Master of Fine Arts in Acting
About the Acting Program
The MFA in acting at The University of Iowa is unique because of our emphasis on new work. Our mission is to train the actor of the future: an artist who understands and promotes the development of new theatre, and actively seeks opportunities to collaborate with other artists. Iowa is also recognized as a developing center for creative collaboration and is home to the premiere playwriting program in the United States. As such, our actors actively and consistently participate in the creation of original works. In addition to a rigorous training program in voice, movement, acting, and theatrical analysis; a wealth of performance opportunities; an outstanding faculty; and world class guest artists, our students are trained in methods of theatrical collaboration. The aim is to nurture the visionary actor-not a prop or a pawn, but a participant in the creation of a living event. In pursuit of this aim, we seek individuals who are socially conscious, personally disciplined, and hungry for new experience.
Faculty and Guest Artists
The acting faculty are all theatre professionals who have trained with some of the most prestigious names in theatre, including Grotowski, LeCoq, Meisner, and the Central School of Speech and Drama. In addition, we are privileged to work with a dazzling array of guest artists who visit our campus such as Anne Bogart, Tony Kushner, Ruby Dee, Ossie Davis, Tony Church, Kristin Linklater, Lee Bruer, Alice Ripley, and Irene Fornes.
Admission to the MFA Program in Acting
A special aspect of our program is that students are only admitted to the program every three years. This allows us to more fully focus our attention on the needs of each class. Prospective students should inquire when the next class will be admitted. The department is especially interested in attracting minority students.
Students admitted to the MFA program in acting should have an undergraduate degree in theatre, or equivalent training and experience.
To be admitted to the acting program you must:
