Theatre (MA) – Musical Theatre Pedagogy Track

Musical Theatre Pedagogy Track (distance learning)

This track provides secondary and post-secondary (community/state college) teachers, as well as developing theatre scholars, the opportunity to strengthen their knowledge of musical theatre pedagogy and theory beyond the undergraduate level, which usually focuses, primarily, on performance skills. MA Musical Theatre Pedagogy students typically pursue a variety of goals including: increasing specific theatrical skills, extending theatre skills into new areas, preparing for entrance into doctoral Theatre programs, or in the case of educators, expanding their expertise and credentials.

Students learn best practices in the theoretical nature of musical theatre, as well as in directing, choreography, survey of acting methodologies, vocal pedagogy, history/literature of the art form, and developing curricula. Because teachers on the secondary level often must deliver a myriad of training, this track within our MA in Theatre is intended to provide students with the tools necessary to manage those broad expectations. The curriculum is designed in such a way that students are capable of undertaking independent research, fostering intellectual connections between musical theatre and other disciplines, and developing an ability to communicate orally and in writing, culminating in a unique thesis project.

This is a distance-learning program, with the bulk of the curriculum being taught over 2 years of summer terms in a synchronous online format (taught in US Eastern time zone).

Track Prerequisites

Minimum requirements for admission are a BA or BFA degree in Theatre or equivalent and an interview. Each student interested in the program must apply to UCF through the College of Graduate Studies before being considered a serious candidate.

Students applying for entrance into the MA program should have successfully completed the following undergraduate courses or their equivalent:

• Script Analysis or Play Analysis
• Directing I

Any questions about these requirements should be directed to the program coordinator. Students must submit application materials to UCF’s Graduate Studies. The University of Central Florida employs an online application process which can be accessed at graduate.ucf.edu.

• Online application
• Application fee
• Official transcripts
• Residency classification form
• Statement of purpose
• Résumé
• Three (3) current letters of recommendation
• Writing sample (5–10 pages, double-spaced) on a theatre-related subject, with bibliography

Degree Requirements

Core

• Complete the following:
  • THE5910 - Research Methods in Theatre (3)
  • THE5945L - Theatre Practicum I (1)
  • THE5946L - Theatre Practicum II (1)
  • THE6947L - Theatre Practicum III (1)

Specialization

• Complete all of the following
  • Earn at least 15 credits from the following:
    • TPP6344 - Musical Theatre Directing (3)
    • TPP5754 - Musical Theatre Voice I (2)
    • THE6756 - Methods of Teaching Drama (3)
    • TPP5554C - Musical Theatre Dance I (2)
    • THE6918 - Directed Research (1 - 99)
    • TPP6933 - Acting Studio V (2)
    • TPA6098 - Introduction to Theatrical Design and Production (2)
  • *THE 6918 cannot exceed 6 credit hours.

Elective Courses

• Earn at least 9 credits from the following types of courses: Students should select any online 5000 or 6000 level course offered during the academic year with the prefix THE*, TPA, TPP which does not have program restricted prerequisite requirements. Alternatively, students can select electives from other departments within the university, subject to approval by the instructor and the MA in Musical Theatre Pedagogy Program Coordinator. This requirement encourages students to find graduate-level coursework best suited to develop their research agendas and to prepare for their theses. *THE 6971 cannot be used towards electives. Note: Fifty percent of total program course work must be at the 6000 level or above.

Thesis

• Earn at least 9 credits from the following:
  • THE6971 - Thesis (1 - 99)

Examination

• A comprehensive Theatre exam is administered to MA majors at the end of their course work. The department allows two attempts at a comprehensive exam.

Grand Total Credits: 39

Financial Information

Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans. For more information, see the College of Graduate Studies Funding website, which describes the types of financial assistance available at UCF and provides general guidance in planning your graduate finances. The Financial Information section of the Graduate Catalog is another key resource.

Fellowship Information

Fellowships are awarded based on academic merit to highly qualified students. They are paid to students through the Office of Student Financial Assistance, based on instructions provided by the College of Graduate Studies. Fellowships are given to support a student's graduate study and do not have a work obligation. For more information, see UCF Graduate Fellowships, which includes descriptions of university fellowships and what you should do to be considered for a fellowship.

Candidates must demonstrate the ability to understand the conceptual basis of their art and to be able to articulate that understanding to others. In addition to their theoretical studies, MA students are also required to demonstrate proficiency in theatrical production.

Students must maintain a minimum "B" (3.00) overall Theatre GPA to continue in the major. Fifty percent of graduate course work must be at the 6000 level. Theatre courses with grades of less than "C" will not be counted toward degree requirements. Continuation in the MA program requires a positive annual evaluation. All graduate students must consult with an area adviser. All MA students must successfully complete a written thesis. The thesis proposal must be approved in advance.