Project #5: Graduate School

1. University of Connecticut / Connecticut Repertory Theatre

MFA Program

Actor-Training Philosophy: Although we do not rigidly conform to one method of actor training, our program is based on the core aspects of Konstantin Stanislavski’s theories, combined with useful applications of his work by practitioners such as Stella Adler, Uta Hagen, Robert Lewis, Peter Kass, Sanford Meisner and Michael Chekhov. Our head of performance training, Dale AJ Rose, studied with Hagen, Adler and Kass, and taught acting in New York City. In addition, Professor Rose’s approach to actor training is heavily influenced by dance and the theatrical movement styles of Le Coq and the Dell ‘Arte International School of Physical Theatre. He fosters techniques of mask and clowning that strengthen the actor to go beyond being an interpreter to being a creator of theatre. Suzuki technique continues to be part of the training and stimulates the actor’s dynamic connection to center. Our belief is that these theatrical movement techniques are a response to the psychologically driven techniques of Stanislavski, and will take the actor into the most exciting theatre of the 21st century.


2. University of Washington

MFA Program

Program of Study:
The primary focus of PATP training is to provide our actors with the practical tools and sensibilities to become effective, outstanding performers. Every student appears in at least five productions, a self written solo show and an original, small, ensemble production. Recognizing the challenges and opportunities of acting in film, television and digital media, we provide our students with screen acting, voice over and audition technique to prepare our graduates for work in all venues. We provide the means, equipment and professional expertise to make professional quality videos to showcase our students' talents. During the third year, classes and projects focusing on career and business are part of the curriculum. At the end of the third year we prepare a professional showcase for Seattle, Los Angeles and New York. Also, each actor in the program leaves with a professional quality audition “reel”.

Fun Fact: Seattle is #1 for the most arts-related businesses per capita in the U.S., and 21,025 residents work in arts-related businesses, ranking Seattle #3 in the nation.

3. University of Iowa / Iowa Summer Repertory

MFA Program

The MFA in acting at The University of Iowa is unique because of our emphasis on new work. Our mission is to train the actor of the future: an artist who understands and promotes the development of new theatre, and actively seeks opportunities to collaborate with other artists. Iowa is also recognized as a developing center for creative collaboration and is home to the premiere playwriting program in the United States. As such, our actors actively and consistently participate in the creation of original works. In addition to a rigorous training program in voice, movement, acting, and theatrical analysis; a wealth of performance opportunities; an outstanding faculty; and world class guest artists, our students are trained in methods of theatrical collaboration. The aim is to nurture the visionary actor-not a prop or a pawn, but a participant in the creation of a living event. In pursuit of this aim, we seek individuals who are socially conscious, personally disciplined, and hungry for new experience.