tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16876687.post5223560748929074331..comments2024-02-27T16:59:54.089-05:00Comments on (The New) Theatre Ideas: To MFA or Not to MFAUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16876687.post-26656652434370191672014-05-03T20:28:34.734-04:002014-05-03T20:28:34.734-04:00I want to teach at the college level and am lookin...I want to teach at the college level and am looking at the Goddard MFA in Interdisciplinary Arts because I have a strong interest in play writing but also hope to direct and teach acting in college. <br /><br />Two questions: <br />1. Would the MFA Interdisciplinary Arts, which I would design to incorporate play writing and directing, get me a college teaching job?<br /> <br />2. Do I need to worry that Goddard has narrative grading vs. traditional grades?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16876687.post-42715888340914063592013-06-10T10:42:22.682-04:002013-06-10T10:42:22.682-04:00As the original author of the piece, I am still fo...As the original author of the piece, I am still following the discussion.Scott Waltershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06465161646609405658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16876687.post-1811353590343386012013-06-10T10:22:45.689-04:002013-06-10T10:22:45.689-04:00So, I am just getting on this and I love it. I ha...So, I am just getting on this and I love it. I have some questions, but not sure if any of you are still reading this. So, let me know if you are and I will begin. You have all be so great with responses - I think we all need to meet and have lunch. Anyway, if I write will anyone respond?? TomAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16876687.post-12765027837862340752013-05-04T10:04:58.124-04:002013-05-04T10:04:58.124-04:00Yes, I have heard that Yale made that decision. Ad...Yes, I have heard that Yale made that decision. Admirable, and I don't know what effect the "Crash" has had on that. However, this represents a very small number each year. <br /><br />This post is more for people trying to decide whether or not to pursue an MFA, not for those who already have one. Of course, any time you spend two or three concentrated years working on your art, you will benefit. My question is whether you could spend less money and benefit as much by taking some other route -- self-producing, apprenticing to a professional, just entering the profession. My original point was there are really only two reasons to get an MFA: 1) to study with a particular professor, or 2) to get the credential you need to teach. I think that is still valid.Scott Waltershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06465161646609405658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16876687.post-71664400079536123212013-05-03T21:59:57.910-04:002013-05-03T21:59:57.910-04:00Just wanted to correct an earlier post Scott made....Just wanted to correct an earlier post Scott made. Although I may be mistaken as to the current situation of the MFA acting program at Yale, but a few years ago it was indeed free. I hope that it still is. The MFA at NYU/TISCH was I believe attempting to make their program free as well. Obviously the current economic climate has made this difficult, but I believe that is still a goal of theirs.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16876687.post-19809642911061740082012-05-20T12:50:03.200-04:002012-05-20T12:50:03.200-04:00OMG...a masters in theatre with secondary educatio...OMG...a masters in theatre with secondary education is right hear and so close. Columbus State University turned its downtown on the Chattahoochee River into its theatre department. now they offer a masters in theatre education. And it is such an intense program..who ever goes there will come out of there with the best theatre eduction of a lifetime. Check it out. www.columbusstate.edu.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16876687.post-71965500525354251982012-01-11T15:51:55.508-05:002012-01-11T15:51:55.508-05:00I have mixed feelings about going to grad school. ...I have mixed feelings about going to grad school. There are several ways it has benifited me. However, I would have prefered to do a bit more to make my name sexier to the sexier institutions. Although I appreciate my education, it gave me very few decent connections. I say go for the best. Also, my blog has a specific section on looking for MFA programs in Design: http://because-wesaidso.blogspot.com/2012/01/learn-from-our-mistakes-choosing-grad.htmlAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17540887756431158763noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16876687.post-34953826110024038562011-11-07T21:59:20.010-05:002011-11-07T21:59:20.010-05:00LOL. You vill NEVER escape me, Sydney. NEVER!!!LOL. You vill NEVER escape me, Sydney. NEVER!!!Scott Waltershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06465161646609405658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16876687.post-43840728851209044752011-11-07T15:04:43.655-05:002011-11-07T15:04:43.655-05:00Amazing how I was googling MFA programs and I stum...Amazing how I was googling MFA programs and I stumbled here. Im ten hours away and still getting unsolicited Scotty advice.I LOVE IT!