Course details

Summary

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) is a practical, studio-based degree designed to enable students to attain a high level of professional mastery, craft and practical skill, through the presentation of both a creative art-work (or art-works) and a written component (exegesis).

The degree will equip students with the ability to create theatrical works at a high professional level, providing training to an advanced level of proficiency in the field of specialization (e.g. acting, direction, design, or scriptwriting). It will enhance students’ lifelong ability to contribute to, and to critically reflect upon, the cultural life of New Zealand and the world, with a particular focus on the theatrical and performing arts.

Theatre Studies at Otago is based in Allen Hall Theatre, which is a working theatre featuring a very full programme of lunchtime and evening productions throughout the academic year. You will become involved in productions at the theatre, (both onstage and backstage) as part of your course work.

Courses are not intended as full professional training for theatre, film or television. However, Theatre Studies graduates have found work as actors, primary and secondary school drama teachers, television production managers, script writers, lighting designers, stage managers, directors in theatre, film and TV, drama tutors and coaches. The courses are also a useful background for such occupations as broadcasting, journalism, arts administration, law and marketing amongst others.

Theatre Studies improves communication skills, lateral thinking, team-building, creativity and imagination, and self-confidence, and its principles can be applied to a wide range of teaching and management skills.

Thesis

Thesis THEA 5A

Structure of the Programme

The degree shall be awarded in the following subject: Theatre Studies

The programme of study shall consist of the preparation and presentation of production work (one or more substantial theatrical or live performance works, or a suite of shorter works), plus a written exegesis on that body of work. In some cases the candidate may also be required to take and pass approved papers, normally at 400-level.

A candidate shall, before commencing the project, secure the approval of the Programme Co-ordinator for the supervisor(s), and for the selection of performance works to be prepared and presented.

A candidate may not present work that has previously been accepted for another degree.

The Senate shall approve the proposed area of study on the recommendation of the Programme Co-ordinator and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities)

Entry criteria

Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities)
Every applicant must either:

• be a graduate, normally in a relevant field, or
• have alternative qualifications or experience acceptable to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities)

English Language Requirements: IELTS - Score of 6.5 in the academic module (with no individual band below 6.0); Internet-based TOEFL Score of 95 with a minimum writing score of 22.; Paper-based TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 587 (TWE 4.5); Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) – Overall score of 176 (with no individual band below 169); Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) – Overall score of 176 (with no individual band below 169); APIEL Advanced Placement International English Language Examination - Grade 4 or higher; Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic - Overall score of 64 with no communicative skills score below 57; University of Otago Foundation Studies Ltd: Completion of 'English for Postgraduate Academic Purposes' with a grade of C or higher.