M.F.A. in Acting

The M.F.A. Acting program balances the development of the actor's unique skills with the acquisition of technique. The program seeks to train actors of integrity, capable of artistic excellence in a variety of venues. The acting studios form the program's spine. First-year studio focuses on the actor's self, identifying habitual performance behaviors and reshaping the instrument to respond more organically and efficiently to psychophysical stimuli.

Second-year studio emphasizes the development of classical technique through immersion in Shakespeare and other classical authors. The third year addresses the remaining and unique needs of each class and augments students' skills with classes in professional development. Comprehensive training in movement, voice, speech and textual analysis augments and enriches every term of the studio process.

Third-year students participate in showcases in New York and Los Angeles. Additional professional outreach is provided by annual professional auditions, in which casting directors, agents and artistic directors from regional and summer theatres audition students in the graduate program. Internships, both formal and informal, with professional theatres in Dallas provide students with significant opportunities for professional growth.