The Graduate Program in Theatre, a two-year program leading to a Master of Fine Arts, offers an advanced study of theatre that is interdisciplinary, collaborative, extensive, and practical, under the guidance of a faculty of artists who are working professionals. Like the College at large, the graduate theatre program emphasizes an individualized learning process. It is one of the few programs in the country with a strong emphasis on creating and nurturing original work through playwriting, puppetry, improvisation, and collaborative creation.

Interdisciplinary

The program has a proud history of offering an interdisciplinary approach to the performing arts with courses in acting, Alexander Technique, breathing, comedic and dramatic improvisation, creation of original work, design, directing, history, movement, playwriting, puppetry, speech, voice, and the art of bringing theatre into the local community through Theatre Outreach. Our philosophy also encourages graduate students to enroll in classes in the SLC music and dance departments as part of their program. Each graduate student is expected to have an individual course of study that reflects the theatre program’s interdisciplinary nature. No two students’ courses of study will be the same. Each individual’s graduate program is created, in consultation with the program director and the faculty, in response to that student’s particular background, interests, strengths, and artistic training requirements.

Collaborative

Theatre is by nature a collaborative art. Graduate students work closely in classes, conferences, and productions with the faculty, their fellow graduate students, and the SLC undergraduate theatre students. Courses contain graduate and advanced undergraduate students. Production opportunities and responsibilities are shared by all members of the SLC theatre community—graduate and undergraduate students, theatre faculty, and staff.

Extensive

We take pride in a long tradition of the development of original work, grounded in a study of classical and modern forms and in a variety of performance styles. Courses explore the theatre arts from diverse and creative perspectives. Productions make use of student-written as well as published texts. Uniting practicum and the curriculum, students are taught the techniques they need to develop and expand their talents. Our proximity to the diverse theatre scene of New York City provides unparalleled possibilities for inspiration and growth.

Practical

The graduate program offers wide-ranging opportunities for students to learn by doing. Students may participate in internships or fieldwork in New York City theatres and theatre organizations. The SLC Theatre Outreach program uses music, writing, theatre techniques, and the visual arts to address social and community issues. Methods of Theatre Outreach has been a vibrant component in the curriculum for over two decades, encouraging development of original material with a special emphasis on cross-cultural experiences. In addition, there are multiple performance and production venues available at SLC for graduate students that offer opportunities in acting, singing, dance, design, directing, ensemble creation, playwriting, and technical work. Each graduate student receives the practical experience commensurate with his or her particular needs and level of experience, and under the guidance and advice of the faculty.