Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) Major in Theatre (Directing Concentration)

TH 5190. Collaborative Practicum 1.

This course provides students with applied experience in collaborative processes used in directing, designing, and producing live entertainment events. Students study communication methods, documentation practices, and workflow strategies that support effective teamwork across creative and technical roles. Coursework emphasizes analyzing how decisions are made within collaborative environments and applying structured processes for developing and presenting design materials. Through supervised practicum work, students observe and participate in production meetings, refine methods for contributing to creative teams, and investigate how collaboration supports artistic and logistical outcomes in live performance contexts.

TH 5290. Collaborative Practicum 2.

This course examines collaborative practices central to directing, design, and production work in live entertainment. Students engage in practical experiences that highlight communication models, project organization, and the integration of artistic and technical information across a creative team. Coursework emphasizes studying workflow processes, preparing appropriate materials for production meetings, and evaluating how collaborative decisions influence artistic and logistical outcomes. Through guided practicum activities, students apply collaborative methods, observe group dynamics, and participate in structured discussions that support design development.

TH 5301. Drama Research.

This course examines research methods used in the study of drama and performance, emphasizing historical, critical, descriptive, and experimental approaches. Students analyze methodological frameworks, evaluate sources, and practice techniques for gathering, organizing, and interpreting scholarly material. Coursework introduces conventions of academic writing in theatre studies, including research documentation, argument development, and report formats. Through applied research tasks, students investigate how methodological choices shape scholarly inquiry and develop skills for conducting graduate level research in dramaturgy, history, criticism, or related areas of theatre studies.

TH 5302. Text Analysis, Research and Interpretation.

This course examines methods of dramatic text analysis, including inductive, deductive, structural, and methodological approaches. Students study research strategies used in theatrical production and investigate how interpretive choices influence staging and design considerations. Coursework includes the examination of dramatic theories, genres, and traditions and emphasizes analyzing conflict, character, action, given circumstances, images, and thematic elements within plays. Readings include a range of dramatic works alongside primary and secondary scholarship. Students apply analytical and research techniques to understand how textual evidence informs production planning and interpretive decision making.

TH 5303. Collaborative Theatre.

This course examines collaborative practices, processes, and methodologies used in devising theatre. Students investigate techniques for generating original material, integrating multiple creative elements, and supporting ensemble based creation across artistic disciplines. Emphasis is placed on analyzing how visual, physical, textual, spatial, and aural components contribute to meaning making in devised performance. Through structured exercises, research, and iterative development processes, students study collaborative creation, documentation, and refinement strategies. Students apply devising methods within supervised ensemble contexts to evaluate how creative choices shape emerging performance structures.

TH 5304. Web Series Creation.

This course examines techniques used in the creation and development of web-based episodic content. Students study approaches to scriptwriting, narrative structure, visual planning, and production workflows relevant to short form digital media. The curriculum also introduces strategies for preparing material for online publication, including basic considerations of distribution platforms, audience engagement, and promotional communication. Through analysis of existing web series and applied creative exercises, students investigate how writing, production, and publication decisions shape digital storytelling. Coursework emphasizes studying industry practices, developing production materials, and applying research to support the planning and execution of an original web series concept.

TH 5305. Web Series Creation II.

This course examines advanced methods for producing web based episodic content as a continuation of prior study in digital storytelling. Students investigate production workflows, collaborative structures, and decision making processes involved in creating a multi episode web series. Coursework emphasizes analyzing visual planning, directing choices, editing strategies, and organizational practices that support production. Students study distribution platforms and publication considerations to understand how online environments shape project development. Through guided work, students apply production concepts to develop materials for an original web series project while documenting processes and evaluating how creative and technical decisions affect digital media outcomes. Prerequisite: TH 5304 with a grade of "C" or better.

TH 5306. Fundamentals of Environment for the Stage.

This course examines processes and techniques used to develop the stage environment within live production contexts. Students study how scenic and lighting designers analyze scripts, conduct research, and apply design principles to shape performance spaces. Coursework emphasizes shared vocabulary, collaborative communication, and problem solving approaches used in the early phases of design. Through theoretical and studio-based exercises, students investigate methods for organizing imagery, exploring spatial relationships, and preparing visual compositions. Students focus on applying graphic techniques and presentation strategies that support communication with directors, performers, and production teams.

TH 5307. Fundamentals of Character for the Stage.

