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
*K. J. Miller, PhD (Associate Chair, Director of Dance)—contemporary dance, screendance and new media, 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—choreography, improvisation, contemporary dance
*L. O’Malley, PhD—theatre history, dramatic literature, research
*C. Patrinos, MFA—lighting design
*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
Degrees Offered: BA (including minor) in theatre and dance, BFA in theatre and dance, MA in theatre and dance, MFA in theatre and dance, PhD in theatre and dance
The Academic Program
The Department of Theatre and Dance is comprised of two separate but related disciplines.
Dance is the art of human motion. The study of Dance emphasizes movement theories, skills, and applications across multiple approaches of live performance, choreography, and screendance within a context of diverse cultural and aesthetic values. The field of dance relates to the physical sciences, music, theatrical performance and production, history, cultural context, oral history, education, digital media, visual design, and human expression. Dance empowers students to create and tell their own original stories and cultivate art making through movement. Dance majors find careers in the areas of performance, choreography, teaching, arts administration, production, television, film, history, and research. Students develop 21st century literacy skills grounded in current performance practices for the stage and screen. UH Mānoa’s dance program offers comprehensive theory courses and training in a wide variety of dance techniques, studio practice, and diverse styles. The program is considered unique with its offerings in the study of dance cultures, live and digital dance performance, technique and studio practice, performance as research, choreography, screendance, indigenous dance studies, and Hawaiian, Asian, and Pacific dance.
Theatre includes the study of dramatic literature and theory; theatre education; acting and directing; stage, costume, and lighting design; stagecraft; playwriting; Hawaiian theatre, TYA (Theatre for Young Audiences); and performance studies. Imaginative and creative individuals interested in the disciplined, practical application of classroom theory are suitable candidates as theatre majors. Teaching and professional stage, film, and television work are typical professions of theatre majors, 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. Other fields known to actively recruit employees with a theatre degree include: advertising, animation, architecture, arts administration, business administration, design for public spaces, fashion, graphic design, human-computer interface design (HCI), landscaping, multi-media marketing, non-profit management, public relations, themed entertainment, urban design and planning, and video game design and performance. The theatre major benefits from a comprehensive curriculum that includes a pioneering Hawaiian theatre program, a nationally respected TYA program, and an internationally recognized program focusing on the Asian theatre traditions of China, Japan, South and Southeast Asia.
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, Performance Studies International, and the Dance Studies Association.
Advising
After being admitted as majors in theatre and dance, undergraduates must consult each semester with the theatre or dance undergraduate advisor depending on chosen concentration. Each major in theatre and dance concentrations is also assigned a faculty mentor who provides additional support and guidance in the student’s particular area of interest, and helps in preparation of a graduation portfolio. Newly admitted graduate students in theatre concentrations 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. Incoming graduate students in the dance concentration will be given a dance faculty mentor and advisor for their Creative project in their first semester. Graduate dance students must also consult with the director of graduate studies in dance each semester for course selection and fulfillment of degree requirements.
Undergraduate Study
BA in Theatre and Dance
This degree has two tracks, a Dance Track and a Theatre Track, with a common core. The common core of degree requirements includes courses in Hawaiian Performance, Stage Production, and a Practicum. The description of each Track is outlined below.
BFA in Theatre and Dance
This audition only degree is designed for those wishing to pursue professional careers in performance, and has two tracks: a Dance Track and a Acting for Theatre, Screen, and New Media Track. The common core of the degree requirements includes courses in Hawaiian Performance, Stage Production, and Practicums. Each also requires a Senior Performance project. The description of each Track is outlined below.
Theatre Track
This degree track 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 and Dance with a selection of the Theatre Track on their university application. Students will consult with an advisor in their track each semester to assure they fulfill the shared degree core as well as the broad-based theatre track requirements in the areas of acting, movement/voice, theatre history, Hawaiian, Asian, and Pacific theatre; theatre for young audiences, directing/playwriting, design and technical theatre production.
Requirements
Students must complete 40 credits, including:
7 credits of Core courses:
- 1 credit of DNCE/THEA 200C, D, or E
- 3 credits of DNCE/THEA 240
- 3 credits of DNCE/THEA 433 or 424
33 credits of Theatre Concentration Credits
- 3 credits of THEA 200/400B, C, D, E or F (credits must be taken from at least three different alphas)
- 3 credits of THEA 221 or 222:
- 12 credits of THEA 311, 312, 411, 412
- 3 credits of Movement/Voice from the following: THEA 220; 432; DNCE 490; 312, 412, or 413; 301 or 401; 302 or 402; 303 or 403; 304 or 404; 305 or 405; 306 or 406; 307 or 407; 311 or 411; 121, 122, 221, or 321; 131, 231, or 331; 141, 241, or 341; MUS 311 or 411
- 3 credits of Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) from the following: THEA 470, 474, 475, 476, 477, DNCE 490
- 3 credits of THEA 318 or 380
- 3 credits of Hawaiian/Asian History/Theory or Performance from the following: THEA 325, 336, 426, 427, 428, 462, 464, 465, 466
- 3 credits of Design, Stage Management or Technical Production from the following: THEA 343B, 343C, 343D, 343E, 345, 353, 356, 447
Other Requirements
Graduation requirements include the submission of a portfolio including a resume and student self assessment essay, exit interview, and completion of a survey
For information on a Bachelor Degree Program Sheet, go to programsheets/.
