Theatre Arts, M.F.A.

(Major Code: 10072) (SIMS Code: 662505)

Admission to the Degree Curriculum

In addition to meeting the general requirements for admission to the university with classified graduate standing, a student must satisfy the following requirements before being recommended for classified graduate standing:

1. Possess a baccalaureate degree in theatre or an approved affiliated field with a grade point average of not less than 2.85 overall in the last 60 units of study attempted and a 3.0 undergraduate average in the major.
2. Complete undergraduate requirements commensurate with the proposed concentration in the M.F.A. program.
3. Satisfy additional concentration requirements listed below.

Students who have not met certain criteria or demonstrate deficiencies in undergraduate preparation or basic skill development, may be granted conditional admission with the understanding that remedial coursework will be completed prior to advancement to classified standing. Remedial coursework cannot be applied to the 60-unit minimum requirement for the degree. Students who do not satisfy the requirements for an M.F.A. degree will not automatically be considered for an M.A. degree. A student holding an M.A. degree in theatre arts from San Diego State University or any other institution of higher learning must formally apply for the M.F.A. degree. PLEASE NOTE: Applicants holding an M.A. or M.F.A. degree from an accredited institution may transfer up to 30 units upon review and recommendation of the faculty in the area of specialization, and the graduate coordinator of the School of Theatre, Television, and Film, and the approval of the graduate dean.

Students already accepted into the program who request a change of specific concentration at a later date, will be required to meet the admission requirements for the new concentration.

Concentration in Acting

No students admitted to program at this time.

In addition to meeting the admission requirements listed above, a student must demonstrate exceptional artistic talent in the acting area by providing:

1. Curriculum vitae or resume of acting accomplishments.
2. An audition, either in person or via video, which would include two contrasting works: one contemporary piece and one classical piece from Shakespearean drama (total time not to exceed 12 minutes).
3. Three letters of recommendation attesting to the candidate’s academic qualifications and level of competence in acting.

For specific audition dates and locations, write to the Director, Graduate Acting Program, School of Theatre, Television, and Film, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182-7601.

Concentration in Design and Technology

In addition to meeting the admission requirements listed above, a student must demonstrate outstanding abilities in a particular area of design and technology by submitting the following items.

1. Those students primarily interested in design must submit a design portfolio which contains sketches, renderings, graphics, floor plans, elevations, plots, color/fabric swatches, and photographs of productions, revealing the applicant’s creative ability in the chosen area or areas of design.
2. Those students primarily interested in technology must submit a portfolio which contains evidence of technical direction and management experiences in scenic, lighting, or costume technology and design.
3. Curriculum vitae or resume which contains documentation of participation in not less than five full-length theatrical productions.
4. Three letters of recommendation attesting to the candidate’s academic, professional and personal qualifications from academic or professional theatre sources.

For specific interview dates and locations, write to the Director, Design Program, School of Theatre, Television, and Film, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182-7601 or visit our website at http://ttf.sdsu.edu.

Concentration in Musical Theatre

This program admits new students every other year only.

In addition to meeting the admission requirements listed above, a student must demonstrate professional potential in musical theatre by providing:

1. Curriculum vitae or resume of musical theatre accomplishments.
2. An audition, either in person or via video, to include two contrasting vocal selections.
3. Three references attesting to the candidate’s academic qualifications and level of competence in the areas of acting, singing, and dancing.
4. Submit online program application available at: http://ttf.sdsu.edu/index.php/degree_programs/mtmfa/mfa-musical-theatre-application-audition-info.

For specific audition dates and locations, write to the Director, Musical Theatre Program, School of Theatre, Television, and Film, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182-7601 or visit our website at http://ttf.sdsu.edu.

Advancement to Candidacy

All students must meet the general requirements for advancement to candidacy as described in Requirements for Master’s Degrees . Candidates for the M.F.A. must have completed 30 units within their official program with a minimum grade point average of 3.0. A minimum of 24 units in the official program must be enrolled in and completed concurrently with or after advancement to candidacy. Students seeking the Master of Fine Arts with a concentration in musical theatre are required to have completed Theatre 600 and remove any deficiencies noted by the faculty.