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Graduate Programs
The USC Advantage
USC has long been a leader in the arts. Through our intimate and rigorous programs, we offer exceptional professional preparation, a determined and creative student culture, and access to a thriving and active alumni network. By graduation, students have undergone a significant personal and professional transformation that has prepared them well for future career success. This is the USC Advantage.
We invite you to explore the many benefits USC has to offer as you prepare for this next step in career.
PROGRAMS OFFERED
M.F.A. in Acting
M.F.A. in Dramatic Writing
M.A. in Applied Theatre Arts
If you have any questions regarding our programs, please do not hesitate to contact us at the information below:
USC School of Theatre
Graduate Admissions
1029 Childs Way, DRC 116
Los Angeles,
California 90089
Telephone: 213.821.4163
E-mail: sotgrad@usc.edu
HELPFUL INFO:
Visiting USC & Campus Tours
Request Information from the School of Theatre
M.F.A. in Acting
The primary objective of the three-year MFA Acting Program is to train actors as artists and professionals who can function at the highest level of their field, in any medium, and who are capable of taking on positions of leadership. To achieve this, we are unifying the classical professional actor-training (a rigorous program that attunes the voice, body and the intellect to the demands of text and performance) with an innovative physical approach to acting that draws upon the work of such theatre artists as Jerzy Grotowski, Peter Brook and Jacques Le Coq in the last 40 to 50 years.
The program stresses an ensemble philosophy in which faculty work with students to achieve shared goals. After two years of working together as a “company” in classes, workshops and performance situations, the third year is devoted to advanced skills classes in both film and theatre, professional seminars, and creating a three-play repertory that grounds the ensemble idea in a practical, performing situation. The third year is the transition from school to the profession; not only does this year create the three-play rep, it focuses on the individual needs of each student. By the time the student leaves the program, he or she has the confidence, the craft, and the passion for the art of acting that’s necessary to succeed.
The program is staffed by master teachers who have had extensive experience in all areas of the professional world. Because we are located in Los Angeles, one of the entertainment capitals of the world, our teachers continue to work at the highest levels of the theatrical profession
FACULTY
Andrew Robinson, Director of M.F.A. in Acting
Charlotte Cornwell, Acting Progression
Andrei Belgrader, Acting Progression
David Bridel, Movement
Natsuko Ohama, Voice
ADDITIONAL FACULTY
Edgar Landa, Babette Markus, Jack Rowe, Stephanie Shroyer, Eric Trules, Matthew Walker
To download a copy of the M.F.A. in Acting brochure, click here.
Application Information
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M.F.A. in Dramatic Writing
The Master of Fine Arts in Dramatic Writing is an intimate, dynamic three-year program that approaches the craft through its critical roots in playwriting and extends this exploration into other genre of dramatic writing The program encompasses stage, film and television studies for today's dramatic writer. The MFA student in Dramatic Writing enjoys mentoring from professional playwrights and screenwriters. The program is offered in partnership with the USC School of Cinematic Arts.
The program is staffed by master teachers who have had extensive experience in all areas of the professional world. Because we are located in Los Angeles, one of the entertainment capitals of the world, our teachers continue to work at the highest levels of the theatrical profession.
FACULTY
Velina Hasu Houston, Director of M.F.A. in Dramatic Writing
Oliver Mayer
Luis Alfaro
Paula Cizmar
To download a copy of the M.F.A. in Dramatic Writing brochure, click here. Application Information.
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M.A. in Applied Theatre Arts
Our newly launched M.A. in Applied Theatre Arts invites cultural fieldworkers – community-based artists, educators, therapists, social workers and political activists – to explore how theatre can be applied to non-traditional theatrical settings through a rigorous one year and one summer course of study. A central role in the curriculum is based off of the work done by the late Augusto Boal known as “Theatre of the Oppressed.” Students will learn the theory and practice of Forum Theatre, Rainbow of Desire and Legislative Theatre techniques. In addition, students will be expected to maintain a continual partnership with local Los Angeles grass roots organizations towards the development of community-based theatre projects in the interests of liberatory education and social, political or therapeutic change. The course of study will culminate with a four-week thesis focused foreign externship where they will observe an overseas Applied Theatre Arts organization of their choice.
