Graduate Concentrations
Directing
Graduate students have the opportunity to pursue a directing concentration through rigorous course work and independent study projects. Typically a graduate student will be able to pursue a directing concentration by going through three different levels of production. These levels are: In-the-Works, Showcase, and Thesis. In-the Works (ITW) are low-budget exercises by first time (to BU) student directors. Showcases are mounted by proven ITW directors on a larger scale. Thesis productions are directed by undergraduate or graduate students who have successfully completed a Showcase. Design assistance is afforded Showcase, Thesis, and Faculty-directed studio productions when available. Other studio offerings may include directing class one-act play festivals, class-related original plays, performance art pieces, and student choreographed dance works.
Theory & Criticism
An internationally recognized faculty leads the instruction of the historical, literary, and theoretical aspects of theatre. Its regular course offerings include Theories of Acting and Directing, Seminar in Dramatic Theory and Structure, Seminar in Theatre History, and a variety of independent study opportunities to provide the theatre student with a solid foundation in the study of theatre and drama.
Performance
Graduate Students interested in a performance concentration can focus in either acting/directing or dance. Auditions for all main stage productions and most studio productions are held during the first week of classes in each semester for events occurring that term. Exceptions exist for some class projects with late starting dates, studio shows which bridge holiday periods, etc. Typically, auditions consist of presenting a two minute monologue, fully memorized and well-rehearsed. An audition for a musical includes singing 16 bars of a song of one's choice.
The main stage season typically features four productions, including one musical. Faculty members direct these. Casts and crews are composed of either undergraduate or graduate students. In addition to students, guest artists occasionally augment the casts and crews. In addition to the main stage season, the department sponsors a flexible and diverse studio season which can include faculty, undergraduate and/or graduate student directed productions.
Technical Production & Design
The Department offers a specialization in design and technical theatre that includes Scene, Lighting, Costume, and Sound Design, Technical Direction and relevant support areas. Interested students have the flexibility to tailor this program to their particular interests whether those interests are in general technical theatre or an intense focus on particular design concentrations.
First year students, with moderate technical experience would be qualified to work in any of the departments scenic or costume shops and could have the opportunity to work as an assistant designer on one of the many department productions.Second year students will be able to work hand in hand with professors as teaching assistants or (depending on experience) design a department production.
