2011-2012 University Catalog
Theater, BFA
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Banner Code: AR-BFA-THR
Performing Arts Building, Room A407
Phone: 703-993-1120
Web: theater.gmu.edu
Faculty
Ken Elston, Chair
Professors: D’Andrea (Robinson Professor), Davis, McDonald
Associate Professors: Austin, Elston, Gero, Johnsen-Neshati, Kurtz
Term Associate Professor: Chew
Adjunct Faculty: Cetron, Gaines, Lechter, Lee, Maier, McManus, Mountain, Murray, Nanni-Messegee, Wallace, Wilson
Program
Entrance into the BFA program is by audition, portfolio review, or interview. Information about the audition, portfolio review and interview process; including dates; can be found on the department web page, theater.gmu.edu, or by calling the department office at 703-993-1120. Admission to the University is determined by the Admissions Office.
In addition to the general education requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree, Theater Bachelor of Fine Arts majors must complete a minimum of 80 hours in the major: 32 hours of required core and concentration courses and 48 hours in a concentration. Concentrations are: 1) Performance for Stage and Screen (Acting and Directing), 2) Design for Stage and Screen, 3) 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.
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 BA in theater fulfill this requirement by successfully completing THR 350, THR 351, or THR 482.
Course Work
The Theater Department offers all course work designated THR in the Courses chapter 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 each semester. It is a zero (0) credit class, graded S/NC, that is successfully completed by attending productions, guest lectures, and/or workshops; participating in production load-in; and participating in production strike.
Students must also earn four (4) practicum credits: one (1) credit for satisfactory completion of each of four (4) performance and production assignments in the major, including faculty or guest-directed Mason Players Mainstage, Studio, or Theater of the First Amendment (TFA) productions.
- 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.
TFA, a professional theater in residence within the Theater Department, offers students the chance to work closely with professional artists. TFA productions regularly employ student assistants in stage management, directing, design, dramaturgy, technical crews, and production and company management. Students are eligible to audition for age-appropriate roles or understudy assignments in TFA productions and may participate in the Membership Candidate Program through the Actors’ Equity Association.
Academic Policies
Please see College of Visual and Performing Arts academic policies. |