Like the Ph.D. program, the Stanford Drama Undergraduate Degree program focuses on the integration of theory and performance, as well as the interaction between the elements of production. A Bachelor of Arts in Drama prepares the student equally for continued work at the graduate level, in the world of academia, and for a conservatory program with emphasis on a career in the theater. The department also offers an Honors Program. Read on for further description of degree requirements, or skip to application information for prospective freshmen, including instructions for Fine Arts Submissions in drama.
Requirements for the A.B. degree in Drama are designed to integrate the critical and historical study of the theater with a practical knowledge of production and performance. Regardless of emphasis, all drama majors complete a wide variety of coursework: the three-class performance/ literature core; a history of performance, space, and technology; an acting class; a stage management project; and at least two units worth of run crew or other backstage work. In addition to these basic requirements, a Drama major then chooses a specialization for further coursework:
Acting
Directing
Playwriting/Dramaturgy
Design
Technical Production/Stage Management
Dance
Performance Theory and Cultural Studies
The final requirement for the major is a senior project, which is normally begun during spring quarter of junior year and completed sometime during senior year. In consultation with a faculty adviser, students produce their own projects, as well as participate in the capacity of their major specialization: acting, directing, etc. A culmination of four years' worth of experience, whether a student chooses an existing text or writes an original piece, produces alone or collaborates with other majors, senior projects are both educational and rewarding.
For more specific information on the A.B. degree, visit the Drama section of the current Stanford Bulletin.
Application Information/Fine Arts Submissions:
Part of the undergraduate application includes a section on Fine Arts submissions. Students with special interest or talent in the fine arts are encouraged to display their work for inclusion in their overall application. For the drama department, this means that students can participate in an audition/interview at the department. (Though we encourage personal visits, that is not always possible for students. In those cases, a videotape or DVD may substitute for a live audition.)
Autumn 2007 live audition dates for Restrictive Early Action applicants:
Friday, October 26, 2007
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Autumn 2007 live audition dates for Regular Decision applicants:
Friday, November 9, 2007
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Winter 2008 live audition dates for Transfer applicants:
Friday, February 15, 2008
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Please email or call (650) 723-2576 to schedule a time.
If these dates are not possible for you, other arrangements may be made. Please contact the Drama Department at (650) 723-2576 to schedule an appointment if you plan to be in the area at another time. See the Undergraduate Admissions page for other pertinent information and deadlines. All students should bring a resume of their theater experience. Designers should bring examples of their work in a portfolio and be prepared to discuss them. Students interested in directing should be prepared to discuss their approach to a particular play and ideas for production. Actors should prepare two selections, each under two minutes long. One should be from a contemporary play with a character close in age to you; the other should be classical, such as a Shakespearean monologue. In addition, students may prepare a song, although there will be no accompanist provided; you may bring a tape or CD along, or sing a cappella.
Once a student has submitted work in the Fine Arts for inclusion with the application, it is considered as bonus material along with the required forms. A submission can never hurt your chances of acceptance to the university. Stanford is interested in admitting interesting, well-rounded people of all kinds, so if Admissions is weighing two very similar applications, a Fine Arts submission adds extra weight in your favor.
The Department of Drama does not admit students directly to its program; all undergraduate applications are handled centrally by the university. Application materials required include: the main form with personal and academic information, a transcript, various test scores, and letters of recommendation. Students interested in applying for undergraduate admission should visit the Registrar's Undergraduate Admissions page for more information. The application form is available online to download and print; one may also apply online. The transfer application form is also available through the link to the Registrar.
