Curriculum
Curriculum
Applicants are generally accepted for the first year of the Technical Production Program only; entrance to the second and third year of classes is subject to approval of the Technical Program faculty. Students are chosen on the basis of demonstrated ability through the submission of a resume and portfolio comprising past work in the field. It is assumed that applying candidates have prior experience in both theater and in technical production.
When all the application materials are received, the Department will send a letter to the applicant or call to confirm the time and place for an interview. An on campus interview is strongly recommended.
First Year:
1st Semester – 12 hours total
Dram 800—3.0 hrs. Technical Direction (study of technical and engineering problems in theatrical production, structures)
Dram 805—3.0 hrs. Special Studies/Theatrical Drafting Standards (A study and practicum of theatrical drawings as they apply to design and construction for scenery for a theatrical production)
Dram 806—3.0 hrs. Advanced Technical Methods (a study of the equipment and procedures in the execution of scenery for a theatrical production)
Dram 841—3.0 hrs. Technical Theater Practicum (production work with PlayMakers and the Department of Dramatic Art)
2nd Semester – 12 hours total
Dram 801—3.0 hrs. Technical Direction II
Dram 480—3.0 hrs. Period Styles for Production
Rotates with:
Dram 666–3.0 hrs. Media in Performance
Dram 821–3.0 hrs. Advanced Lighting Design
Dram 842—3.0 hrs. Technical Theater Practicum II (drafting true size & shape, arc welding, Plasma cutter, TIG welding, oxyacetylene welding/brazing, production work with PlayMakers and the Department of Dramatic Art)
Second Year:
1st Semester – 12 hours total
Dram 465—3.0 hrs. Sound Design
Dram 802—3.0 hrs. Advanced Technical Direction (a study of management, technical, and engineering problems involved in theatrical production, and AutoCAD)
Dram 830–3.0 hrs. Technical Production Seminar/Fluid Power (pneumatics, hydraulics and motion controL)
Dram 843—3.0 hrs. Technical Theater Practicum III (TD for Departmental Productions, ATD for PlayMakers, and production work for PlayMakers and the Department of Dramatic Art)
2nd Semester – 12 hours total
Dram 803—3.0 hrs. Advanced Studies in Technical Direction
Dram 805—3.0 hrs. Special Studies/Rigging/Stage Machinery & Mechanics
Dram 480—3.0 hrs. Period Styles for Production
Rotates with:
Dram 666–3.0 hrs. Media in Performance
Dram 844—3.0 hrs. Technical Theater Practicum IV (may include TD for Departmental Productions, ATD for PlayMakers, and production work for PlayMakers and the Department of Dramatic Art)
Third Year:
1st Semester – 9 hours total
Dram 813—3.0 hrs. Technical Planning and Production (Machining, production work for PlayMakers and the Department of Dramatic Art)
Dram 830—3.0 hrs. Technical Production Seminar/Occupational Safety
Dram 845—3.0 hrs. Scenography for the Theater (a study of the scenographic techniques as it involves surface manipulation for scenery for a theatrical production)
2nd Semester – 9 hours total
Dram 813—3.0 hrs. Technical Planning and Production
Dram 845–3.0 hrs. Stage Properties
Dram 992—3.0 hrs. Graduate Final Practicum/Thesis Project (TD for PlayMakers Production or approved production project)
Total Graduate hours required for the degree: 66
The Department of Dramatic Art provides opportunities to design lighting, sound, and scenery for productions (this is not the emphasis for this program, however). The Department also provides, for the qualified candidate, an opportunity to teach related technical classes for the undergraduate program.
Evaluation:
At least once a semester, the faculty will formally evaluate the candidate’s progress and make recommendations concerning continuation in the program. Evaluation of each individual will be made on the basis of classroom work, modules, and any and all work with the professional company and the Department of Dramatic Art. Letter grades (H, P, L, F) will be assigned for the work in all classes. In addition to classroom work, the candidate is required to present at every evaluation an updated resume and portfolio. This portfolio should contain updated photographs, drawings and other items that demonstrate the professional and individual development of the candidate.
Calendar:
The calendar for the MFA Technical candidate will not always coincide with that of the university at large. Production work and additional classes may be scheduled on weekends. Academic holidays may not be observed as well since the professional company does not follow the school calendar. Candidates may be asked to return early from holidays. Candidates should plan to be available on campus from the first rehearsal week through the strike of the final production (August to mid May). Candidates must accustom themselves to a flexible schedule common to the professional theater.
Contact:
Michael Rolleri, Production Manager
The Department of Dramatic Art
CB#3230 Center for Dramatic Art
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-3230
Phone: (919) 843-9818
mrolleri@email.unc.edu