MFA Performance
The MFA performance program admits a new class of 10-12 actors every three years. The program is a comprehensive, inter-disciplinary professional actor training program designed to prepare the actor for the challenges of contemporary, classical, new works, and musical theater performance.*
* The MFA performance program will be accepting its next class in fall of 2013.
Building a Foundation
In the first year of the program, students receive foundation training in action, subtext, environment, sense memory, emotional preparation, ensemble building, characterization, language, and script analysis.
Studying Style
Each semester the student trains in a different specialized acting style. Style training classes include Shakespeare, comedy of manners, modernism, american classics, contemporary realism, musical theatre, audition technique, acting for the camera, and new works. Each style unit has a scene study and a technique component taught concurrently.
Additional Curriculum
Integrated voice and movement technique, speech for the stage, dance technique, strength-based movement work, and private singing lessons are also required in each semester.
MFA candidates from all disciplines enroll in a team-taught two-credit graduate seminar course each semester, which explores essential elements of theater literature, history, and criticism in a collaborative setting.
Acting in Action
Additionally, actors in the program participate in productions with the Nevada Conservatory Theatre, Las Vegas' premiere regional theater company, working alongside experienced professional actors, directors, designers, and faculty guest artists.
Admission
In addition to Graduate College admission requirements and departmental admission requirements, entrance to the program is by audition. The audition should include two contrasting acting selections and 16 measures of singing from a musical theater selection. National recruiting is conducted through the University/Resident Theatre Association. Candidates may also travel to Las Vegas to audition.
