Master of Fine Arts in Dramatic Arts

Richard Seer, M.F.A., Program Director, Acting

Craig Noel, Old Globe Founding Director

Louis G. Spisto, Old Globe CEO/Executive Director

Darko Tresnak, Old Globe Resident Artistic Director

Maria Carrera, Alexander, Technique

Cynthia Caywood, Ph.D., Restoration Drama

Gerhard Gessner, Yoga

Jan Gist, M.F.A., Voice and Speech
Peter Kanelos, Ph.D., Renaissance Drama
Fred Miller Robinson, Ph.D., Modern Drama
Liz Shipman, M.A., Movement

The artistic staff of The Old Globe, long involved in educating, training and developing actors, has joined with the University of San Diego to create a program specifically addressed to the minds as well as the voices and bodies of aspiring actors. This program provides the classical skills and the rigorous literary grounding that classical drama requires, thereby meeting the needs not only of The Old Globe, but also of classical theater nationwide.
Students participating in this two-year, 60-unit program fulfill the academic portion of their study at the University of San Diego under the direction of the Department of English, and their practical theatrical work at The Old Globe under the supervision of Globe staff.

This is a highly selective program, usually limited to seven new admissions per year. For additional information, go to www.globemfa.org.

Requirements for the Degree

Students are expected to complete the 60 units of graduate work for this degree in two consecutive years, according to the following schedule. All courses carry 3 units of credit.

Courses will be taken either at The Old Globe or at USD, under the supervision of the director of the program with the advice and consent of the oversight committee for the M.F.A. program. Periodic evaluations, apart from the normal grading process, will help determine the advisability of students’ continuing in the program.

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Courses and Seminars

THEA 501 Text and Context: Modern Drama / 3 units
A survey course in drama from Ibsen to the present. Provides students with a reading background in the period as a context for their winter and/or spring productions.

THEA 502 Text and Context: Renaissance Drama / 3 units
A study of the cultural background of the English Renaissance, with an emphasis upon the works of William Shakespeare. Readings in the drama of the period may be supplemented by social, political or artistic material.

THEA 503 Text and Context: Classical Drama / 3 units
A study of the cultural background of a specific “cultural” period – e.g., Greek or Roman, Renaissance, Restoration, and 18th century. Readings in the drama of the period may be supplemented by social, historical, political or artistic material.

THEA 506 Graduate Colloquium / 3 units
Workshop exploring the particular skills required to perform a chosen genre of dramatic literature. The theatrical genres and skills studied vary from year to year.

THEA 511 Movement I / 3 units
Movement disciplines explored might include yoga, Alexander technique, ballet, modern dance and jazz. Workshops in period dance and stage combat are also included. Continues for the duration of the program.

THEA 512 Movement II / 3 units
Movement disciplines explored might include yoga, Alexander technique, ballet, modern dance and jazz. Workshops in period dance and stage combat are also included. Continues for the duration of the program.

THEA 513 Movement III / 3 units
Movement disciplines explored might include yoga, Alexander technique, ballet, modern dance and jazz. Workshops in period dance and stage combat are also included. Continues for the duration of the program.

THEA 514 Movement IV / 3 units
Movement disciplines explored might include yoga, Alexander technique, ballet, modern dance and jazz. Workshops in period dance and stage combat are also included. Continues for the duration of the program.

THEA 521 Acting I / 3 units
An individualized, workshop approach to the study of acting and acting styles, focusing on the development of the specific talents of each student. Utilizes exercises and projects designed to expand the actor’s capabilities. Special attention is placed on textual analysis. Performance will be an integral part of each course. Continues for the duration of the program.

THEA 522 Acting II / 3 units
An individualized, workshop approach to the study of acting and acting styles, focusing on the development of the specific talents of each student. Utilizes exercises and projects designed to expand the actor’s capabilities. Special attention is placed on textual analysis. Performance will be an integral part of each course. Continues for the duration of the program.

THEA 523 Acting III / 3 units
An individualized, workshop approach to the study of acting and acting styles, focusing on the development of the specific talents of each student. Utilizes exercises and projects designed to expand the actor’s capabilities. Special attention is placed on textual analysis. Performance will be an integral part of each course. Continues for the duration of the program.

THEA 524 Acting IV / 3 units
An individualized, workshop approach to the study of acting and acting styles, focusing on the development of the specific talents of each student. Utilizes exercises and projects designed to expand the actor’s capabilities. Special attention is placed on textual analysis. Performance will be an integral part of each course. Continues for the duration of the program.

THEA 531 Globe Production I / 3 units
Independent study practicum under the supervision of the Director of the program. Includes rehearsal and performance participation, as well as discussions and seminars with professional company members at The Old Globe Theatre. This course is pass/fail.

THEA 532 Globe Production II / 3 units
Independent study practicum under the supervision of the Director of the program. Includes rehearsal and performance participation, as well as discussions and seminars with professional company members at The Old Globe Theatre. This course is Pass/Fail.

THEA 533 Globe Production III / 3 units
Independent study practicum under the supervision of the Director of the program. Includes rehearsal and performance participation, as well as discussions and seminars with professional company members at The Old Globe Theatre. This course is Pass/Fail.

THEA 541 Voice and Speech I / 3 units
This area of study concentrates on the skills necessary to develop the optimum in vocal technique. Emphasis is on relaxation, breathing, articulation, release of tension, phonetic transcription and dialects. Continues over the duration of the program.

THEA 542 Voice and Speech II / 3 units
This area of study concentrates on the skills necessary to develop the optimum in vocal technique. Emphasis is on relaxation, breathing, articulation, release of tension, phonetic transcription and dialects. Continues over the duration of the program.

THEA 543 Voice and Speech III / 3 units
This area of study concentrates on the skills necessary to develop the optimum in vocal technique. Emphasis is on relaxation, breathing, articulation, release of tension, phonetic transcription and dialects. Continues over the duration of the program.

THEA 544 Voice and Speech IV / 3 units
This area of study concentrates on the skills necessary to develop the optimum in vocal technique. Emphasis is on relaxation, breathing, articulation, release of tension, phonetic transcription and dialects. Continues over the duration of the program.

THEA 595 Text and Context: Thesis Project / 3 units
Independent study with a faculty member in preparation for the program thesis, a solo performance piece. Includes research, consultation,and rehearsal work.

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