Theatre Arts

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Graduate Information

OFFICE: Dramatic Arts 201
TELEPHONE: 619-594-6363 / FAX: 619-594-7431
WEBSITE: http://ttf.sdsu.edu

Faculty

Adeniyi Coker, Ph.D., Professor of Theatre, Television, and Film, Director of School
Denitsa D. Bliznakova, M.F.A., Professor of Theatre, Television, and Film
Ralph Funicello, B.F.A., The Don W. Powell Chair in Scene Design
Donald J. Hopkins, Ph.D., Professor of Theatre, Television, and Film
Paula Kalustian, M.F.A., Professor of Theatre, Television, and Film, Emeritus
Margaret C. Larlham, M.A., Professor of Theatre, Television, and Film, Emeritus
Randy S. Reinholz, M.F.A., Professor of Theatre, Television, and Film
Danielle J. Bedau, M.F.A., Associate Professor of Theatre, Television, and Film
Stephen M. Brotebeck, M.F.A., Associate Professor of Theatre, Television, and Film
Peter J. Cirino, M.F.A., Associate Professor of Theatre, Television, and Film
Robert S. Meffe, M.M., Associate Professor of Theatre, Television, and Film (Graduate Adviser)
Michelle Orr, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Theatre, Television, and Film (Graduate Adviser)

Associateships and Assistantships

Graduate teaching associateships and graduate assistantships are available to a limited number of qualified students. Application forms and further information may be obtained from the school.

The Don W. Powell Chair in Scene Design

The Don W. Powell Chair in Scene Design was established through a trust provided by the late professor emeritus. Always concerned about students, Powell, who retired after 30 years with the theatre department, created the trust in order to enhance theatre education at S.D.S.U. The current Don W. Powell Scene Design Chair is the nationally acclaimed designer Ralph Funicello.

General Information

The School of Theatre, Television, and Film offers graduate study leading to the Master of Arts degree and the Master of Fine Arts degree in theatre arts. Graduates in these programs learn in the artist-scholar model and are prepared for careers as practitioners and educators. The Master of Fine Arts degree is offered in the areas of acting, design/technical theatre, and musical theatre. The M.A. is a 30-unit program; the M.F.A. a 60-unit program. Both programs of study limit the number of students accepted in order to offer individual attention and extensive opportunity to participate in theatre production. The Dramatic Arts building contains the proscenium-style Don Powell Theatre seating 500, with state-of-the-art computer lighting and sound control, and the flexible Experimental Theatre seating 200, rehearsal and recording areas, a design studio and CADD laboratory, paint shop, wagon house, scene shop, and fully equipped costume laboratory. The theatre arts degree is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (N.A.S.T.).

Admission to Graduate Study

Students applying for admission should electronically submit the university application available at http://www.calstate.edu/apply along with the $55 application fee.

All applicants must submit admissions materials separately to SDSU Graduate Admissions and to the School of Theatre, Television, and Film.

Graduate Admissions

The following materials should be submitted as a complete package directly to:

Graduate Admissions
Enrollment Services
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA 92182-7416

1. Official transcripts (in sealed envelopes) from all post-secondary institutions attended;
   • Students who attended SDSU need only submit transcripts for work completed since last attendance.
   • Students with international coursework must submit both the official transcript and proof of degree. If documents are in a language other than English, they must be accompanied by a certified English translation.
2. GRE scores (http://www.ets.org SDSU institution code 4682);
3. English language score, if medium of instruction was in a language other than English (http://www.ets.org SDSU institution code 4682).

Master of Arts Degree in Theatre Arts

The following materials should be mailed or delivered to:

School of Theatre, Television, and Film
(Attention: M. A. Program)
San Diego State University
5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182-7601

1. Three current and relevant letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant’s academic ability.

Master of Fine Arts Degree in Theatre Arts Concentration in Acting

No students admitted to program at this time.

Master of Fine Arts Degree in Theatre Arts Concentration in Design and Technology

The materials as outlined under Admission to the Degree Curriculum should be mailed or delivered to:

School of Theatre, Television, and Film
(Attention: Design Program)
San Diego State University
5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182-7601

Master of Fine Arts Degree in Theatre Arts Concentration in Musical Theatre

This program admits new students every other year only.

The materials as outlined under Admission to the Degree Curriculum should be mailed or delivered to:

School of Theatre, Television, and Film
(Attention: Musical Theatre Program)
San Diego State University
5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182-7601

Master of Arts Degree in Theatre Arts

Admission to the Degree Curriculum

General requirements for admission to the university with classified graduate standing are described in Part Two of this bulletin. In addition, the student’s area adviser will judge the applicant capable of graduate work in theatre arts. The judgment will be based on (1) the applicant’s transcripts of prior academic work; (2) three current and relevant letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant’s academic ability; (3) the applicant’s scores on the GRE General Test; (4) the applicant’s scores on the GRE Writing Assessment Test; and (5) an interview, when appropriate, revealing the applicant’s ability to succeed in the chosen area. Application deadline is February 1. To inquire about the program, including spring admission, contact the director of the M.A. program. Visit our website at http://ttf.sdsu.edu for current contact information.

Advancement to Candidacy

All students in the Master of Arts program must meet the general requirements for advancement to candidacy, as described in Part Four of this bulletin. In addition, students seeking the Master of Arts degree in Theatre Arts (regardless of area of specialization) are required to have completed THEA 600 , and to have removed any deficiencies assigned. It is recommended that all graduate students take THEA 600  during their first semester.

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