This course examines processes and techniques used by directors and costume designers to develop theatrical characters within live production contexts. Students study analytical methods, research practices, and collaborative communication strategies that inform character development. Coursework emphasizes identifying given circumstances, actions, and contextual factors that influence character choices, and explores how visual, textual, and conceptual information contributes to production planning. Through theoretical exercises and studio-based activities, students practice assembling imagery, organizing reference materials, and presenting character concepts using graphic and verbal communication tools.

TH 5310. Graduate Assistant Development.

This course provides structured training for graduate teaching and instructional assistants through the study of professional responsibilities and foundational pedagogical practices in higher education. Students examine research supported approaches to lesson design, classroom communication, student engagement, and assessment. Coursework emphasizes analyzing instructional methods, examining the purposes of routines and management structures, and developing skills for planning and facilitating effective learning experiences. Through guided activities, students study factors that influence teaching practice and explore strategies for supporting learner needs in academically neutral, evidence based ways.

TH 5312. Collaborative Theory.

This course provides an analytical study of collaborative processes used in theatrical production, focusing on the relationships, communication structures, and shared vocabularies that support creative teamwork. Students examine how directors, designers, stage managers, technicians, and performers exchange information and coordinate tasks across all phases of production. Coursework emphasizes research supported approaches to collaboration, including workflow organization, documentation standards, meeting structures, and decision making strategies. Through practical analysis, students investigate how collaborative environments influence problem solving, design development, and production efficiency.

TH 5313. History of Directing and Scenography.

This course provides a historical survey of directing and scenographic practices with emphasis on major productions, figures, and stylistic developments of the 20th and 21st centuries. Students examine how cultural, technological, and artistic contexts influenced the evolution of staging, visual composition, and collaborative production methods. Through analysis of selected works and practitioners, the course explores shifts in directing approaches, scenographic conventions, and production practices across global theatre movements. Coursework emphasizes investigation, comparison, and critical examination of historical materials to support students’ understanding of how contemporary directing and design practices draw from earlier traditions.

TH 5314. History of Material Culture - Pre 20th Century.

This course examines material culture and its relationships to theatrical production from the Greco Roman era through the early nineteenth century. Students study architecture, interiors, clothing, performance traditions, and technological developments as cultural artifacts that shape dramatic practices. Emphasis is placed on research methods, primary source evaluation, and contextual analysis that links physical objects to broader social and artistic trends. Through written and visual research, students develop a historically informed understanding of how performance practices emerge from the material conditions of specific societies.

TH 5315. History of Material Culture - 20th and 21st Centuries.

This course examines material culture and its impact on theatre practices from the nineteenth century to the present. Students investigate architecture, interiors, clothing, and technical developments as they relate to performance traditions across geographical regions. Emphasis is placed on analyzing primary materials, visual sources, performance documentation, and historical scholarship. Coursework supports students in identifying major stylistic movements, comparing developments across cultures, and understanding how material conditions shape theatrical forms. Through research and analytical tasks, students build a foundation for historically informed approaches to contemporary design and performance practice.

TH 5316. Artist Brand Development & Management.

This course examines professional branding and career management strategies for practitioners in the live entertainment industry. Students learn methods for developing a cohesive artistic identity through digital presence, written materials, and portfolio components. Coursework introduces foundational business practices relevant to artistic work, including accounting, tax considerations, revenue tracking, and contract awareness. Students also study networking strategies, industry unions, and professional organizations to understand the structures that support creative labor. Through research and applied projects, students build tools for navigating professional environments and preparing for employment in a range of performance and design contexts.

TH 5317. Fine Arts Management for Educators.

This course provides an overview of management practices necessary for leading Fine Arts programs in educational settings. Students study strategic planning, budgeting, marketing, fundraising, and community engagement, with an emphasis on applying organizational frameworks rather than promoting specific administrative models. Students examine various program structures, operational processes, and communication strategies used in schools and arts organizations. Instruction emphasizes objective analysis, practical problem‑solving, and skills that support informed, autonomous decision-making in professional contexts. Coursework prepares students to evaluate program needs, develop management plans, and communicate effectively as part of a fine arts leadership team.

TH 5318. Adaptive Theatre.

This course introduces students to methods for adapting theatre curriculum to support learners with disabilities in public‑school environments. Students study relevant special education policies as objects of analysis, evaluate instructional models, and design lesson plans that integrate accommodations and modifications grounded in professional standards. Through practice‑based activities, students explore facilitation techniques, sensory‑friendly strategies, and the implementation of assistive technologies that promote participation in theatre classrooms. Coursework emphasizes practical problem‑solving, respect for student autonomy, and the development of instructional flexibility without prescribing any ideological interpretations of disability or educational policy.

