Welcome

Drawing on the strengths of faculty in Television, Film, Media Studies and Theatre Arts, the M.F.A. in TVFT seeks to define and promote a new generation of artists who are capable of working across the traditional boundaries of television, film and theatre to combine innovative art practice with leading edge, technical knowledge. Applicants should demonstrate their potential to succeed in a rigorous, hybrid, creative/critical environment and an interest in exploring new directions in creative practice.

• Study at a diverse multicultural, multilingual, 21st century campus at the heart of the entertainment industry
• Award-winning teaching and active research, performance, and media arts faculty
• Proximity and access to performance, television, film and new media industries
• Entertainment industry internship opportunities and placements through the California State University statewide Media Internship Program

A Pathway to

• Acting in stage, television and film productions
• Directing for television, film and professional theatre
• Dramatic writing for stage, television and film
• Advanced level education for stage, television and film in acting, production, and writing

Financial Assistance is Available

• Graduate teaching assistantships
• Scholarships including Hollywood Foreign Press Association Filmmaking Fellowships

M.F.A. Options

Students accepted into the MFA may choose one of the following Options:

Performance/Acting:

In collaboration with students in the Production and Dramatic Writing Options, students in this Option will have the opportunity to perform in a variety of student-written and produced projects for television, film and stage.

For courses, click here:

Production:

In collaboration with students in the Performance/Acting and Dramatic Writing Options, students in this Option will gain expertise in producing and directing for television, film and stage.

For courses, click here:

Dramatic Writing:

In collaboration with students in the Performance/Acting and Production Options, students in this Option will have the opportunity to refine their creativity in writing for television, film and stage

For courses, click here:

All students in each Option will complete a major project in Television, Film, and Theatre.

Application Information

Admission is based on the following:

• GPA
• Personal Statement
• Writing Sample
• Resume/Portfolio list
• Portfolio
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• Possible Interview/Audition

All materials must be submitted by February 15, 2008 for Fall 2008 admissions.

The application is available for download in .pdf or .doc format:
TVFT MFA Application - .pdf
TVFT MFA Application- .doc

NOTE: Application to the University requires a separate form. For information check the University website

• For additional information, contact:

• Director of TVFT MFA
• California State University, Los Angeles
• Office of the College of Arts and Letters
• 5151 State University Drive
• Los Angeles, California 90032-8111

• Telephone:(323) 343-5340

• Email:mfatvft@calstatela.edu

The Core TVFT Curriculum

• TVFT 500   Introduction to the TVFT MFA
• 
  TVFT 502   Directing
• 
  TVFT 503A   Dramatic Structure I: Theatre
• 
  TVFT 503B   Dramatic Structure II: Film
• 
  TVFT 503C   Dramatic Structure III: Television
• 
  COMS/TVFT 508   Media Arts, Theatre & Society
• 
  TVFT 510   Studio & Field Operations
• 
  TVFT 511   Stage Operations
• 
  TVFT 580   Collaboration Workshop
• 
  TVFT 581   Entertainment Arts Internship

Graduate Faculty

M.F.A. Faculty and Areas of Expertise

Chey Acuña, M.F.A. - UCLA

Video Production

Enrique Berumen, M.F.A. - U. of Southern California

Screenwriting, Documentary Production

Alan Bloom, M.F.A. - California College of Arts and Crafts

Film and Video Directing

Steven Classen, Ph.D. - U. of Wisconsin, Madison

Cultural Studies and Media History

Pamela Dunne, Ph.D. - Florida State University

Drama Therapy, Children's Theatre

José Cruz González, M.F.A. - UC Irvine

Playwriting, Directing

Paul Graham, M.F.A. - Cal State Long Beach

Arts Management

Meredith Greenburg, B.S. - Emerson College

Stage Management, Production Management

Kristiina Hackel, M.F.A., Ph.D. - U. of Southern California

Directing, Screenwriting

Shiz Herrera, M.A. - Cal State L.A.