Dance Track
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 Dance Track on their university application.
Students must complete 40 credit hours: 7 credits of core courses, 28 credits of dance focus courses and 5 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, visual media for dance, theory or history, or technical theatre production.
Requirements
7 credits of Core courses:
- 1 credit of DNCE/THEA 200C or 200D or 200E Beginning Practicum
- 3 credits of DNCE/THEA 240
- 3 credits of DNCE/THEA 433 or 424
28 credits of Dance Concentration courses:
- 3 credits of DNCE 255
- 3 credits of DNCE 312, 412, 413, or, 433
- 3 credits from the following: 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
- 3 credits from the following: DNCE 221, 321, or 421; 231, 331, or 431; 241 or 341; 357
- 3 credits of DNCE 362
- 3 credits of DNCE 370
- 3 credits of DNCE 371
- 6 credits of DNCE 450, 452, or 453
- 1 credit of DNCE 495
- 5 credits of Dance Electives to be selected from: DNCE 221, 321, or 421; 231, 331, or 431; 241 or 341; 357; 360;433; 450; 452; 459; 470; 480; 490; 499
Other Requirements
BA Theatre and Dance students with a focus in Dance are required to participate in at least one (1) UH dance production per year.
Graduation requirements include the submission of a portfolio including a resume and student self assessment essay, exit interview, and completion of a survey.
For information on a Bachelor Degree Program Sheet, go to programsheets/.
BFA: Dance Track
This track is designed for students who wish to pursue professional careers as dance performers, choreographers, scholars, administrators, and/or teachers. Admission to the program is by audition only. Incoming students may declare a BA major in Theatre and Dance with a selection of the Dance Track on their university application, then audition for the BFA degree Dance Track during their first year at UH Mānoa if interested in the BFA Theatre and Dance, Dance Track.
Requirements
Students must complete 62 credits, including:
8 credits of Core courses:
- 2 credits of DNCE/THEA 200C or 200D or 200E
- 3 credits of DNCE/THEA 240
- 3 credits of DNCE/THEA 433 or 424
27 credits of DNCE Concentration Courses:
- 3 credits of DNCE 255, 360, 362, 370, 371, 450, 452 or 453, 470 or 480, 495
22 credits of DNCE Technique Courses:
- 3 credits from the following: 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:
- 3 credits of DNCE 321
- 3 credits of DNCE 331
- 3 credits of DNCE 341
- 3 credits of DNCE 357
- 6 credits from DNCE 321, 331, 341, 357, 421, or 431
Other Requirements
BFA Theatre and Dance: Dance students are required to perform in at least two (2) UH dance productions per year. BFA majors are required to register for a dance studio practice course every semester.
Graduation requirements include the submission of a portfolio including a resume and student self assessment essay, exit interview, and completion of a survey. For information on a Bachelor Degree Program Sheet, go to programsheets/.
BFA: Acting for Theatre, Screen, and New Media Track
This track is designed for students who wish to pursue professional careers as actors in theatre, television, film, and digital performance. Admission to the program is by audition only. Incoming students may declare a BA major in Theatre and Dance with a selection of the Theatre Track on their university application, then audition for the BFA degree during the spring semester of their first year at UH Mānoa.
Requirements
Students must complete 62 credits, including:
8 credits of Core courses:
- 2 credits of DNCE/THEA 200C, 200D, or 200E (must be from two different alphas)
- 3 credits of DNCE/THEA 240
- 3 credits of DNCE/THEA 433 or 424
36 credits of Acting/Voice/Movement Technique Courses:
- 1 credit of DNCE 260
- 3 credits of the following: THEA 220, THEA 420B or 420C, 222, 322, 323, 324, 432, 400B
- 3 credits of DNCE 370
- 1 credit of THEA 200B, 499 (Senior Project)
6 additional credits in Dance/Movement from among the following:
- DNCE 312, 412, or 413; 301 or 401; 302 or 402; 303 or 403; 304 or 404; 305 or 405; 306 or 406; 307 or 407; 311 or 411; 121, 221, or 321; 131, 231, or 331; 141, 241, or 341; MUS 311 or 411
12 Theatre Fundamentals credits:
- 3 credits of DNCE 362
- 3 credits of THEA 311
- 3 credits of THEA 356
- 3 credits of THEA 380
6 Additional Acting Elective Credits from among:
- THEA 224, 318, 357, 421, 422, 423, 424, 426, 427, 428, 429, 435, 473
Other Requirements
Graduation requirements include the submission of a Professional Website, assessment essay, exit interview and survey. For information on a Bachelor Degree Program Sheet, go to programsheets/.
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 WRGP requirements are therefore eligible to enroll at reduced tuition rates.