TH 5319. Theatre for Young Audiences.

This course introduces students to Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) through an examination of its historical development, artistic conventions, pedagogical foundations, and production practices. Students analyze dramatic literature, performance methods, audience considerations, and the relationship between educational theory and theatrical creation for youth. Through applied research, students investigate how theatre artists approach age‑appropriate storytelling, developmental considerations, and aesthetic choices in youth‑centered performance. Coursework prepares students to critically evaluate TYA works, connect theory to practice, and engage with the field using evidence‑based, discipline‑specific methods.

TH 5323. Shakespeare Through Performance.

This course examines contemporary performance practices of Shakespearean productions through structured study abroad experiences in the United Kingdom. Students attend performances at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford, where Shakespeare’s works are staged using a variety of modern interpretive approaches. Coursework also includes classes and workshops at Shakespeare’s Globe, an institution recognized for its exploration of Elizabethan performance practices. Students analyze productions, participate in performance based training sessions, and engage with practitioners to deepen their understanding of Shakespeare’s language, staging conventions, and performance techniques. Through observation, practice, and critical reflection, students develop skills in both performance and analytical evaluation.

TH 5324. Shakespeare: Text and Context.

This course provides historical and cultural context for Shakespeare’s plays through an immersive study abroad experience in England. Students analyze the plays’ themes, structures, characters, and language while examining the theatrical conventions of the Elizabethan period. Coursework includes the study of dramatic devices, production considerations, and original staging practices. Students explore how historical context shapes interpretive and performance choices, particularly through work conducted at Shakespeare’s Globe. Through textual study, contextual research, and applied performance activities, students develop a multifaceted understanding of Shakespeare’s work.

TH 5330. Stage Management.

This course provides an overview of the responsibilities and processes associated with stage management in theatre and live performance. Students study organizational systems, documentation standards, rehearsal and performance procedures, and communication practices used within production teams. Attention is given to scheduling, safety considerations, backstage operations, and collaboration among creative and technical theatre personnel. Coursework emphasizes practical skill development and analytical approaches that prepare students for more advanced study and for participation in productions in the live entertainment industry.

TH 5331. Television Writing.

This course introduces the principles and practices of writing for contemporary television, focusing on both half hour comedic formats and hour long dramatic structures. Students examine genre conventions, narrative design, character development, episodic structure, and industry standard formatting. Course activities include pitching story concepts, creating beat sheets, developing treatments, and drafting complete scripts. Emphasis is placed on understanding professional workflows used in collaborative writers’ rooms and on analyzing current television programs as models for effective storytelling. Through guided practice and constructive feedback, students build skills necessary for generating original television content within a variety of narrative and production contexts. Prerequisite: TH 5354 with a grade of "C" or better.

TH 5332. Stage Properties.

This course introduces students to the categories, functions, and organizational systems associated with theatrical properties. Students study the responsibilities of properties supervisors and shop personnel, focusing on script analysis, budgeting, documentation, and communication within a collaborative production environment. Emphasis is placed on administrative workflows, including the creation of prop lists, interpretation of design drawings, coordination of rehearsal needs, and management of run crews. Through production related activities, students learn how properties support artistic vision and logistical execution in performance settings.

TH 5333. Advanced Television Writing.

This course introduces students to the creative and structural processes used to develop a one hour episodic television pilot. Students research professional series, develop an original concept, outline the pilot, and apply drafting and revision techniques common to long form television writing. Instruction covers character arcs, episodic structure, act design, dialogue, conflict development, and industry formatting standards. Students also learn to prepare pitch materials, including a written overview and a visual pitch deck. Emphasis is placed on iterative writing, analytical reasoning, and time management skills aligned with professional development workflows. Prerequisite: TH 5331 with a grade of "C" or better.

TH 5334. Figure Drawing for Costume Design.

This course introduces students to the principles and practices of drawing the human figure using traditional media and techniques. Designed for theatre designers, the course emphasizes the relationship between anatomy, silhouette, and the behavior of fabric on the body. Students explore proportion, gesture, line quality, shading, and texture to communicate design concepts visually. Coursework includes observational drawing, studies of movement and posture, and applied exercises that connect figure drawing to costume design needs. Through iterative practice and critique, students develop skills in representing the human form accurately and expressively for use in theatrical rendering and design communication.

TH 5338. MFA Lighting Studio.

