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The M.F.A. Acting Program at Southern Methodist University seeks to prepare serious, dedicated artists for a life in the profession. The curriculum combines broad-based and inclusive actor training with rehearsal and performance of classical, contemporary,... Read more
The M.F.A. Acting Program at Southern Methodist University seeks to prepare serious, dedicated artists for a life in the profession. The curriculum combines broad-based and inclusive actor training with rehearsal and performance of classical, contemporary, ensemble-based and self-created works. Our unique relationship with the award winning Dallas Theater Center provides students with the ability to collaborate with artists of national and international stature. Actors that are able to respond to the changing landscape of our time are actors that are able to grow and sustain a life in the arts. SMU believes that artists must engage with the world around them. They will make work that inspires the audience, creates dialogue with their community and helps shape the new American theatre. The Course of Study The First Year focuses on the actor’s use of self under imaginary circumstances. Acting, Voice/Speech, and Movement classes work together to identify and redirect habitual behaviors, release imagination, and structure a foundational technique. Students participate in two faculty-directed Graduate Projects; in addition, mainstage casting begins in the second semester. Starting in their first year, graduate students audition for casting directors from regional theatres, Shakespeare festivals and summer theatres who are brought to campus from across the country. The Second Year extends the development of technique through immersion in classical texts. Acting Studio focuses on Shakespeare, then moves on to other classical authors. Voice/Speech training expands the actor's receptivity and range for the demands of heightened text. Movement compliments classical text work with period styles, commedia and character mask, and European clown. Finally, the actor’s spirit of play is challenged and developed through In Play and Improvisation modules. In addition to mainstage casting, graduate students create two self-directed pieces- one solo and one ensemble based. In their Third Year, actors take on the challenges of Ibsen, Chekhov and less realistic playwrights such as Samuel Beckett and Suzan-Lori Parks. Students take part in professional workshops with agents and casting directors who are flown to Dallas from New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. In addition, actors create an Online Showcase, and are flown to New York City to perform a showcase of scenes for agents, casting directors and industry professionals.Read less
Program overview
Main Subject
Performing Arts
Study Level
Masters
The M.F.A. Acting Program at Southern Methodist University seeks to prepare serious, dedicated artists for a life in the profession. The curriculum combines broad-based and inclusive actor training with rehearsal and performance of classical, contemporary,... Read more
The M.F.A. Acting Program at Southern Methodist University seeks to prepare serious, dedicated artists for a life in the profession. The curriculum combines broad-based and inclusive actor training with rehearsal and performance of classical, contemporary, ensemble-based and self-created works. Our unique relationship with the award winning Dallas Theater Center provides students with the ability to collaborate with artists of national and international stature. Actors that are able to respond to the changing landscape of our time are actors that are able to grow and sustain a life in the arts. SMU believes that artists must engage with the world around them. They will make work that inspires the audience, creates dialogue with their community and helps shape the new American theatre. The Course of Study The First Year focuses on the actor’s use of self under imaginary circumstances. Acting, Voice/Speech, and Movement classes work together to identify and redirect habitual behaviors, release imagination, and structure a foundational technique. Students participate in two faculty-directed Graduate Projects; in addition, mainstage casting begins in the second semester. Starting in their first year, graduate students audition for casting directors from regional theatres, Shakespeare festivals and summer theatres who are brought to campus from across the country. The Second Year extends the development of technique through immersion in classical texts. Acting Studio focuses on Shakespeare, then moves on to other classical authors. Voice/Speech training expands the actor's receptivity and range for the demands of heightened text. Movement compliments classical text work with period styles, commedia and character mask, and European clown. Finally, the actor’s spirit of play is challenged and developed through In Play and Improvisation modules. In addition to mainstage casting, graduate students create two self-directed pieces- one solo and one ensemble based. In their Third Year, actors take on the challenges of Ibsen, Chekhov and less realistic playwrights such as Samuel Beckett and Suzan-Lori Parks. Students take part in professional workshops with agents and casting directors who are flown to Dallas from New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. In addition, actors create an Online Showcase, and are flown to New York City to perform a showcase of scenes for agents, casting directors and industry professionals.Read less
Admission Requirements
6.5+
There are certain graduate admission requirements that are standard across all the programs of the Meadows School. These include application forms, academic transcripts, resumes, and recommendation letters. International students are also required to take the Test Of English as Foreign Language. The Graduate applicants in Theater also must fulfill different requirements depending on areas of study. Acting students must complete an interview and audition. Applicants must audition with two contrasting, two-minute monologues, one from a contemporary play and one from a classical play.
2 Years
Jan-2000
Tuition fees
Domestic
0 USD
International
0 USD
Scholarships
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To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
Master of Fine Arts in Acting
Southern Methodist University, Dallas, United States
24 monthsProgram duration
Performing ArtsMain Subject Area
Program overview
Main Subject
Performing Arts
Study Level
Masters
Read more
Program overview
Main Subject
Performing Arts
Study Level
Masters
Read more
Admission Requirements
Tuition fees
Domestic
International
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
Scholarship Applications: Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to all your questions about scholarship applications, including tips on how to find scholarships and chances of success.
Scholarships to study abroad
Find scholarships to study abroad with our lists of international scholarships – categorized by country, by subject, and by type of student.
How to get a full scholarship
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