Communication Studies, Theatre Concentration (MA)

General Degree Requirements

Applicants who do not have an undergraduate major in one of the areas of communication studies noted above are expected to satisfy any course deficiencies in the initial stages of their graduate program. The graduate student in communication studies must complete a minimum of 36 semester credit hours. The student will follow one of two plans of study.

Thesis/Non-Thesis Plans

The Master of Arts degree in Communication Studies, Theatre Concentration, may be completed under either Plan A (Thesis) or Plan B (Non-Thesis):

Plan A (Thesis): Students must complete a minimum of 30 hours of graduate credit in Theatre, or 24 hours in Theatre and 6 hours in a related field, which are approved by their major professor and by the Director of the School of the Theatre. In addition, six hours of the total must be earned by successfully passing LBAR 551: Research and Thesis and by completing an acceptable thesis. Twelve of the required 30 hours must be in courses offered exclusively for graduate students (500 level), not including thesis courses. A written and an oral examination on all coursework and the thesis are required.

Plan B (Non-Thesis): The requirements are the same as those under Plan A, except that the student will not write a thesis and will complete a minimum of 36 hours of graduate credit. A maximum of six graduate credits may be earned in courses in fields related to Theatre. Such credit must be approved by the student’s advisor and the Director of the School of Theatre.

Concentration in Theatre

Information regarding the MA in Communication Studies with a Concentration in Theatre can be obtained by contacting the Director of the School of Theatre.

Admission Requirements. Admission to the program includes formal application to the Louisiana Tech University Graduate School and campus audition/interview (A video audition or interview off campus can be substituted.). The graduate program in Theatre offers students advanced study and scholarly research in the Theatre Arts, The program prepares the student, through in-depth theoretical and practical training, for the rigors of the 21st Century Theatrical profession.

Course Requirements. The graduate program concentration in Theatre (administered in the School of Theatre) requires that students take 36 total graduate credit hours of which 18 core credit hours will be in holistic study including all disciplines of Theatre. The final 18 hours the student may select an area of emphasis and take courses in that area or continue his/her holistic study. The student’s plan of study must be approved by the Head of the Graduate Theatre program. The student must meet the requirements set forth by the Graduate School of the university in order to maintain graduate status.

Thesis/Non-Thesis Plans. Students pursuing the Master of Arts with theatre concentration will follow either Plan A or Plan B as outlined above in “Master of Arts in Communication Studies, Theatre Concentration: General Degree Requirements.”

Communication Studies, Theatre Concentration Curriculum

• THTR 500: Intro to Grad Studies in Theatre 3 Semester Credit Hours
• THTR 506: Graduate Theatre History 3 Semester Credit Hours
• THTR 516: Arts Administration 3 Semester Credit Hours
• THTR 507: Principles of Design 3 Semester Credit Hours
• THTR 530: Graduate Showcase 3 Semester Credit Hours
• THTR 533: Theories of Performance 3 Semester Credit Hours

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• Mgt. - Choose one of the following classes

• THTR 509: Graduate Studies in Stage Management 3 Semester Credit Hours
• THTR 515: Theatre Management 3 Semester Credit Hours

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• Act/Dir. - Choose one of the following classes

• THTR 540: Graduate Studies in Acting 3 Semester Credit Hours
• THTR 541: Graduate Acting Styles 3 Semester Credit Hours
• THTR 550: Graduate Studies in Directing 3 Semester Credit Hours
• THTR 551: Graduate Directing Seminar 3 Semester Credit Hours

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• Des/Tech. - Choose one of the following classes

• THTR 502: Studies in Scene Design 3 Semester Credit Hours
• THTR 503: Studies in Lighting Design 3 Semester Credit Hours
• THTR 511: Studies in Stage Costuming 3 Semester Credit Hours

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• Open Electives (9 Semester Credit Hours)

• Thesis Track (Plan A)

• Any 400 (G) or 500 level class (3 Semester Credit Hours)
• LBAR 551F: Research and Thesis Semester Credit Hours (6)

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• Non-Thesis Track (Plan B)

• Any 400 (G) or 500 level class (9 Semester Credit Hours)