College of Arts, Languages & Letters
Kennedy Theatre 113
1770 East-West Road
Honolulu, HI 96822
Tel: (808) 956-7677
Fax: (808) 956-4234
Web: manoa.hawaii.edu/liveonstage/

Faculty

*Graduate Faculty

*M. Wessendorf, PhD (Chair)—dramatic literature, theory, performance studies
*J. K. Miller, PhD (Associate Chair, Director of Dance)—dance ethnography, visual media for dance, research, performance studies
*K. Pauka, PhD (Associate Chair, Director of Theatre)—Asian theatre, acting, directing, research
*T. H. Baker, PhD—Hawaiian theatre, playwriting
*M. Bisbee, MFA—scenic design
*M. Branner, MFA—theatre for young audiences
*J. Iezzi, PhD—Asian theatre, acting, directing, research
*P. Kao, MFA—modern dance, choreography, improvisation
*L. O’Malley, PhD—theatre history, dramatic literature, research
*L. Perillo, PhD—hip hop, kinesiology, movement analysis
*A. Schiffner, MFA—creative dance and drama, pedagogy; dance/theatre teaching internships, research, theory
*M. Speetjens, MFA—costume design
*P. Xu, PhD—Asian theatre, dramatic literature, performance studies, research

Degrees Offered: BA (including minor) in dance, BA (including minor) in theatre, BFA in dance, MA in dance, MA in theatre, MFA in dance, MFA in theatre, PhD in theatre

The Academic Program

The Department of Theatre and Dance is comprised of two separate but related disciplines. is committed to centering on Hawaiian culture and working towards diversity, equity, and inclusion in curricula and productions as well as recruitment of personnel and students. The department encompasses two closely related disciplines: Theatre (THEA) and Dance (DNCE).

Theatre includes the study of dramatic literature and theory; acting and directing; stage, costume, and lighting design; stagecraft; playwriting; and performance studies. Students in the Theatre program benefit from a comprehensive curriculum that includes a pioneering Hawaiian theatre program, a nationally respected TYA (Theatre for Young Audiences) program, and an internationally recognized program focusing on the theatre traditions of China, Japan, South and Southeast Asia. Teaching and professional stage, film, and television work are typical professions of graduates of Theatre program, but the analytical and practical skills, discipline and self-confidence, creativity, problem solving, and ability to work toward common production goals are applicable to a wide variety of industries and professions.

Dance is the art of human motion. It encompasses the study of human movement as it relates to the physical sciences, music, theatre performance and production, history, cultural context, education, technology, visual design, and human expression. UH Mānoa’s Dance program offers comprehensive theory courses and a diverse range of dance genres. The program is considered unique with its offerings in dance culture and performance studies and Asian and Pacific dance. Graduates of the Dance program find careers in the areas of performance, choreography, teaching, arts administration, production, television and film, and dance history, criticism, and research.

Other fields known to actively recruit employees with a theatre or dance degree include: advertising, animation, architecture, arts administration, body work, design for public spaces, fashion, graphic design, human-computer interface design (HCI), multi-media marketing, nonprofit management, physical therapy, public relations, themed entertainment, and voice-over for theatre, film, and new media.

Affiliations

The department is a member of the Hawai‘i State Theatre Council, an institutional member of the U.S. Institute for Theatre Technology, and participates in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. The Asian theatre program is affiliated with the Association for Asian Performance.

The dance program is affiliated with the American College Dance Festival Association and the Council of Dance Administrators.

Advising

After being admitted as majors in the theatre program, undergraduates must consult each semester with the theatre undergraduate advisor. Each theatre major is also assigned a faculty mentor who provides additional support and guidance in the student’s particular area of interest, and help in preparation of a graduation portfolio. Newly admitted theatre graduate students should consult for the first one or two semesters with the director of graduate studies in theatre for initial advising, after which each graduate student is expected to select from the graduate faculty a permanent advisor well-versed in the area of the student’s concentration.

In dance, undergraduate majors must consult with the dance undergraduate advisor every semester. Graduate students must consult with the director of graduate studies in dance each semester.

Undergraduate Study

BA in Theatre

This degree is designed for students with a broad interest in theatre and allows maximum flexibility for satisfying requirements in areas of greatest interest. Incoming students may declare a BA major in Theatre on their university application.

