Physical Theatre, M.F.A.

Fall: Module One - Arezzo (12 weeks)

Module one is conceived as a foundational unit that prepares the student to work in their new environment, to develop the habits necessary for serious training and to introduce the actor to some of the basic elements of physical performance.

• TH 501 - Movement/Voice I
• TH 521 - Music I
• TH 531 - Aesthetics/History I
• TH 541 - Italian for Actors I
• TH 551 - Acting I

Spring: Module Two - Arezzo (12 weeks)

Module two is an extension of the skills developed in the foundational module with an emphasis on the development and exploration of style. It leads into a series of scene studies that are researched, designed and performed by the actors under the guidance of core faculty, utilizing the skills developed in the first module.

• TH 502 - Movement/Voice II
• TH 522 - Music II
• TH 532 - Aesthetics/History II
• TH 542 - Italian for Actors II
• TH 552 - Acting II

Summer: Module Three - FLIC, Torino (8 weeks)

Module three provides a unique opportunity to work in one of the most respected circus schools in Europe. Located in Torino, Italy, FLIC will provide students with introductory level circus skills and expose students to an exciting performative practice that will stimulate an aesthetic crossover between circus and theatre.

• TH 533 - Circus History and Dramaturgy
• TH 561 - Acrobatics
• TH 562 - Object Manipulation
• TH 563 - Equilibrium
• TH 582 - Guided Solo and Ensemble Research

Fall: Module Four - Arezzo (12 weeks)

Module four is dedicated to an in-depth exploration of Commedia dell’arte, its history, its aesthetic, and its ethos. The actors will focus on the mastery of the historic masks, movement, attitudes and hierarchical relationships through improvisation and rigorous work on various lazzi and cannovacci. While the module principally focuses on the historic form, it is with a perspective for a creative reinvention appropriate for the modern theatre.

• TH 601 - Movement/Voice III
• TH 621 - Music III
• TH 634 - Acting III
• TH 642 - Graduate Performance Lab I
• TH 672 - Special Topics I
• TH 691 - Personal Field Research

Spring: Module Five - Arezzo (12 weeks)

In module five the emphasis shifts toward the actor as creator. While new skills and stylistic forms will continue to be explored through a series of master classes, students will be moving toward creative autonomy. The module will culminate in an evening of cabaret devised by students that will incorporate the wide variety of technical and creative skills developed in the previous modules.

• TH 622 - Music IV
• TH 631 - Aesthetics/History III
• TH 635 - Acting IV
• TH 673 - Special Topics II
• TH 692 - Graduate Performance Lab II

Summer: Module Six | Contemporary Mask | Familie Flöz, Berlin | Summer (6 Weeks)

Module six offers students an in-depth study of a stylistic form of theatre that has a tremendous power to communicate through simplicity universal themes of the human condition, as well as an opportunity to develop performance through ensemble improvisation. In addition, students will be exposed to traditions and influences of twentieth century German theatre.

• TH 632 - Aesthetics/History IV
• TH 636 - Acting V
• TH 693 - Graduate Performance Lab III

Module Seven | Performance Autonomy | Continuo Theatre, Czech Republic | Fall 6 Weeks

Possible extension for performances

Module seven is the culmination of two years of training and creative evolution. At this point in the program students will be on their way to defining their personal style, both as individuals and ensemble collaborators. Under the direction of Pavel Stourac and in collaboration with the permanent members of Continuo Theatre, students will devise and perform a full-length original work in Plum Yard Theatre, Malovice, followed by a short tour in the Czech Republic.

• TH 637 - Graduate Ensemble (5 Credits)
• TH 699 - Thesis Project (3 Credits)
• Final Thesis

Master of Fine Arts in Physical Theatre | Total Course Hours: 1932 | Total Semester Hours: 60

Following the performance projects in the Czech Republic, students will submit a final thesis that will represent the culmination of their research and creative work.  Further information concerning the parameters of the thesis are forthcoming.  Please refer to the academic schedule for the thesis completion timeline.