36 course credits (24 in the first year and 12 in the second)

1. Individual Program
   Working with an adviser, each student selects a combination of courses that integrate theory and practice, and which together constitute a “full program” for the Master of Fine Arts. Areas of focus are acting, directing, playwriting, design, education, and outreach.
2. Theatre Forum
3. Portfolio Project
   Students are expected to keep complete documentation of their work in the program and submit it for approval by the theatre faculty in April of their second year. This portfolio includes an in-depth essay surveying the student’s work at Sarah Lawrence, photographs, programs, scripts, design projects, important papers or class projects, and faculty evaluations of the student’s work in each of their courses. Portfolios, which become personal résumés, are returned to students upon graduation for their professional use.

Fieldwork and internships

After the first semester of graduate work, students are encouraged to participate in internships, linked to their interests, in New York theatres and regional companies. Students may earn graduate credit for internships approved by the program director.

Theatre outreach

This training program uses music, writing, theatre techniques, and the visual arts to address social and community issues. Grounded in a two-hour weekly core class, the program sends students into the community, merging the skills of the artist with the needs of society, providing a structure for expression, and giving students hands-on experience. The outreach course encourages development of original material by exploring everyday life with a special emphasis on cross-cultural experiences.