MFA Programs

Master of Fine Arts – Acting

The Master of Fine Arts in Acting is an intensive three-year course of study. The program accepts a limited number of students, (six to eight), every three years. We believe that this fosters a learning process conducive to the formation of an ensemble. The small class size also guarantees the highest level of individual attention.

The first two years provide a foundation of classical conservatory training. The third year requires each student to articulate a professional vision and to participate in creative work advancing that vision. Possibilities include, teaching apprenticeships and the creation of original performance works. Throughout their study, students complement the studio and classroom work with performance on the main-stage. Our graduate students form the core of our casting pool and our choice of shows reflects our commitment to their experience and growth.

We will be recruiting our next class in the fall of 2011 for a fall 2012 commencement of studies. The faculty is committed to providing training in both classical and contemporary literature. We are also adding class work in Film and Musical Theatre acting techniques. We are currently examining our curriculum to ensure that we are serving the needs of the serious acting student seeking a career in professional theatre and film. Finding a balance between fulfilling assistantship requirements and class and performance obligations requires a seriousness of purpose and concentration that test the most dedicated of students. We believe that we offer a unique, challenging and exciting learning experience.

For more information on the Acting Program, please contact the Program Director, Prof. Phillip Beck.

In addition to meeting the graduate entrance requirements for West Virginia University, all applicants for the Master of Fine Arts in Acting must complete an interview audition. GRE’s are not required.

Master of Fine Arts – Design & Technical Theatre

The MFA in Design at WVU offers a three-year professional training program that allows graduate students to emphasize in Scenic, Costume, or Lighting Design.

The intention of the program is to provide talented students with an exciting opportunity for personal and professional growth in an environment that approaches theatre as both an art form and a learning experience. The flexible curriculum, small student-faculty ratio, and limited class size guarantees personal contact through formal class work and supervised production activities.

The three-year program begins with an intensive year of coursework that provides each student with a strong foundation in principles of design, figure and free-hand drawing, rendering and modeling techniques, drafting, painting and technical crafts. Specialized study follows in the second and third years with a particular emphasis on the student’s chosen area of specialization. Additional course work is also taken in computer skills, theatre history, text analysis, and criticism.

In addition to meeting the graduate entrance requirements for West Virginia University, all applicants for the Master of Fine Arts in Design and Technology must complete an on-campus interview and portfolio review. Students are accepted on a rolling basis and the GRE is not required.

For more information on the Design Program, please contact Program Director, Prof. Robert Klingelhoefer.

Adobe PDF Master of Fine Arts-D & T Checklist