Student Resources
BFA - Theatre History and Dramaturgy
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Production with an emphasis in Theatre History and Dramaturgy provides students with a proficiency in theatrical scholarship, especially as it may be applied to various areas of stage production. The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates to enter the theatre profession and/or pursue graduate education in the fields of dramaturgy, literary management, and theatre history and criticism. Its emphasis on critical studies, historical awareness, theatre's role in the community, and a cognate field of theatre practice further provides a solid foundation for advanced study in the areas of theatre educational outreach, theatre for youth, stage management and directing.
Application Requirements for Freshmen
- Admission to the University of Arizona
- College of Fine Arts application
- Two letters of recommendation from teachers, advisors or any adult (not from your immediate family) who can assess your potential for rigorous study of theatre history and dramaturgy.
- A résumé outlining theatre experiences, academic achievements and/or community service activities.
- A 500-word Statement of Intent that addresses how this degree program relates to your overall theatre interests and long-term career goals.
- A 750-1000-word performance review. Please select a performance for which you were not involved, except as an audience member.
- Responses should be typed and double-spaced. Place your name in the upper right hand corner of each page.
- Use the following passage from Oscar Brockett and Robert Ball's text The Essential Theatre as a guide to your response. Do not feel compelled to answer every question listed. "Critical responses, whether those of the casual spectator or the professional critic, ultimately involve the three major questions...:
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- What was attempted?
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- How fully was it accomplished?
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- How valuable was the experience?
- What play was performed? Who is the author? What information about the author or script is important for understanding the production?
- Where and when did the performance take place?
- Who was involved in the production--producer, director, actors, designers? (Not everyone need be named, and comments about those who are may be scattered throughout the reviews.)
- What were the apparent goals of the script or production?
- How effectively and fully were the goals realized (in the directing, acting, design elements)?
- Should others see it? Why?
Evaluation Criteria:
Your review will be assessed on the following categories:
Argument and Analysis: This relates to the main point of the essay and how well it is supported. Reinforce critical assessments by providing specific examples from the production. The argument should be detailed, clear, well supported and insightful.
Organization: This is the arrangement and flow of ideas. Set up a thesis early in the paper. Arrange each following section into distinct ideas that develop and support your argument. Develop transitions to move from one topic to the next. Write a concluding paragraph.
Style: This relates to use of language. Use correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Successful responses will demonstrate an understanding of the performance, insights into the effectiveness of choices made by the production team, and evidence of the reasoning behind the reviewer's critical judgments.
All Theatre History and Dramaturgy majors must pass an interview and portfolio review at the end of the freshman year for continuation to the sophomore level. Admission to and continuation in all BFA programs is competitive and subject to faculty approval.
For Admission to the Sophomore Level
- Complete the freshman theatre arts core curriculum (T AR 111, 113, 116, 118, 145, 149, and 151) and T AR 146, Introduction to Dramaturgy.
- Possess a minimum GPA of 3.0 for the first semester (minimum of 12 units completed).
- Complete English Composition in the General Education curriculum.
- Successfully complete an interview and portfolio review with Theatre Studies faculty. Portfolio materials will include a resumé and up to five samples of play analyses, critical or historical writing on theatre or related fields, and dramaturgical materials completed for T AR 146.
For Retention after the First Portfolio Review
- Meet all University of Arizona academic standards for continuing status.
- Maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA in all Theatre Arts courses.
- Successfully participate in a portfolio review at the end of each semester.
- Make satisfactory progress toward fulfilling degree requirements.
Application Requirements
Transfer and Change of Major Students
- Admission to the University of Arizona
- College of Fine Arts application
- Two letters of recommendation from teachers, advisors or any adult (not from your immediate family) who can assess your potential for rigorous of theatre history and dramaturgy.
- A résumé outlining theatre experiences, academic achievements and/or community service activities.
- A 500-word Statement of Intent that addresses how this degree program relates to your overall theatre interests and long-term career goals.
- Successfully complete an interview and portfolio review with Theatre Studies faculty. Portfolio materials will include a résumé and up to five samples of play analyses, critical or historical writing on theatre or related fields. It is preferable that you present this portfolio to a member of the Theatre Studies division either on campus or at one of the recruitment sites. Portfolios sent by mail are also acceptable, but return is not guaranteed.
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all theatre courses completed.
All Theatre History and Dramaturgy majors must pass an interview and portfolio review at the end of the freshman year for continuation to the sophomore level. Admission to and continuation in all BFA programs is competitive and subject to faculty approval.
