College of the Arts
School of Theatre and Dance
www.kent.edu/theatredance

About This Program

Unlock the full potential of your acting skills with our M.F.A. degree in Acting. Designed for returning and seasoned professionals, our program offers a flexible pedagogical laboratory model and ample opportunities to hone your performance and teaching skills, all while pursuing a terminal degree. Read more...

Contact Information

• Program Coordinator: Courtney Brown | cbrow176@kent.edu | 330-672-20113
• Connect with an Admissions Counselor: U.S. Student | International Student

Program Delivery

• Delivery
  • In person
• Location
  • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries*

Accreditation

National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST)

^{* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.}

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000 point scale
• Official transcript(s)
• Résumé
• Goal statement
• Three letters of recommendation
• Evidence of professional experience¹
• Audition
• Interview
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning one of the following:
  • Minimum 525 TOEFL PBT score (paper-based version)
  • Minimum 71 TOEFL IBT score (Internet-based version)
  • Minimum 74 MELAB score
  • Minimum 6.0 IELTS score
  • Minimum 50 PTE score
  • Minimum 100 Duolingo test score

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admission, visit the Office of Global Education website.

¹

Required evidence in support of admission may include, but not limited to, Broadway, regional, and/or international performance credits; film and television credits; awards of national recognition; professional union affiliation; publication in the field of expertise; significant record of mentoring; and certifications and/or designations in areas such as acting, voice and speech or stage combat. Program faculty will evaluate the submitted documentation of professional experience and determine eligibility for the M.F.A. degree.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Final deadline: August 1
• Spring Semester
  • Final deadline: January 1
• Summer Term
  • Final deadline: May 1

Applications will not be accepted after these deadlines.

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

¹

THEA 61094 is required for teaching assistants only; minimum total credit hours for degree completion will be 63.

Roadmap

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this major. However, courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Employ a broad range of acting knowledge and skills in the creation and presentation of roles.
2. Perform in plays of various types and from various periods.
3. Acquire advanced capabilities in acting, voice and speech, movement, theatre history and pedagogy.
4. Apply sound pedagogical practices to aspects of theatre or performance studies.
5. Demonstrate professionalism in an acting setting.

Full Description

The Master of Fine Arts degree in Acting is intended for the returning professional and mentors seasoned professional performers who wish to focus on refining and articulating their acting process, while gaining sound pedagogical practice in performance. The two-year terminal degree provides  candidates with a set of core classes centered around a variety of techniques and theories, within a flexible pedagogical laboratory model. Returning professional students are offered ample opportunity to hone performance and explore teaching skills as they earn a terminal M.F.A. degree in pursuit of employment.