This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2024-2025 VCU Bulletin. Courses that expose students to cutting-edge content and transformative learning may be added and notification of additional program approvals may be received prior to finalization. General education program content is also subject to change. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.
Note: Admission to this program is temporarily suspended.
Program accreditation
National Association of Schools of Theatre
Program goal
The M.F.A. in Theatre offers concentrations in stage design/technical theatre and costume design, which comprise the professional option, and in literature and performance, which make up the pedagogy option. Focus areas in pedagogy include movement, performance, and voice and speech.
Student learning outcomes
Students will demonstrate knowledge of history, theory, criticism and literature of theatre and its practical application. Students will be able to teach the practical application of theater in performance and production.
VCU Graduate Bulletin, VCU Graduate School and general academic policies and regulations for all graduate students in all graduate programs
The VCU Graduate Bulletin website documents the official admission and academic rules and regulations that govern graduate education for all graduate programs at the university. These policies are established by the graduate faculty of the university through their elected representatives to the University Graduate Council.
It is the responsibility of all graduate students, both on- and off-campus, to be familiar with the VCU Graduate Bulletin as well as the Graduate School website and academic regulations in individual school and department publications and on program websites. However, in all cases, the official policies and procedures of the University Graduate Council, as published on the VCU Graduate Bulletin and Graduate School websites, take precedence over individual program policies and guidelines.
Visit the academic regulations section for additional information on academic regulations for graduate students.
Degree candidacy requirements
A graduate student admitted to a program or concentration requiring a final research project, work of art, thesis or dissertation, must qualify for continuing master’s or doctoral status according to the degree candidacy requirements of the student’s graduate program. Admission to degree candidacy, if applicable, is a formal statement by the graduate student’s faculty regarding the student’s academic achievements and the student’s readiness to proceed to the final research phase of the degree program.
Graduate students and program directors should refer to the following degree candidacy policy as published in the VCU Graduate Bulletin for complete information and instructions.
Visit the academic regulations section for additional information on degree candidacy requirements.
Graduation requirements
As graduate students approach the end of their academic programs and the final semester of matriculation, they must make formal application to graduate. No degrees will be conferred until the application to graduate has been finalized.
Graduate students and program directors should refer to the following graduation requirements as published in the Graduate Bulletin for a complete list of instructions and a graduation checklist.
Visit the academic regulations section for additional information on graduation requirements.
Note: Admission to this program is temporarily suspended.
Admission requirements
| Degree: | Semester(s) of entry: | Deadline dates: | Test requirements: |
|---|---|---|---|
| M.F.A. | Fall | Feb 15 (suggested) | None |
Special requirements
- See arts.vcu.edu/admissions/how-to-apply for details on the application process.
In addition to the general admission requirements of the VCU Graduate School, applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree (theatre preferred). Students must present a portfolio of design work (both project and realized designs) as part of their application to the program. Professional experience will be considered. The program provides preparation for early to midcareer professionals to enter the field of either professional design or teaching theatre at the college/university level. (N/A for purposes of temporary concentration suspension).
Note: Admission to this program is temporarily suspended.
Degree requirements
In addition to general VCU Graduate School graduation requirements, students are required to take 60 credit hours of graduate-level course work distributed among core courses, area of concentration and electives, including special topics courses. The program is usually completed within two to three years.
Costume design concentration
The costume design concentration’s degree requirements include 30 credit hours in core courses, 15 credit hours in (level-appropriate) design studio and three credit hours of thesis/thesis project. The balance of credit hours will be in approved electives, which may include additional practica, research and production, or professional internships. Students will take practical courses and assist faculty in teaching and design projects. They may be advised to take additional history or drawing courses to ensure that they possess the background required for advanced design projects. Their design skills and professional preparation will be evaluated by the faculty through written work, portfolio presentations and participation at professional conferences.
Curriculum requirements
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core curriculum | ||
| THEA 503 | Periods and Practices in Costume History I | 3 |
| THEA 509 | Theatre History and Historiography | 3 |
| THEA 603 | Dramatic Literature and Theory | 3 |
| THEA 604 | Modern Theatre: Theory and Practice | 3 |
| THEA 605 | Advanced Studies in Stage Design | 3 |
| THEA 610 | Proseminar in Text and Performance | 3 |
| THEA 619 | Theatre Pedagogy | 3 |
| THEA 630 | Production | 3 |
| THEA 640 | Advanced Theatre Projects | 3 |
| THEA 641 | Advanced Theatre Projects and Evaluation | 3 |
| Concentration requirements | ||
| Select 15 credits from the following: | 15 | |
| Periods and Practices in Costume History II | ||
| Scene Painting | ||
| Professional Internship | ||
| Problems in Costume Design | ||
| Problems in Costume Design | ||
| Electives | ||
| Select 12 credits from the following recommended electives: 1 | 12 | |
| Advanced Topics in Voice and Speech Pedagogy | ||
| Individual Study in Graduate Design | ||
| Research and Special Problems in Theatre | ||
| Seminar in Special Issues in Theatre | ||
| Thesis | ||
| THEA 799 | Thesis | 3 |
| Total Hours | 60 | |
Some courses may be repeated with permission of the graduate program director.
The minimum number of graduate credit hours required for this degree is 60.
Note: Admission to this program is temporarily suspended.
Contact
Aaron D. Anderson, Ph.D.
Associate chair, Department of Theatre
adanderson@vcu.edu
(804) 828-2697
Program website:arts.vcu.edu/theatre