This course examines aesthetic and technical principles that shape theatrical lighting design, emphasizing how visual perception, color, and script analysis inform creative choices. Students explore techniques for developing lighting concepts, producing visual research, and constructing static and dynamic compositions. Coursework also addresses industry standard methods for drafting, documenting, and communicating design intentions. Through guided practice using professional tools and software, students learn to prepare materials that support effective collaboration and the realization of lighting ideas in production environments.

TH 5339. Previsualization.

This course focuses on digital tools and strategies used to create lighting sequences prior to technical rehearsals. Students explore software that supports virtual modeling, cue development, and visual communication of lighting ideas. Instruction emphasizes how previsualization can streamline preparation, reduce on site programming time, and clarify artistic intentions within collaborative production settings. Students practice generating visual research, integrating previsualization methods into existing design workflows, and preparing materials suitable for professional contexts. Entering students are expected to have experience with Vectorworks, Lightwright, and conventional console programming.

TH 5340. Professional Internship.

This course provides students with supervised professional experience in a theatre or film production environment. Students engage in artistic or technical responsibilities that align with their developing professional goals. Coursework emphasizes observation, collaboration, and application of skills in real world settings, allowing students to develop industry awareness and strengthen workplace competencies. Students participate in ongoing production activities, interact with professional personnel, and reflect on the expectations, communication practices, and organizational structures of the field. Through this immersive experience, students gain practical insight into their chosen area of specialization and build a foundation for future employment in theatre or film. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

TH 5341. Dramatization and Adaptation.

This course introduces students to the principles and practices of adapting existing literary works for theatrical and screen performance. Students study narrative structure, character motivation, thematic interpretation, and the transformation of source material into new dramatic forms. Instruction emphasizes analytical reading, storytelling techniques, and writing processes used in the development of scripts for stage, film, and television. Through guided exercises, students create adaptation pitches, outlines, and scripted scenes that reflect coherent structure and purposeful dramatic action. Coursework also provides experience in drafting and revising written work, enabling students to refine narrative choices and communicate conceptual framing within collaborative creative contexts. Prerequisite: TH 5354 with a grade of "C" or better.

TH 5342. MFA Studio I.

This course provides structured studio training that develops advanced directing competencies through practical exploration, rehearsal processes, and collaborative methods. Students study analytical approaches to dramatic structure, experiment with staging techniques, and engage in artistic decision making grounded in established directing methodologies. Emphasis is placed on integrating analytical reasoning with individual creative practice while working in a professional rehearsal environment. Through scene work, written analysis, and guided critique, students strengthen their ability to communicate artistic intentions, work effectively with actors, and evaluate directorial choices. Coursework prepares graduate directors for continued advanced study and production work.

TH 5343. MFA Studio II.

This course provides intensive studio practice in advanced directing methodologies with a focus on spatial composition, staging, and communication with actors. Students analyze proscenium, thrust, and arena configurations, explore methods for shaping action through blocking, and apply principles of sightlines, focus, and audience experience. Through the rehearsal process, students develop the ability to adapt staging choices to varied performance environments while maintaining clarity of storytelling. Emphasis is placed on problem solving, conceptual reasoning, and the application of professional directing practices. Coursework supports continued development of the director’s craft through structured experimentation, critique, and practical engagement.

TH 5345. MFA Costume Studio.

This course introduces students to the processes, tools, and techniques used in professional costume design for live performance. Students develop skills in character analysis, research methods, illustration, fabric identification, documentation practices, and visual communication. Coursework includes creating mood boards, swatch sheets, spreadsheets, and other studio paperwork that supports the design process. Through guided application, students translate script and production needs into cohesive costume concepts using both traditional and non- traditional design sources. Emphasis is placed on developing craft, organization, and collaborative communication while maintaining flexibility across a range of production environments.

TH 5346. Historical Costume Research.

This course introduces students to the study of historical clothing and personal adornment as a foundation for costume research and design. Students analyze garments, accessories, and visual records from ancient to modern periods, examining how clothing reflects social structures, technology, and cultural practices. Emphasis is placed on developing research skills using primary and secondary sources, including portraits, extant garments, archival materials, and historical texts. Students learn to evaluate historical evidence, identify characteristic silhouettes and construction methods, and apply findings to contemporary costume design projects.

TH 5347. Advanced Costume Construction.

This course examines advanced approaches to costume construction with a focus on precision, structural integrity, and creative problem solving. Students practice a variety of techniques including pattern drafting, complex stitching, fabric shaping, and accessory fabrication and analyze how construction decisions support design intent and performance requirements. Primary and secondary research informs material selection and technique adaptation. Instruction emphasizes professional standards, safety practices, and analytical reasoning without requiring adherence to any particular aesthetic or ideological viewpoint. Students complete a series of projects demonstrating mastery of specialized construction methods.

