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Theatre, M.F.A.

College of Arts and Sciences

Grow as an artist and hone your skills as an actor, director or designer by working closely with professional faculty members and guest artists. Assistantships and opportunities for financially supported professional internships are available.

In a program designed primarily for those entering the theatre profession, you'll develop a competitive resume or design/technical portfolio while expanding your knowledge and understanding of your craft. Choose from acting, directing, costume design and technology, lighting design or scenic design concentrations.

Program Highlights

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    Design Your Program

    Work with professional faculty mentors in the areas of acting or one of three design areas: costume, lighting or scenic.

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    In-Depth Study

    Enjoy comprehensive and conservatory-style training in your craft plus courses in film, technology and design.

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    Support Available

    Keep your focus on your studies with financial support from assistantships and paid professional internships.

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    Broad Exposure

    Opportunities for study of critical, creative and historical perspectives in the fields of theatre and drama.

What You’ll Study

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the dramatic form through rigorous studio practice and analysis. Actors will express artistic choices of dramatic action and character development through written documentation and performance. Designers will exhibit artistic productions and documentation. Complete a professional internship and thesis project.

Building Skills

Gain the professional and personal intelligence it takes to have a successful career.

  • Performance

    Presenting oneself creatively through a specific medium to an audience

    Innovation

    Introducing new ideas, methods or products to improve performance or achieve a specific goal

    Organizational Skills

    Planning, prioritizing and managing tasks and resources to achieve specific objectives

  • Collaboration

    Working with others to achieve a common goal or objective

    Communication

    Exchanging information and ideas through speaking, writing or other means of expression

    Critical Thinking

    Analyzing and evaluating information to make informed decisions or judgments

Using your degree

Make your college experience the foundation for a successful future.

Potential Careers

  • Actor
  • Designer
  • Theatre Tech
  • Educator

Workplace Settings

  • Entertainment
  • Performing Arts
  • Education

I can directly link my current success to lessons learned at USC. My third year in the program, I interned at Milwaukee Repertory Theater. That experience offered professional performance opportunities and an in-depth look at how a professional regional theater maintained a resident company.

Rich Remedios
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