Theatre and Media Arts

THEATRE AND FILM

Chair: Eric Fielding
Graduate Coordinator: Bob Nelson
D-581 HFAC
Provo, UT 84602-6405
(801) 378-3406

THE PROGRAM OF STUDIES

The Department of Theatre and Film supports the university's synthesis of religious, humanistic, artistic, and professional education. The department serves people who love theatre and film and believe in the value of the arts in education.

Recognizing the need to enrich people's lives through theatre and film, the Department of Theatre and Film seeks excellence in the study and practice of these arts by stressing rigorous scholarship, high artistic standards, and Christian behavior. The department (1) educates broadly in the best liberal arts tradition; (2) develops disciplined scholars, artists, and educators; and (3) prepares articulate, thinking, caring individuals who will effectively serve their professions, their communities, and their church.

We believe in the power of the arts and in the capacity of theatre and film to enlighten, humanize, civilize, and edify. The desire of human beings through the ages to create art and to pursue beauty for its own sake becomes, in the light of the gospel, powerful evidence of people's divine nature and parentage. Such a spiritual assurance of the eternal validity and importance of the arts brings, in turn, greater meaning and satisfaction to the study of theatre and film at BYU.

Three degrees are offered through the Department of Theatre and Film: Theatre and Film—MA, Theatre Design and Technology—MFA, and Theatre and Film—PhD. However, as part of the continuing effort to strengthen our entire academic program, students will not be admitted into the Theatre Design and Technology—MFA and Theatre and Film—PhD programs until fall 1998.

Theatre and Film—MA

Areas of emphasis: Theatre or Film History, Theory, Criticism; Theatre for Young Audiences.

Admission and Entry.

• Semesters of entry and application deadlines: fall, February 1 (U.S. and international); summer, December 31 (international) and February 1 (U.S.).
• Application requirements: entrance examination is GRE general test (scores subject to review); samples of written work demonstrating capacity to function at acceptable graduate student entry level.
• Prerequisite: acceptable undergraduate background in theatre arts or film.

Requirements for Degree.

• Credit hours (32): minimum 26 course work hours plus 6 thesis hours (ThF 699R) (minimum 20 hours must be in theatre/film or theatre/film-related courses).
• Required courses: ThF 690; 9 hours in graduate-level history, theory, and criticism—either 3 hours in film and 6 in theatre, or 6 hours in film and 3 in theatre, depending upon area of emphasis.
• Minor (optional): any approved minor.
• Production: at least one significant production experience, determined in consultation with advisory committee (evaluation will occur immediately after the production).
• Thesis: thesis must make a genuine contribution to body of knowledge and meet highest academic standards (departmental style guides are MLA and Turabian). Three kinds of thesis research will be accepted: (A) scholarly analysis of theatre, film, or television/new media history, theory, or criticism; (B) research and strong creative achievement in theatre or film; (C) measurement studies.
• Examinations: (A) comprehensive written examination; (B) comprehensive oral examination; (C) oral defense of thesis.

Theatre Design and Technology—MFA

Admission and Entry.

• Semesters of entry and application deadlines: fall, February 1 (U.S. and international).
• Application requirements: entrance examination is GRE general test; resum and portfolio; samples of written work demonstrating capacity to function at acceptable graduate student entry level; interview with area committee.
• Prerequisite: ThF 116, 117, 121, 123, 127R, 140, 141R, 143R, 200, 201, 220, 361, 461; Art 108, 422, 433R; ClTx 145, 245, 345; or equivalents.

Requirements for Degree.

• Credit hours: minimum 60 course work hours, including 6 project hours (ThF 698R).
• Required courses: ThF 520, 544R, 595R, 599R, 600, 601, 662R, 668, 674R, 690, 698R, 731, 732, 797R.
• Electives (15 hours selected from the following in consultation with advisory committee): ThF 519, 541R, 542R, 544R, 545R, 562, 670, 678, 697R; Art 600R, 601, 602, 603, 604, 605, 606, 607, 608, 609, 610; ClTx 545.
• Off-campus internship (ThF 599R).
• Project (minimum 6 hours; ThF 698R): design and supervision of scenery, lighting, or costumes for at least one full-length production (must be reported in thesis form and accepted by area committee).
• Examinations: (A) comprehensive written examination; (B) comprehensive oral examination; (C) oral defense of project.