TH 5348. Graphic Representation.

This course introduces students to a range of tools, media, and techniques used in theatrical design rendering. Students practice drawing, painting, digital media, and marker techniques while learning how visual communication supports costume, scenic, and lighting design processes. Through structured exercises and iterative practice, students refine their ability to communicate design ideas clearly and accurately. Emphasis is placed on analytical observation, craft development, and the application of rendering strategies that enhance professional communication.

TH 5352. MFA Studio III.

This course develops advanced directing competencies with a focus on non-realist performance approaches. Students analyze major non-realist movements, examine semiotic systems in performance, and explore theatrical conventions that depart from naturalistic representation. Through studio exercises, rehearsals, and scene work, students apply theoretical frameworks to staging challenges that emphasize composition, abstraction, physicality, and ensemble-based creation. Coursework treats non-realist methodologies as objects of study and practice rather than prescriptive artistic preferences. Students refine their ability to communicate directorial intent, evaluate staging choices using discipline specific reasoning, and adapt their techniques to different performance environments.

TH 5353. MFA Studio IV.

This course provides advanced training in rehearsal methodologies used in contemporary directing practice. Students examine major rehearsal traditions, including action-based, ensemble-centered, and text-driven approaches, and analyze how these methods support artistic clarity and actor collaboration. Studio sessions focus on applying theoretical concepts to practical rehearsal challenges, integrating warm ups, table work, actioning, and communication strategies that facilitate effective scene development. Coursework treats all methodologies as analytical tools rather than prescriptive artistic doctrines, ensuring that students engage with standard rehearsal techniques while maintaining autonomy in their directorial perspectives. Students refine their ability to plan, lead, and evaluate rehearsals grounded in professional standards and production needs.

TH 5354. Playwriting.

This course introduces students to the foundational elements of dramatic writing, including structure, dialogue, character development, and mechanics. Students examine representative plays to understand how dramaturgical choices influence theatrical storytelling and develop vocabulary for script analysis. Through guided writing exercises, students generate short form scripts that demonstrate clarity of narrative and application of dramatic principles. Instruction emphasizes experimentation, problem solving, and the practical use of writing tools as analytical frameworks rather than prescriptive styles. Coursework prepares students to participate in workshop settings and pursue continued study in playwriting. May be repeated with different emphasis for additional credit.

TH 5355. Scene Painting.

This course introduces the theory and practice of scene painting for theatrical production. Students study techniques such as color mixing, pattern transfer, texture creation, and large scale surface treatments using standard scenic art tools and materials. Instruction emphasizes safety, vocabulary, and procedures associated with professional scenic painting environments. Through applied exercises, students explore approaches to replicating reference images, selecting materials, and developing painted surfaces that support production needs. Coursework provides foundational experience relevant to work as a scenic artist in performance settings.

TH 5356. Theatrical Drafting: Vectorworks.

This course introduces students to computer aided drafting techniques used in theatrical design and production. Students learn the principles of digital drawing, drafting conventions, file organization, 2D and 3D modeling workflows, and the communication needs of designers and technicians. Emphasis is placed on accuracy, clarity, and standardized visual communication rather than on any specific aesthetic style. Through guided practice, students produce plan views, sections, orthographic drawings, and digital models that demonstrate technical proficiency. Coursework presents software tools as analytical and practical resources, ensuring students maintain autonomy in their artistic and design approaches while acquiring skills necessary for contemporary theatre production.

TH 5357. MFA Scenic Studio.

This course provides advanced training in the development of a complete scenic design package for theatrical production. Students study the processes, documentation standards, and visual communication methods used in professional scenic design, including drafting, model building, paint elevations, and properties research. Emphasis is placed on accuracy, clarity, and the analytical application of design principles rather than adherence to specific stylistic preferences. Through guided studio work, students practice creating plans, sections, and elevations, producing visual and physical models, and preparing design documents that respond to production needs. May be repeated with different emphasis for additional credit.

TH 5358. Screenwriting.

This course introduces students to the creative and structural processes involved in screenwriting through the study of short and feature length scripts. Students examine story structure, character development, scene construction, dialogue, and industry-standard formatting as analytical tools for understanding how scripts function. Instruction emphasizes neutral, craft based approaches to evaluating narrative choices and organizing story ideas using beat sheets and outlines. Students gain foundational experience applying screenwriting concepts in a structured writing environment that supports continued study in theatre or film production.

