Ashland Center for Theatre Studies
Theatre Teacher Training - Master of Theatre Studies
Frequently Asked Questions
- Questions about Master of Theatre Studies Degree eligibility
- Questions about the Master of Theatre Studies application process
- Questions about fees and financial aid
- Questions about the Master of Theatre Studies program
Eligibility
Question:
I am not currently teaching theatre. May I still participate in your Master of Theatre Studies program?
Answer:
Because the Master Degree requires significant work at your school during the school year, to participate in the program you must be currently teaching theatre in a program that actively produces plays. If there is room in one of our 3-credit a la carte courses, you may be accepted to an individual course.
Question:
Is there any way for a teacher with only one year of experience to participate in your Master of Theatre Studies program?
Answer:
Unfortunately, we do not accept applicants into the Master of Theatre Studies program who have less than two years of experience. If there is room in one of our 3-credit a la carte courses, you may be accepted to an individual course. Credits from these courses may transfer to our Master of Theatre Studies Degree when you are accepted.
Question:
You say I must have taught for at least two years. Does this mean I can't apply until the middle of my third year of teaching?
Answer:
You may apply during your second year of teaching theatre. This means you will have completed two years of teaching by the time the summer residency portion of the curriculum starts.
Question:
You say I must have taught for at least two years. May this be in any discipline or does it have to be two years of teaching theatre.
Answer:
It must be two years of teaching theatre.
Question:
Are middle school theatre teachers eligible for the Master of Theatre Studies program?
Answer:
The Master of Theatre Studies requires significant production work at your school during the school year. Most middle schools do not have a theatre program or production facilities necessary to support participation in this program. Generally we consider only high school or community college teachers. If you believe that your middle school program might be an exception to our criteria, please contact ACTS with specific details. If there is room in one of our 3-credit a la carte courses, you may be accepted to an individual course.
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The Master Degree application process
Question:
Should my letters of recommendation be sent along with my other application materials? If so, do they need to be in sealed envelopes? Or should they be sent by the writer?
Answer:
You may send your letters of recommendation with the rest of your application, and they need not be in separate sealed envelopes. If you choose to send them separately, please note on your application that they are coming.
Question:
What should my letters of recommendation contain?
Answer:
Your letters of recommendation should contain an assessment of your teaching, artistic and/or craft-related abilities. They should address your potential for completing the program as well as for making significant continuing contributions as a teacher.
Question:
What should be included in my resume?
Answer:
The resume should include all your teaching experience and any professional or volunteer experience related to theatre and the performing arts. You should also include a section on what productions (plays, dramatic readings, etc.) you have done with your students and include the scope of your theatre program (number of classes, participation in theatre societies, extra curricular clubs related to theatre, etc.). Under the section on education, please include any noncredit education related to theatre and the performing arts.
Question:
What information should my Statement of Purpose contain?
Answer:
The Statement of Purpose should be a short paper (two pages maximum) discussing why you are applying for this program and how you believe the curriculum and degree will support your educational philosophy, professional goals, and the goals you have for your theatre program.
Question:
Do I need to take the GRE?
Answer:
No, we do not require GRE scores for you to be admitted to our Master of Theatre Studies program.
Question:
Why do I have to submit two applications?
Answer:
First you must be accepted into the Master of Theatre Studies program. Once your provisional acceptance into the MoTS has been assured, the SOU graduate application is required.
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Fees and financial aid
Question:
What are the criteria to qualify for financial aid?
Answer:
In order to receive financial aid, you must fill out the FAFSA for the current year for summer (summer 2010 is the final term of the 09-10 year). This will determine if you are eligible for financial aid and if so, how much. You also must have completed the graduate application form (which we will send you after you are accepted to the MoTS program) and be admitted as a graduate student. Since this is a master's degree, only federal loans (not direct grants) are available. Alternative loans (loans that the Oregon University system gives to students) may also be available. Information about financial aid and the FAFSA is located on the SOU financial aid Web site.
Money is dispersed the first day of class.
Financial aid is not available for individual a la carte courses unless you are part of the master's program.
Question:
Is there a different fee structure for out-of-state students?
Answer:
No. Out-of-state students pay the same amount as Oregon residents.
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The program
Question:
What type of electives are acceptable to fulfill the additional 9 credit hours required for the Master of Theatre Studies?
Answer:
The 9 elective credits must be from 500-level theatre related courses. Your 9 elective credits come from any of our 3-credit a la carte or approved online courses. You may petition the program to accept 6 credits from an appropriate previously completed graduate degree.
In 2010, the elective options are:
Survey of Dramatic Literature, an online course held January 4-March 19
or the following week-long summer courses
Costume Crafts: Dyeing and Distressing - July 4-9
VectorWorks (computer-aided design) for the Theatre - July 25-30
Mask Making and Movement - July 25-30
The Director and the Rehearsal Process - July 25-30
Question:
How many credits may I use for the remaining required 9 credit hours from my previous graduate work?
Answer:
You may use up to 6 graduate level credits from courses taken that are assigned to a currently held graduate degree in an appropriate discipline. All courses must be approved before they can be included. Once you are accepted you will meet with an advisor to go over your additional coursework and determine what is and is not applicable.
Question:
May I 'test out' of certain aspects of the curriculum?
Answer:
No. Rather than distinct courses in, for example, lighting design, all elements of the curriculum are integrated in the concentrated 2-week summer sessions. We do offer different levels of projects in some of the hands-on build portion of the summer sessions. For the research and applied projects in your school we encourage you to focus on areas of greatest potential growth.
Question:
Are the 12 credit hours SEMESTER or QUARTER credit hours?
Answer:
Quarter credits.
Question:
Do I have to stay in the SOU residence halls?
Answer:
No, you do not have to stay in on-campus housing.
Question:
Can I get an MFA in this program?
Answer:
No. The degree that we offer is a Master of Theatre Studies in Production and Design. This is a degree for people who are already teachers and want more education that is geared toward helping them teach their students about the technical and design aspects of theatre.
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For more information contact Su Grossmann at acts@sou.edu or 541-552-6346.
