Master of Fine Arts in Theatre

Southampton Arts offers an MFA in Theatre with tracks in Acting, Playwriting, Directing, Dramaturgy and Film. Students study with internationally acclaimed artists in an interdisciplinary, collaborative environment. We offer crossover opportunities between theatre and film, which include ensemble creation and digital filmmaking, as well as all genres of creative writing and the visual arts. The program is for entrepreneurial students who wish to explore multiple approachesfrom traditional to experimentalto create and produce new work. The MFA in Theatre is a three year program that includes a core curriculum, a specialization (track), lab projects, a culminating MFA performance project, MFA written thesis, and a professional internship.

This M.F.A. program is intensive, and admission to it is highly selective. Upon review, finalists are invited for an on-campus interview. Interview requirements vary depending on track. . For admission, the following, in addition to the minimum Graduate School requirements, are normally required:

A. A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

B. Undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0.

C. A minimum of three years of professional experience / training (preferred).

D. Three letters of recommendation.

E. A current resume

F. A written statement of artistic, educational and professional goals

G. The following are required for a chosen Track. Choose one:

Playwriting: 1) a completed play of any length that best represents your work, 2) a brief description of a play you are currently writing or wish to write while in our program

Directing: 1) a brief description of your approach (concept) to a chosen play, either one you have directed or one you wish to direct. You may provide select supporting materials, such as research (written or visual), and any other inspiration for your approach, 2) a list of plays and/or ideas for original devised pieces that you would like to direct / create while in our program

Dramaturgy: 1) three writing samples, including, critiques, production program notes, and/or literary criticism of a chosen play, 2) a play, screenplay or alternative performance piece if you have written one, 3) a brief statement describing your view of the role of the Dramaturg in today's theatre, and particularly in relation to creating new work
Film: 1) a film you have written, directed and/or produced if you have one, 2) a screenplay if you have written one, 3) a list of proficiencies in various production skills: camera, lighting, editing, directing, production and/or production design.

Crossover between tracks is possible, depending on each student's interests and professional goals. For the application, choose one track and indicate in your statement of goals (F) your interest, if any, in crossover

F. Acceptance by both the MFA in Theatre program and the Graduate School.

IELTS: Overall score of 6.5, with no subsection recommended to be below 6

TOEFL: 80 for Master's level