TH 5359. Advanced Screenwriting.

This course introduces students to the advanced craft of writing a feature length screenplay through structured practice in story development, outlining, drafting, and revision. Students study screenwriting concepts such as structure, sequences, and formatting as analytical tools that support narrative clarity. Class activities include pitches, written outlines, workshops, and feedback sessions, all presented as professional practices rather than prescriptive creative ideologies. Emphasis is placed on sustained narrative construction, effective organization of story components, and the application of industry standard formatting conventions. By completing a full draft of an original screenplay, students strengthen their ability to generate, refine, and communicate complex story ideas appropriate for film and television contexts. May be repeated for credit with different emphasis. Prerequisite: TH 5358 with a grade of "C" or better.

TH 5360. Problems in Theatre.

This course provides supervised study for graduate students examining theoretical or practical problems in theatre and film. Students investigate focused research questions or production challenges using analytical and creative methods appropriate to their area of emphasis. Work may address topics such as theatre history, film theory, playwriting, directing, acting, or technical production. Coursework supports individualized inquiry by allowing students to develop, analyze, and refine specialized projects that extend beyond standard classwork while strengthening their academic or production based skills through guided exploration. May be repeated with different emphasis for additional credit.

TH 5361. Oregon Shakespeare Festival Intensive.

This course examines contemporary Shakespearean production through focused study of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival’s current season. Students analyze directing approaches, design choices, dramaturgical strategies, and collaborative processes used to translate scripts to performance. Instruction emphasizes observational research, professional production documentation, and the analytical evaluation of directorial interpretation. Plays and productions are approached as objects of study rather than as prescriptive artistic models, ensuring student autonomy in critical engagement. Through structured activities, students develop skills in evaluating staging choices, identifying thematic throughlines, and understanding rehearsal and production processes within a major regional theatre context.

TH 5362. Advanced Vectorworks and Computer Visualization for Live Entertainment.

This course provides advanced study in digital drafting and visualization techniques using Vectorworks and related software to support theatrical scenic, lighting, and production design. Students explore industry standard 2D and 3D workflows, including drafting conventions, digital modeling, file structuring, and previsualization principles. Emphasis is placed on technical accuracy, clarity of communication, and adaptable workflows rather than adherence to any specific artistic style. Through guided exercises, students analyze software tools, evaluate drafting solutions, and apply digital methods to increasingly complex production challenges. Coursework positions computer-aided design practices as technical and analytical tools that support professional readiness. Prerequisite: TH 5356 with a grade of "C" or better or instructor approval.

TH 5363. Directing for Film.

This course introduces students to foundational directing practices used in narrative film production. Students analyze script structure, character objectives, and visual storytelling strategies while learning practical methods for staging, blocking, camera placement, and collaboration with actors and production departments. Coursework emphasizes the technical and analytic tools directors use to shape narrative meaning through performance, cinematography, sound, and editing. Through structured exercises and short directing projects, students practice decision making processes that support clear storytelling and professional communication. All directing strategies are presented as analytical tools rather than prescribed artistic styles. May be repeated with different emphasis for additional credit.

TH 5364. MFA Directing Seminar I.

This course provides an analytical and practical foundation for graduate-level directing study. Students examine play analysis, staging concepts, rehearsal structures, and production workflows, approaching each topic through disciplined inquiry and professional observation. Seminar discussions emphasize analysis of directing methods, historical frameworks, and contemporary practice. Students connect theoretical exploration with practical directing tasks while evaluating organizational components such as scheduling, communication, and collaboration. Coursework prepares students for studio-based directing work by strengthening analytical skills and clarifying the relationship between directorial choices and production outcomes.

TH 5367. Studies in Dramatic Theory and Criticism.

This course introduces students to major developments in dramatic theory and criticism from classical texts to contemporary scholarship. Students examine how theorists have approached questions of form, structure, representation, audience, and performance, treating these perspectives as analytical frameworks rather than prescriptive artistic models. Students apply theoretical concepts to dramatic texts and performance events, developing skills in argumentation, interpretation, and scholarly writing. Coursework positions dramatic theory as an academic toolset that supports research, dramaturgy, and advanced study in theatre history and criticism.

TH 5369. Contemporary World Theatre and Drama.

