GRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMS

MFA in MUSICAL THEATRE

The MFA degree program in Theatre at UCF is a highly selective, rigorous, three-year professional training program emphasizing both theatre theory and practice. The MFA degree, like our BFA degree, is rooted in the belief that classroom study and practical experience in the theatre are of equal and complementary value. The production program, therefore, is integrated into the curriculum because it is the principal means available for the coordination of all the elements of dramatic art. All possible ways are sought to use the production program effectively for the purpose of teaching and training.

The MFA at UCF is designed for students who demonstrate the artistic and intellectual capacity and evidence of professional promise to pursue careers in professional and academic theatre. Candidates, in addition to becoming highly trained theatre practitioners, must also demonstrate the ability to understand the conceptual basis of their art and to be able to articulate that understanding to others. Toward this end, the department will recruit and develop graduate students who can serve, along with faculty and staff, as role models for undergraduate students whose BFA programs of study are integrally connected and dependent.

Applications Deadlines:

• Priority Deadline January 15
• Final Deadline March 15
• Additional applications will be considered if space is available.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR MFA IN MUSICAL THEATRE

The Graduate Record Examination is required of all graduate students. Minimum requirements for admission are a BA or BFA degree in Theatre or equivalent with a 3.00 Theatre GPA (2.50 overall) or a minimum GRE score of 1000. An interview is also required. In addition, students must submit an essay stating their academic and professional goals, a transcript of previous academic work, a resumé, an 8 X 10 headshot, and three letters of recommendation. Each student entering the program must be approved by the Graduate Committee of the Department of Theatre.

Students applying for entrance into the MFA program must have successfully completed the following undergraduate courses or their equivalent:

• Script Analysis or Play Analysis
• Theatre History I and II
• Dramatic Literature I and II
• Directing I

All prospective students must prepare and provide the following:

• An 8 X 10 Black and White headshot
• Resumé
• Three current letters of recommendation
• One monologue and two contrasting songs from the musical theatre repertoire with a maximum combined performance time of 3 minutes
• Sheet music in the correct key - no recorded accompaniment
• Dancewear including dance shoes (ballet slippers or jazz oxfords) for dance audition
• Experienced tap dancers should bring tap shoes

Further information may be obtained by contacting Earl Weaver - eweaver@mail.ucf.edu