Theatre and Film—PhD

Areas of emphasis: Theatre or Film History, Theory, Criticism; Theatre for Young Audiences.

Admission and Entry.

• Semesters of entry and application deadlines: fall, February 1 (U.S. and international); summer, December 31 (international) and February 1 (U.S.).
• Application requirements: entrance examination is GRE general test (scores subject to review); samples of written work demonstrating capacity to function at acceptable doctoral student entry level.
• Prerequisite: acceptable master's degree in theatre or film.

Requirements for Degree.

• Credit hours beyond bachelor's degree (78): minimum 45 hours in theatre and film; 15 hours in approved minor; 18 dissertation hours (ThF 799R).
• Required courses: ThF 690; 18 hours in graduate-level history, theory, and criticism—either 6 hours in film and 12 in theatre, or 12 hours in film and 6 in theatre, depending upon area of emphasis.
• Language/Skill requirement: select one of three options:

Option 1. One Language, in Depth (Reading/Speaking Ability): specific language to be determined in consultation with graduate committee. Demonstrate competency through completion (grade B or better) of 300-level literature and culture course, taught in the language, or equivalent. Or, demonstrate competency by means of special examination, in consultation with graduate committee, that will test ability to translate literature in field competently and communicate orally in the language.

Option 2. Two Languages (Reading Ability): specific languages to be determined in consultation with graduate committee. Demonstrate competency through passing of two-semester intensive reading course in the languages, or equivalent.

Option 3. One Language (Reading Ability) and One Skill Subject: specific language and skill subject—which must be outside the department—to be determined in consultation with graduate committee. Demonstrate competency in language through passing two-semester intensive reading course in the language, or equivalent. Demonstrate competency in skill subject through completion (grade B or better) of 9 semester hours of graduate-level course work, as approved by graduate committee.

• Production: at least one significant production experience, as determined in consultation with advisory committee (evaluation will occur immediately after the production).
• Dissertation: dissertation must make a genuine contribution to body of knowledge and meet highest academic standards (departmental style guides are MLA and Turabian). Three kinds of dissertation research will be accepted: (A) scholarly analysis of theatre, film, or television/new media history, theory, or criticism; (B) research and strong creative achievement in theatre or film; (C) measurement studies.
• Examinations: (A) comprehensive written examination; (B) comprehensive oral examination; (C) oral defense of dissertation.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

The following financial support is available through the Department of Theatre and Film:

Assistantships. Graduate students work in the following areas—costume shop, lighting, musical theatre (accompanist, movement), properties, publicity, research, stage management, teaching (assistantships for ThF 115, 116, 117, 123, 124, 200/201, 361/461), and theatre for young audiences.

Candidates must have appropriate background and experience to be considered. Assistantships range from quarter-time to half-time; pay is based on applicant's experience, year in school, and the type of assistantship.

Internships. The department generally offers a quarter-time internship during fall and winter semesters and spring and summer terms. Internships range from $660 to $1,350 per semester.

Supplemental Tuition Awards. A number of supplemental tuition awards are offered by the department during all semesters and terms. The size of these awards is determined by the applicants' qualifications and the availability of departmental funds.

RESOURCES AND OPPORTUNITIES

The Harris Fine Arts Center houses the Department of Theatre and Film, five theatres, two concert halls, rehearsal rooms, an electronic media development lab, a television sound stage, a PBS affiliate, and a 24-hour FM station. These facilities, as well as a feature-film studio near campus, serve as laboratories for graduate students.

Graduate students also may perform individually and with some of the many talented groups on campus.

For a more detailed description of the graduate program requirements, send for a copy of the department's bulletin.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Class Schedule

516R. Theatre and Film Instruction. (1-3)

Prerequisite: instructor's consent.

Master class for developing teaching methods and techniques.

519R. Stage Management 2. (1-3)

Prerequisite: ThF 319 or equivalent.

Advanced principles, techniques, and practice. Production stage managers chosen from this course.

520. Scenic Design 2. (3)

Prerequisite: ThF 140, 220, or instructor's consent.