This course examines contemporary developments in world theatre and drama, focusing on major artistic movements, emerging playwrights, evolving performance styles, and global production practices. Students analyze dramatic texts and performance case studies to understand how artistic choices reflect cultural, historical, and aesthetic contexts, treating all perspectives as objects of academic inquiry rather than prescriptive frameworks. Through independent research, students compare trends across multiple regions and explore how global exchange influences theatrical forms. Emphasis is placed on analytical reasoning, clear interpretation, and evidence based evaluation of dramatic works.

TH 5372. Theory and Practice of Dramaturgy.

This course introduces students to the theory and practice of dramaturgy through the study of historical research, textual analysis, and production support. Students examine how dramaturgs contribute to the development of period plays and new works by providing contextual materials, analyzing structure and themes, and supporting rehearsal processes. Instruction frames dramaturgy as a research-based and collaborative discipline, treating all methods as analytical tools rather than prescriptive artistic perspectives. Students practice creating production notes, study guides, and research summaries that support creative teams and audience understanding. Emphasis is placed on inquiry, documentation, and communication skills relevant to professional dramaturgical work.

TH 5375. Advanced Playwriting.

This course provides advanced training in the craft of playwriting, with emphasis on narrative architecture, scene construction, characterization, and thematic development. Students analyze a range of playwriting traditions and apply structural and stylistic tools to develop original full length dramatic works. Coursework includes workshops, peer critique, script analysis, and guided discussions that support the refinement of dramatic intent and technical execution. All techniques are presented as analytical and creative tools rather than prescriptive artistic models, ensuring student autonomy in artistic choices. Prerequisite: TH 5354 with a grade of "C" or better.

TH 5378. Play Development Lab.

This course offers a structured workshop environment for the development and refinement of new plays. Students engage in a laboratory process that emphasizes analytical revision, dramaturgical inquiry, and the exploration of multiple drafting strategies. All workshop methods are presented as tools for critical evaluation rather than prescriptive artistic models. Students examine dramatic structure, character development, thematic clarity, and scene dynamics. Emphasis is placed on articulating revision goals, assessing the effectiveness of narrative choices, and documenting the evolution of the script. Prerequisite: TH 5375 with a grade of "C" or better or instructor approval.

TH 5379. Digital Rendering for Theatrical Design.

This course examines digital tools and rendering techniques used to create graphic representations for theatrical design. Students study software environments, layer organization, non-destructive editing methods, and image-based workflows relevant to scenic, lighting, costume, and prop design. Emphasis is placed on adapting digital processes to artistic concept development and production needs. Students analyze how digital media supports communication with directors, design teams, and production staff. Coursework provides opportunities to apply industry standard practices to create visual materials for portfolios and production documentation.

TH 5380. Advanced Scenic Painting.

This course provides advanced training in scenic painting by examining the methods, materials, and visual strategies used to create painted environments for theatrical productions. Students practice surface preparation, color theory application, texture creation, and painting techniques that support scenic storytelling. Emphasis is placed on interpreting reference images and producing accurate reproductions across a range of styles. Through structured exercises and laboratory work on realized productions, students strengthen their artistic and technical proficiency while gaining familiarity with professional scenic art workflows. Prerequisite: TH 5355 with a grade of "C" or better or instructor approval.

TH 5381. Automated Lighting.

This course explores automated lighting technologies used in contemporary performance environments. Students examine the operation, functions, and applications of multi attribute fixtures, LED systems, and lighting control consoles. Through analysis of equipment capabilities, students study programming workflows, cue creation, and documentation methods that support both artistic and technical production goals. Coursework emphasizes understanding how automated lighting integrates into a complete design process by developing plotting materials, evaluating system configurations, and adapting lighting content for varied performance contexts.

TH 5382. MFA Studio V.

This course provides advanced directing training with a focus on Shakespearean and heightened text performance. Students engage in analytical, rehearsal, and staging practices that emphasize scansion, rhetoric, textual structure, and performance vocabulary. Through studio- based scene work, students investigate how verse, historical context, and conceptual framing shape directorial choices. All artistic approaches are treated as analytical tools rather than prescriptive stylistic mandates, preserving student autonomy in interpretation. Coursework includes actor coaching strategies, staging exercises, and reflective analysis of directorial decisions. Instruction prepares MFA directors for professional rehearsal processes and production environments by strengthening analytical rigor, communication practices, and performance centered methodology.

TH 5383. MFA Studio VI.

This course provides advanced studio training in directing period texts and theatrical styles. Students study how cultural context, historical conventions, and stylistic frameworks influence character behavior, staging, physical choices, and performance vocabulary. Through analytical exercises and rehearsals, students apply research methods, interpretive strategies, and collaborative practices that align with the demands of various theatrical periods. Directorial techniques are framed as analytical tools rather than prescriptive artistic models, ensuring student autonomy in interpretive decisions. Emphasis is placed on integrating text analysis, stylistic principles, and rehearsal methodologies to create coherent approaches to period specific works.

