COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Theatre at Texas State University is a 60-credit-hour terminal degree designed to develop advanced artistic, creative, and professional skills for careers in theatre and higher education. The program is nationally recognized for its excellence in performing arts training and prepares students for work in regional and national theatres as well as teaching roles at the university level. Students choose one of three specialized concentrations—Design, Directing, or Dramatic Writing—allowing them to focus their studies on a specific area of professional practice while still engaging in collaborative theatre production and academic development.The Design Concentration focuses on advanced training in areas such as scenic, lighting, costume, and production design, preparing students to create visually and technically sophisticated theatrical environments. The Directing Concentration emphasizes artistic leadership, interpretive analysis, and production management, training students to guide theatrical performances from concept to stage. The Dramatic Writing Concentration develops skills in playwriting and script development, encouraging students to create original works for stage and performance.Across all concentrations, students complete a combination of coursework, production work, and creative projects, culminating in a final MFA creative project that demonstrates their mastery of their chosen discipline. The program emphasizes practical experience through active participation in theatre productions, including directing, design work, writing, and collaboration with peers and faculty. Students also benefit from professional development opportunities such as internships, conference participation, and specialized programs like the Oregon Shakespeare Intensive and study abroad experiences in Shakespearean theatre in England. Overall, the MFA in Theatre provides intensive, practice-based training designed to prepare graduates for professional artistic careers and academic positions in the performing arts.