Michigan State University's Department of Theatre offers a MFA in Acting which prepares professional actors as well as future academicians. An audition and interview is required for acceptance into the program. No GRE required. Accepting applicants Academic Year 2009-2010. Next round of auditions Spring 2009. Contact Rob Roznowski at roznows5@msu.edu for more information (517-355-6690).
The Master of Fine Arts in Acting is designed as a terminal degree providing rigorous training in theatrical performance to students preparing for careers in the professional theatre and future academicians. Extensive training in voice, movement and acting provide a foundation for student's development as both artist and educator. With its unique focus on preparing the artist and educator, an emphasis on the student as teacher is fundamental in most classes.
The MFA acting program at Michigan State University offers individualized and challenging advanced actor training. Intensive scene study and studio work cover a wide range of theatrical materials from the classics to contemporary. Training in voice and movement is an integral part of the program. All MFA students must complete at least six required "advisor-approved" performance credits (one per role) in order to receive the degree.
Acceptance into the program is contingent upon a completed application to the Michigan State University Graduate School as well as the successful completion of an audition/interview. All acting candidates must demonstrate their potential at either larger unified auditions (Palmer House or SETC) or through an audition before the Acting/Directing faculty while visiting Michigan State University.
MSU Offers numerous performance opportunities for graduates in two 600-seat theaters (one thrust, one proscenium), one 200-seat arena theatre, one 70-seat studio theatre and the opportunity to perform in MSUs popular outdoor Summer Circle Theatre. While casting is not guaranteed in department productions, MFA Actors are required to perform in an "advisor-approved" project each semester. A performance based thesis role or project must be completed in the MFA Actors' final year of study. We offer a variety of acting assistantships with very competitive stipend levels, and our graduate program works in tandem with a thriving undergraduate theatre program. Prior to graduation, MFA acting students will also receive exposure to the professional theatre world as well as academia.
All Master of Fine Arts Actors must audition for all departmental mainstage productions even though there are no guaranteed roles in these productions. If a student is not cast in a mainstage production, the MFA Actor must perform in an "advisor-approved" performance project. One exception to this casting policy is the master thesis role or project to be completed in the MFA Actor's final year of study chosen in consultation with the student's guidance committee.
MFA Actors will meet each semester with his/her chosen committee to evaluate the work over the semester and also complete performance juries at the end of each semester that showcase the actors' work.
Department of Theatre Graduate Studies Flyer (PDF)
A total of 60 credits are required with class offerings as follows:
Academics Core
Acting Core
Elective Choices