Intermediate theory and practice of scenic design for the stage.

522R. Auditions and the Business. (3)

Prerequisite: ThF 124R, 323R, 324R.

Auditions, cold reading, resums, and the business end of acting, music, and dance for the professional performer.

523R. Acting: Recital. (2)

Prerequisite: ThF 124R, 323R, 324R.

Twenty-five- to thirty-minute performance of cuttings from varied genres.

524R. Acting: Advanced Performance. (3)

Prerequisite: ThF 124R, 323R, 324R.

Performance option: performance and written analysis of approved role in a major production. Teaching option: assistance in acting classes and weekly seminar.

526. Sound Design 2. (2)

Prerequisite: ThF 220, 326, or equivalent.

Theory, practice, and methodology of studio sound recording, reinforcement, and mixing.

527. Storytelling. (2)

Theory, technique, and practice.

540R. Workshop 2: Acting. (1-6)

Prerequisite: instructor's consent.

Advanced experience in production: acting.

541. Set Construction 3. (3)

Advanced experience in production: construction.

542R. Theatre Production 3. (1-3)

Prerequisite: 143R, 343R, or equivalent.

Advanced experience in production: technical crew.

543R. Workshop 2: Directing. (1-6)

Prerequisite: instructor's consent.

Advanced experience in production: directing.

544R. Workshop: Design. (1-6)

Prerequisite: instructor's consent.

Advanced experience in production: design.

545R. Costume Construction 3. (1-6)

Prerequisite: ThF 543R, 544R, or instructor's consent.

Special construction: armor, masks, etc.

552R. Creative Dramatics and Improvisation. (3)

Informal or improvised dramatic techniques with children, adolescents, and/or adults.

562. Costume Design 3. (3)

Prerequisite: ThF 220, 362, 462, 544R, 595R, or instructor's consent.

Advanced theory and practice in costume design for stage and screen.

572R. Theatre for Children. (2)

Theories, techniques, and experience in creating formal drama for the child and youth audience.

578R. Advanced Playwriting. (2-6)

Prerequisite: ThF 378R.

Seminar in playwriting.

579R. Playwright's, Director's, Actor's Workshop. (4)

Prerequisite: by audition only.

Group approach to nurturing new work through script study, improvisation, and staged readings.

581. Art Direction. (3)

Prerequisite: ThF 280 or equivalent; instructor's consent.

Fundamentals of motion picture/ television art direction and design.

584. Film Sound. (3)

Prerequisite: ThF 280R or equivalent; instructor's consent.

Motion picture sound recording and theory.

585. Screenwriting 3. (3)

Prerequisite: ThF 380, 485, or equivalent; full acceptance into film BFA program.

Theory and technique of writing feature-length dramatic screenplays.

587R. Film Genres. (3)

Prerequisite: ThF 202, 203, 489R, and full acceptance into film BA or BFA program.

Intensive study of major film genres: western, musical, or horror.

588R. Motion Picture Directors. (3)

Prerequisite: ThF 202, 203.

In-depth study of representative body of motion pictures by one major film director such as John Ford, Howard Hawks, Ingmar Bergman, or Woody Allen.

595R. Workshop 2: Special Projects. (1-6)

Advanced experience in production: special projects.

599R. Cooperative Education. (1-9)

Prerequisite: instructor's consent.

Off-campus experience in stage, film, or television writing, directing, acting, designing, or managing.

600. Advanced History 1: Theatre. (3)

Prerequisite: ThF 200, 201.

Primitive, classical, medieval, and Renaissance theatre through seventeenth century.

601. Advanced History 2: Theatre. (3)

Prerequisite: ThF 200, 201.

Theatre, eighteenth century to present.

644. Advanced Scenic Design. (3)

Prerequisite: ThF 140, 220, 340R, 520, or equivalent.

Advanced theory and practice in set design for stage.

660R. Advanced Voice and Interpretation. (3)

Prerequisite: ThF 121, 122, 123, 325R.

Continuation of ThF 325R. Polishing vocal and interpretative skills through performances.

662R. Seminar in the Theory and History of Theatrical Costuming. (3)

Prerequisite: ThF 220, 295R, 362, 544R, 562, 595R, or equivalent.

