Curriculum Summary

The MFA is a terminal degree that prepares students for diverse professional and academic programs. In particular, the CSULA MFA in Television, Film and Theatre will prepare students for careers in performance/acting, production, and dramatic writing in the television, film and theatre industries. The MFA, along with extensive professional experience, also serves to prepare students to teach in these fields.

The CSULA MFA in Television, Film and Theatre will offer three formal options:

Option l: Performance I Acting: Students in this option will have the opportunity to perform in numerous venues prior to completing their degree. The Performance /Acting Option will include classes and workshops in performance theory, performance history, theories of acting for the stage, television and film; as well as courses designed to inform students of current industry practices and procedures.

Option 2: Production: The option will include classes, and practicum in all related media through all stages of production. Students in the Production Option will benefit from visiting guest artists, from the Film/Television production and Theatre faculty who continue to work in their professions, and from regularly scheduled graduate student Project I, Project II and Culmination project screening events or staged productions.

Option 3: Dramatic Writing: Students in this option will have the opportunity to write across television, film, and stage. In collaboration with students in the Performance and Production Options, students in the Dramatic Writing option will engage the full scope of television, film and stage production as relates to the art and craft of dramatic writing. Also in collaboration with students in the Performance and Production Options, students in the Dramatic Writing Option will have the opportunity to see their works produced in theatrical/telecast/film exhibition.

Option Requirements: The graduate program consists of a total of 88 units, with a minimum of 44 units in core courses and at least 44 units in one of the three options. Students must meet the requirements of the designated option. Graduate advisers must be consulted regarding specific option requirements.

Within the selected Option of Performance/Acting, Production or Dramatic Writing, each student will engage three projects, one each in television, film and theatre.

The MFA in Television Film and Theatre has the following objectives:

• To establish and foster a unique, interdisciplinary approach to production, performance and dramatic writing;
• To prepare students for careers in production, performance and dramatic writing by emphasizing technical proficiency and creative artistry within and across television, film and theatre;
• To provide students in performance, production and dramatic writing career options with the intellectual and historical backgrounds central to their development as media artists and scholars;
• To provide the technical and academic expertise essential to prepare future faculty in this terminal degree program;
• To provide CSULA’s uniquely diverse student body with opportunities for advanced coursework in production, performance and dramatic writing.

Admission:

I . Admission to the graduate program at California State University, Los Angeles requires:

1. completion of a four-year college course of study and an acceptable baccalaureate from an institution accredited by a regional accrediting association, or completion of an equivalent academic preparation as determined by the appropriate campus authorities.
2. good academic standing at the last college or university attended.
3. attainment of a grade point average of at least 2.5 (A=4.0) in the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units attempted.

2. Admission to the MFA program jointly sponsored by the Department of Communication Studies and the Department of Theatre Arts and Dance further requires:

1. A 3.0 grade point average in the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units for unconditional acceptance with an articulated plan of study submitted for consideration along with a department based application form.
2. Submission of a portfolio of creative work and performance programs which may include production stills/film/video clips, stage plays, screenplays or television scripts.
3. A statement of the applicant’s academic and professional objectives in the MFA.
4. Two letters of recommendation on applicant’s potential for success.
5. Transcripts from all institutions of higher education or professional schools attended.
6. Interviews will be required of all candidates.
7. Students applying for the Performance Option will be required to audition using two contrasting monologues - four minutes in length.

3. Students may be eligible for admission under a conditional academic program that would entail required foundational course work evaluated and designated by a faculty advisor preceding the formal entry into the MFA (see below).

4. In order to advance in the program the student must maintain continuing student status, successfully complete all courses with a B or better average in courses attempted with an overall G.P.A. of at least 3.0 and complete an advancement to candidacy evaluation process after completing 16 units. Only students who are advanced to candidacy are eligible to enroll in Project I, II and Culmination Project units.

NOTE: Students must successfully pass an annual review (at the end of years one and two of their program; roughly set at 35 units and 64 units). The review committee will consist of at least three faculty members, one from each of the three Options who will evaluate the quality of the student’s progress based on a submitted portfolio of work by the student, grades and observations of the student’s ongoing work and involvement in the program.