The BFA degree prepares students for graduate study or entry into the profession through rigorous, concentrated, and individualized training. All BFA students complete the theater core and are admitted into a chosen concentration to organize their advanced work within the major. Upon admission, BFA students will complete coursework in a specified area of emphasis through one of our five concentrations:
- Design for Stage and Screen
- Performance for Stage and Screen
- Musical Theater Performance
- Sound Engineering and Design
- Theater Education for Theater Arts PK-12
Admissions
Acceptance to a Theater Major is by successful completion of an audition/portfolio-review and interview. Information about the admission process, including dates, can be found on the School of Theater website. Admission to the university is determined by the Admissions Office.
Policies
For policies governing all undergraduate degrees, see AP.5 Undergraduate Policies. Please note, all students are required to complete a minimum of 45 credits of upper-division courses (300-400 level).
Degree Requirements
Total credits: 120
Mason Core
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Requirements | ||
| Oral Communication | 3 | |
| Information Technology | 3 | |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | |
| ENGH 101 | Composition (Mason Core) 1 | 3 |
| ENGH 302 | Advanced Composition (Mason Core) 1 | 3 |
| Core Requirements | ||
| Literature | 3 | |
| Arts 2 | 3 | |
| Natural Science 3 | 7 | |
| Global History | 3 | |
| Global Contexts | 3 | |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 37 | |
- 1
Nonnative speakers of English with limited proficiency in the language may substitute ENGH 100 Composition for Multilingual Writers (Mason Core) for ENGH 101 Composition (Mason Core). Students must attain a minimum grade of C in ENGH 100 Composition for Multilingual Writers (Mason Core) or ENGH 101 Composition (Mason Core), as well as in ENGH 302 Advanced Composition (Mason Core), to fulfill degree requirements.
- 2
Outside the major. Students earning a concentration in Musical Theater Performance must take DANC 125 Modern/Contemporary Dance I (Mason Core), DANC 131 Beginning Jazz Technique (Mason Core), DANC 145 Ballet I (Mason Core), DANC 161 Beginning Tap Dance (Mason Core), DANC 225 Modern/Contemporary Dance II (Mason Core), DANC 231 Intermediate Jazz Technique (Mason Core), DANC 245 Ballet II (Mason Core), or DANC 331 Advanced Jazz Dance (Mason Core).
- 3
Including one laboratory science
Major
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Theater Core Requirements | ||
| Note: All THR majors may not double count THR courses within the major. All THR courses count either towards the degree core or the concentration, but not both. | ||
| THR 150 | Global Theater Histories I (Mason Core) | 3 |
| THR 151 | Global Theater Histories II (Mason Core) | 3 |
| THR 196 | Production Practicum | 1 |
| THR 198 | Construction or Admin Practicum | 1 |
| THR 199 | Production Run Crew Practicum | 1 |
| THR 210 | Acting I (Mason Core) | 3 |
| THR 230 | Fundamentals of Production (Mason Core) | 3 |
| THR 240 | Introduction to Theatrical Design | 3 |
| THR 329 | Directing | 3 |
| or THR 338 | Production Stage Management | |
| THR 350 | Script Analysis (Mason Core) | 3 |
| THR 351 | Dramatic Theory and Criticism (Mason Core) | 3 |
| Apex | 3 | |
| Select one course from the following: | ||
| Advanced Studies in Directing/Dramaturgy (Mason Core) | ||
| Text in Production (Mason Core) | ||
| Dramatic Literature | ||
| Select one course from the following: 1 | 3 | |
| Dramatic Literature Seminar 2 | ||
| Advanced Studies in Theater History | ||
| American Voices | ||
| World Stages (Mason Core) | ||
| Contemporary Women Playwrights | ||
| Total Credits | 33 | |
- 1
or with permission of Director
- 2
Musical Theater Performance concentration students must complete THR 352 for the Dramatic Literature requirement.
