its commitment to undergraduate research and provides students with opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge research.Academic Programs:
Minnesota State University, Mankato offers over 130 undergraduate areas of study and over 75 graduate areas of study. The university also has a strong focus on online and off-campus programs, with over 50 options available.
Other:
- The university has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, with a dedicated Multicultural Center and LGBT Center.
- Minnesota State University, Mankato has a large alumni network with over 120,000 alumni worldwide.
- The university is a member of the Minnesota State system of colleges and universities.
