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M.F.A. in Acting
Program Overview
The University of Texas at Austin Department of Theatre and Dance is a department where we pride ourselves in producing the finest artist/scholars. Our graduates are not only among the most talented actors in their cohort, but are also among the brightest. We accept only highly motivated, talented individuals who are intellectually curious and wish to pursue acting as a career. Actors are trained for stage and camera. We encourage all to apply regardless of “type.” Diversity is one of our most important quests in creating a dynamic artistic community.
The Winship Building, which houses the Department of Theatre and Dance, brings together all the disciplines that make for the practice of performance: actors, directors, dancers, writers, designers, dramaturgs, theatre historians/academicians, etc. It has been said "all you need as a theatre practitioner is found here at UT, all under one roof." Courses are taught, and projects are mounted in the department that reflects close interdisciplinary collaborations among all aspects of the arts.
Austin, Texas is thriving theatrically. While there are several established theatres that hire Equity actors, Austin is also building a national reputation with independently produced works and fringe theatre, such as Rude Mechanicals, Salvage Vanguard Theatre, The Vortex, Hyde Park and Frontera Fest.
We are working to form a professional internship association with the Austin Shakespeare Theatre, allowing M.F.A. Acting students to be cast in at least one production with that company during their six semesters, for which they qualify for Equity Membership Candidacy points. In each of these venues, our students have had the opportunity to work professionally. Every effort is made to assist M.F.A. actors in securing work in various summer stock companies, sometimes through auditions on campus. Austin is also home to a growing film community for independent and studio productions. The university has a world class Radio/Television/Film department.
In recent years, the department has brought in top professionals from all areas of the field. Stacey Keach; The Alley Theatre, in residence with A View from the Bridge; Ralph Zito, voice teacher from The Juilliard School; Drew Frascher and David Wooley, nationally certified stage combat teachers; nationally recognized stage directors such as Ken Albers, Jesse Berger, Phillip Goodwin, Jonathan Miller, Johanna McKeon, and Paul Mullins; Barbara Barrie, stage, film and television actress; actress Laura Linney; actress Laura Lane and Marcia Gay Harden, Tony and Academy Award winning stage, film and television actress. We have also hosted actors such as Tracie Thoms, Kevin Costner, Elaine Stritch and Rosario Dawson at various times on our campus to discuss their careers and offer advice to our students.
Copyright 2009, The University of Texas at Austin