HELP 2015-2016 University Catalog Musical Theater, BFA (pending SCHEV approval) Print-Friendly Page

Banner Code: AR-BFA-MTHR

Note: As of catalog publication in April, the program described below has been approved by the Board of Visitors and sent to the State Council of Higher Education in Virginia for consideration as a new degree program. The university cannot accept applications or enroll students in this program until SCHEV approval has been granted. Check the college/school website for current program status.

Performing Arts Building, Room A407
Phone: 703-993-1120
Web: theater.gmu.edu

Faculty

Ken Elston, Director

Professors: D’Andrea (Robinson Professor), Davis, Kurtz, McDonald

Associate Professors: Austin, Elston (director), Gero, Johnsen-Neshati

Assistant Professor: Casey

Administrative Faculty: Lechter, Murray

Adjunct Faculty: Cadby, Dunayer, Gaines, Hurt, Lee, Maier, Nanni-Messegee, Wallace, Wilson

See School of Dance  for a comprehensive list of Music Faculty.

See School of Music  for a comprehensive list of Dance Faculty.

Admission

Admission to George Mason University requires application through Mason’s Admissions Office.  Admission to the Musical Theater major requires an interview and audition with the School of Theater as described below.  Please note that these are two separate processes.  The Theater admissions process is a give-an-take experience in which students are encouraged to discuss their education and career goals in addition to demonstrating their artistic ability.  Applicants are encouraged to seek admission to the university prior to their interview with the School of Theater.  For information regarding admission to George Mason Unviersity, Financial Aid, and campus tours, please visit the George Mason University website (www.gmu.edu).  Admission to the university is determined by the Admissions Office.

Interviews will be conducted by appointment and candidates must prepare an appropriate resume.  Interview dates and criteria for preparation and presentation can be found on the CVPA website at http://cvpa.gmu.edu/admissions-u.html.

Musical Theater performers will also audition before a panel of Theater and Music faculty with two contrasting monologues, not to exceed two minutes each, and two prepared songs demonstrating range.  Actors/Singers will likely be asked to make adjustments and repeat portions of their work.

Under special circumstances that preclude an in-person audition and interview, applicants may qualify for alternate arrangements.  Contact the School of Theater for details.

Applicants will be notified of a School of Theater decision within two weeks.  Applicants who are denied acceptance to the Musical Theater major must wait one year before reapplying and must meet with the Director of the School of Theater or his/her designee one semester prior to reapplying.

Please contact the School of Theater at theater@gmu.edu or 703-993-1120 to schedule your interview.  Students who audition at theater conferences (i.e. Virginia Theatre Association, Southeastern Theater Conference, etc.) before or after applying to Mason are required to attend a separate interview on campus.

Program

In addition to the Mason Core  requirements, Musical Theater BFA majors must complete a minimum of 86 credits in Musical Theater coursework.

Musical Theater majors are expected to participate in Theater at Mason productions, Ensembles within the School of Music and/or Mason Cabaret, and will be required to demonstrate growing proficiency in their craft prior to the confirmation of the BFA degree.  Students must maintain a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA to participate in these activities.

Students must earn a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA to complete a BFA in Musical Theater.

Writing-Intensive Requirement

The university requires all students to complete at least one designated writing-intensive course in their major at the 300 level or above.  Students seeking a BFA in Musical Theater fulfill this requirement by successfully completing THR 350 .

Courses

The School of Theater  offers all THR-designated courses; the School of Music  offers all MUSI-designated courses; and the School of Dance  offers all DANC-designated courses.  See the Courses  section of the catalog.

Production Opportunities

Participation in Theater at Mason production is expected of all declared Musical Theater majors.

Students must also earn four (4) practicum credits: one (1) credit for satisfactory completion (a minimum of 30 hours) in each of four (4) performance and production assignments in the major, including faculty or guest-directed Mason Players Mainstage and student-directed Studio productions.  Musical Theater BFA students will register for these practicum credits under the MUSI 221 .  Students must see their academic advisor to identify and authorize practicum and ensemble assignments.

Academic Policies

Please see College of Visual and Performing Arts  academic policies.