Student Learning Outcomes
Student Learning Outcomes for the Master of Arts and Master of Fine Arts in Theatre:
Master of Arts in Theatre
Students who complete the M.A. in Theatre will have:
- Read a broad representative sampling of world dramatic literature.
- Mastered an overview of the history of the theatre, along with some specialized knowledge of a chosen era, aesthetic movement or artist in a historical-cultural context.
- Learned the research skills that will make it possible to pursue an advanced degree.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate ideas in clear and correct writing in English.
- Become familiar enough with various components of the art of the stage to be able to interact effectively with theatre professionals.
Master of Fine Arts in Acting
Students graduating with an M.F.A. in Acting from UMKC should be expected to demonstrate the following:
- A detailed understanding of their individual processes as actors through which they find the physical, vocal, emotional and intellectual availability to meet the requirements of a given role. This shall include but not be limited to:
- A working knowledge of the human voice as a primary means of communication.
- A working knowledge of the human body as a primary means of communication.
- A working knowledge of the human psyche as a primary means of motivation.
- A working knowledge of research methods through which to gain an understanding of the circumstantial life of a character.
- An experiential knowledge of theatrical performance genres from classical roots through contemporary theatre.
- A strong familiarity with a wide range of dramatic literature.
- The ability to work with directors of varying working processes and communication styles.
- The ability to work in collaboration with an ensemble of artists.
Master of Fine Arts in Design and Technology
Students graduating with an M.F.A. in Design and Technology from UMKC will have a detailed understanding of their individual processes as designers through:
- Design - mastering interpretation, collaboration and idea development.
- Technical Skills - mastering the tools of production.
- History - mastering research, text analysis and dramatic history.
- Production - mastering the artistic merging of design, history and technical skills through the experiences of numerous and varied productions.
- Entrepreneurship - mastering the business of the profession and career growth.
Upon completion of the course of study, graduates will have created portfolios of such quality as to effectively introduce themselves to the profession as artists ready for assignments.
The graduate from this program will be prepared to design for the best major and regional theaters.