FACULTY
Brent Blair, Director of M.A. in Applied Theatre Arts
To download a copy of the M.A. in Applied Theatre Arts brochure, click here.
Application Information.
_________________________________________________________________ Applying to the USC School of Theatre
Admission to the USC School of Theatre is highly competitive and is only for full-time graduate study beginning in the fall term. There is no rolling admission. There is no summer session. Transfer or part-time students are not accepted.
Each year, our challenge is to select the highest potential class/ensemble from an applicant pool of very talented candidates from around the country. Our selection process emphasizes creativity, determination, personal qualities and characteristics, and experience. Moreover, the Graduate Admissions Committee aspires to create a class/ensemble with diverse backgrounds and global perspectives to add to the richness of both the graduate learning experience and the School of Theatre community.
Please note that there is no minimum work experience requirement for our graduate programs. Successful candidates are able to demonstrate strength in the criteria outlined above, regardless of their number of years of experience. They include college seniors with a great deal of creativity, as well as individuals with more seasoned work experience.
Lastly, there is no single formula for a successful applicant. Candidates are evaluated for their achievements, their potential, and the fit between what they aspire to achieve and what our graduate programs have to offer. If you believe that USC may be right for you, we encourage you to carefully review the information below and submit your application.
It is important, however, for you to assess your own readiness when deciding when to apply.
APPLICATION DEADLINES AND AUDITION DATES
M.F.A. in Acting |
Priority Deadline |
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January 8, 2010 |
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AUDITIONS
Acting applicants MUST audition in person. Auditions will be held in New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles in the months of January and February.
M.F.A. in Acting Admission Checklist |
click here |
USC School of Theatre Supplemental Application |
click here |
M.F.A. in Acting Audition Request Form |
click here |
M.F.A. in Dramatic Writing |
Final Deadline |
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January 8, 2010 |
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M.A. in Applied Theatre Arts |
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Priority Deadline |
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January 8, 2010 |
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Tuition & Financial Aid
A graduate education is a significant investment in yourself and your future. At USC, we are committed to working with you to meet all of your demonstrated financial needs through fellowships, TA appointments along with government and private loans.
TUITION
Tuition for the 2010/2011 academic year is $32,886. To assist with your financial planning, the following is provided as an estimated budget for an average student entering in the fall. While living expenses vary, this is the standard estimate used in determining financial need.
Note: The total cost listed above represents a domestic student with dental insurance. Total expenses for international students or those opting out of dental insurance may differ.
USC estimated cost of attendance 2010-2011 |
click here |
FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIPS
Your personal resources for financing your education are not considered in our admission decisions. Once you are admitted, the Financial Aid Office will determine your financial need and create an aid package based on a variety of factors. For our M.F.A. candidates, the USC School of Theatre offers generous financial support to off set the cost of attendance.
SOT fellowships are available to U.S. and international students and are offered on a competitive basis.
Visiting USC
The USC School of Theatre offers personal tours to give prospective students a more intimate look at the School's facilities.
Currently, tours are available by reservation only and must be scheduled at least 48 hours in advance. Please contact the Director of Academic & Student Services at sergio.ramirez@usc.edu to reserve a tour time.
Request Information and Outreach Events
We hope you have the opportunity to visit our campus and experience our graduate programs firsthand. However, we understand that many of you will not be able to come to USC's campus until later in the admission process. For this reason, we would like to bring the USC graduate experience a little closer to you through School of Theatre-sponsored events and workshops.
These events are for your information and are non-evaluative. If you have not yet done so, please add yourself to the USC MFA mailing list in order to receive further information about events in your area.
To be added to our mailing list click here.
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