The Department of Dramatic Arts offers a Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.). The M.F.A. in Dramatic Arts degree is awarded with a concentration in either Acting, Design, Directing, Puppet Arts, or Technical Direction. Additionally, although the Department does not admit students to the University specifically for a Masters of Arts (M.A.), previously matriculated M.F.A. students may apply for an M.A. degree in Dramatic Arts with a concentration in Acting, Puppet Arts, or Production and Design. The M.F.A. and M.A. in Dramatic Arts are intensive degree programs designed to prepare individuals for the numerous careers in theatre. Our goal is to provide the finest professional training through classroom and studio instruction. To enrich the real-world training, students are provided maximal opportunities to obtain professional level production experience through active participation in plays produced by its theatre production arm, the Connecticut Repertory Theatre (CRT). Through a conservatory approach in a liberal arts setting, our students learn to perform, interpret and teach in all aspects of theatre in a rich learning environment that provides a broad education and intense training. UConn’s M.F.A. in Dramatic Arts is accredited by the University Resident Theatre Association (URTA). The student’s advisory committee determines specific course requirements for the M.A. and M.F.A. in Dramatic Arts, which are consistent with the minimum requirements specified by the Graduate School. In addition to the Graduate School requirements outlined in the Academic Regulations section of this catalog, the graduate programs in Dramatic Arts have additional requirements listed below.

M.F.A. in Dramatic Arts Areas of Concentration

Acting. The M.F.A. Concentration in Acting requires a minimum of 60 credits. The M.F.A. program is designed to be completed in three years, with students taking formal acting-studio courses in each of their six semesters, appearing as cast in productions at Connecticut Repertory Theatre and completing the Acting NYC Showcase in their third year. Due to course sequencing, students are normally only admitted for the Fall semester.

M.F.A. in Acting Core Requirements: DRAM 5001, 5002, 5003, 5004, 5005, 5006, 5131, 5700, 5701, 5702, 5703, 5704, 5705, 5706, 5801, 5802, 5803, 5804, 5805, 5806, 5197, and 5192.

Design. The M.F.A. Concentration in Design is an advanced, professional training program with focused tracks in the areas of either Costume Design, Lighting Design, or Scenic Design. The degree requires a minimum of 60 credits and a three year residency. Students are encouraged to take courses across all design disciplines. Additionally, M.F.A. Design students are required to fulfill an Internship Milestone which requires participation in a professional theatre, television, or film studio. The Internship Milestone will be a minimum of three months and a maximum of one year of Curricular Practical Training required for a firm grounding in the profession.

M.F.A. in Design Core Requirements

Costume Design. DRAM 5130. 39 credits from 5132, 5402, 5403, 5405, 5407, 5410 (repeatable), 5411, 5415, 5416, 5417, 5418, 5419, 5420, 5494 (repeatable), 5497. 15 credits of 5492 (repeatable). Three credits of 5496. Internship Milestone.

Lighting Design. Six credits from DRAM 5130, 5132. 18 credits of 5500 (repeatable). 12 credits from 5503, 5514, 5515, 5516. 21 credits from 5592 (repeatable), 5597 (repeatable). Three credits of 5596. Internship Milestone.

Scenic Design. Three credits of DRAM 5130. Three credits of 5312. 12 credits of DRAM 5397 (repeatable). 18 credits from 5300, 5301, 5302, 5316, 5319. 12 credits from 5392 (repeatable), 5396. 12 credits from 5131, 5189, 5320, 5392, 5400–5499, 5500–5599, 5600–5699, 5208. Internship Milestone.

Directing. The M.F.A. Concentration in Directing requires a minimum of 60 credits. The M.F.A. program is designed to be completed in three years. The program is highly individualized and aims to educate the student as creative artist, director and leader. To that end, in course and production work, emphasis is placed on developing the director’s unique artistic imagination and mastery of collaborative leadership.

M.F.A. in Directing Core Requirements: DRAM 5130, 5131, 5132, 5159, 5197, 5192, 5200, 5329, 5612, 5700. Total number of hours includes supplemented courses taught elsewhere in the University if approved by students’ advisers.

Puppet Arts. The M.F.A. Concentration in Puppet Arts program is focused on preparing the student for professional work in the Puppet Arts and requires a minimum of 60 credits. Classroom instruction offers the student practice in theory, history, conception, scripting, design, mechanics, fabrication with a variety of materials, and performance with different puppet types. Production work provides practical experience with performance styles, materials, and production development. The M.F.A. program is designed to be completed in three years.

M.F.A. in Puppet Arts Core Requirements: DRAM 5601, 5602, 5603, 5604, 5605, 5607, 5608, 5609, 5610, 5611, 5612, 5613, 5614, 5615, 5616, 5617, 5618, 5619, 5620, 5696.

Technical Direction. The M.F.A. Concentration in Technical Direction is an advanced, professional training in technical production areas associated with the performing arts. The degree requires a minimum of 60 credits and a three year residency. The program emphasizes planning and management and focuses on methods of investigating and applying new techniques, materials and technologies to the technical management and execution of productions. Students are encouraged to take courses across all design disciplines and are expected to assist in designing the Connecticut Repertory Theatre productions.

Technical Direction Core Requirements: DRAM 5132. 36 credits from DRAM 5200, 5201, 5202, 5204, 5207, 5208, 5209, 5211, 5212, 5213, 5297. 15 credits of DRAM 5292 (repeatable). Three credits of DRAM 5296. Six credits of any 5000 level Dramatic Arts Courses.

M.A. in Dramatic Arts Areas of Concentration

Acting. The M.A. Concentration in Acting requires a minimum of 30 credits, which are composed of a set of acting-studio courses, electives, and casting in Connecticut Repertory Theatre productions. Courses are chosen with the approval of the student’s major advisor and based on the student’s previous study and experience, projecting intended personal goals and possible employment.

Puppet Arts. The M.A. Concentration in Puppet Arts requires a minimum of 30 credits, which are composed of a set of Puppet Arts courses and electives that are chosen with the approval of the student’s major advisor and based on the student’s previous study and experience, projecting intended personal goals and possible employment.

Production and Design. The M.A. Concentration in Production and Design requires a minimum of 30 credits, which are composed of a set of production and design courses and electives that are chosen with the approval of the student’s major advisor and based on the student’s previous study and experience, projecting intended personal goals and possible employment.

The programs are offered by the School of Fine Arts.