Acting M.F.A. Curriculum

M.F.A. – Acting

Actor Curriculum - Three Year Guide

Required in 1st Semester:

THTR-T 500 Intro to Grad Studies

THTR-T 503 Pedagogy for Theatre

MOVEMENT SEQUENCE:

THTR-T 510 Movement for the Graduate Actor I: Alexander, Suzuki, Viewpoints

THTR-T 511 Movement for the Graduate Actor II: Michael Chekhov Technique

THTR-T 610 Movement for the Graduate Actor III: Laban & Neutral Mask

THTR-T 504 Movement: Stage Combat I* or approved Elective

THTR-T 710 Movement for the Graduate Actor IV: Comedy, Clowning, Commedia

THTR-T 604 Movement: Combat II* or approved Elective

*Stage Combat courses include SAFD Certification opportunities

ACTING SEQUENCE:

THTR-T 520 Studies in Acting I: Ensemble-Building, Adler

THTR-T 521 Studies in Acting II: Meisner

THTR-T 621 Acting Shakespeare

THTR-T 522 Studies in Acting III: Styles

THTR-T 723 Graduate Acting for the Camera

THTR-T 622 Graduate Acting Seminar: Virtual Showcase + Solo Performance

VOICE SEQUENCE:

THTR-T 525 Voice for the MFA I

THTR-T 535 Voice for the MFA II

THTR-T 625 Voice for the MFA III

THTR-T 635 Voice for the MFA IV

THTR-T 725 Voice for the MFA or approved Elective

THTR-T 735 Vocal Production or approved Elective

5 semesters of THTR-T 722 Performance Practicum (in alignment with production roles)

THTR-T 583 Digital Media

2 HTL (History, Theory, Literature) courses, including

  • THTR-T 583 Reimagining the Canon
  • 1 HTL Elective

3 hours Thesis Prep

Optional:

THTR-T 583 Professional Development/Entrepreneurship or approved Elective

Additional approved Elective

  • The Acting MFA degree requires 65 hours minimum coursework. Current SAA contracts include up to 12 hours tuition remission each semester + 6 hours each summer. Students may enroll for additional credits in any given semester once the required courses are scheduled.
  • Any electives (including Independent Study) must be approved by Area head and Course Instructor before they are scheduled.
  • 6 credit hours must be completed in approved HTL courses.
  • No more than 9 credits may count toward the degree in courses outside the department.
  • Each semester, the student’s course grades, written reflection + faculty evaluation will determine academic standing for the subsequent semester.
  • A final thesis document and oral defense is required.
  • Each year, successful completion of the Reading List Exam is required.