Scenography

Blake Jackson, M.F.A. - U. of Southern California

Cinematography

Nancy Kupka, M.F.A. - UCLA

Dance Education

SanSan Kwan, Ph.D. - New York University

Performance Studies, Dance History

Theresa Larkin, M.F.A. - UC Irvine

Directing

Hae Kyung Lee, M.A. - UCLA

Choreography, Modern Dance

Kelly Madison, Ph.D. - U. of Southern California

Cultural Studies, Race and Ethnicity, Violence and Media

Susan Mason, Ph.D. - U. of Oregon

Theatre History, Dramaturgy

Bridget Murnane, M.F.A. - UCLA

Producing, Directing, Editing, Videography

John Ramirez, Ph.D. - UCLA

Documentary History, Theory & Criticism

Suzanne Regan, Ph.D. - U. of Massachusetts

Film History, Theory & Aesthetics

Stephen Rothman, M.F.A. - Florida State University

Theatre and Television Directing, Producing

Robert Vianello, Ph.D. - UCLA

Television History, Theory & Crtiticism, Media Industry Studies

Catalog Description

Master of Fine Arts Degree in Television, Film and Theatre

The MFA is a terminal degree that prepares students for diverse professional and academic programs. In particular, the CSULA MFA in Television, Film and Theatre will prepare students for careers in performance/acting, production, and dramatic writing in the television, film and theatre industries. The MFA, along with extensive professional experience, also serves to prepare students to teach in these fields.

Option 2: Production: The option will include classes, and practicum in all related media through all stages of production. Students in the Production Option will benefit from visiting guest artists, from the Film/Television production and Theatre faculty who continue to work in their professions, and from regularly scheduled graduate student Project I, Project II and Culmination project screening events or staged productions.

Option 3: Dramatic Writing:  Students in this option will have the opportunity to write across television, film, and stage.  In collaboration with students in the Performance and Production Options, students in the Dramatic Writing option will engage the full scope of television, film and stage production as relates to the art and craft of dramatic writing.  Also in collaboration with students in the Performance and Production Options, students in the Dramatic Writing Option will have the opportunity to see their works produced in theatrical/telecast/film exhibition.

Within the selected Option of Performance/Acting, Production or Dramatic Writing, each student will engage three projects, one each in television, film and theatre.

The MFA in Television, Film and Theatre has the following objectives:

To establish and foster a unique, interdisciplinary approach to production, performance and dramatic writing;

To prepare students for careers in production, performance and dramatic writing by emphasizing technical proficiency and creative artistry within and across television, film and theatre;

To provide students in performance, production and dramatic writing career options with the intellectual and historical backgrounds central to their development as media artists and scholars;

To provide the technical and academic expertise essential to prepare future faculty in this terminal degree program;

To provide CSULA’s uniquely diverse student body with opportunities for advanced coursework in production, performance and dramatic writing.

Admission:

1. Admission to the graduate program at California State University, Los Angeles requires:

a) completion of a four-year college course of study and an acceptable baccalaureate from an institution accredited by a regional accrediting association, or completion of an equivalent academic preparation as determined by the appropriate campus authorities.

b) good academic standing at the last college or university attended.

c) attainment of a grade point average of at least 2.5 (A=4.0) in the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units attempted.

2. Admission to the MFA program jointly sponsored by the Department of Communication Studies and the Department of Theatre Arts and Dance further requires:

a) A 3.0 grade point average in the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units for unconditional acceptance with an articulated plan of study submitted for consideration along with a department based application form.

b) Submission of a portfolio of creative work and performance programs which may include production stills/film/video clips, stage plays, screenplays or television scripts.

c) A statement of the applicant’s academic and professional objectives in the MFA.

d) Two letters of recommendation on applicant’s potential for success.

e) Transcripts from all institutions of higher education or professional schools attended.

f) Interviews will be required of all candidates.

g) Students applying for the Performance Option will be required to audition using two contrasting monologues—four minutes in length.

3. Students may be eligible for admission under a conditional academic program that would entail required foundational course work evaluated and designated by a faculty advisor preceding the formal entry into the MFA (see below).

4. In order to advance in the program the student must maintain continuing student status, successfully complete all courses with a B or better average in courses attempted with an overall G.P.A of at least 3.0 and complete an advancement to candidacy evaluation process after completing 16 units. Only students who are advanced to candidacy are eligible to enroll in Project I, II and Culmination Project units.

