Actors Studio Drama School - Acting, Directing, and Playwriting, MFA

The curriculum of this MFA program is designed and supervised in cooperation with the leadership of the Actors Studio. A three-year program with three track options, it provides common and specialized courses to meet the needs of actors, directors, and playwrights individually and in collaboration as a repertory group. In the first year, students are immersed in learning acting methodology and language, as well as training in their individual craft. In the second year, students are introduced to unique collaborative training that encompasses the three disciplines. In the third year, the three groups apply their knowledge and work together as an ensemble to create and perform in a professionally produced Repertory Season that is presented to the industry and the public. This program, moreover, offers workshops on auditioning, creating a strong resume, taking a great head shot, effective self-promotion, building industrial networks, and finding job opportunities.

Updated: November 28, 2023

GRADUATE PROGRAM CURRICULUM (CREDITS VARY PER TRACK)

Year 1: Fall & Spring - An Actor Prepares

The program begins with Orientation Week, during which students are introduced to the communal world of the theater in an informal introduction by teachers to the program’s philosophy, process and intentions.  In these first classes, the students encounter another unique feature of the program: setting out on a side-by-side journey—as actors, directors and playwrights together—learning the common language that will enable them to collaborate productively, harmoniously, and seamlessly.

It is during this first week that the ensemble nature of the Actors Studio process will emerge.

¹

For selected actors only.

²

For selected directors only.

³

For selected playwrights only.

Year 2: Fall & Spring - Building A Character

Armed with the technical fundamentals to be used for the rest of their educational and professional careers, students move from preparation of their instrument (themselves) to preparation of the role.

¹

For selected actors only.

²

For selected directors only.

³

For selected playwrights only.

 Year 3: Fall & Spring - Creating a Role

This year’s focus is the formation of all the students into a repertory group. While continuing with their common and specialized courses, students will develop and collaborate on the dramatic material that will be presented: a weekly series of scenes, one-act plays, and if possible full-length plays, some written by program playwrights and all of them directed by program directors and acted by program actors.

Total Required Credits

Actors: 102-115
Directors: 107
Playwrights: 95

Optional Elective Credits

Actors: 0-19
Directors: 0-72
Playwrights: 0-79