Skip to Content

Theatre, M.F.A.

McCausland College of Arts and Sciences

Grow as an artist and hone your skills as an actor, director or designer by working closely with professional faculty members and guest artists. Assistantships and opportunities for financially supported professional internships are available.

In a program designed primarily for those entering the theatre profession, you'll develop a competitive resume or design/technical portfolio while expanding your knowledge and understanding of your craft. Choose from acting, directing, costume design and technology, lighting design or scenic design concentrations.

Program Highlights

  • Sketchbook with pencil icon.

    Design Your Program

    Work with professional faculty mentors in the areas of acting or one of three design areas: costume, lighting or scenic.

  • Magnifying glass icon.

    In-Depth Study

    Enjoy comprehensive and conservatory-style training in your craft plus courses in film, technology and design.

  • Wallet with currency icon.

    Support Available

    Keep your focus on your studies with financial support from assistantships and paid professional internships.

  • Comedy tradegy mask icon.

    Broad Exposure

    Opportunities for study of critical, creative and historical perspectives in the fields of theatre and drama.

What You’ll Study

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the dramatic form through rigorous studio practice and analysis. Actors will express artistic choices of dramatic action and character development through written documentation and performance. Designers will exhibit artistic productions and documentation. Complete a professional internship and thesis project.

Program WebsiteDegree DetailsAdmissions Info

Building Skills

Gain the professional and personal intelligence it takes to have a successful career.

  • Performance

    Presenting oneself creatively through a specific medium to an audience

    Innovation

    Introducing new ideas, methods or products to improve performance or achieve a specific goal

    Organizational Skills

    Planning, prioritizing and managing tasks and resources to achieve specific objectives

  • Collaboration

    Working with others to achieve a common goal or objective

    Communication

    Exchanging information and ideas through speaking, writing or other means of expression

    Critical Thinking

    Analyzing and evaluating information to make informed decisions or judgments

Using your degree

Make your college experience the foundation for a successful future.

Potential Careers

  • Actor
  • Designer
  • Theatre Tech
  • Educator

Workplace Settings

  • Entertainment
  • Performing Arts
  • Education

I can directly link my current success to lessons learned at USC. My third year in the program, I interned at Milwaukee Repertory Theater. That experience offered professional performance opportunities and an in-depth look at how a professional regional theater maintained a resident company.

Rich Remedios

You may also like

Related Degrees

  1. Two students on stage in full costume.
  2. HRSM Alumni standing of a football field talking with athletic coaches.
  3. Music professor pointing to music on a projected smart board.
  4. A close up of an old document from the library archives.
  5. A professor talking with a group of students outside on a sunny day.
  6. Three students talking on the horseshoe at USC.
  7. Professor demonstrating proper conducting technique to a graduate student.
  8. ukuleles hanging on wall of a music class room
  9. Opera performers on stage in full costume.
View all degrees
©