Students must complete 42 credit hours, determined in consultation with an advisor and based on the student’s interests within theatre while fulfilling the broad-based requirements in the areas of acting, directing, theatre history, Hawaiian, Asian, and Pacific theatre, theatre for young audiences, design and technical theatre production:

Course Requirements

  • THEA 240, 311, 312, 411, and 412
  • Two courses in Hawaiian, Asian, or Pacific theatre (one in theory/history/literature, one in performance)
  • One course each in acting, voice/movement, directing or playwriting, design or technical theatre, and theatre for young audiences
  • 6 credits (including at least 3 alphas) from THEA 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E, 200F, 400B, 400C, 400D, 400E, 400F
  • Graduation requirements include the submission of an online portfolio of student work twelve (12) weeks into the student’s final semester, an exit interview, and a written self-assessment of the student’s tenure at UH Mānoa.

For information on a Bachelor Degree Program Sheet, go to programsheets/.

BA in Dance

This degree is designed for students with a broad interest in dance and allows them maximum flexibility to satisfy requirements in their areas of greatest interest. Incoming students may declare a BA major in Dance on their university application.

Students must complete 40 credit hours: 30 credits of required courses and 10 credits of elective courses. Elective credit hours are determined in consultation with an advisor and based on the student’s desired focus within dance, such as teaching, choreography, performance studies, indigenous studies, education, visual media for dance, theory or history, or technical theatre production.

Course Requirements

  • 3 credits of DNCE 151
  • 1 credit of THEA 200C, 200D, 200E, or 200F
  • 3 credits of DNCE 255
  • 1 credits of DNCE 260
  • 4 credits of DNCE 312 and 412
  •  3 credits from any of the following: DNCE 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 311, 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406, 407, 411, MUS 311 or 411
  • 3 credits from any of the following: DNCE 221, 231, 241, 321, 331, 341, 421, or 431
  • 3 credits each of DNCE 362, 370, 371
  • 3 credits of DNCE 450, 452, or 453
  • 10 credits of focus electives to be selected from:
    DNCE 221, 231, 240, 241, 321, 331, 341, 360, 372, 421, 431, 450, 452, 453, 470, 480, 490, 499

Other Requirements

BA Dance students are required to participate in at least one (1) UH dance production per year (eg., student dance concerts, main stage dance concerts, as performers or crew members). BA majors are required to register for and attend at least one technique class per semester.

Graduation requirements include the submission of a portfolio of student work, assessment essay, exit interview, and completion of a survey.

For information on a Bachelor Degree Program Sheet, go to programsheets/.

BFA in Dance

This program is designed for students who wish to pursue professional careers as dancers, teachers, and/or choreographers. Admission to the program is by audition only. Incoming students may declare a BA major in Dance on their university application, then audition for the BFA degree during spring semester of their first year at UH Mānoa if interested in the BFA degree program.

Course Requirements

Students must complete 62 credits, including:

  • 37 credits of DNCE 151, 240, 255, 360, 362, 370, 371, 372, 450, 452 or 453, and 470
  • 1 credit of DNCE 495
  • 25 credits of Dance Technique courses:
    • 6 credits of DNCE 321, 331, 341, or higher
    • 4 credits from DNCE 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 311, 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406, 407, 411, MUS 311, or 411
  • 3 credits of DNCE 321
  • 3 credits of DNCE 331
  • 3 credits of DNCE 341
  • 6 credits of DNCE 321, 331, 341, 421, or 431

Other Requirements

BFA Dance students are required to participate in at least two (2) UH dance productions per year. At least one must be in a performance capacity. Prior to the senior project, BFA students must audition choreography for a fall or spring student concert by the sixth semester of the dance major. BFA majors are required to register for a technique course every semester.

Graduation requirements include the submission of a portfolio of student work, assessment essay, exit interview, and completion of a survey.

For information on a Bachelor Degree Program Sheet, go to programsheets/.

Minor in Dance

Course Requirements

Students must complete 15 credit hours numbered 200 level and above, including nine credit hours in courses numbered 300 or above. A maximum of 9 credit hours from dance technique courses may be designated for the minor. Dance minors should consult with the undergraduate advisor.

Minor in Theatre

Requirements

Students must complete 15 credit hours in courses numbered 200 or above, including 9 credit hours in courses numbered 300 or above. Courses must include one from performance, one from design or technical theatre, and one from history/literature. Participation in two departmental productions is required. Theatre minors should consult with the undergraduate theatre advisor.

Graduate Study

Many graduates pursue teaching careers, but there are many career opportunities in professional theatres and dance companies, radio, television, films, online media, and community theatres, as well as the wide variety of other fields which actively recruit those with theatre, dance, and performance studies degrees.

