Program Overview
The Master of Fine Arts in Theatre is a three-year program that offers advanced training in various theatre disciplines, including performance, design, stage management, and technical direction. Students receive comprehensive training and work alongside professionals in the Nevada Conservatory Theatre. The program emphasizes collaboration and prepares graduates for careers in the professional theatre and entertainment industry.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Master of Fine Arts in Theatre is a three-year program offering advanced subplans in Costume, Lighting, Scenic, Technical Direction, Performance, and Stage Management. Actors, designers, stage managers, and technicians receive comprehensive and specialized training in preparation for careers in the professional theatre and the broader entertainment industry. While deeply committed to the individual theatre artist, the program fosters and encourages an integrated and collaborative approach to theatre. Graduate students are provided opportunities through the department's Nevada Conservatory Theatre to work alongside national and international theatre professionals in all disciplines. Courses in related areas of study such as entertainment engineering and design, dance, music, film and/or other disciplines approved by subplan advisors are encouraged for graduate students to meet the ever expanding expectations of the entertainment industry.
Outline:
Design and Technology Track
- Costume Design
- Lighting Design
- Scenic Design
- Technical Direction
Performance Track
- Performance
Stage Management Track
Assessment:
- Communication Techniques: verbal and visual communication techniques that include public speaking, clear written presentation of ideas and concepts, the use of concentration appropriate visual aids.
- Production Skills: appropriate for the desired concentration that may include; audition, staging, rehearsal techniques, learning lines, practicing scenes, performance etiquette, design and construction skills used in the lighting, scenery, and costume production studios, collaboration, and time management.
- Build the experiential portfolio through theoretical classroom study and creation as well as participation in production and performance assignments.
- Professional preparation: self-marketing as is timely and appropriate in their program that may include auditioning, resume construction, portfolio presentation, and networking.
- The ability to study and analyze plays; have an understanding of historic context of dramatic structure, genre, style, and direction through the study of plays and theatre history.
- An understanding of the contextual importance of theatre in the humanities, in the fine arts and part of the human experience.
Teaching:
- Advanced Acting Technique
- Acting Styles
- Advanced Voice, Movement & Speech Technique
- Musical Theatre Skills
- Professional Preparation
- Principles of Dramatic Structure and Script Analysis
- Theatre History and Dramatic Literature
Careers:
- Common Principles of Professional Stage Management
- Directing and Acting
- Stage Technology and Design
- Theatre Management, Production Management and Collaboration
- Union Regulations and Legal Aspects of the Fine Arts
- Aspects of Management Peculiar to Las Vegas Production