<br /><br />SydneyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16876687.post-52382661765637975552011-08-30T12:14:20.665-04:002011-08-30T12:14:20.665-04:00Can you stand two more cents? I got my MFA a numb...Can you stand two more cents? I got my MFA a number of years ago, specifically because I wanted to teach at the university level. I'm glad I did it, even though I do not currently hold such a position (thank you budget cuts!) and will probably be paying off my student loans for the rest of my life. I'm currently considering getting a masters on psychology, so I can combine the two and become a drama therapist. I do this because I have 2 autistic children and really admire the work their therapists do. I believe arts therapies can be hugely effective for so many people. And, honestly, I think I'd be good at it.<br />I absolutely agree with you that more MFA programs should focus on teaching. There are too many instructors out there who are brilliant in their field, but cannot teach worth a damn.<br />Thanks for your time!azusmomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08833120044345423052noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16876687.post-92201849430505494852011-07-12T08:15:39.557-04:002011-07-12T08:15:39.557-04:00Thank you Scott for your immediate response. I do...Thank you Scott for your immediate response. I do wish accreditation for my company; I will search out the requirements. I wish to increase my hire-ability and pay my debts, hence the 2nd degree. I am in my Senior year now, adding a Substance Abuse Counselor Certificate. My focus is less on what I feel is needed in my education to start a theatre company/ conservatory, but what those who help to finance and run it will need from me. This company will not be built by me alone, so I need to know what I can do to enhance their trust in me as Artistic Director. I will search further, and keep you posted. Thank you so much. blessings elaineelaine marie evans/ elinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16876687.post-90063883219654524352011-07-11T16:48:37.703-04:002011-07-11T16:48:37.703-04:00Dear Ms Evans -- I can't really offer a specif...Dear Ms Evans -- I can't really offer a specific recommendation, but rather a few thoughts. If someone wants to teach at a college or university, usually you need a terminal degree: MFA or PhD. If you are forming your own conservatory, then you need to find out what, if anything, the accrediting agency requires. If you are not going to be accredited, or a terminal degree is not required, then your next question is: Is there something I feel is missing in my education that I need before I start my conservatory? If so, pursue it; if not, why get another degree? Only seek out a credential if you need it to do the work you want to do, or alternately if there is something you need to learn in order to do the work you want to do. I hope this helps...Scott Waltershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06465161646609405658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16876687.post-23088384808061683392011-07-11T16:39:38.153-04:002011-07-11T16:39:38.153-04:00I want to build a theatre/dance company with a con...I want to build a theatre/dance company with a conservatory focused on performance and pedagogy. The best thing for an artist who is happy with his/her work is to know how to teach others to be successful through arts too. I received a BA in Tech Theatre. I applied for Performance MFA 2 years in a row. I got called back to CalState Long Beach but later realized at URTA's that my GPA was too low, and I didn't stand a chance in MFA. I was chosen for the summer programs at ACT and XMAT. I danced with a company for 2 years.I am completing my 2nd degree now, a BS in Psychology. I want to teach others to use the arts as a therapeutic tool to improve their lives. I do not know if I should concentrate on a PhD in Psychology, MA/MBA in ARts Admin or try again for an MFA. These are all local options in the Cincinnati area. Please advise. Thank you. elaineelaine marie evans/ elinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16876687.post-21242828256430350172011-05-22T20:40:25.378-04:002011-05-22T20:40:25.378-04:00Thank you for your testimony, Marya.Thank you for your testimony, Marya.Scott Waltershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06465161646609405658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16876687.post-20846922258676659662011-05-22T13:40:39.225-04:002011-05-22T13:40:39.225-04:00I can honestly say that I feel my theater degree r...I can honestly say that I feel my theater degree ruined my life. I graduated high school at 17 and chose to get a bfa, I had grades and SATs to do whatever I wanted to and chose a very top acting conservatory in london. The time was fun and great experience. I showcased in New York, got an agent but could not afford to stay in the city because every job I could get with the degree paid horrible. I had to move back to my parents, I dont see myself ever buying a house and being financially independed with this degree alone. I am heart broken that I made this decision when I was 17. all of you thinkig about blowing tons of $<br />on a theater degree watch out especially an mfa because presumably you already blew tons of money on your undergrad.