Graduate Performance Study

Auditions for the MFA Performance Program will occur at several locations this spring semester. Please contact Professor Ray Paolino, Head of Acting, at rpaolino@uga.edu, (706) 542-2085, in advance for an appointment. Auditions will consist of two contrasting monologues (not to exceed a combined total of three minutes) and an interview. It is suggested that one of the pieces be classical.

Upcoming Auditions for admission to the Fall 2009 M.F.A. Performance class:

• September 6,2008-Southeastern Theatre Conference,SETC(www.setc.org)
• November 15, 2008- On-site auditions Department of Theatre and Film Studies, UGA, Athens, GA
• January 24, 2009- On-site auditions Department of Theatre and Film Studies, UGA, Athens, GA
• Janurary 27-28, 2009- New York City, NY
• February 3, 2009- Chicago, IL
• February 5-7, 2009- American College Theatre Festival and also in hotel of UGA representative, Greensboro, NC(www.kcactf4.org)
• February 21, 2009- On-site auditions Department of Theatre and Film Studies, UGA, Athens, GA
• March 6, 20 09- SETC(www.setc.org), Birmingham, AL
• Those who are unable to attend any of the locations above are encouraged to contact Professor Paolino for the alternate, on-campus audition date as soon as possible.

Graduates of the MFA performance program have an edge in the job market thanks to a completely re-designed acting curriculum. In addition to being trained to perform in all traditional areas of acting - theatre, film and television - students in the program study the latest multi-media and digital technologies being used in the industry today.

The primary focus of the program is to provide each student with strong acting tools that can be used whether performing on stage or in front of the camera. Classes in the performance curriculum include intense study in acting, voice/speech and movement.

During their three years of study in the MFA program, candidates have available to them a number of opportunities to apply techniques explored in studio classes. Actors are regularly cast in University Theatre season productions, as well as those produced by the Graduate Acting Company and Showcase productions, which display work done in special classes.

The performance program includes a third-year MFA showcase for agents, casting directors and artistic directors held in a major media center such as New York, Chicago or Atlanta. Professional internships are offered at our affiliated professional theatres from around the country. Each MFA student will graduate with a video demo reel and a voiceover reel in hand.

Program of Study

Candidates for the MFA emphasis in performance take 5 intensive semesters of studio classes in acting, voice/speech and movement. One semester may be reserved for internship work at professional theatres affiliated with the program.

Foundational training in the MFA program is based in the the acting theories of Constantin Stanislavski, supported by Meisner work and the Michael Chekhov Technique, as well as the systems of F.M. Alexander and Kristin Linklater. As the course of study progresses, this foundational training is coupled with exposures to several significant systems and vocabularies that employ alternative avenues of exploration for the actor.

Required academic courses include graduate seminars, theatre history, applied drama laboratories, and graduate-level electives.

Assessment:

1. A Qualifying Project consists of performing a major role in the University Theatre season during the first year of study. The student will meet with the Performance Faculty for an evaluation of the project.

2. A Proficiency Examination is administered at the end of the first year. This is a performance presentation followed by an oral assessment of the year’s work for the purpose of evaluation your artistic growth and development.

3. A Comprehensive Examination is administered at the beginning of the second year. This is a three hour written test for the purpose of assessing your knowledge of the history, theory and criticism of performance.

4. A Thesis Project is done in the third year: The creative project in acting consists of a major role and the writing of a thesis report on the preparation and presentation of the role. The project is evaluated by the thesis committee during an oral defense.

Assistantships and Financial Aid

A number of three-year teaching and administrative assistantships are awarded each year to candidates for the MFA in Performance. These assistantships are highly competitive, encompassing stipends and tuition waivers. They are largely merit-based, and may be awarded in exchange for teaching classes in the Theatre and Film Studies undergraduate curriculum.

Admission:

1. The Application for Admission sent to the Graduate School. This must include official GRE scores (combined verbal and quantitative score of at least 800 is expected) and transcripts of all previous academic work.
2. The Applicant Information Sheet which you send to the Department of Drama and Theatre. This must include:
1. Contact information for three people you have asked to send letters of recommendation to us under separate cover.
2. A clear statement of objectives in pursuing this degree.
3. A resume of acting experience and training. (Please include a headshot).
3. An audition and interview: This may be performed either on campus at the on-site departmental auditions at the University of Georgia in Fall 2008 and Spring 2009 (call (706) 542-2085 for an appointment), or at various national venues, such as the Southeast Graduate Theatre Auditions (SEGTA - www.segta.net), Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC - www.setc.org), or the American College Theatre Festival (ACTF - www.actf.org). Video tapes are generally not acceptable.

Contact:

Ray Paolino, , rpaolino@uga.edu, 366 Fine Arts

Graduate Coordinator: Dr. Freda Scott Giles, , fsgiles@uga.edu