Master of Fine Arts in Theatre. The School of Theatre and Dance offers five areas of study for M.F.A. students:
The Master of Fine Arts in Theatre is a terminal degree designed for the student who is seeking a career as a professional Theatre artist. The M.F.A. degree also prepares Theatre artists to teach in a studio area at the university level. The program emphasizes both theory and practice.
Teaching Opportunities
The Master of Fine Arts is a terminal degree and is a requirement for most university teaching positions. With teaching as a potential career option, M.F.A. students at Illinois State University receive training and gain experience in teaching at the college/university level. Professional practice credit is given for teaching assignments.
- Graduate acting students also perform in the Illinois Shakespeare Festival’s educational outreach touring program.
- M.F.A. Costume Design students supervise laboratory sessions in the costume shop and may undertake additional teaching experiences through courses in Costume Survey and Makeup.
- Qualified M.F.A. lighting design students are encouraged to teach at least one semester of the beginning lighting class.
- Qualified M.F.A. scene design candidates are encouraged to teach at least one undergraduate course within their degree program.
Financial Aid
M.F.A. students are regularly awarded a graduate assistantship with a full tuition waiver and a monthly stipend to aid them in defraying a portion of their educational expenses. Graduate assistantships usually require a minimum twenty-hour work-week commitment to the School, which may include work in the costume shop and teaching assignments. Information about additional financial aid is available through the University's Financial Aid Office.
Recruitment
Illinois State University admits a limited number of graduate candidates to the M.F.A. programs every year. The School of Theatre and Dance seeks candidates with strong artistic ability, disciplined intellectual drive, and a desire to work in a collaborative atmosphere.
