Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) Programs
This program is no longer accepting applicants.
The graduate theater programs at The Catholic University of America are designed on the premise that theater is a fundamental cultural necessity. Theater is enriched by, and enriches, the community in which it is located. We believe that theater is a common ground for cultural discourse and that it is incumbent upon theater artists to use their voices responsibly. We strive to understand why theater is an essential art, asking what we can achieve in theater that cannot be achieved in other art forms. We challenge ourselves to recognize that, by its nature, performance is an innately spiritual act. We offer the training and experiences necessary for students to develop an imaginative creative process and disciplined personal expression in the theater. All of our endeavors are informed by a thorough knowledge of theater history and theory along with a critical understanding of the world canon of drama. We engage professional artists from the local, national and international theater community to support our mission and aid our students as they transition into the field.
Our programs entail the following: Directing- 60 credit hours and 2 practicum (crew credits); Playwriting- 60 credit hours plus 4 practicum (crew credits). There is no tuition charge for practicum hours. Students should enter an M.F.A. program in the fall semester.
In the first two years, students are expected to enroll full time, with directors and playwrights taking 12 credit hours each semester. Students should be prepared for the full-time commitment to their program, which entails rehearsal preparations for studio courses, readings and written work for critical studies courses, and practicum work.
In the third year, acting, directing and playwriting students enroll in two courses each semester for a total of 12 credits for the year. M.F.A. students satisfy their comprehensive examination requirements by writing essays in response to questions from the faculty and creating a casebook related to their thesis productions staged in their final year. All students are expected to make their work in their courses, practicum (crew credits) and department productions their first priority. While they are enrolled in courses in their M.F.A. program, students must get the approval of their program director(s) and department chair before they can participate in professional work outside of the department. Some M.F.A. programs require students to work outside of the department during their third year. These professional internships require the approval of the students' program director(s) and department chair.