The MFA in Drama provides intensive training and experience for students wishing to active processional competence in the fields of Scenic, Costume, and Lighting Design and their respective areas of technical production: and seeking credentials where the Master of Fine Arts Degree is required. Although our undergraduate program is one of the largest in the country in terms of student enrollment, our MFA program has a limited number of students and a small faculty-to-student ratio. Our full time resident design faculty is made up of professionals who continually work in their respective fields. The program offers both practical design opportunities and studio work. The MFA program is designed as a 60 unit, three year course of study.
Note: Application process closed for Spring 2010
Admission to Graduate Program
Students applying for the MFA program must apply directly to the Division of Graduate Studies in order to be accepted. Students must meet University departmental requirements and must normally have completed an undergraduate major in Theatre Arts. Consideration is given to students with a strong undergraduate minor or other relevant work. Admission to the program is based on the Theatre Arts Graduate Committee’s evaluation of a student’s previous work and supporting materials.
Application Deadlines:
- Fall: March 31st
- Spring: October 15th
Theatre Arts Application Packet
Contents of Application Packet
- Letter of Intent (include proposed area[s] of emphasis). Indicate semester applicant wishes to enter the program.
- Three letters of recommendation from people who know the applicant’s theatre work.
- A slide, photocopy and/or CD portfolio (no original artwork please)
- A current resume
Also, please include other information considered appropriate, but which does not appear on transcripts or resume.
Submit materials directly to:
John Wilson, Graduate Coordinator
Department of Theatre Arts (CA 103)
c/o San Francisco State University
1600 Holloway Ave
San Francisco, CA 94132
Financial Aid
At present, there are not graduate assistantships in the MA program. Other forms of financial aid are handled through the Office of Financial Aid.
Required Core Courses
Please visit the SF State Bulletin (Catalog) for a list of required courses.
Written English Proficiency Requirements
Level One: Evaluation of graduate student’s statement of purpose, which is a written requirement for admission to classified standing in the Department of Theatre Arts. On the basis of this material the Graduate Coordinator may properly advise a student on the need to obtain additional skills in writing. If remedial work is required it is so indicated as a condition to classification.
Level Two: Judged by a graduate student’s written work while enrolled in THA 700/701 or any other graduate seminar. It is expected that papers written for this course will demonstrate scholarly style.
Design Proficiency Requirement
Level One: Evaluation of the applicant's portfolio, resume, and references, requirements of admission to classified standing in the Department of Theatre Arts MFA program in Design and Technical Theatre. On the basis of this material, the MFA coordinator and area advisors may properly advise a student on the need for additional lower-division foundation courses. If such additional work is required it is so indicated as a condition to classification.
Level Two: Evaluation of the student’s work during the first year of residency is carried out during the first year area review. Satisfactory performance in the first year area review is states as a condition to classification.
MFA Graduate Coordinator
MFA Graduate Advisers
Joan Arhelger, Nicole Mitchell, Todd Roehrman, Kim Schwartz, John Wilson
