Texas Tech University
Arts Administration
Department of Theatre and Dance
Mail Stop 42061
Lubbock, TX 79409-2061
United States
Main Phone: 806/742-3601
Main E-Mail: linda.Donahue@ttu.edu
Degree/Credential: Graduate (MFA and PhD. MFA in Theatre Arts (Arts Administration) and Ph.D. in Fine Arts (major in Theatre; track in Arts Administration))
Web Site: http://www.theatre.ttu.edu
Program Director: LDonahue [link available to AAAE members only]
Program Goals and Objectives
The primary focus of the program is to train leaders and advocates in the field of theatre management/arts administration. The program offers an MFA in Theatre Arts (Arts Administration) as well as a Ph.D. in Fine Arts (major in Theatre; track in Arts Administration) and includes a blend of theory and practice. It is designed to serve those interested in working in the diverse areas of arts administration– MFAs work in nonprofit theatres; a large number of Ph.D.s have become Department Chairs (theatre) or Deans. Prospective students generally arrive with a background in the discipline of theatre.Students will actively participate in the University Theatre production program in marketing, box office, front-of-house supervision, production of Lab Theatre plays, management of the One-Act Play Festival, etc. The program is individualized to the student’s talents and interests, and an outside internship and three practicums are required for the MFA. The Department of Theatre and Dance is dedicated equally to scholarship and theatrical production. The Department offers up to 28 teaching/production/research assistantships each semester. MFA students complete a thesis project and doctoral students produce a formal written dissertation which may be based on traditional research, internships, or professional problems.
The multidisciplinary Ph.D. in Fine Arts (major in Theatre, track in Arts Administration) is the only one of its kind in the country. Many of the graduates have become department chairs and deans at major universities. The faculty assists in finding employment for MFA/Ph.D. graduates in their fields of interest.
Administration of the Program
Linda Donahue, Ph.D., is the program director. The program is housed in the Department of Theatre and Dance within the College of Visual and Performing Arts.The Ph.D. in Fine Arts (major in Theatre) is an multidisciplinary program that requires a number of hours in Art, Music, and Philosophy, with the majority of the hours in Theatre courses. The Fine Arts Doctoral Committee administers this doctoral program, with representation from the Department of Theatre and Dance, the School of Art, and the School of Music. Prospective students should consult the websites of both the Department of Theatre and Dance as well as the College of Visual and Performing Arts.
Curriculum
A complete listing of course requirements for the degrees is available at www.depts.ttu.edu/theatreanddance/ (Click "Current Student Callboard" and then click "Graduate Handbook")
MFA in Theatre Arts (Arts Administration) requires the completion of a total of 60 credit hours. The program takes 2-3 years to complete.
Required Courses
Advanced Practicum in Repertory Theatre I
Advanced Practicum in Repertory Theatre II
Advanced Directing
Theatre Management
Theatre Management (Practicum)
Theatre Arts in Contemporary Context
Marketing the Arts
Marketing the Arts (Practicum)
Funding of the Arts
Funding of the Arts (Practicum)
Advocacy for the Arts
Theatre Planning
Problems in Lighting, Costuming, Scenery
Seminar in Theatre Research Methods
Internship
Independent Study (Thesis Project)
Electives
Theatre Scene Design
Theatre Lighting Design
Theatre Costume Design
Theatre History Survey
Seminar in Theatre History
Script Analysis
Other elective courses outside of Theatre Arts may be taken as approved by the Head of Arts Administration.
PhD in Fine Arts (major in Theatre) requires 60 credit hours past the Master's degree: 48 course hours and 12 dissertation hours.
Required courses:
History/Critical Perspectives in the Visual Arts
History/Critical Perspectives in Music
Visual Arts in Contemporary Context
Music in Contemporary Context
Contemporary Aesthetics
History of Aesthetics
Theatre Courses
Students choose two tracks (Arts Administration, Acting/Directing, Design, History/Theory/Criticism, or Playwriting); minimum of 12 hrs required in each track, plus electives
Arts Administration Courses
Theatre Management
Marketing the Arts
Funding the Arts
Advocacy for the Arts
Theatre Planning
Additional Info: The Department of Theatre and Dance is dedicated equally to production and scholarship (practice and theory). Each student must participate actively in the production program of the University Theatre in arts administration activities or other production duties. The PhD does not have a foreign language requirement but does require active production participation. Internships and practicums are required and/or strongly encouraged outside of the university environment.
MFA and PhD INTERNSHIP PLACEMENTS: Recent placements include Theatre Communication Group, Lincoln Center, Actors Theatre of Louisville, The Shakespeare Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre, The Getty Museum, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Admissions
Applications are accepted year-round for the fall, spring, and summer semesters. In order to be fully considered for scholarships, however, the student must be accepted by both the department and the university by the following deadlines: March 1 for the fall semester and November 1 for the spring semester.
Admission to the program is a two-pronged process. MFA and Ph.D. students should apply to both the Texas Tech University Graduate School and to the Department of Theatre and Dance.
1. The Graduate School: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/gradschool/ Phone: (806) 742-2787. The student may complete an on-line form. The GRE is required, but it is only one element in consideration for admissions.
2. The Department of Theatre and Dance: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/theatreanddance/ Phone: (806) 742-3601. The requirements for admissions for the various programs are listed on the departmental website. They include, but aren't limited to, three letters of recommendation, preferably from sources in theatre or related fields; a writing sample, minimum of 250 words, about some aspect of theatre; an arts resume; a statement of purpose for graduate studies; and (MFA only) an interview in person or by telephone with the Head of Arts Administration.
For more information about departmental requirements, contact Dr. James Bush, Graduate Advisor: james.bush@ttu.edu Phone: (806) 742-3601 x230. Because the doctoral program is administered by the College of Visual and Performing Arts, prospective students should also visit the College website: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/cvpa/
For specific information about the Arts Administration program, contact Dr. Linda Donahue, Head of Arts Administration: linda.donahue@ttu.edu (806) 742-3601 x225.