Master of Arts in Directing (Summer Fast Track)
The Fast Track Program is designed for the early to mid career high school theatre teacher who has taught 5-15 years, directed 10-20 plays, has an undergraduate degree in theatre and teaches at least two curricular theatre classes. The program focuses on refining directorial and performance skills, developing new approaches in teaching, design and production preparation and working collaboratively with other students who are dedicated to creating theatre with young adults. Depending on the application pool each year, exceptions may be made.
The Schedule
In three intensive six week sessions over three summers, you can complete all your required coursework and then do your thesis production at your own school. The required coursework on the Chicago campus is 30 hours followed by 3 semester hours for the thesis project. The six week sessions will meet Monday through Thursday. The weekends are free to sample Chicago theatre and our vibrant city.
Who Can Apply
Enrollment is open to high school theatre teachers who are interested in completing a Master of Arts degree in Theatre with an emphasis in Directing. The number of students admitted is based on the number of graduates the previous year. Applicants must first send the Fast Track Application by January 15th as well as meet Roosevelt University's graduate admission requirements. Selection for the program will be made February 1st by the director of the Theatre Program and Fast Track Coordinator, Jerry Proffit.
→ Download the Fast Track Application ←
The Cost
The cost for the Fast Track program is calculated each summer at the university rate per semester hour of graduate credit taken. For the summer of 2009, the cost was $739 per semester hour. Convenient housing is available in Roosevelt University's portion of the University Center. For further housing information, call 312-341-2005.
Projected Course of Study
First Year-10 semester hours required
Summer 2010, June 21 - July 29
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits | Course Description | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| THAR 401 | Problems in Theatrical Production | 1 | Advanced study in sets, prop, and costume design for the stage. Focus on analysis, practical application, theatre safety, and innovative techniques and materials. Open to Fast Track students only. | Summer |
| THAR 406 | Stage Movement and Combat | 3 | Advanced study in the application of stage movement, stage combat, and choreography for the high school dramatics teacher. Open to Fast Track students only. | Summer |
| THAR 411 | Stage Directing III | 3 | Techniques of stage direction focused on the director as literary adapter of nondramatic texts. Material appropriate for high school dramatics teachers. Open to Fast Track students only. | Summer |
Second Year-10 semester hours required
Summer 2011, June 20 - July 28
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits | Course Description | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| THAR 402 | Dramaturgy and Production Preparation | 4 | Script selection and analysis, dramatic theory, dramaturgy, and other prerehearsal considerations of the text. Open to Fast Track students only. | Summer |
| THAR 407 | Voice and Body Training | 3 | Advanced study of teaching voice and body training to young actors. Survey of techniques and applications. Open to Fast Track students only. | Summer |
| THAR 448 | Stage Directing I | 3 | Introduction to craft of stage direction through lectures, discussions, play analysis, and presentation of short scenes. | Summer |
Third Year-10 semester hours required
Summer 2012, June 25 - August 2
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits | Course Description | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| THAR 400 | Special Problems in Theatrical Production I | 4 | Advanced study in lighting, sound, and makeup design for the stage. Focus on analysis, practical application, theatre safety, and innovative techniques and materials. Open to Fast Track students only | Summer |
| THAR 408 | Period Styles | 3 | The study of theatrical styles for the director; emphasis on actor training, research, and interpretation. Selections from period plays from the Greeks to Shaw. Open to Fast Track students only. | Summer |
| THAR 449 | Stage Directing II | 3 | Direction of one-act play; entire process from script analysis and production conceptualization to public performance. | Summer |
More Information
Location:
The Roosevelt University building is in the south Loop of Chicago facing Buckingham Fountain and Lake Michigan. Across the street in Grant Park is the Taste of Chicago and many summer music festivals. Great restaurants, the Art Institute, the Symphony Center, major department stores and the Harold Washington Library are within a few blocks. The city is noted for its world class architecture.
Faculty:
We strive to bring in the best professional artist/teachers available. The faculty includes members of the Roosevelt Theatre Conservatory who are all professionally involved in outside theatres. Other faculty consists of professional theatre artists from the Chicago theatre community.
Focus of the classes:
The curriculum is designed specifically for the classroom theatre teacher and director/acting coach. Classes are structured to provide students opportunities to share their expertise and experience. You will leave at the end of the six weeks with many new approaches for your directing, classes, rehearsals, and production work. You will be working with over 30 teacher/directors from all over the country who bring their own expertise to share and will return home in August empowered and enthusiastic to begin the fall semester.
Typical Week Schedule:
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday: Group meeting 9:00; First Class 9:15-11:45; Lunch 11:45-12:45; Second Class 12:45-3:15; Third class (Mon. and Tues. only) 3:45-6:00. Tickets for one theatre production a week, seen on either Wednesday or Thursday night, are included in the tuition. Thursday: 9:30 group meeting; 10:00-1:00 Class; 1:00-2:00 lunch; 2:00-5:00 class. There is no class on Friday.
Chicago as a theatre city:
There are over 40 Equity theatres and 100 non-Equity theatres. Even in the summer you'll find a wide variety of interesting and high quality theatre--more than our 6 trips will cover and more than you can see if you go frequently on your own.
Admission to the Program:
The number of students admitted each year is based on the graduates. Selection will be announced the first week in February. Selection is based on the applicant's undergraduate theatre background and experience in educational theatre.
Tuition:
Each summer you register for 10 hours. The 2009 graduate tuition is $739 per hour. The total tuition of $7,390 is due during the first week of class. A payment plan can be arranged with the Student Accounts office (312-341-3570). You can arrange a loan through the financial aid office (312-341-3565). Some Fast Trackers have been able to secure support and grants from their local areas.
Housing:
The University Center, one block from the classroom building, offers a range of choices from single rooms to 2 bedroom, 2 bath units. Some students rent corporate apartments in the area or sublet apartments available in nearby neighborhoods.
Who to Contact For More Information
Jerry Proffitt
Fast Track Administrator
jhproffit@comcast.net