<br />Really you want to be an actor or director or playwrite? Go to school for a real job so you can properly support yourself while you try to do that. Theater programs are a scam, thy truelly are there to raise $ for theaters and employ out of work actors. Trust me, I have some great friends that graduated from Yale, ART, Denver Center, and they are yet to be employed and work in stupid restaurants and hate their lives! Don't do it!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16876687.post-24535401966121076632011-05-22T13:39:41.362-04:002011-05-22T13:39:41.362-04:00I can honestly say that I feel my theater degree r...I can honestly say that I feel my theater degree ruined my life. I graduated high school at 17 and chose to get a bfa, I had grades and SATs to do whatever I wanted to and chose a very top acting conservatory in london. The time was fun and great experience. I showcased in New York, got an agent but could not afford to stay in the city because every job I could get with the degree paid horrible. I had to move back to my parents, I dont see myself ever buying a house and being financially independed with this degree alone. I am heart broken that I made this decision when I was 17. all of you thinkig about blowing tons of $<br />on a theater degree watch out especially an mfa because presumably you already blew tons of money on your undergrad.<br />Really you want to be an actor or director or playwrite? Go to school for a real job so you can properly support yourself while you try to do that. Theater programs are a scam, thy truelly are there to raise $ for theaters and employ out of work actors. Trust me, I have some great friends that graduated from Yale, ART, Denver Center, and they are yet to be employed and work in stupid restaurants and hate their lives! Don't do it!Mayrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09743205988482393334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16876687.post-35233662527455762872011-02-09T15:27:41.768-05:002011-02-09T15:27:41.768-05:00Re Anonymous' conversation with callaghan and ...Re Anonymous' conversation with callaghan and the possibilties of Shakespeare's being untaught and yet, successful:<br /><br />Leaving the issue of intelligence out of the question, the rhetorician in me has to point out that Anonymous' comment, while spirited and no doubt sincere, is (without reference to him or her) based on a false analogy.<br /><br />As callaghan pointed out, there is no real basis for comparison between Shakespeare's cohort and the modern MFA student. There are too many differences in the types of productions and in the particulars of craft and current vaules.<br /><br />The second problem is, of course, that Shakespeare and his men actually did have training ("education") - in fact, thespians had been apprenticing to this profession for many years. So, the argument cannot rest on this syllogism. <br /><br />(Although I hope it does rest after this comment.)<br /><br />- My two cents, unasked for. (I like clarity. What can I say?)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16876687.post-47154660963957395052010-12-23T19:41:38.064-05:002010-12-23T19:41:38.064-05:00GOOD DAY ALL@!!!!
I THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR HEL...GOOD DAY ALL@!!!!<br /><br />I THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR HELPFUL COMMENTS, ADVISE, SUGGESTIONS AND EXPERIENCE THORUGH THIS FORUM....<br /><br />I HAVE MY BS IN THEATRE AND AM CONSIDERING MY MFA IN ACTING. I WAS WONDERING WHAT SCHOOLS DO YOU RECCOMMEND FOR THIS???<br /><br />ALSO, WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST ON PREPARING FOR A PIECE TO AUDTION FOR? I HAVEN'T ACTED IN A WHILE,, TOOK A BREAK FROM THEATRE TO DANCE, AND READY TO GET BACK INTO ACTING AGAIN.. HOPEFULLY TO GET AN MFA IN THEATRE AND MINOR IN DANCE??<br /><br />HELP IS NEEDED HERE...<br /><br />WITH MANY THANKS, PEACE AND LOVE..<br /><br />KEBBY,, THE ACTOR AND DANCER :) :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16876687.post-73090604917956374012010-09-20T09:55:48.033-04:002010-09-20T09:55:48.033-04:00Additionally (sorry I forgot this!) having assiste...Additionally (sorry I forgot this!) having assisted established directors (and eventually hopefully this networking will also lead me to directing at some smaller theatres) make me a bit more marketable to a MFA program if I feel like going in a couple of years. <br /><br />When I considered going for an MFA I was told that most don't want you straight out of undergrad, for the very reasons you want to go straight out of undergrad - you are underexperienced. They want you to try it out for a while, make sure it's what you really want to do, and learn from the world for a bit rather than just from educational institutions.Recent BA Graduatehttp://theatregraduate.