After SHSU: Grad School #3

3. De Paul University MFA Acting

Description:
The Theatre School’s Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in Acting is a
highly truthful, yet expressive, physical acting programinformed by
our Chicago roots that prepares actors to work on stage and screen all
over the world. The first year experience is about expanding the size
and specificity of the actor’s skill, imagination, and drive. The next
year intensifies scenic study of a diverse spectrum of dramatic
literature, with a strong path of ensemble creation and studentgenerated
work. The final year puts the work in the context of the
profession, connects the student to artistic and industry leaders while
refining the actor’s entrepreneurial spirit through company created
works and independent cinema experience.
Students learn from a distinguished faculty of working professionals
who possess a wide variety of backgrounds and expertise. Our faculty
has spent many years developing successful, personal and powerful
curricula that mine a diversity of ideas from Stanislavski, Spolin,
Grotowski, Shurtleff, Lessac, Linklater, Yoga, Tai Chi, Feldenkrais®
Method, Laban, mask work and more. Students are inspired through
unique points-of-view within a comprehensive three-year progression
of acting, movement and voice and speech curricula.
Equally important to the training students receive in the classroom is
the opportunity they have to synthesize that learning in the production
process, with each student completing five production assignments
during their three years in the program.

Admissions:
Application along with Resume, GRE results, Photgraph.

Auditions and Interviews. An audition is required for all Acting Program applicants. An audition and interview is by invitation for Directing Program finalists. Applicants to the Arts Leadership Program will be invited to interview if selected as semi-finalists after the initial application review.

Admissions Decisions. Admissions decisions are made and communicated after all applicants have auditioned or interviewed. The Theatre School does not operate an early action, early acceptance or rolling admissions process. Decisions are communicated in writing and are mailed mid-March with a May 1 response deadline. Decisions cannot be communicated over the phone or by email. Only applicants who have completed all admissions requirements will be considered for admission.

Scholarships. Every applicant to The Theatre School, provide he or she has completed all admissions application requirements, is automatically considered for talent scholarships without an additional audition, interview or application.

Incoming graduate scholarships generally range from $14,000 to $16,000 annually and are one-year awards; scholarships may be renewed annually as part of each student’s annual evaluation. Incoming scholarships are awarded in the admissions decision letter.
Financial Aid. There are two types of need-based financial aid available to admitted graduate students –loans and work study. To be considered for a need-based financial aid package, applicants must submit a valid Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Tuition. The Theatre School’s tuition is billed as a guaranteed package rate, meaning you pay one flat fee each year for all of your coursework and production work and you are billed the same rate each year you are in a program for up to three years. In other words, your tuition rate is locked in at the tuition rate you pay in your first year of the program. Tuition for graduate students entering in the fall of 2008 is $26,900. Tuition is billed in thirds and due at the beginning of each quarter.

This is my dream school. De Paul University also has a program that allows graduate acting students to work at their Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) on Navy Pier as ushers while completing their masters.