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Department of Theatre and Dance
MASTER OF FINE ARTS PROGRAM
General Information
This degree program is intended primarily for those preparing to enter the profession of theatre. It requires at least 63 hours of graduate credit. A further requirement includes residency at the University of South Carolina for a minimum of four semesters for MFA actors and five semesters for MFA designers and directors. The MFA degree must be taken with an emphasis in acting, directing, costume design, scenic design, or lighting design. An internship in the student's area of emphasis is also required.
Each student's Program of Study will be determined by Departmental guidelines in conjunction with his or her major advisor and Advisory Committee using three criteria: professional goals, past education and experience, and appropriate preparation for the thesis project and written comprehensive examination. Any exceptions to the Program of Study described in this document must have the approval of the MFA Faculty. This program of courses must be signed by the Departmental Director of Graduate Studies during the first term of residency.
All students in the program will complete a professional internship at The Shakespeare Theatre in Washington, D.C., or an equivalent theatre of national reputation.
Residence
The MFA program is normally a three-year program of study. During the six semesters, the student is expected to carry a full load of nine to twelve hours each semester.
All graduate students are urged to read "Academic Regulations" in the graduate Bulletin.
MFA Internships
As a capstone to our professional graduate training program, each MFA candidate must complete a professional internship. The department has ongoing relationships with both the Shakespeare Theatre in Washington, DC and Milwaukee Rep for graduate internships. In addition, many of our recent students have made extraordinary advantage of personally designed internships with major theatre companies across the country.
THE SHAKESPEARE THEATRE AND USC
The Shakespeare Theatre in Washington, D.C. and the University of South Carolina entered into a long-term agreement beginning July 1, 1986. The arrangement establishes cooperative educational and cultural programs between the two institutions. The Shakespeare Theatre will provide certain educational programs and opportunities for the University and for the Department of Theatre, Speech and Dance. These programs may include the following:
An Acting Fellowship Program at the Shakespeare Theatre. MFA acting students may spend one year of professional internship as Acting Fellows in Washington, D.C. The Theatre will provide master classes in voice, movement, and acting techniques taught by Shakespeare Company members. The program will be administered by The Shakespeare Theatre and supervised by the Department of Theatre, Speech and Dance.
Acting Fellows, in addition to class work, will audition and will be considered for roles in regular productions of the Theatre. Fellows may also understudy. This aspect of the program will enable Acting Fellows to earn points toward membership in Actor's Equity Association.
Some or all of the Acting Fellows will participate in other performance projects at the discretion of the Shakespeare Theatre.
An Internship Program at The Shakespeare Theatre. MFA students in design and in directing may spend one semester of professional internship in Washington, D.C. The Shakespeare Theatre will provide professional opportunities for the students in the Internship Program. The Internship Program will be administered by The Shakespeare Theatre and supervised by the Department of Theatre, Speech and Dance.
Adjunct Professors from The Shakespeare Theatre. Adjunct Professors will be professionals working with the Theatre who conduct classes on the USC-Columbia campus. Adjunct Professors have taught Classical Acting, Text Analysis, Voice and Diction, Movement for the Actor, and Stage Combat. Other subjects can be offered as the need and the opportunity arise.
A Program Coordinator/Academic Supervisor at the Shakespeare Theatre. This person, residing in Washington, will coordinate and oversee the activities of the students participating in the Acting Fellowship Program and the Internship Program. The Program Coordinator/Academic Supervisor will inform the Department of the progress made by USC students and will coordinate the visits of USC faculty supervisors.
STUDENT-DESIGNED INTERNSHIPS
USC Theatre Department graduate students can design their own internships. Students design the internships as a bridge to career paths or locations that they wish to pursue after graduation. This option is especially valuable for students who have significant professional experience before attending the graduate program.
Students must gain prior approval from the faculty for self-designed internships and are advised to begin planning early.
Recent Student Designer Internships
The Court Theatre, Chicago - Karl Rutherford - MFA Directing
Disney’s Creative Costuming, Orlando - Nicole Bartet - MFA Costume Design
La Jolla Playhouse - Paula Peasley - MFA Costume Design
Assisting Benny Ball in Amsterdam, Holland - David Ferguson - MFA Lighting Design
The Public Theatre - Antia Tripathi - MFA Scene Design
Assisting Ken Poser on B’way - Ann Courtney - MFA Lighting Design
Seattle Rep - Owen Collins - MFA Scene Design
Dallas Theatre Center- Steve Shirey - MFA Lighting Design
The Guthrie Theatre - Becky Dosen - MFA Costume Design
Denver Theatre Center - Betsy Zumfelde - MFA Costume Design
Actors Theatre of Louisville - Joyce Drake - MFA Costume Design
Omsk State Drama Theatre, Russia - Chester Bell - MFA Lighting Design
Many Others
Advisory Committee Assignments
Programs of Study
Program of Study: Acting
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