All graduate degrees in theatre and dance are recognized Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) regional graduate programs. Residents of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, the CNMI, Guam, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming who meet with WGRP requirements are therefore eligible to enroll at reduced tuition rates.

Master’s Degrees in Theatre

Master’s degrees offered in theatre include the MA Plan A (thesis) and Plan B (non-thesis) in two areas: (a) Theatre, and (b) Performance Studies; and the MFA Plan B (creative/performance).

For the MA Plan A, the candidate writes a thesis in theatre (history, theory, or dramatic literature), or in Performance Studies. For the MA Plan B, a generalist degree, the candidate takes additional advanced course work and completes a research-related or creative project. MA plan A(Thesis) students will meet with their committee to orally defend the written thesis. MA plan B students will make a public oral presentation in their final year, detailing the results of a research or creative project of their choosing.

The MFA Plan B emphasizes creative or performance work in seven concentrations: acting, directing, design, and playwriting (each of these four may include Western, Asian, Hawaiian, and TYA), Asian performance, Hawaiian Theatre, and TYA.
Applicants must present an adequate undergraduate background and submit three letters of recommendation. The department expects that all incoming graduate students will have taken at least two courses in dramatic literature or theatre history, and one course in each of the following three areas: acting, directing, and design or technical theatre. If such courses have not been taken, they will be made up as undergraduate deficiencies while in residence for the master’s program and will not count toward the credit accumulation for the master’s degree. The TOEFL minimum score for foreign students is 500/61 (paper/internet) or IELTS overall band test result of 6.00 (600/100 for TOEFL and 7.0 for IELTS for Graduate Assistantship applicants). Applicants for the MA Plan A degree are also expected to submit a major paper; those seeking the MFA degree should present appropriate supplementary materials such as portfolios, video of acting audition material or material directed, or play scripts.

Application deadline for the fall semester is December 15. Spring semester application deadline is August 15. Upon the successful completion of 12 graduate credit hours within the department, the elimination of any undergraduate deficiencies, and (for MFA students) the presentation of an acceptable qualifying creative project, the student may be admitted to candidacy.

Students pursuing an MA in the Theatre track develop, with an advisor, a program appropriate for their interests (minimum of 39 credit hours). A minimum of 18 credit hours must be in courses numbered 600 to 798 (excluding 700); a minimum of 6 credit hours must be in Hawaiian/Asian/Pacific theatre (excluding 690); credit for 699 may not exceed 9 credit hours. The program must include 3 credit hours in each of the following areas: research methods (THEA 600); practicum in teaching (THEA 692); Hawaiian/Asian/Pacific theatre theory/history; Western theatre theory/history; and graduate theatre workshop (THEA 690), in which students receive 1 or 2 credit hours (depending upon extent of involvement) for working on a single Kennedy Theatre production. MA (Thesis) students take an additional 6 credit hours in theatre history or theory; 3 credit hours in a creative area; and must complete 6 credit hours of THEA 700 Thesis Research. MA (Non-Thesis) students take 3 credit hours each of TYA, creative drama, creative movement, or Western puppetry; Asian/Pacific or Western acting or directing; design/technical theatre. Students pursuing an MA in Performance Studies develop, with an advisor, a program appropriate for their interests (minimum of 39 credit hours). A minimum of 18 credit hours must be in courses numbered 600-798 (excluding 699 and 700) and includes 3 credit hours in each of the following areas: research methods (THEA 600, or DNCE 651); performance theory (THEA 615); seminar in performance studies (THEA/DNCE 617); theory (DNCE 653 or THEA 611); practicum in teaching (THEA 692); and a 3-credit course in a creative area. Credit for 699 may not exceed 9 credit hours. Plan A students take 6 credit hours of THEA 700 Thesis Research; Plan B students take 6 credits of either THEA 690 or THEA 699, or a combination.

MFA students in all concentrations will take a minimum of 60 credit hours comprised of foundation courses (3 credits in research, 6-9 credits in history and/or theory (total number depending on concentration), and 3 credits in practicum in teaching); 39 credit hours of concentration courses, including enrollment in THEA 690 Graduate Theatre Workshop, for which students receive 1 or 2 credit hours (depending upon extent of involvement) for working on a single Kennedy Theatre production, and a single or a series of culminating projects, depending on concentration, for which the student will enroll in a total of 6 credit hours of THEA 695 Creative Projects; and 6-9 credit hours of electives (total number depending on concentration). Of the total 60 credit hours, 30 must be at the 600 level or above. There is no written comprehensive examination for the MFA degree. However, the culminating project will include a written component that goes beyond the descriptive record of the project; the thesis committee, in conjunction with the candidate, will decide the nature, extent, and scope of the written component in each case. Additionally, each student will be given an oral examination on the culminating project.