Concentrations
Theater majors earning a BFA in Theater must complete one of the following concentrations:
Concentrations
- Design for Stage and Screen Concentration (DSS)
- Musical Theater Performance Concentration (MTPF)
- Performance for Stage and Screen Concentration (PSS)
- Sound Engineering and Design (SEND)
- Theater Education for Theater Arts PK-12 (THEA)
Design for Stage and Screen Concentration (DSS)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| THR 339 | Principles of Design | 3 |
| THR 492 | Advanced Practicum 4 | 3 |
| Design Course | ||
| Select one course from the following: 1 | 3 | |
| Scenic Design | ||
| Lighting Design | ||
| Costume Design | ||
| Sound Design | ||
| Design and Technical Theater Electives | ||
| Select five courses from the following: | 15 | |
| Event Technical Production | ||
| Lighting Stagecraft | ||
| Sound Engineering | ||
| Scene Painting | ||
| Seminar in Technical Theater | ||
| Drafting and Modeling | ||
| History of Fashion and Dress | ||
| Scenic Design | ||
| Lighting Design | ||
| Costume Design | ||
| Technical Direction | ||
| Sound Design | ||
| Production Stage Management | ||
| Advanced Studies in Directing | ||
| Makeup Design | ||
| Costume Technology | ||
| Professional Presentation | ||
| Advanced Sound Engineering | ||
| Musical Theater Ensemble 4 | ||
| Advanced Lighting Design | ||
| Advanced Sound Design | ||
| Special Topics in Theater | ||
| Seminar on the Profession | ||
| Advanced Practicum 4 | ||
| Collaborative Lab Experience 4 | ||
| Field Experience | ||
| Stage and Screen Elective | ||
| Select one course from the following: 1 | 3 | |
| Directing | ||
| American Voices | ||
| Screenplay Workshop | ||
| Great Film Directors (Mason Core) | ||
| Great Film Performances (Mason Core) | ||
| Translation Adaptation for Stage Screen | ||
| Connected Industry Electives | ||
| Select three courses from the following: 1 | 9 | |
| Modern Architecture (Mason Core) 2 | ||
| History of Photography (Mason Core) 2 | ||
| Studies in 20th-Century Art of the United States (Mason Core) 2 | ||
| Indigenous Arts of the US and Canada (Mason Core) 2 | ||
| Digital Design Studio (Mason Core) 3 | ||
| New Media in the Creative Arts (Mason Core) 3 | ||
| Drawing I (Mason Core) 2 | ||
| Painting I (Mason Core) 2 | ||
| Sculpture I (Mason Core) 2 | ||
| Art as Social Action | ||
| History of Graphic Design | ||
| Sound Art I | ||
| Media Theory | ||
| Dance History I (Mason Core) 2 | ||
| Dance History II (Mason Core) 2 | ||
| Film Art (Mason Core) 2 | ||
| Business of Film and Television | ||
| Video Production for Film | ||
| Cinematography | ||
| Sound Editing and Recording | ||
| Music for Film and Video | ||
| Music in Motion Pictures (Mason Core) 2 | ||
| Music Technology | ||
| Electronic Composition | ||
| Recording Techniques | ||
| Introduction to Event Management | ||
| Event Logistics | ||
| Meetings and Conventions | ||
| Total Credits | 36 | |
- 1
or with permission of Director
- 2
May fulfill Mason Core Arts or Concentration requirement, but not both.
- 3
May fulfill Mason Core Information Technology & Computing or Concentration requirement, but not both.
- 4
Registration by audition/interview only. Students completing THR 428, THR 492, or THR 493 for the first time must register for 3 credits. Students repeating the course may elect to register for 1-3 credits.
Musical Theater Performance Concentration (MTPF)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core Courses | ||
| THR 300 | Voice and Speech | 3 |
| THR 306 | Movement in Musical Theater | 3 |
| THR 310 | Acting II | 3 |
| THR 320 | Performance Studio | 3 |
| or THR 365 | Characterization | |
| THR 406 | Advanced Movement in Musical Theater | 3 |
| or DANC 331 | Advanced Jazz Dance (Mason Core) | |
| THR 427 | Musical Theater Workshop | 3 |
| MUSI 108 | Practical Musicianship 1 | 3 |
| or MUSI 115 | Introduction to Music Theory | |
| MUSI 113 | Aural Skills I 1 | 1 |
| MUSI 171 | Keyboard Skills I 1 | 1 |
| MUSI 223 | Applied Music in Voice | 8 |
| or MUSI 243 | Applied Music in Voice | |
| Dance Course | ||
| Select one course from the following | 3 | |
| Ballet I (Mason Core) 4 | ||
| Modern/Contemporary Dance I (Mason Core) 4 | ||
| Modern/Contemporary Dance II (Mason Core) 4 | ||
| Ballet II (Mason Core) 4 | ||
| Ensemble | ||
| Select one course from the following: 2 | 3 | |
| Musical Theater Ensemble 5 | ||
| Collaborative Lab Experience 5 | ||
| Field Experience | ||
| Musical Theater Performance Electives | ||
| Select two courses from the following: 2 | 6 | |
| Global Dance Perspectives I (Mason Core) 3 | ||
| Dance in Popular Culture (Mason Core) 4 | ||
| Modern/Contemporary Dance I (Mason Core) 4 | ||
| Beginning Jazz Technique (Mason Core) 4 | ||
| Ballet I (Mason Core) 4 | ||
| Modern/Contemporary Dance II (Mason Core) 4 | ||
| Intermediate Jazz Technique (Mason Core) 4 | ||
| Ballet II (Mason Core) 4 | ||
| Advanced Jazz Dance (Mason Core) (200 level pre-requisite must be met) 4 | ||
| Popular Music in America (Mason Core) 4 | ||
| Jazz and Blues in America (Mason Core) 4 | ||
| Music in Motion Pictures (Mason Core) 4 | ||
| Advanced Movement for Actors | ||
| Unarmed Stage Combat | ||
| Performance Studio | ||
| Characterization | ||
| Professional Presentation | ||
| Advanced Stage Combat | ||
| Advanced Movement in Musical Theater | ||
| Acting for the Camera | ||
| Great Film Performances (Mason Core) | ||
| Advanced Performance Studio | ||
| One-Person Show | ||
| Applied Techniques in Voice and Speech | ||
| Musical Theater Workshop | ||
| Musical Theater Ensemble 5 | ||
| Total Credits | 43 | |
- 1
The School of Music offers placement tests in Theory, Sight Singing, Ear Training and Keyboard Skills for students with an exceptional level of competency or prior academic experience in these areas. Placement tests are optional. However, students must pass the specific placement tests in order to receive “credit-by-examination” to be applied for credit to the concentration. Opportunities to take the placement exams and additional exam details are posted on the School of Music website: music.gmu.edu
- 2
or with permission of Director
- 3
May fulfill Mason Core Global Contexts or Concentration requirement, but not both.
