Performance (MFA)

Master of Fine Arts in Performance
Unit: College of Arts and Sciences (GA)
Department: Theatre Arts
Program Website
Academic Plan Code(s): PERFMFA

Program Information

Dedicated to Art in Action and offering the only Graduate Certificate in African American Theatre in the United States, our Master of Fine Arts in Performance program offers a three-prong approach. We train actors to act, teach, and make theatre that resonates locally, nationally, and internationally. Our students push boundaries of thinking and challenge conventions of theatre and society through exploration of classical, contemporary, and global dramatic forms. Marrying theory, practice, and engaged outreach, we encourage the application of research, creativity, and sustainability in embodied, socially-conscious performance.

The MFA in Performance offers a three-year course of study that includes classes in acting, movement, voice, drama, and performance theory. Students perform in shows directed by faculty and guest artists and staged in our two main theatres. They also perform in our Repertory Company’s touring production and may mount their own performance projects. The Graduate Certificate in African American Theatre, which can be completed alongside the MFA in Performance, features classes in the craft and theory of acting and directing African American theatre.

The African American Theatre Program, founded in 1993, is integral to the Department of Theatre Arts. Further information about the Graduate Certificate in African American Theatre can be found in the Graduate Catalog.

Admission Expectations

Students must submit an online graduate application and submit all required documentation to the Graduate School.
Evidence of a Bachelor’s Degree and 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA).
Audition at the University of Louisville, at a regional or national conference site, or through a video submission. More information about MFA program auditions is available at https://louisville.edu/theatrearts/graduates/auditions
Transcripts of all undergraduate and (if applicable) graduate work
Two letters of recommendation
Personal Statement (500-800 words, double-spaced)
Department committee reviews application materials and makes a recommendation to the Graduate School.
All applicants are automatically considered for Graduate Teaching or Research Assistantships that include full tuition, stipend, and health insurance for the academic year (August–May).

Program Requirements

MFA candidates must complete the course requirements listed below. Students are paired with a faculty advisor to review their progress at the end of each semester, evaluating coursework, professionalism, performance projects, and any GTA responsibilities.

Course List
Code	Title	Hours
Performance Courses		42
TA 555	Special Topics in Theatre
TA 691	Graduate Acting I
TA 692	Graduate Acting II
TA 693	Graduate Acting III
TA 694	Graduate Acting IV
TA 695	Graduate Acting V
TA 686	Graduate Movement I
TA 687	Graduate Movement II
TA 688	Graduate Movement III
TA 689	Graduate Movement IV
TA 681	Graduate Voice I
TA 682	Graduate Voice II
TA 683	Graduate Voice III
TA 684	Graduate Voice IV
Theatre Arts Elective (at the 500+ level, minimum 3 credit hours)
Academic Courses		12
TA 571	Playscript Interpretation - WR
TA 620	Performance Theory
TA 664	Approaching African-American Theatre
TA 665	Tools for a Global Theatre
Related Coursework		8
TA 610	Introduction to Graduate Study in Theatre
TA 611	Theatre Pedagogy
TA 654	Independent Study in Community Service
Elective (at the 600+ level, outside of Theatre Arts, minimum 3 credit hours)
Performance Projects		10
TA 625	MFA Performance Project I
TA 626	Thesis Performance
TA 600	Thesis Guidance
Minimum Total Hours		72

Performance (MFA)

Program Requirements

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