NOTE: Students must successfully pass an annual review (at the end of years one and two of their program; roughly set at 35 units and 64 units). The review committee will consist of at least three faculty members, one from each of the three Options who will evaluate the quality of the student’s progress based on a submitted portfolio of work by the student, grades and observations of the student’s on-going work and involvement in the program.

Conditional Programs

Because it is unlikely that students will enter this MFA program with backgrounds that combine media studies and theatre, unique conditional programs have been developed to address possible foundational deficiencies in both areas.

1. The 20 unit conditional program for prospective MFA students entering the Performance Option without a BA majoring in Theatre Arts or an adequate background in performance.
TAD 132: Stagecraft II 3 units
TA 142; Acting Fundamentals: Character Study 3 units
TA 143: Acting Fundamentals: Scene Study 3 units
TA/ENGL 276: Introduction to Play Writing 4 units
TA 313: Development of World Theatre III 4 units
TA 445: Principles of Directing I 3 units

2. The 20 unit conditional program for MFA students entering the Production Option without a BA majoring in Film / Television or lacking an adequate background in production.

TVF 200: Introduction to Single Camera and Editing 4 units
TVF 201: Introduction to Television Studio 4 units
Production
TVF 224: Survey of Film 4 units
TVF 301: Intermediate Television Studio Production 4 units
TVF 320: Audio Production 4 units

3. The 20 unit conditional program for MFA students entering the Dramatic Writing Option without a BA majoring in Film / Television or lacking an adequate background in dramatic writing.

TVF 200: Introduction to Single Camera and Editing 4 units
TVF 224: Survey of Film 4 units
TVF 265: Introduction to Scriptwriting 4 units
TVF 365: Intermediate Scriptwriting 4 units
TVF 465: Seminar: Advanced Scriptwriting 4 units

Master of Fine Arts in Television, Film, and Theatre (88 units)

Requirements for the Degree (88 units)

A total of 88 units are required, with a minimum of 44 units of core courses, a minimum of 44 units in a particular option, including at least 60 units in 500-level courses. All students are required to complete three projects (TVFT 546 A & B, and TVFT 599).
Consultation with a graduate adviser is required for development and approval of a graduate program, which includes the following:

Required Core Courses (36 units)

TVFT 500 Introduction to MFA 2 units
TVFT 502 Directing 4 units
TVFT 503A Dramatic Structure I: Theatre 4 units
TVFT 503B Dramatic Structure II: Film 4 units
TVFT 503C Dramatic Structure III: Television 2 units
COMS/TVFT 508 Media Arts, Theatre, and Society 4 units
TVFT 510 Studio and Field Operations 4 units
TVFT 511 Stage Operations 4 units
TVFT 580 Collaboration Workshop 6 units (2,2,2)
TVFT 581: Entertainment Arts Internship 2 units

Elective Core Courses (8 units): Select two courses from the following

COMS 505 Seminar: Critical Approaches 4 units
Television and Film
COMS 506 Seminar: Television Programming 4 units
COMS 507 Seminar: Post World War II Film 4 units
and Television History
*TA 541 Seminar: Theories of Acting 4 units
TA 570 Seminar: Experimental Theatre 4 units

*Enrollment in TA 541 requires permission from Director of Graduate Studies—Theatre Arts and Dance.

Performance/Acting Option (44 units)

Required Courses (28 units)

TVFT 517 Acting for the Stage 3 units
TVFT 518 Acting for Television 3 units
TVFT 519 Acting for Film 3 units
TVFT 542 Acting Studio 3 units
TVFT 543 ABC Voice for Performers 6 units (2,2,2)
TVFT 544 ABC Movement for Performers 6 units (2,2,2)
TVFT 563 The Business of Acting 4 units
Performance Electives (8 units): Electives should be chosen in consultation with an advisor from available 500-level courses. Students are also encouraged to take elective courses in the other options. Graduate Teaching Assistant recipients must take COMM 491 in their first Fall quarter of Assistantship.

