Theatre Training
Master of Fine Arts in Acting
NEXT CLASS STARTS THE FALL OF 2012!
At Kent State University, the Master of Fine Arts degree program provides an intensive three-year plan of study in acting. It is designed to train talented and dedicated students as artists and masters of their craft. Studio work in acting, voice, and movement is central to the curriculum. Participation in the university theatre and summer seasons at Porthouse Theatre, tests and expands those skills learned in the studios. Studies in theatre history and drama, acting for the camera, selected electives, and placement in professional venues complete the program of study.
The foundation of the training is firmly rooted in the techniques of Constantin Stanislavski and Michael Chekhov. The foundation is built upon by other major influences and approaches throughout the training period and provides the strongest combination of graduate level training. Mark Monday, Head of MFA Acting, is a certified Teacher of the Michael Chekhov technique. Since 2000, Mark has been working with the Michael Chekhov Association, (MICHA). He travels extensively worldwide working with MICHA. Teachers and students from a multitude of global points gather frequently to work with each other on the Chekhov technique. Because of the dedication of these teachers and students, the technique continually evolves.
Actors study voice and speech as an integral part of their training. A sequence of classes grounded in the work of Kristin Linklater and Patsy Rodenburg is designed to expand and strengthen the voice, provide a variety of options in speech, dialects and accents, and ensure the actor’s vocal instrument is healthy and protected against abuse. Voice classes are supplemented with singing courses, available in group or individual sessions.
Movement work incorporates Laban Movement analysis, Alexander Technique, masks, and dance. Because the Chekhov work also is physically based, the actor’s body is challenged frequently.
Important to the professional development of the MFA acting candidate are opportunities to connect with working professionals beyond the academic environment. Through the Guest Artist Programs such as the Roe Green Visiting Director Series such connections with guest directors from important venues are forged. Internships with Porthouse Theatre, Cleveland’s premiere professional summer theatre located at Blossom Music Center, casts students alongside of seasoned professionals. These students can earn points toward their membership in Actor’s Equity Association.
Thus the Kent State MFA actor is prepared physically, vocally, emotionally, and intellectually to work in the profession. The faculty believes the actor must be aware and ready to function in many differing areas of the craft: classical and contemporary productions, musical theatre, voice acting, television, and film. At Kent State, a dedicated faculty provides the tools with which the student can work.
Mark Monday
Head of MFA Acting
Phone: 330.672.0113
Email: mmonday@kent.edu
The M.F.A. program in Acting requires a minimum of 66 semester hours of graduate credit. During the first semester, all students are required to take
THEA 61000 Introduction to Graduate Study and
THEA 61094 College Teaching (if on assistantship).
In addition, students are required to complete the following core courses in the program:
THEA 61110 History of Theories of Acting & Space I
THEA 61111 History of Theories of Acting & Space II
THEA 62192 Practicum: Performance (totaling 6 hrs. credit for acting roles including Kent Theatre Ensemble)
THEA 60992 Professional Theatre Internship I (3-6) (Cross-listed with KBT 60992 Repeatable) and
THEA 61992 Professional Theatre Internship II (3-6) (Cross-listed with KBT
61992) Repeatable 9-12 hrs. total, including at least one summer at Porthouse Theatre)
THEA 61309 M.F.A. Comprehensive Project (6 hrs. total)
Additional graduate coursework in Acting includes:
51303 Acting I- Foundations: Stanislavski and Michael Chekhov
51304 Acting II- Scene Study: Modern American Realism
51305 Professional Aspects: Performance
51701 Movement Form and Space I
51801 Voice and Speech I: The Actor’s Instrument
61303 Acting III – Scene Study: Naturalism and Absurd
51808 Acting Styles I: Shakespeare
61305 Acting Styles II: Greek and Comedy of Manners
61701 Movement Form and Space II: Masks
61702 Musical Theatre Styles
61801 Voice and Speech II: Vocal Demands and Dialects
61802 Voice and Speech III: the Actor/ Singer