Master of Fine Arts in Acting
The Master of Fine Arts program in Acting is intended for the returning professional and provides candidates with substantial performance experience during a two-year intensive plan as preparation for diverse careers in the field, including teaching at the university level.
The goal of the MFA in Acting is to mentor seasoned professional performers who wish to focus on refining and articulating their acting process, while gaining sound pedagogical practice in performance. The two-year terminal degree provides the candidate a set of core classes centered around a variety of techniques and theories, within a flexible pedagogical laboratory model that is on the forefront of approaches that are collaborative, consent-based, and equitable. Returning professional students are offered ample opportunity to hone performance and explore teaching skills as they earn their terminal Master of Fine Arts degree in pursuit of employment.
- Intensive 2 year curriculum in acting, voice & speech, and movement, including a focus on the teaching of performance-related subjects (Acting, Voice and Speech, Movement, Musical Theatre).
- Explore pedagogical approaches that are collaborative, consent-based, and anti-oppressive.
- Teaching and mentorship opportunities.
- Performance opportunities within the School of Theatre and Dance.
- On-site professional summer theatre, Porthouse Theatre, an URTA, AEA tier II theatre with annual audiences of more than 25,000.
- Teaching assistantships available with full tuition waiver, stipend and subsidized health coverage.
- The performance faculty is comprised of experienced professional actors, voice and movement specialists, choreographers, producers, and directors who have worked at the top of their profession on Broadway, Off Broadway, National Tours, Top Regional Theatres, Feature Films, Shakespeare Festivals, and International Arts Festivals.
Admission & Audition Requirements
Next Enrollment Year will be Fall 2024
Individuals seeking admission to the Master of Fine Arts program in Acting must audition and complete an interview in addition to applying for graduate admission to Kent State University. The Returning Professional program looks for candidates who possess substantial professional experience that may include, but is not limited to: Broadway credits, major regional and/or international performance credits, film or television credits, awards of national recognition, professional union affiliation, publication in field of expertise, and a significant record of mentoring. This information, meant to give a sense of a candidate's work, can be provided through resume/CV, performance reviews, interviews, awards, etc.
Apply for Graduate Admission at Kent State
Auditions
The School of Theatre and Dance is accepting applications for the Class of 2024, enrolling in Fall 2022. Please use the link below for audition requirements and information.
For more information on audition requirements, see the link below.
Audition Requirements and Instructions
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to qualify to be considered a returning professional?
To qualify as a returning professional, a candidate must meet or surpass a threshold of documented professional activity. Required evidence in support of admission may include, but is not limited to: Broadway, major regional, and /or international performance credits, film and television credits, awards of national recognition, professional union affiliation, publication in the field of expertise, significant record of mentoring and certifications and/or designations in areas such as acting, voice and speech or stage combat. The Acting Faculty will evaluate the submitted documentation of professional experience and determine eligibility for the MFA in Acting program.
Are you currently accepting candidates?
Recruitment will begin in Fall 2023 for the next class, to start in August 2024.
What courses will I be taking?
Candidates for the MFA in Acting can expect to take courses in Acting, Voice and Speech, Pedagogy, and Movement during their first year of study. Courses in Acting Styles, Movement, History and Theory, Directing, and Professional Aspects will be taken during the second year of study. Additionally, candidates will take a limited number of electives during Spring semesters and can earn credit for professional internships and/or pedagogical study during Summer terms.
Do MFA Acting candidates take classes with undergraduate students?
The required MFA in Acting curriculum is graduate level only. Currently, MFA Acting candidates do not take courses with undergraduates with the exception of Advanced Directing.
Are graduate assistantships available?
Yes. Candidates should indicate they wish to be considered for a graduate assistantship. The graduate assistantship package includes includes, a full tuition waiver, stipend, and health insurance co-pay.
What the duties of a graduate assistant?
Typically the assistantship is fulfilled with teaching assignments. Graduate assistants typically teach 1 to 2 undergraduate classes per semester.
What courses might I teach?
Currently, graduate assistants teach Art of Acting and/or Art of Theatre within the general education curriculum. Opportunities to teach and/or develop other courses are sometimes available.
See course descriptions in Kent State Course Catalog
How long has the MFA in Acting program existed?
The Acting program began in 1997.
How is the theatre scene in Northeast Ohio?
Kent, OH is located 40 minutes from downtown Cleveland and 20 minutes from Akron, both of which offer vibrant theatre and arts opportunities. The area is home to two LORT theatres, a number of smaller Equity theatres, and other theatres that provide Equity contracts. The Ohio Film Commission is also active in bringing film and television opportunities to Northeast Ohio.
What is Porthouse Theatre?
Porthouse Theatre, is Kent state University’s URTA, AEA tier II on-site professional summer theatre company with annual audiences of more than 20,000.
What opportunities are there for MFA Acting candidates at Porthouse Theatre?
MFA Acting candidates are encouraged, but not required to audition for Porthouse Theatre’s annual seasons.