Project Requirements (8 units): All students are required to complete three projects:

TVFT 546 A: MFA Project I 2 units
TVFT 546 B: MFA Project II 2 units
TVFT 599: MFA Culmination Project 4 units

Production Option (44 units)

Required Courses (28 units)

TVFT 521 Directing for the Stage 4 units
TVFT 522 Single Camera Directing and Producing 4 units
TVFT 523 Multi-Camera Production 4 units
TVFT 531A Motion Picture Pre Production/Production 4 units
TVFT 531B Motion Picture Production/ Post Production 4 units
TVFT 533: Advanced Problems in Multi-Cam Production/ 4 units
TVFT 579: The Business of Production 4 units

Production Electives (8 units): Electives should be chosen in consultation with an advisor from available 500-level courses. Students are also encouraged to take elective courses in the other options. Graduate Teaching Assistant recipients must take COMM 491 in their first Fall quarter of Assistantship.

Project Requirements (8 units): All students are required to complete three projects:

TVFT 546 A: MFA Project I 2 units
TVFT 546 B: MFA Project II 2 units
TVFT 599: MFA Culmination Project 4 units

Dramatic Writing (44 units)

Required Courses (28 units)

TVFT 545 Scene Writing Lab 2 units
TVFT 547 Story Development 4 units
TVFT 548 Creating Characters and Writing Dialogue 4 units
TVFT 549 Playwriting 4 units
TVFT 550 Genre Writing 4 units
TVFT 551 TV Sitcom Writing 4 units
TVFT 552 The Business of Writing 4 units
TVFT 553 Pitching Workshop 2 units

Writing Electives (8 units): Electives should be chosen in consultation with an advisor from available 500-level courses. Students are also encouraged to take elective courses in the other options. Graduate Teaching Assistant recipients must take COMM 491 in their first Fall quarter of Assistantship.

Project Requirements (8 units): All students are required to complete three projects:

TVFT 546 A: MFA Project I 2 units
TVFT 546 B: MFA Project II 2 units
TVFT 599: MFA Culmination Project 4 units

MFA Projects

MFA students are required to complete three MFA projects under the rubrics of TVFT 546 A, TVFT 546 B and TVFT 599, with TVFT 599 being the MFA Culmination Project. These three projects must include one in each of the following categories: theatre, multi-camera television, and film style production.

1. Written Project Proposals: After Advancement to Candidacy, Projects I, II, and Culmination Project are developed under the guidance of the candidate's project committee. All candidates must submit a written proposal for each project to be approved by respective committees and department chair.

2. Exhibition: Upon the committee approval of the completed work, all Projects will be appropriately exhibited in accordance with departmental and University requirements.

3. Culmination Project: Students should consult the “Guide to Preparation of Master's Theses and Project Reports” for specific information regarding requirements established by the University for the production and exhibition of Culmination Project reports.

MFA in Television, Film and Theatre (TVFT)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I. What is this program?

What can I do with an MFA degree?
An MFA is a terminal graduate degree that can be used towards a wide variety of ends. Some students seek the MFA as an intense immersion into their art, skill, or craft, preparing for professional careers in film, television and theatre. Some students pursue the MFA as an advanced degree to secure current positions or for promotions. Some students seek an MFA in order to be qualified for positions at universities and colleges around the world.

How long does it take to finish the MFA degree program?
An MFA program is 3 consecutive years/12 consecutive quarters. In an integrated MFA program such as this one, classes are taken concurrently, and assignments require collaboration with other students.

How large is your program?
Each entering class is generally 45 students, 15 students for each of the three Options.

How is this MFA Different from other MFAs?
This MFA differs from other MFAs in two key areas: 1. Students in each Option will be working across Television, Film and Theatre, and will have a major project in all three areas; and 2. Students in each Option will be working with students in the other Options on many projects. For example, Dramatic Writing Option students will write the scripts performed by Performance/Acting Option students, and produced/directed by Production Option students

II. How do I apply?

Can I enter the program winter, spring, or summer quarter?
No. Applications are due February 15, 2008 for entrance into the Fall quarter only.

Why do I have to apply both to the University and to the MFA program?
Cal State, LA has a 2-step admissions process. One step is the University application (see info ), the other step is the MFA application (found on this website—click “Application” tab). The University determines if applicants have met its minimum requirements (for example, 2.5 GPA, graduation from an accredited university) while the MFA program determines if applicants have met its requirements (for example, a 3.0 GPA, writing sample, portfolio, etc.) Applicants must apply to BOTH the University and the MFA. To be accepted in the MFA, you must have applied to both the University and the MFA.

