In addition to the general theater requirements, students must enroll in and complete one of the following three
concentrations:
1. Acting
The goal of the program is to graduate actors who are equipped for the rigorous demands of the contemporary stage, as well as television and film. To that end, the final semester is focused on an effective transition into the professional world, with classes and workshops in On-Camera Technique, Auditioning, and Introduction to the Life of a Working Actor.
Year
1 - The
first year is spent exploring and mastering the fundamental concepts of
developing or further developing a background in theater and establishing the
work ethic of the profession. Students begin intensive training in the Meisner
technique and develop a truthful and spontaneous instrument. Beginning voice,
speech, movement, Performance Ensemble, and a two-semester theater history
class along with liberal arts classes for B.F.A.s round out the program. As is
consistent in most conservatory training, students will not perform in the
first year.
Year
2 - The
second year is spent immersed in the advanced Meisner training, focusing on
textual analysis, objectives, actions, and beginning character work. The guided
practice of speech and movement continues and is integrated into the acting
work. Other classes include Scene Study, Global Theater, script analysis for
the actor, workshops in disciplines such as the Chekhov Techniques, mask,
Viewpoints, etc. and liberal arts. Students are granted multiple performance
opportunities, including the Performance Ensemble production, in the second
year.
Year
3 - The
entire junior year is spent studying abroad at Rutgers Conservatory at
Shakespeare's Globe in London. Students undertake a rigorous conservatory
training program consisting of acting, voice, and movement (based on the
Alexander Technique), speech, and period dance. There is a continuation of
textual analysis, objective, actions, and character work with particular
attention given to the classical texts and traditions. This training allows students
to capably handle a wide variety of texts with confidence. British Art and
Culture and Shakespeare's Plays fulfill a liberal arts credits
Year
3.5 - During
the final semester, class time is spent in the refinement of the actor's craft,
integrating all aspects of the training program. Particular emphasis is placed
upon the "business of the business." Classes include professional development
seminars, audition techniques, acting for the camera, and meeting with agents
and casting directors. Performance opportunities include eligibility for all
departmental productions. Students are expected to balance class work and
performance demands equally. The year culminates in the Rutgers Actor's
Presentation in New York City for invited members of the profession.
The Professional Transition. Get a jump on career
entry. Rutgers provides one of the most detailed and comprehensive career
transitions of any training program in the country during and immediately
following the 3.5 semester. Free of all class obligations, this period of time
allows graduates to take immediate advantage of career opportunities.
Features
New York Actor Presentation. Rutgers will actively coproduce
professional projects with noted regional and Off-Broadway theaters designed to
give our students concrete access to the theater profession. See departmental
artistic advisers for B.F.A. acting program curriculum advice.
2. Design
Theater
design students at Mason Gross School of the Arts are part of a dynamic
3.5-year professional training conservatory program offering a unique semester
abroad at Shakespeare's Globe in London. The theater department offers a B.F.A.
program in design that offers professional training in scenic design, costume
design and technology, and lighting design. Intensive studio work is coupled
with practical experience gained from designing and building the shows produced
by the department.
Year 1 - The first year provides a rigorous introduction to the
foundations of theater history and design theory and skills. All first-year
students take the same mix of classes in all areas of design to provide a
strong sense of appreciation of the collaborative nature of theater.
Year 2 - The second year builds on the foundations learned in the
first year and provides more in-depth explorations into these foundations of
theater through a class called Global Theater, which analyzes current theater
styles and theories across the globe. More advanced areas of design history,
theory, and skills are stressed, and although many of the classes are taken by
everyone, students begin to specialize in an area of design or technology in
the second year.
Year 3 - In their third year, students spend their fall semester in
London at Shakespeare's Globe where they study with distinguished British
designers and take full advantage of London's dynamic theater and cultural
opportunities. Field trips to theater productions, museums, and galleries are
all part of the program. Students return to Rutgers in the spring, pursuing
in-depth training in their area of design with many options for electives, in
many areas. Professional internships in New York City are strongly recommended
in this semester.
Year 3.5 - Students spend the fall semester of their fourth year
studying their specialized design area further in depth with a focus on career
transition. Students will enter the profession with a strong foundation in
theater history and theory, design theory and skills, and a working
understanding of the professional entertainment business. December graduation
launches students into the theater profession five months before graduates of other
programs. By cultivating professional contacts developed with the Mason Gross
faculty and staff and through professional internships, Mason Gross design
graduates are ahead of the game in their transition into the profession. See
departmental artistic advisers for B.F.A. design program curriculum advice.
3. Production
The B.F.A. production program is for those students who have a serious interest in the areas of stage management and technical direction. The program prepares students for careers in professional stage management or technical direction. A three-and-a-half-year, full-time residency is required. Transfer students are individually evaluated but in general can expect a three-year residency.
Intensive class work is coupled with practical experience gained from working on the shows produced by the department.
Year 1 - Students take introductory classes in stage design and technology, introduction to lighting technology, theater practice, and acting during their first year. The year introduces specific technical courses depending on the student's specialty, and assigns production positions to assure well-rounded technical experience. In the spring semester stage management students are assigned production assistant positions on plays. Technical directors run lights or sound for a fully produced play. Students also take a two-semester theater history course. Theater Homeroom is taken by all students in the program every semester they are in residence.
Year 2 - Major concentration begins in the sophomore year with courses in stage management or drafting, as well as additional craft classes: properties, sound technology, and costume construction. Production hours are rotated in each of the five shops to provide experience in all technical and craft areas. Additional production positions in the student's area of specialty are also assigned.
Year 3 - Juniors work closely with faculty advisers in stage management and technical direction. Students take advanced classes in their area of specialty and receive intensive production assignments each semester on scenery construction projects and as stage managers or assistant stage managers. Students also take a two-semester global theater course. Students continue to take theater requirements and electives that inform their specialty.
Year 3.5 and Beyond -
Students continue advanced specialty coursework and earn major assignments as assistant stage managers, stage managers, and technical directors. Curricular core courses are also part of the 3.5 semester. December graduation launches students into the theater profession five months before graduates of other programs. By cultivating professional contacts developed with the Mason Gross faculty and staff and through professional internships, Mason Gross design graduates are ahead of the game in their transition into the profession. Students will interview for special professional transition opportunities.
See departmental artistic advisers for B.F.A. stage management program curriculum advice and B.F.A. technical direction program curriculum advice.
