In addition to the general requirements listed above, acting students have a series of special requirements to meet.
First, these students must complete satisfactorily all prescribed studio and production work in acting, speech, voice, and movement. In addition, they are required to take supplementary work in theory, script analysis, ensemble techniques, auditioning, stage combat, dialects, and mask workshops. In all, this program should total at least 70 credits. Finally, these students must comply with a three-year residency requirement.
After the first term, M.F.A. actors are required to perform extensively in both studio and fully produced MainStage productions under the guidance of professional directors with national reputations. The first year of study is devoted to using external and internal emotional techniques for interpretive purposes. The focus of the second year is on developing craft tools necessary for sophisticated character work. The second year also incorporates extensive play text analysis.
The third year is devoted entirely to classical repertoire. At the end of the year, students who have completed all degree requirements perform in a highly successful New York showcase for agents and casting personnel. Only students who have graduated are presented at this showcase.