To receive a list of specific recommended courses for meeting MA and MFA requirements, contact the director of graduate studies in theatre. Students will select their elective courses in consultation with their advisors to reflect their special interests. Students with sufficient undergraduate preparation may take approved related graduate courses in other departments for credit toward their degree.

In consultation with an advisor, each MFA student develops a program appropriate for his or her interests within the specific requirements of one of the following concentrations:

Acting

For the concentration in acting, students must complete 3 credits in research; 9 credits in history and/or theory (minimum 3 credits in Asian and 3 credits in Western); 3 credits of THEA 692; 6 credits in voice; 6 credits in movement and/or dance; 12 credits in acting (minimum 3 credits in Asian and 3 credits in Western); 3 credits in additional creative/performance courses in above areas or in directing, design/technical theatre, or playwriting; 6 credits of THEA 690 Graduate Theatre Workshop (a minimum of 4 credits in acting and 1 credit in technical theatre; 1 credit may be in design, directing, playwriting, etc.), and 6 credits of THEA 695 Creative Projects.

Asian Performance

For the concentration in Asian performance, students must complete 3 credits in research; 6 credits in Asian theatre history/theory; 3 credits in Western theatre history/theory; and 3 credits of THEA 692.

Students in Asian Performance-Acting also take 9 credits of Asian Acting; 3 credits in Experimental Asian acting; 3 credits in Western acting; 3 credits of Asian/multicultural directing; 3 credits of Asian/Pacific music and dance (minimum 1 credit music and 1 credit dance); 3 credits in design/technical theatre or playwriting; and 3 credits of additional creative/performance courses (may be in Asian/Pacific Music or Dance, or in Asian or Western acting or directing at the graduate level); 6 credits of THEA 690 Graduate Theatre Workshop (1 credit per semester for performing in Asian/multicultural Directing class work, and 3 credits for performing in major Asian or Western work other than Mainstage Asian productions); and 6 credits of THEA 695 Creative Projects (2 credits for performing in each of 3 annual Mainstage Asian productions).

Students in Asian Performance-Directing take 6 credits in Asian acting; 10 credits in directing (6 credits Asian/multicultural, 4 credits Western); 1 credit in Asian/Pacific music; 1 credit in Asian/Pacific dance; 3 credits in design/technical theatre or playwriting; 6 credits of additional creative/performance courses in above areas or courses at the graduate level in Western acting; 6 credits of THEA 690 Graduate Theatre Workshop (minimum 2 credits in directing; 2 credits in Asian performance–acting, directing, or puppetry; 2 credits may include dramaturgy, design, playwriting, stage managing, etc.; minimum 2 credits in faculty-directed and 2 credits in student-directed shows); and 6 credits of THEA 695 Creative Projects for thesis production.

Design

For the concentration in design, students must complete 3 credits in research; 6 credits in history and/or theory, Asian and/or Western; 3 credits of THEA 692; minimum 6 credits in intermediate design (400 level or above) and minimum 3 credits in advanced design (600 level), excluding other requirements below; 6 credits of THEA 657 Seminar in Design; 6 credits in creative/performance courses (400 level or above) (may include acting, directing, dance, playwriting, puppetry, or others as approved); 9 credits of THEA 690 Graduate Theatre Workshop (as approved by graduate committee chair); minimum 3 credits in Asian theatre (excluding THEA 690); 6 credits of THEA 695 Creative Projects (including qualifying and final projects); and minimum 3 credits THEA 650 Professional Advancement in Entertainment Design.

Directing

For the concentration in directing, students must complete 3 credits in research; 9 credits in history and/or theory (minimum 3 credits in Asian and 3 credits in Western, 3 credits of which must be in theory); 3 credits of THEA 692; 3 credits in script analysis; 12 credits in graduate-level directing (minimum 3 credits in Asian and 3 credits in Western); 6 credits in design/technical theatre (in two areas—theatre design, costume, lighting, or set); 6 credits in creative/performance courses (in at least two areas—acting, choreography, dance, movement, music, playwriting, puppetry, or voice); 6 credits of THEA 690 Graduate Theatre Workshop (minimum 4 credits in directing including assistant directing and dramaturgy; 2 credits may include acting, design, playwriting, stage managing, etc.; minimum 2 credits in faculty-directed and 2 credits in student-directed shows); and 6 credits of THEA 695 Creative Projects.

