Master of Arts in Speech
with a Concentration in Theatre
The Graduate Program in Speech/Theatre is a two year program of study, generalist in nature, with the option for students to focus on one or more of the following areas: acting, directing, stage combat, stage management, theatre management, arts administration, playwriting, technical direction, theatrical design, dramatic history, theory and criticism, and dramatic literature. Students who complete the program of study are prepared for entry into the profession or for continued studies at the MFA or PhD levels. Graduates have succeeded in obtaining careers as artistic directors of professional theatres, stage managers for LORT companies, company managers, stage combat practitioners, playwrights, and teachers. The Department of Theatre maintains close working relations with a number of professional theatres, assisting in the placement of its graduates.
Applicants for admission into the MA Speech/Theatre program must complete the forms available on-line or contact the Graduate School for appropriate forms.
Applicants are not required to take the GRE but must have completed an appropriate undergraduate course of study with a 2.7 GPA or better.
The graduate student must complete a minimum of 36 hours of graduate credit in Theatre or 30 hours in Theatre and six hours in a related field, with approval by the Director of the School of Performing Arts. Eighteen of the required 36 hours must be courses offered exclusively for graduate students (500 series). Most Theatre courses numbered 400 or above in the current Louisiana Tech catalog are acceptable for credit toward the degree of Master of Arts with a major in Speech/Theatre.
Graduate students may participate in all theatre productions in many different areas outside of their discipline in order to make them more marketable as professionals. They will meet with their advisors in their first quarter and create a projected plan of study. Each year the student will be expected to complete progress evaluations via a system referred to as "boards".
The Theatre Program's active production schedule provides ample performance and production opportunities for all majors. Three to four main-stage productions in addition to laboratory productions and one acts are produced each year. Guest artist residencies are scheduled for program enhancement. All interested individuals are welcome to participate in any theatre activities.
Visit the University Catalog online for comprehensive information regarding the Graduate Program.
Following is the required curriculum for the MA in Speech/Theatre:
(MA SPTH Checksheet.doc)
SPTH 500: Introduction to Graduate Studies |
2 hours |
SPTH 518: Studies in Dramatic Literature |
3 hours |
SPTH 531: History of the Drama |
3 hours |
SPTH 536: Analysis and Criticism of Drama |
3 hours |
Sub-total |
11 hours |
A class from each of the following groups: |
9 hours |
Group One: Management Emphasis |
|
Group Two: Technical Emphasis |
|
Group Three: Performance Emphasis |
|
Sub-total |
20 hours |
Electives (Plan B Non-Thesis): |
16 hours |
Any SPTH 400 level course |
|
Electives (Plan A Thesis): |
16 hours |
Any of the courses found in Plan B plus |
16 hours |
TOTAL |
36 hours |