HELP 2014-2015 University Catalog Theater, BFA Print-Friendly Page

Banner Code: AR-BFA-THR

Performing Arts Building, Room A407
Phone: 703-993-1120
Web: theater.gmu.edu

Faculty

Ken Elston, Director

Professors: D’Andrea (Robinson Professor), Davis, Kurtz, McDonald

Associate Professors: Austin, Elston (director), Gero, Johnsen-Neshati

Assistant Professor: Casey

Administrative Faculty: Lechter, Murray

Adjunct Faculty: Cadby, Dunayer, Gaines, Hurt, Lee, Maier, Nanni-Messegee, Wallace, Wilson

Program

Entrance into the BFA program is by interview and audition or portfolio review.  Information about the audition, portfolio review and interview process; including dates; can be found on the School of Theater web page, theater.gmu.edu/admissions, or by calling the School of Theater office at 703-993-1120.  Admission to the University is determined by the Admissions Office.

In addition to the Mason Core  requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree, Theater Bachelor of Fine Arts majors must complete a minimum of 73 credits in the major: 49 credits of required Theater core courses plus 24 credits in the concentration.  Concentrations are: Design for Stage and Screen, Performance for Stage and Screen (Acting and Directing), Writing and Dramaturgy for Stage and Screen.

Theater majors are expected to participate in Theater at Mason productions and will be required to demonstrate growing proficiency in their chosen concentration prior to the confirmation of the BFA degree.

Students must earn a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA to complete a BFA in Theater.

Writing-Intensive Requirement

The university requires all students to complete at least one course designated writing-intensive in their majors at the 300 level or above. Students seeking a BFA in theater fulfill this requirement by successfully completing THR 350  or THR 482 .

Course Work

The School of Theater offers all course work designated THR in the Courses  section of this catalog.

Production Opportunities

Participation in Theater at Mason productions is expected of all declared majors.

All Theater majors must enroll in THR 191 four times during their course of study.  It is a zero (0) credit class, graded S/NC, that is successfully completed by attending productions, guest lectures, and/or workshops; participation in production load-in; and participation in production strike.  Course is repeatable up to two times in one semester.

Students must also earn four (4) practicum credits: one (1) credit for satisfactory completion (a minimum of 30 hours) of each of four (4) performance and production assignments in the major, including faculty or guest-directed Mason Players Mainstage and student-directed Studio productions.

All freshmen, first year transfer, and all new Theater majors will be assigned one (1) THR 198  credit and one (1) THR 199  credit during their first academic year.

Assignments for THR 196  and THR 197  will include a presentation of portfolio documents demonstrating a practical analysis of the role, design, or support position to subject area mentors.

• THR 196  assignments including actor, designer, assistant designer, stage manager, and assistant stage manager.
• THR 197  assignments include director, assistant director, dramaturg, master electrician, technical director, playwright, house management, and publicity.
• THR 198  assignments include scenery construction and painting, costume construction, electrician, and props.
• THR 199  assignments include stage crew, light board operator, sound board operator, wardrobe, and fly crew.

Unless registered for a Theater course approved as directly connected to production (i.e. the above four courses;

Theater Honors Program

Highly qualified students who have completed 75 credits may pursue advanced work leading to graduation with honors in the major.  Students apply for Honors in Theater by submitting to the Director (by November 15 or April 15) a two-page written statement outlining their reasons for pursuing advanced coursework and specific professional goals, along with the names of two Mason theater faculty members who have agreed to serve as references.

Students satisfy the honors course sequence by taking three Honors specific courses from their chosen concentration.  They must also maintain an overall GPA of 3.5 and a GPA of 3.75 within the major.

Academic Policies

Please see College of Visual and Performing Arts  academic policies.