- 4
May fulfill Mason Core Arts or Concentration requirement, but not both.
- 5
Registration by audition/interview only. Students completing THR 428 and THR 493 for the first time must register for 3 credits. Students repeating the course may elect to register for 1-3 credits.
Performance for Stage and Screen Concentration (PSS)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| THR 300 | Voice and Speech | 3 |
| THR 301 | Advanced Study in Voice | 3 |
| THR 303 | Movement for Actors | 3 |
| THR 304 | Advanced Movement for Actors | 3 |
| THR 305 | Unarmed Stage Combat | 3 |
| THR 310 | Acting II | 3 |
| THR 320 | Performance Studio | 3 |
| THR 329 | Directing | 3 |
| THR 365 | Characterization | 3 |
| THR 410 | Acting for the Camera | 3 |
| THR 420 | Advanced Performance Studio | 3 |
| or THR 421 | One-Person Show | |
| THR 423 | Audition Techniques: Stage and Camera | 3 |
| Performance Electives | ||
| Select nine credits from the following: 1 | 9 | |
| Advanced Study in Voice | ||
| Acting Shakespeare | ||
| Advanced Studies in Directing | ||
| Makeup Design | ||
| Professional Presentation | ||
| Advanced Stage Combat | ||
| Great Film Directors (Mason Core) | ||
| Great Film Performances (Mason Core) | ||
| Advanced Performance Studio | ||
| One-Person Show | ||
| Applied Techniques in Voice and Speech | ||
| Musical Theater Ensemble 2 | ||
| Special Topics in Theater | ||
| Advanced Practicum 2 | ||
| Collaborative Lab Experience 2 | ||
| Field Experience | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Total Credits | 45 | |
- 1
or with permission of Director
- 2
Registration by audition/interview only. Students completing THR 428, THR 492, or THR 493 for the first time must register for 3 credits. Students repeating the course may elect to register for 1-3 credits.
Sound Engineering and Design Concentration (SEND)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| THR 315 | Sound Engineering | 3 |
| THR 337 | Sound Design | 3 |
| THR 338 | Production Stage Management | 3 |
| THR 339 | Principles of Design | 3 |
| THR 415 | Advanced Sound Engineering | 3 |
| THR 437 | Advanced Sound Design | 3 |
| THR 492 | Advanced Practicum 3 | 3 |
| FAVS 333 | Sound Editing and Recording | 3 |
| MUSI 254 | Music and Technology | 3 |
| MUSI 355 | Recording Techniques | 3 |
| Sound Engineering and Design Electives | ||
| Select five courses from the following: 1 | 15 | |
| Sound Art I | ||
| Advanced Sound | ||
| Music for Film and Video | ||
| Writing and Editing Music and Sound | ||
| Music in Computer Technology (Mason Core) 2 | ||
| Electronic Composition | ||
| Event Technical Production | ||
| Drafting and Modeling | ||
| Professional Presentation | ||
| Great Film Directors (Mason Core) | ||
| Introduction to Tourism Management | ||
| Event Logistics | ||
| Total Credits | 45 | |
- 1
or with permission of Director
- 2
May fulfill Mason Core Information Technology and Computing or Concentration requirement, but not both.
- 3
Registration by interview only. Students completing THR 492 for the first time must register for 3 credits. Students repeating the course may elect to register for 1-3 credits.
