COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) degree in Acting is a two-year terminal program designed for returning professional performers and those seeking to refine both their craft and pedagogical skills. The curriculum balances rigorous artistic training with professional and teaching preparation. Core courses focus on a range of acting techniques, including foundations in Stanislavski and Michael Chekhov methods, scene study in modern American realism, Shakespeare, Greek theatre, and the comedy of manners. Students develop their physical and vocal instrument through movement, form, space, voice, and speech training across multiple levels, including advanced workshops.Practical experience is emphasized through multiple practicum courses in performance and performance pedagogy, as well as professional theatre internships, allowing candidates to apply classroom learning in real-world theatrical environments. Additional courses provide context in theatre history, historicism, theory, and social or multicultural perspectives, encouraging an understanding of the role of theatre in society.Elective courses allow students to specialize further, exploring areas such as acting for the camera, advanced directing, stage combat, period style, and research in theatre and drama. The program also includes instruction in college teaching to prepare graduates for pedagogical roles in academic settings.The culminating requirement of the M.F.A. program is the thesis project, which integrates practical performance, scholarly research, and creative exploration to demonstrate mastery of acting, production, and instructional skills. With a minimum total of 60 credit hours, the program equips graduates to pursue careers as professional actors, theatre educators, directors, or teaching artists, combining high-level performance expertise with critical analysis, pedagogical practice, and professional readiness in the performing arts.