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16876687.post-83471076179350529722010-09-20T09:49:20.537-04:002010-09-20T09:49:20.537-04:00I just graduated and was considering this very. I...I just graduated and was considering this very. I needed a definite break from school, but knew I had much more to learn. I moved to a city, got a day job, an am assisting established directors (and I've been lucky so they've been brilliant so far). <br /><br />I'm going to be doing theatre for the rest of my life. I know that. I don't feel any pressure to figure out that 'rest of my life' right at this moment. Instead I'm taking a low pressure approach to learning more AND networking my way into this city. It's been really great so far.Recent BA graduatenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16876687.post-33325303458402307612010-04-26T23:09:31.344-04:002010-04-26T23:09:31.344-04:00I came on here looking for answers, but instead I ...I came on here looking for answers, but instead I was thoroughly entertained. Thanks! Now I definately don't know what to do with my life.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12363954429394373764noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16876687.post-62154378629124123602009-09-11T00:45:05.295-04:002009-09-11T00:45:05.295-04:00Wait. What do you mean Brown is free? I'm look...Wait. What do you mean Brown is free? I'm looking at the directing MFA and it's close to $40K. The Phd is free, but it's not production, it's theory.<br /><br />Which Brown MFA is free?your hostesshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02849091721273917525noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16876687.post-49484469962170267672009-06-23T14:55:31.012-04:002009-06-23T14:55:31.012-04:00Yale is definitely not free. However, some program...Yale is definitely not free. However, some programs give assistantships to grad students -- they receive a stipend and tuition and fees are paid, and in exchange they might teach, or work in the shop, or run the box office, or be a teaching assistant. However, the more "prestigious" a program, the less likely they are to have such things for all of their students (although there may be a limited number). <br /><br />As far as Anonymous of the last comment: the same holds true -- if there is someone (or something) you want to learn with, or you want to teach college, by all means get an MFA. But don't get one because you want to "focus on your art for three years" or "make some connections." Those are really not good reasons to go to grad school. And unless you are independently wealthy, be very careful about schools with high tuition, no matter how "prestigious" -- you will emerge so far in debt that you will be unable to take the low-paying jobs you're likely to get in the early part of your career. Do the math -- multiply the number of years by the amount of loans you're going to have to take out: that is your cost. Now divide that amount by 120 (the number of months to pay the loan off, unless you turn it into a long-term loan like a mortgage), and then add $100 or so for interest and that is the amount of your monthly student loan payment. Example: $120,000 student loans = $1000/month payment plus interest. <br /><br />Good luck.Scott Waltershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06465161646609405658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16876687.post-59087680027282781822009-06-23T02:55:33.201-04:002009-06-23T02:55:33.201-04:00okay so how about an acting MFA. i graduated with ...okay so how about an acting MFA. i graduated with a minor in theater, and h-ave had training outside of college. I havent had any training in a conservatory. It feels like it's something I want to do. I tried out 3 times to NYU with no luck. I am 28 doing the job/auditions. I feel a little stuck in my acting career, so I dont know if this is something I should do, considering my age. However, I love what I do, and would love to have that conservatory training. any thoughts???Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16876687.post-82787176165936535422009-02-17T18:45:00.000-05:002009-02-17T18:45:00.000-05:00Hi there,I've heard that some acting MFA programs ...Hi there,<BR/>I've heard that some acting MFA programs are free (ie Yale.) Is this true? What universities do this? How can they do this? <BR/>Another question I have is about acting conservatories. What do you think about the American Academy of Dramatic Art, and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art? Is the caliber such that the cost is worth it? I have my BA and am trying to figure out my next step into my acting career.<BR/>Thanks!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com