Theater Education for Theater Arts PK-12 Concentration (THEA)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| THR 448 | Foundations of Theater Education | 3 |
| THR 449 | Elementary Theater Education | 3 |
| THR 450 | Secondary Theater Education | 3 |
| EDRD 300 | Literacy in Fine Arts, Health, and Physical Education | 3 |
| EDUC 301 | Educating Diverse and Exceptional Learners | 3 |
| EDUC 302 | Human Growth and Development | 3 |
| THR 455 | Theater Education Internship | 6 |
| Content Area 1 | ||
| THR 340 | Advanced Studies in Directing | 3 |
| Content Area 2 | ||
| THR 300 | Voice and Speech | 3 |
| THR 303 | Movement for Actors | 3 |
| THR 310 | Acting II | 3 |
| THR 320 | Performance Studio | 3 |
| Content Area 3 | 6 | |
| Scenic Design | ||
| Production Stage Management | ||
| Theater Education Elective | ||
| Select one course from the following: 1 | 3 | |
| Advanced Study in Voice | ||
| Advanced Movement for Actors | ||
| Unarmed Stage Combat | ||
| Event Technical Production | ||
| Lighting Stagecraft | ||
| Sound Engineering | ||
| Acting Shakespeare | ||
| Technical Direction | ||
| Costume Technology | ||
| Dramatic Literature Seminar | ||
| American Voices | ||
| World Stages (Mason Core) | ||
| Characterization | ||
| Acting for the Camera | ||
| Great Film Directors (Mason Core) | ||
| Great Film Performances (Mason Core) | ||
| Contemporary Women Playwrights | ||
| Applied Techniques in Voice and Speech | ||
| Advanced Studies in Directing/Dramaturgy (Mason Core) | ||
| Advanced Practicum 2 | ||
| Total Credits | 48 | |
- 1
or with permission of Director
- 2
Registration by interview only. Students completing THR 492 for the first time must register for 3 credits. Students repeating the course may elect to register for 1-3 credits.
General Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| After fulfilling degree requirements, BFA students may use remaining general electives credits inside or outside of the department. | 2-14 | |
| Total Credits | 2-14 | |
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater Sample Plan of Study
The sample plan below is a recommended sequencing of courses based on pre-requisites and scheduling. This may not fit every student's needs and is a guideline, not a requirement. Students should confirm major requirements with their academic advisor and with PatriotWeb Degree Evaluation to ensure they enroll in the proper courses and are on track to graduate.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Credits | Spring Semester | Credits |
| THR 150 | 3 | THR 151 | 3 |
| THR 210 | 3 | THR 240 | 3 |
| THR 230 | 3 | Concentration Elective | 3 |
| Mason Core | 3 | Mason Core | 3 |
| Mason Core | 3 | Mason Core | 3 |
| Practicum | 1 | ||
| 15 | 16 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall Semester | Credits | Spring Semester | Credits |
| THR 350 | 3 | THR 329 or DRAMATIC LITERATURE | 3 |
| Concentration Elective | 3 | THR 351 | 3 |
| Concentration Elective | 3 | Concentration Elective | 3 |
| Mason Core | 3 | Concentration Elective | 3 |
| Mason Core | 3 | Mason Core | 3 |
| Practicum | 1 | ||
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall Semester | Credits | Spring Semester | Credits |
| THR 338 or DRAMATIC LITERATURE | 3 | Concentration Elective | 3 |
| Concentration Elective | 3 | Concentration Elective | 3 |
| Concentration Elective | 3 | Concentration Elective | 3 |
| Mason Core | 3 | Mason Core (Suggested Lab Science) | 4 |
| Mason Core | 3 | Practicum | 1 |
| 15 | 14 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall Semester | Credits | Spring Semester | Credits |
| MC Apex (THR 440 or THR 496) OR MC ENGH 302 | 3 | MC Apex (THR 440 or THR 496) OR MC ENGH 302 | 3 |
| Concentration Elective | 3 | Concentration Elective | 3 |
| Concentration Elective | 3 | Concentration Elective | 3 |
| Concentration Elective | 3 | General Elective | 3 |
| Mason Core | 3 | General Elective | 2 |
| 15 | 14 | ||
| Total Credits 120 | |||
Musical Theater Performance concentration students are required to complete 8 credits of MUSI 223: Applied Vocal Instruction as part of their concentration credits. These 1-credit private voice lessons are typically completed each semester and are incorporated into the 120-credit degree pathway.
Detailed four year plans and degree planning checklists can be found at https://cvpa.gmu.edu/academics/undergraduate-student-resources.
Honors in the Major
Highly-qualified students who have completed 75 credits may pursue advanced work leading to graduation with honors in the major. Students apply for Honors in Theater by submitting to the Director (by November 15 or April 15) a two-page written statement outlining their reasons for pursuing advanced coursework and specific professional goals, along with the names of two Mason theater faculty members who have agreed to serve as references.
Students satisfy the honors course sequence by taking three honors-specific courses from their chosen concentration. They must also maintain an overall GPA of 3.50 and a GPA of 3.75 within the major.