Intended dance applicants for all degrees must present an adequate undergraduate background in dance. Applicants in performance studies concentrations must present an adequate undergraduate background in dance, theatre or performance studies. Applicants in theatre concentrations must present an adequate undergraduate background in theatre. The department expects that all incoming graduate students in the MA Theatre Education concentration, or in the MFA Theatre concentration 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 and will not count toward the credit accumulation for the master’s degree. Requirements for admission to the PhD include a broad background in the humanities, a master’s degree in Theatre or Dance or its equivalent, and competence in dramatic production.
All graduate applicants must submit three letters of recommendation, and a Statement of Objectives with specific reasons why the applicant wishes to attend UH Mānoa. Applicants for the MA and to the MFA Dance concentration are also expected to submit a significant sample of written work, such as a major paper; those seeking the MFA degree should present appropriate supplementary materials such as portfolios, video of acting audition material or material directed, play scripts, or for applicants to the Dance concentration, a sample of their choreography, screendance, or performance. Applicants for admission to the PhD degree must submit a detailed statement of the dissertation research they propose, and a sample of their research (such as a seminar paper or a master’s thesis).
Application and transcripts should be sent to Graduate Division. All other materials may be uploaded to the Supplemental Upload website through Graduate Division. Most applicants whose native language is not English are required to take an English Language Proficiency Exam. Applicants are required to meet the minimum scores established by the Graduate Division for the TOEFL (including TOEFL iBT Home Edition exams), or the IELTS (including IELTS Indicator exams).
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. Please see the departmental website for complete application instructions.
Master’s Degrees in Theatre and Dance
Master’s degrees include the MA with Plan A and B options and the MFA Plan B. Elective courses are selected in consultation with advisors to reflect special interests and students with sufficient undergraduate preparation may take approved related graduate courses in other departments for credit toward the MA or MFA.
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.
MA Degree
The MA offers three concentrations: (a) Dance (Plan A emphasis on Culture and Performance Studies and Plan B emphasis on Dance Education; (b) Performance Studies (Plan A and Plan B); and (c) Theatre (Plan A emphasis on Theatre and Plan B emphasis on Theatre Education). For Plan A, the candidate writes a thesis the research focus of which depends on the specific concentration being pursued: Dance, Performance Studies, or Theatre. Upon completion of the written thesis students will meet with their committee to orally defend it. The revised thesis is then submitted to ProQuest for publication.
For Plan B, the candidate takes additional advanced course work and completes a research-related or creative project. Plan B students will make a public oral presentation in their final year, detailing the results of their research-related or creative project.
Core Courses:
Research methods (DNCE 651 or THEA 600) and DNCE/ THEA 668. See Theatre and Dance MA Program sheet for specific requirements for each concentration.
Dance Concentration (30 Credits)
This concentration offers a Plan A or B option. A written comprehensive exam and an oral defense of that exam are also required in both Plan A and B.
Plan A (Thesis): The focus is research related to culture and performance studies in dance. Research conducted is completed in the form of a performance as research or fieldwork project, written thesis and an oral defense.
Plan B (Non-Thesis): The focus is on dance education and is the more applied version of this degree.
Performance Studies Concentration (30 credits)
This concentration offers a Plan A or B option. Both options explore the major concepts of Performance Studies as well as the broad spectrum from artistic to cultural performance, but the focus of the Plan A is on academic research, whereas the Plan B involves a creative project.
Theatre Concentration (30 credits)
This concentration offers a Plan A or B option.
Plan A (Thesis): The focus is research related to theatre. Research conducted is completed in the form of a written thesis and an oral defense.
Plan B (Non-Thesis): The focus is on theatre education and pedagogy as it relates to the theatrical arts.
MFA Degree
The MFA plan B emphasizes creative and or performance work in two concentrations: Dance and Theatre
MFA students in both concentrations will take a minimum of 60 credit hours, 30 of which must be at the 600 level or above.
All MFA students take two core classes: DNCE/THEA 668 and a research methods class (either THEA 600 or DNCE 651). See Theatre and Dance MFA Program sheet for specific requirements for each concentration.
In consultation with an advisor, each MFA student develops a program appropriate for his or her interests within the specific requirements of designated focus areas.
Dance Concentration
Students in this concentration may choose one of the following focus areas: dance performance, choreography, screendance, or Hawaii/Asia/Pacific See graduate chair in Dance for specific requirements for each focus area.
Theatre Concentration
Students in this concentration may choose one of the following focus areas: acting, design, directing, Hawaiian theatre, playwriting, Theatre for Young Audiences. See graduate chair in Theatre for specific requirements for each focus area.
Doctoral Degree in Theatre and Dance
The Doctor of Philosophy degree is given for scholarship in theatre and dance 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 and original research and who present the results in a cogent dissertation. The PhD in Theatre and Dance is offered in three concentrations: Asian Performance, Hawaiian and Indigenous Performance, and Performance Studies. All PhD students take 3 credits of THEA/DNCE 692.
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 residency 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
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 on 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. Upon satisfactory completion of the written and oral parts of the comprehensive examination the student will enroll in 1 credit of THEA 800 in every term until graduation.
For specific requirements of each concentration, see PhD Theatre and Dance program sheet.