Theatre

The University of Idaho offers the state's only Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Theatre program and it is well known for producing skilled and accomplished theatre professionals. Our M.F.A option is a demanding program that generally takes three years to complete. By offering the ability to select your specialty area, our program is designed to help talented and dedicated students like you achieve your aspirations in the areas of:

• Performance
• Directing
• Dramatic writing
• Design and technology (including scenery, costumes or lighting)

As an integral part of your graduate training, there are numerous opportunities to design, perform and direct productions on campus, with the Idaho Repertory Theatre (a professional company in residence) and in the community.

Our proven and thoughtfully designed curriculum combines group learning within a nurturing classroom environment to give you a deeper understanding of yourself and of human behavior. Practical hands-on production experience as part of our academic season, Idaho Repertory Theatre, and other student and community-based performance groups will also give you the skills needed to succeed in a professional environment, whether it’s in the realm of design, performance or directing.

Our program is flexible in its approach and our faculty and staff are committed to helping you identify practical, guided experiences that are best suited to your interests and career goals. Small class sizes and ample production opportunities with the University of Idaho’s music and dance programs also enable you to build face-to-face relationships with peers and faculty. We’ve also integrated class projects and studio work into the department's mainstage academic season to create a balance between theory and skill development.

Prepare for Success

A majority of our Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Theatre students are creative and driven individuals, each with a commitment to work in the professional theatre and to sharpen their skills in creative problem-solving, collaboration, critical thinking and communication.

Your First Year

In addition to fulfilling the general requirements of the University of Idaho College of Graduate Studies, you must also earn a minimum of 60 credits toward your specific area of emphasis. Credits are broken down by studio area, related studio area, craft area, history or literatures courses, and an internship or professional experience.

Learn more about M.F.A. Theatre degree requirements.

What You Can Do

With a Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Theatre, you may become a:

• Professional actor in theatre, television or film
• Director
• Producer
• Designer
• Manager
• Technician
• Writer
• Choreographer
• Scenic designer
• Teacher, arts programming and administration, art therapy
• Theatre historian
• Media consultant
• Higher-education design and performance faculty

Opportunities

We are proud of the achievements of our graduates. Many have built successful careers in professional theatre, television and film across North America—from Broadway to Hollywood. With an M.F.A. in Theatre from the University of Idaho, you’ll have many career opportunities, including teaching or art administration for a university, at the high school level or for a private theatre group.

You may find yourself drawn to career in media and business communications as a literary agent, critic or sports or entertainment reporter. If you are interested in technical design and technology, you may build a career as a corporate display designer for a production company or for a venue that hosts nationally renowned musical and theatre acts.

Activities

The Student Theater Organization will help you develop greater proficiency and confidence in your abilities and, in some cases, build life-long friendships with peers who share your enthusiasm for creative pursuits.

Hands-On Experience

In addition to collaborating in production efforts with the music and drama departments, you’ll also find opportunities to exercise your talents and even stretch your abilities with Mainstage Season, Idaho Repertory Theatre, and other Pullman and Moscow community theatre groups. Through these experiences, you’ll learn critical collaboration and communication skills and you’ll become a more flexible problem solver and even more attractive to potential employers.

Facilities

On campus, you have access to our variety theatre venues, which feature state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems and fully equipped workshops for set and costume design. Learn more about theatre's venues and facilities.

Faculty Involvement

As well as being excellent educators, our faculty is also active the theatre community. Visit our faculty and staff page for more information.

Robert C. Caisley
Associate Professor of Theatre; Head of Performance Area; Head of Dramatic Writing Program
Robert Caisley is Associate Professor of Theatre, and Head of the Dramatic Writing Program at the University of Idaho. He has worked in the entertainment industry as a Creative Consultant for The History Channel, Triage Entertainment, and for North by Northwest Productions, Netter Digital Entertainment and New Wave Entertainment.
» View Robert Caisley's Profile

David Christopher DuVal
Assistant Professor
Christopher is an Assistant Professor of Theatre teaching in the BA, BFA, and MFA Performance Programs. He has worked as an actor, guest instructor and fight director throughout the country at various regional theatres and academic institutions, including at such venues as the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Utah Shakespeare Festival, Dallas Theatre Center, Syracuse Stage, North Carolina School of the Arts, Stanford University, California State University Fullerton, and others. He is a Certified Teacher with the Society of American Fight Directors and a Senior Instructor with Dueling Arts International.
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Ann Hoste
Associate Professor of Costume Design, Head of Design
Ann Hoste is Associate Professor of Costume Design and Technology at the University of Idaho. In addition to courses in costume design and theatrical makeup, she teaches advanced costume construction and pattern development. She is a member of United Scenic Artists, a professional association of designers, artists and craftspeople in the performing arts.
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Carrie Lawrence
Lecturer, Costume Shop Manager
Carrie is currently the Costume Shop Manager, and oversees all aspects of the costume production phase for each play at the University of Idaho. She is often the head draper and creates patterns for the costumes, or mentors student drapers towards the same goal, as well as managing the administrative aspect to the shop.
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David Lee-Painter
Professor of Performance
David Lee-Painter is professor of theatre and teaches performance and directing. Active with the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, he is the outgoing Chair of Region VII, past national Chair of Chairs, national Member at Large, proud member of the 2008 National Selection team, and the National Directing Coordinator.
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Stephanie S. Miller
Associate Professor
Stephanie Miller is an associate professor of theatre she is the resident scenic designer for the Department and head of the design area. Stephanie teaches courses in Scene Design, Advanced Scene Design, Scene Painting and Scenographic Techniques as well as individual and directed studies at the graduate and undergraduate level.
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Dean Panttaja
Professor and Department Chair
Dean Panttaja is the current Chair of Theatre Arts at the University of Idaho and Artistic Director of the Idaho Repertory Theatre. Dean is a professor of design at the and is a freelance professional lighting and scenic designer.
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Kelly Quinnett
Associate Professor of Performance; Head of Acting
Kelly Eviston Quinnett is an associate professor and head of acting. As an actor, she has extensive experience in professional theatre and film and has performed regionally at Spokane Interplayers, Flat Rock Playhouse, New York Theatre Lab, Coeur D’Alene Summer Theatre and Mill Mountain Theatre. Kelly is a former winner of the National Irene Ryan Acting Competition presented by The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival.
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Robby Valliere
Lecturer, Technical Director
Robby Valliere is the interim Technical Director at the University of Idaho.
» View Robby Valliere's Profile