Graduate Programs in Theatre

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Florida Atlantic University offers a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre in either Performance or Design and Technology. The highly selective MFA degree is a two-year, 60 credit terminal degree consisting of classroom study, practical performance and production experience, and the completion of a graduate thesis. This includes two summers honing your skills in our Festival Repertory Theatre that has our students work alongside professionals from the field. All graduate candidates are required to pass an audition/interview or portfolio review/interview process for acceptance into the program. The FAU MFA program is dedicated to celebrating and nurturing individuals who aspire to become well-rounded, employable theatre artists. Working within a supportive and creative environment, we challenge our students, through classroom study and the practical application of learned skills, to become the best artists that they can be and we take pride in preparing our grads for careers as working professionals or future academics.

MFA in Theatre Performance

Students follow a rigorous curriculum that includes exploration of various genres and periods including Modern and American Realism, Classical forms including Elizabethan and Restoration, and more contemporary styles such as Absurdism and other anti-realistic forms. The program provides extensive voice and movement training which incorporates the techniques of Fitzmaurice, Linklater, Skinner, Rodenburg, Laban, and Alexander. Acting techniques explored are primarily Stanislavsky based systems including techniques from Michael Chekhov, Uta Hagen and others. Students combine classroom experience with practical experience achieved through performance. FAU produces six mainstage shows per year including two as part of our summer Festival Rep series in which guest professional actors perform alongside our students. Students earn points towards Equity membership through this partnership with Actor’s Equity Association. All graduate students are required to complete two summers in residence performing.

MFA in Design and Technology

Graduate training is offered in the areas of Technical Direction, Costume Design, Lighting Design, and Scenic Design. The Goal of the Design/Technical program is to develop professional expertise in the student’s discipline. Students have ample opportunities to technically direct or design for both Main Stage and Studio 2 productions, enabling them to develop an extensive portfolio with which to launch professional careers. The programs are highly individualized and tailored to each student’s individual goals.

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* Student assessment rubric for all students

Graduate Assistantships

Each year numerous graduate assistantships are awarded to worthy candidates who show promise in their area of concentration. All graduate assistantships include a full-tuition waiver* and a substantial stipend to offset living expenses. All graduate assistants are required to work 20 hours/week for the department in assigned areas such as the costume or scene shop, in the publicity office, or in properties. In the second year of residence, all graduate assistants are provided the opportunity to teach at least one semester-long undergraduate course in the department. Other scholarships may also be available as funding permits.

* Excludes mandatory student fees