Why do you require such a wide variety of application materials?
The MFA is a highly specialized degree that requires both traditional academic qualifications and performance/creative/artistic acumen. The application materials are required to help demonstrate the student’s preparation (both in terms of skills and artistic maturity) as well as potential for success.

Can I take classes in the program even if I am not a student in the program?
No. You must apply and be accepted into the program.

May I receive graduate program credit for graduate courses taken
at another school?
No.

May I receive graduate program credit for graduate courses taken at CSULA?
In some cases, you may be able to apply elective units, as long as the course is the same course.

Can I get credit for professional experience?
No.

Are there prerequisites?
The MFA is looking for applicants with backgrounds in acting, dramatic writing or production/direction in theatre, film or television. If an applicant does not have the requisite background, but looks promising, there is the possibility of a conditional admittance. This would require completing 20 units (5-6 classes) of conditional courses before being admitted fully into the MFA.

If I have extensive professional experience may this go towards any prerequisite coursework that I may need before I can be admitted into the MFA?
While we often look to a student’s academic background both for admissions, we may also take into consideration an applicant’s professional background and accomplishments in the option to which they are applying. Each case would have to be evaluated individually to design a program that both meet the rigor of the MFA and the intentions of the student.

III. What do I expect when I am in the program?

Will I be able to work and take classes?
The MFA is a full-time program. In addition to classes there are assignments. Classes take precedent over outside work activities.

Are there Teaching Assistant positions?
Yes. Teaching Assistant positions are anticipated to begin in Fall 2009. Application materials and criteria will be made available.

How many performance opportunities are there in the Performance/Acting Option?
Students have a variety of performance opportunities. In addition to in-class/workshop performance assignments, every year there are as many as 15 theatre/TV/film productions as part of the integrated collaborative model of the program. Students may also audition for productions produced by the Theatre Arts and Dance Department, the Television and Film area of the Department of Communication Studies, and the Music Department.

How many Production and or writing opportunities are there in the Production and Dramatic Writing Options?
Students will have a wide variety of writing and production opportunities. These opportunities include but are not limited to in-class/workshop assignments and exercises, and the formal Option writing & production projects that are included in the integrated collaborative model of the program. Additionally, students may also create a wide array of projects produced under the Directed Study elective in the TVFT program.

What does it mean to be a "classified" graduate student?
Before beginning classes, students meet with their Option Advisor to create a coursework program of study, which is then filed in the Associate Dean’s office. Once this program has been approved by the Option Advisor and the Associate Dean, a student is classified.

What if I receive a grade lower than a C?
A grade of C is allowed in the program; however, any grade below C, including C-, requires that the course be repeated. Please be reminded that a student is required to maintain a 3.0 average at all times.

What is advancement to candidacy?
Advancement to candidacy is an opportunity for faculty to review a student’s academic progress after the completion of at least 16 graduate-level units. Advancement is part of the continuing process of student review. During the advancement review, Option Committees meet with students to review the work completed, discuss the student’s accomplishments or difficulties, and ensure the student is maintaining successful status in order to continue in the program. Advancement in the program is contingent upon approval of the Option Committee.

When should I advance to candidacy?
A student should plan to advance to candidacy after becoming a classified graduate student, having passed the GWAR (Graduate Writing Proficiency Examination/WPE), and having completed 16 or more quarter units with a 3.0 or higher GPA with no outstanding incompletes. The student must attempt to advance before completing 24 units.

What is the Graduate Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR)? I write well--do I still have to take it?
All CSU grad students, including the strongest writers, must meet the Graduate Writing requirement. At Cal State, LA, students fulfill this requirement by taking the WPE (Writing Proficiency Exam). If you have not taken the WPE or a comparable
writing exam during your B.A. or M.A. you will need to take the WPE at Cal State LA.
This should be done within the first quarter of your enrollment in the MFA by enrolling in UNIV-400. Check the Schedule of class, and enroll in a section reserved for graduate students. You will not advance to candidacy until you have passed this exam.

Can the Chair of my required program projects be from outside the TVFTA Program?
No. The Chair of your major project cannot be from outside of the Department of Theatre, Arts and Dance or outside of the Television and Film area of the Department of Communication Studies.