Hawaiian Theatre

For the concentration in Hawaiian theatre, students must complete 3 credits in research; 3 credits in Hawaiian theatre history/theory; 3 credits in Pacific theatre history/theory; 3 additional credits in Western/Asian history/theory; 3 credits of THEA 692; 3 credits in Hawaiian acting; 3 credits in Hawaiian puppetry/hula ki‘i; 3 credits in Hawaiian dance/hula; 3 credits in Hawaiian music/papa mele; 3 credits in voice; 3 credits in design/technical theatre or playwriting; 3 credits in directing; 3 credits in youth theatre/puppetry; 3 credits of additional creative/performance courses in above areas or courses at the graduate level; 6 credits of THEA 690 Graduate Theatre Workshop; and 6 credits of THEA 695 Creative Projects. Students must demonstrate Hawaiian language proficiency either through exam or course work; students may enter program with this deficiency, working towards language requirement (HAW 302) concurrent with degree.

Playwriting

For the concentration in playwriting, students must complete 3 credits in research; 9 credits in history and/or theory (including 3 credits in Asian/Hawaiian/Pacific and 3 credits in Western, both at 600 level or above); 3 credits of THEA 692; 9 credits in playwriting (excluding THEA 318); 3 credits in script analysis; 3 credits in contemporary dramatic literature or theatre history; 6 credits in design/technical theatre (including 3 credits in lighting design); 3 credits in acting or directing; 3 credits in movement, dance, or music; 3 credits in puppetry or youth theatre; 3 credits of THEA 690 Graduate Theatre Workshop in dramaturgy; electives may include an additional 3 credits of THEA 690 (in acting, design, directing, playwriting, stage managing, etc.); and 6 credits of THEA 695 Creative Projects.

Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA)

For the concentration in TYA, students must complete 3 credits in research; 9 credits in Asian and/or Western history and/or theory; 3 credits of THEA 692; 3 credits in creative drama/dance; 3 credits in theatre for young audiences; 3 credits in a teaching seminar; and 3 credits in a TYA seminar. Candidates must take 9 credits in any one of these areas along with minimum of 4 credits of Graduate Theatre Workshop (THEA 690); 2 credits of Directed Research (THEA 699); and 6 credits of Creative Projects (THEA 695). An additional 12 credit hours of electives are available, although a minimum of 3 credits in Asian theatre (excluding THEA 690) are required. All TYA students complete a minimum of 10 hours per semester in community engagement.

Master’s Degrees in Dance

The department’s graduate offerings in dance include the MA with a research or education option and the MFA in Performance and Choreography. For admission to the master’s in dance program the GRE is not required; for foreign students the minimum TOEFL score is 600/100 Intended dance candidates for all degrees must present an adequate undergraduate background in dance or a related field and submit three letters of recommendation. MFA candidates in dance must also submit a sample of their choreography and performance. MA and MFA candidates must submit a significant sample of written work, such as a major paper. Application and transcripts should be sent to Graduate Division. All other material may be uploaded to the Supplemental Upload website through Graduate Division. The priority application deadline for the fall semester is December 15 of the previous year; for spring semester the priority application deadline is August 15 of previous year.

Upon the successful completion of 12 graduate credit hours within the department, the elimination of any undergraduate deficiencies, and (for MFA students) the presentation of an acceptable example of creative work (the qualifying dance) the student may be admitted to candidacy.

DNCE 651 and 617 are core courses (6 credit)s for Plan A and Plan B and the MFA Plan A.

MA in Dance (30 credits)

Plan A

The MA in Dance Plan A focuses on research related performance studies in dance. Research conducted as part of the Plan A is completed in the form of a written thesis and an oral defense.

Required Courses: Core, plus 24 credits

  • 3 credits from: DNCE 301 or 401, 302 or 402, 303 or 403, 304 or 404, 305 or 405, 306 or 406, 307 or 407, 311 or 411, 312 or 412, 321 or 421, 331 or 431.
  • 3 credits each from : DNCE 654 or 655, 673, 691, 699, and approved 600-level related area elective (may or not be DNCE)
  • 6 credits of DNCE 700 (Thesis)
  • Language courses may be required if necessary for thesis research

Final Exams

Written comprehensive exam and oral defense of comprehensive exam.

Plan B

The MA in Dance Plan B focuses on dance education and is the applied version of this degree.