Major movements and evolution of costuming theory, providing research and design experience.

664. Theatre Management 1. (2)

Theory and practice, including play selection, budget, and promotion.

665. Theatre Management 2. (2)

Theory and practice, including box office, theatre plant, and personnel.

668R. Special Studies in Theatre, Film, or Television. (1-3)

Supervised research in selected historical, theoretical, or critical problems.

670. Advanced Set Construction. (3)

Prerequisite: ThF 140, 340, 541, or equivalent.

Special problems in scenery construction and rigging.

671R. Advanced Directing. (3)

Prerequisite: ThF 200, 201, 361, 461, or equivalent.

Theories and techniques of directing for the stage through directing projects for public presentation.

674R. Projects in Theatre and Film. (1-4)

Supervised applied theory in playwriting/screenwriting, directing, acting, design, criticism, stagecraft.

678. Advanced Stage Lighting. (3)

Prerequisite: ThF 142, 220, 321, or equivalent.

Theory and techniques of theatrical lighting.

680R. Advanced Film Production. (5)

Prerequisite: ThF 280, 285, 380, 485, 490, or equivalent; instructor's consent.

Advanced 16-mm filmmaking.

685R. Screenwriting 4. (3)

Prerequisite: ThF 490, 585, and instructor's consent.

Advanced practical experience in screenwriting.

689. Motion Picture History. (3)

Worldwide survey of advanced motion picture history.

690. Introduction to Graduate Studies in Theatre and Film. (3)

Introductory seminar required of all graduate students during first semester or term that class is offered.

697R. Seminar and Production: Special Theatre Forms. (2-3)

Prerequisite: instructor's consent.

Theory and practice directing in special forms: readers theatre, avant-garde, etc.

698R. Master's Project. (1-6)

699R. Master's Thesis. (1-9)

700R. Master Seminar. (3)

Selected topics.

731. Dramatic Theory and Criticism 1. (3)

Development from beginning to nineteenth century.

732. Dramatic Theory and Criticism 2. (3)

Development from nineteenth century to present.

772R. Seminar in Child Drama. (3)

Prerequisite: ThF 552R, 572R, or instructor's consent.

Advanced theory and research in drama and theatre with and for children.

788R. Symposium for Filmmakers. (3)

Prerequisite: ThF 280, 490; 680R or concurrent registration; instructor's consent.

Symposium to stimulate and enhance perception and understanding of motion picture industry and its historical, contemporary, and social context.

797R. Research. (Arr.)

799R. Doctoral Dissertation. (1-18)

FACULTY 

BENTLEY, MARION J., Professor. PhD, University of Utah, 1968. Directing; Acting; Dialects; Theatre History.

FIELDING, ERIC, Professor. MFA, Goodman School of Drama, Art Institute of Chicago, 1976. Set Design; Lighting Design; Theatre Management.

HEINER, BARTA, Associate Professor. MFA, American Conservatory Theatre, 1977. Acting; Directing.

MORGAN, DAVID E., Assistant Professor. MFA, National Theatre Conservatory, 1990. Acting; Directing.

NELSON, GEORGE D., Associate Professor. MFA, University of Washington, 1979. Secondary Education; Child Drama.

NELSON, BOB, Associate Professor. PhD, University of Utah, 1976. Acting; Directing; Theatre History; Dramatic Theory and Criticism.

OAKS, HAROLD R., Professor. PhD, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, 1964. Child Drama; Children's Theatre; Puppetry; Directing.

SAMUELSEN, ERIC, Assistant Professor. PhD, Indiana University, 1991. History; Theory; Criticism.

SCANLON, RORY R., Associate Professor. MFA, University of Illinois, 1984. Set and Costume Design; Costume History; Lighting Design.

SLOVER, TIM, Assistant Professor. PhD, University of Michigan, 1993. Playwriting; Screenwriting.

SWENSON, JANET L., Associate Professor. MFA, University of Utah, 1992. Costume Design; Costume History; Makeup.

SWENSON, SHARON, Assistant Professor. PhD, University of Utah, 1993. Film History; Theory; Criticism.

WALKER, OSCAR LEE, Assistant Professor. MIE, Brigham Young University, 1975. Technical Theatre; Stage Management.

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