Program Overview

Introduction to the Acting MFA Program

The Acting MFA program at UC San Diego is designed to nurture and challenge the innate talent of students, with a focus on strengthening and tuning the actor's instrument. The program places great emphasis on individual attention from an extraordinary team of professionals and specialists in actor training.

Program Structure

The program is structured to provide intensive studio work in movement, voice, speech, and singing, as well as acting process and technique. The first year focuses on daily explorations that encourage change and enhance artistic expression. The second year is devoted to the study of classical texts and the specific vocal and physical skills required to perform them. The final year focuses on the needs of individual actors as they prepare to enter the professional world.

Classes

• Intensive studio work in movement, voice, speech, and singing
  • Expands and frees the physical body
  • Accesses and enhances artistic expression
• Acting Process
  • Introduces a range of improvisational and rehearsal techniques
  • Helps the actor approach onstage events with imagination and a rich emotional life
• Studio classes
  • Guide the actor through daily explorations
  • Encourage change and enhance artistic expression

Productions

Actors work on classical and contemporary texts, as well as new plays, with graduate student, faculty, and guest professional directors. The department schedules 10-15 productions of varying budget levels each year, with graduate students given casting priority for all but a few plays.

Externships

All graduate actors serve at least one professional residency with La Jolla Playhouse, ranging from supporting to lead roles alongside professional actors and directors of national and international stature.

Research and Other Opportunities

Funds are occasionally available for research, special technique workshops, and travel to auditions and festivals. Students have traveled to New York City, Los Angeles, and as far away as the Netherlands. The entire acting class receives a showcase presentation in both Los Angeles and New York, attended by specially invited groups of film, television, and theatre professionals.

Faculty

The program's adjunct and visiting faculty have included notable professionals such as Anne Bogart, Joseph Chaiken, Robert Egan, Richard Foreman, Andrei Serban, and Robert Woodruff. Emeritus Faculty include Eric Christmas, Mary Corrigan, Luther James, and Arthur Wagner.

MFA and PhD Programs

• Acting MFA
• Design MFA
• Directing MFA
• Playwriting MFA
• Stage Management MFA
• Ph.D.
• Course Descriptions