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.


GOALS FOR THE OLD GLOBE/UNIVERSITY OF SAN DIEGO GRADUATE ACTING PROGRAM:

Demonstrate the ability to integrate the fundamentals of Stanislavski’s psychological/physical technique of action with the demands of playing texts of heightened language; exhibit proficiency in combining full breath support, rich vocal resonation and articulation precision when speaking texts for the stage; demonstrate skill in analyzing and interpreting dramatic texts, researching literary sources and referencing stage history as fundamental tools in preparing for performance, and demonstrate a variety of physical techniques in order to transform the body into a creative resource for the exploration of text, character and relationships.


First Year – Fall Semester
THEA 501– Text and Context: Modern Drama
THEA 511– Movement
THEA 521– Acting
THEA 541– Voice and Speech

First Year - Intersession
THEA 506– Graduate Colloquium

First Year - Spring Semester
THEA 502– Text and Context: Renaissance Drama
THEA 512– Movement
THEA 522– Acting
THEA 542– Voice and Speech

Second Year - Summer
THEA 531– Globe Production

Second Year - Fall Semester
THEA 503– Text and Context: Classical Drama
THEA 513– Movement
THEA 523– Acting
THEA 543– Voice and Speech

Second Year - Spring Semester
THEA 595– Thesis Project
THEA 514– Movement
THEA 524– Acting
THEA 544– Voice and Speech

Second Year - Summer
THEA 532– Globe Production
THEA 533– Globe Production


Courses will be undertaken either at the Globe or at USD, under the supervision of the Director of the program with the advice and consent of the Oversight Committee for the MFA Program. Periodic evaluations, apart from the normal grading process, will help determine the advisability of students' continuing in the program.


THEA 212 Text and Context: Renaissance Drama (3)
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/artistic material.


THEA 213 Text and Context: Classical Drama (3)
A study of the cultural background of a specific "cultural" period - e.g., Greek or Roman, Renaissance, Restoration, and Eighteenth century. Readings in the drama of the period may be supplemented by social/historical/political/artistic material.


THEA 215A Text and Context: Thesis Project (3)

Independent study with a faculty member in preparation for the program thesis, a solo performance piece. Includes research, consultation, and rehearsal work.


THEA 280 Graduate Colloquium (3)
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 281 Text and Context: Modern Drama (3)
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 285A, B, C, D Movement (3)
Movement disciplines explored include: period movement, stage combat, laban, ballet, modern dance, and jazz. Continues for the duration of the program. Yoga and private Alexander Technique session continue throughout the duration of the program.


THEA 286A, B, C, D Acting (3)
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 297A, B, C Globe Production (3)
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.


THEA 298A, B, C, D Voice and Speech (3)
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.

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