Required Courses: Core, plus 24 credits

  • 3 credits from: DNCE 301 or 401, 302 or 402, 303 or 403, 304 or 404, 305 or 405, 306 or 406, 307 or 407
  • 6 credits from: DNCE 311 or 411, 312 or 412, 321, 331, 421
  • 3 credits each from: DNCE 460 or 490, 659 (capstone), 691, 693, and 699 (or approved area concentration course at the 600-level OR an approved graduate course in the College of Education (EDCS, EDUC, EDEF or EDEP at the 600 level or higher)

Final Exams

Written comprehensive exam and oral defense of comprehensive exam.

MFA in Dance (60 credits)

The MFA emphasizes performance and choreography. The MFA Plan A requires a minimum of 60 credits, including:

Required Courses: Core, plus 54 credits

  • 2 credits from: DNCE 301 or 401, 302 or 402, 303 or 403, 304 or 404, 305 or 405, 306 or 406, 307 or 407, 311 or 411, 312 or 412
  • 18 credits from: DNCE 321, 331, 421, and 431 (these courses are repeatable)
  • 18 credits from: DNCE 660 (3 credits), 671 (3 credits), 672 (4 credits), 673 (3 credits), 679 (2 credits), and 691 (3 credits)
  • Electives (10 credits): 3 credits in 600-level DNCE elective, 6 credits in non-dance electives approved by the graduate chair at the 300-level or above, 1 credit at the 600-level in a general elective, may or may not be DNCE
  • Thesis (6 credits): DNCE 700

Final Exams

Written comprehensive exam and oral defense of comprehensive exam.

Doctoral Degree

The Doctor of Philosophy degree is given for scholarship in theatre history, theory, or criticism, performance studies, and practice as research. The PhD degree is not conferred for the acquisition of academic credits. It is granted only to candidates who demonstrate outstanding ability to do imaginative research and who present the results in a cogent dissertation.

A candidate for the degree is required to successfully complete three semesters of full-time residence, required courses (detailed below), other courses as deemed necessary by the student’s doctoral committee, examination in at least one non-English language, a written and oral comprehensive examination, and an oral defense of the student’s dissertation. The minimum residence requirement is three semesters of full-time work or the equivalent in credits at UH Mānoa. At the end of the second semester in residence, the graduate faculty will provide the candidate with an assessment of his or her progress to date.

Required courses in the Asian area are THEA 464, 465, 466, and 692, as well as THEA 660 if the candidate’s dissertation requires field research, and at least one seminar other than THEA 660 every semester until the comprehensive exams are passed. Required courses in the Hawaiian and Indigenous Performance area are THEA 692, plus 12 additional credits of advanced course work to be determined by the student’s doctoral committee. Required courses in the Hawaiian and Indigenous Performance area are THEA 692, plus 12 additional credits of advanced course work to be determined by the student’s doctoral committee. Required courses in the Western area are THEA 600; THEA 692, plus three other 600 to 700 level courses from a departmental list of approved courses. Required courses in the performance studies area are THEA 615; ONCE/THEA 617; THEA 692; and 6 credits of 600 to 700 level courses from a departmental list of approved courses.

Proficiency in teaching, whether lecturing before large classes or teaching smaller classes and leading discussions, is considered part of the training of all PhD candidates, who should demonstrate this proficiency by giving several such lectures and by serving as teaching assistants. A high level of accomplishment in the foreign language or languages appropriate to the proposed area of research (as determined by the advisor) is also required, and language competency will be determined by examination.

Written comprehensive examinations and two and a half hours of oral comprehensive examinations are required of all candidates before embarking on the dissertation. These are given after a student has completed the language requirement. Written comprehensive exams shall consist of five questions, topics to be determined by the student’s doctoral committee. Further guidelines are available from the graduate advisor. The doctoral committee consists of at least five graduate faculty, of whom a majority are from the Department of Theatre and Dance regular and cooperating graduate faculty; one member must be from another graduate program and serve as the university representative. There is a seven-year time limit for PhD students to complete all requirements. For unusual circumstances, one extension may be granted.

Applicants for admission to the program must submit a detailed statement of the dissertation research they propose, three letters from those acquainted with their academic work and a sample of their research (such as a seminar paper or a master’s thesis). The application deadline for admission in the fall semester is December 15 for U.S. and foreign applicants. Spring semester application deadline is August 15 for U.S. and foreign applicants. Requirements include a broad background in the humanities, a master’s degree in theatre or its equivalent, and competence in dramatic production.