TH 5384. Non-Theatrical Design.

This course introduces students to design practices used in non-theatrical industries, including theme parks, corporate events, architectural lighting, and retail visual management. Students examine workflows, creative processes, and technical requirements unique to these fields while identifying connections to theatrical design training. Students evaluate how design concepts are adapted for commercial, experiential, and public environments. Coursework treats non-theatrical design practices as professional tools rather than prescriptive aesthetic models. Emphasis is placed on transferable skills, communication with multidisciplinary teams, and strategies for meeting client and audience needs.

TH 5385. Lighting Console Programming.

This course provides advanced study in programming methods for modern lighting consoles used in theatrical and entertainment settings. Students examine multi-attribute lighting systems, LED technologies, and control architectures across a range of manufacturers. Through analytical exercises and hands-on programming practice, students develop strategies for cue creation, tracking, effects generation, and workspace organization. Emphasis is placed on industry standard documentation, research practices, and pre-visualization techniques that support professional communication. All programming tools are treated as technical resources rather than prescriptive artistic models, building skills required for work as lighting programmers, assistants, or designers.

TH 5386. Lighting and Projection Design for Dance.

This course provides advanced study of lighting and projection design as applied to dance performance. Students examine the visual, spatial, and temporal demands of dance, exploring how lighting and projection can support choreography, movement vocabulary, and performance environments. Instruction includes analysis of established and emerging technologies, case studies of influential choreographers and designers, and hands-on experimentation with programming, composition, and media integration. Emphasis is placed on research-supported design decisions and neutral, analytical approaches to style and technique.

TH 5387. MFA Directing Seminar II.

This course provides advanced study in directing theory, rehearsal practice, and production analysis. Students examine major directing texts, historical movements, rehearsal strategies, and contemporary methodologies, treating each as an analytical tool rather than a prescriptive artistic model. Through applied research, students explore how conceptual framing, organizational structures, and rehearsal processes shape production outcomes. Emphasis is placed on examining directing choices, evaluating peer and professional work, articulating critical vocabulary, and integrating feedback into one’s developing approach. The seminar supports students’ studio work by grounding practical directing activities in disciplined inquiry and shared analytical terminology.

TH 5398. Final Creative Project.

This course provides guided mentorship for graduate students completing a major creative project in their area of theatrical emphasis, such as directing, design, or playwriting. Students work independently under faculty supervision to develop, document, and present a substantial piece of creative work that demonstrates advanced mastery of disciplinary methods and professional practices. Coursework emphasizes project planning, research-supported decision making, and clear communication of artistic and technical choices. All creative approaches are treated as analytical and craft based processes rather than prescriptive artistic models.

TH 5399A. Thesis.

This course provides supervised guidance as students begin developing their graduate thesis in theatre studies. Students establish a research question, outline the project scope, and identify appropriate methodologies for scholarly investigation. Coursework emphasizes planning, preliminary research, organization of materials, and early drafting aligned with disciplinary conventions. Students document their progress, evaluate feedback from faculty, and refine their approach to support successful completion of the thesis in TH 5399B. Instruction focuses on research preparation and academic process; thesis credit is awarded only upon completion of TH 5399B.

TH 5399B. Thesis.

This course provides supervised completion of the graduate thesis in theatre studies. Students finalize research, analyze findings, and produce a written thesis that demonstrates mastery of disciplinary methods and sustained scholarly inquiry. Work completed in TH 5399A is expanded through continued drafting, revision, and documentation using professional academic standards. Faculty mentorship supports students as they refine arguments, integrate evidence, and prepare the final manuscript for submission and defense. Coursework represents the culminating stage of the thesis process; thesis credit is awarded upon successful completion of the approved thesis project.

TH 5640. Professional Internship.

This course provides supervised professional experience in approved theatre or film industry environments. Students apply discipline-specific skills while observing workplace structures, production workflows, and professional communication practices. Coursework emphasizes analytical reflection on technical, creative, or administrative responsibilities encountered during the internship. Students document tasks, evaluate developing competencies, and connect their field experience to prior academic training. The internship allows students to study industry expectations, organizational processes, and collaborative environments in real-world contexts while gaining practical insight into professional standards. The internship is designed for students completing a full-time professional internship during the fall, spring, or summer term. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.