University of Delaware Graduate Catalog 1996-1997 College of Arts and Science Department of Theatre General Information Telephone: (302) 831-2201 The Department of Theatre offers graduate study leading to a Master of Fine Arts degree with concentrations in acting, technical production, and stage management. The Professional Theatre Training Program (PTTP) involves intensive studio work designed to prepare students for creative careers in the professional theatre and thereby contribute to its growth and improve its quality. Once every three years, after an extensive search conducted throughout the United States, a group of exceptionally talented students is selected for admission to the Professional Theatre Training Program in the Department of Theatre. Each student in the Professional Theatre Training Program participates in an intense curriculum in one of three concentrations (acting, stage management, or technical production) for three years. Each curriculum is carefully designed to provide the skills, abilities, and experiences necessary to begin a successful career in theatre. Students work exclusively within their area in an intensive program of studio classes and production experiences. Each curriculum is skill-oriented, emphasizing rigorous training in the craft areas appropriate to the specialization being pursued. All students in a curricular area participate in the same prescribed program of conservatory classes and continue working with one another throughout the three years of training. Because only one class is enrolled at a time, the faculty is able to focus its full energies on the development of each student. In all three years, students enjoy multiple production opportunities in classic plays as well as in a variety of other theatrical styles and genres. Although graduates find themselves well prepared for employment in many styles and mediums, the Program is specifically designed to train through plays from the classic repertoire and seeks students with a particular commitment to, and appetite for, the acknowledged masterworks of dramatic literature.