Frequently Asked Questions
(This information is in addition to the program character description found on the SLC’s
theatre program website homepage. Be sure and read that first at:
http://www.slc.edu/theatre/Program_Character.php)
Creating a Course of Study
Q:
What is meant by an “interdisciplinary” MFA program?
A:
We believe that the best way to train theatre artists is to provide an education
composed of all the many disciplines that comprise at the art of making theatre. Our
program is designed so that you are encouraged to investigate areas of the theatre that
you may not be familiar with, and to strengthen those areas where you already excel. You
create your own course of study under the guidance and advice of the faculty and John
Dillon, the program director. You are not required to declare an area of principal
emphasis (such as acting, directing, playwriting, etc.) and you may find your interests
shift during your time at Sarah Lawrence. Such shifts are not infrequent and don’t require
approval.
Q:
How do I create my own course of study?
A:
Because your course of study is unique to you, you will spend several days during
registration week in interviews with the faculty. These one-on-one interviews will be the
primary basis for your decision as to which “components” (or classes) you will take. We
call classes “components” because it’s possible to take a component from one of the other
performing arts programs (Music or Dance), and also to distinguish between the Theatre
Program and other departments on campus that don’t have this same self-created course
of study.
Q:
What is meant by an “integrated” MFA program?
A:
Because the other two performing arts programs (Music and Dance) use the
“component” system also, you may take components in those disciplines as part of your
MFA in Theatre. (Since the rest of the college classes operate on an “academic third”
basis, courses from other departments outside Dance and Music can’t be included in a
theatre graduate student’s course of study. For a more complete explanation of “academic
thirds,” check the FAQ for undergraduate theatre students at
http://my.slc.edu/ics/Campus_Life/Campus_Groups/Theatre_Program/).
The other way in which the Program is integrated is that most classes you’ll take
will include advanced undergraduates as well as fellow graduate students. This allows us
to cooperatively share resources with both programs and to be able to offer students over
fifty components from which to choose.
Q:
A:
What classes are required? What is the work load?
There are only two required classes in the MFA Program: Graduate Seminar (for
graduate students only) and Theatre Forum. Other than these, your classes with be
chosen by you, according to your interests and needs, with the understanding that you
will create a course of study that is interdisciplinary and which explores aspects of
making theatre that are new to you. The work load for students varies somewhat, and you
will be given guidance and advice on this by the faculty and John Dillon, the program
director.
Q:
What is Theatre Forum?
A:
Theatre Forum is a monthly meeting featuring guest speakers and artists as well
as program information and announcements. Every theatre student must attend this
monthly Forum, usually held on Tuesdays from 2:00 until 3:30 PM (if you have a
legitimate conflict, you’ll be given a make-up assignment in lieu of attendance).
Q:
A:
How long does it take to complete the program?
Full time students complete the program in two years.
Q:
What is the class schedule like?
A:
Graduate students usually take from six to eight components (not including
Theatre Forum and Graduate Seminar). Some classes meet once a week, some twice and
most classes are two hours long (though there are some that meet once a week for four
hours). How often a class meets is not a guide to the workload, so it’s important to ask
that of the teacher during your registration week interview. Because of the flexibility you
have in creating your own course of study, you can carve out time for internships, if
you’re interested.
Q:
What kinds of internships are available?
A:
Internships are available in all aspects of theatre, both in NYC and in the
surrounding area. The Theatre Program will help to place you in stimulating internships,
based on your interests. Internships don’t have to be taken for credit but you must enroll
in the Internship Conference component in the Theatre Program for the internship to be
part of your official course of study. Internships are not recommended in the first
semester of your first year of graduate study.
Q:
How are courses graded?
A:
Faculty write detailed evaluations of each student’s work. Most courses have
final grades; a few (like Theatre Forum) are Pass/Fail.
Q:
A:
Whom should I contact if I have more questions about your program?
You can contact faculty member Allen Lang at ALang@slc.edu
Registration:
Q:
How does registering for the Theatre Components work?
A:
During registration week, you are required to attend a meeting for all students
interested in taking theatre classes. (There are two meetings, on Tuesday and Wednesday
at 11 AM, and you may attend either one.)
At these meetings, you’ll learn how to register for theatre components using our
on-line registration form. Your on-line theatre registration form will ask you for alternate
choices in case you do not get the courses you requested. Have a couple of alternates
ready.
Q:
How many components should I interview for?
A:
You MUST interview for all courses that you have entered into the on-line
registration form – including your alternates. If you have not interviewed with the
relevant faculty member, you will not appear on her/his acceptance list, and therefore will
not be accepted into the class. So, for instance, if you think you want seven components,
interview with at least nine or ten teachers so that you have two or three alternates.
Production:
Q:
How many and what kind of productions do you do?
A:
The Theatre Program presents many types of productions with multiple
opportunities for students to direct, act, design, produce or create the script.
Approximately eight mainstage productions, directed by faculty, guest artists and
students, are planned each year. These plays range from classic to modern plays to
original student work.
Informal readings of new plays are supplemented by at least half a dozen staged
readings of student scripts created during the academic year.
The student run company, DownStage, produces several full-length and one-act
student-directed productions in addition to readings, workshops, and theatrical events
throughout the year.
Guest artists on occasion bring touring productions to our theatres and several of
the Components (such as Directing Workshop, Comedy Workshop, Singing Workshop,
Puppet Central, and others) have performances at the end of the academic year.
Q:
What is the audition process?
A: General acting auditions are held early in both the fall and spring semesters for
actors who wish to be considered for roles in Theatre Program mainstage productions,
workshops and readings.
Q:
What is DownStage?
A:
DownStage is both a component and a student-run theatre. A select group of
undergraduate and graduate students, who have been chosen for this component, organize
and manage a theatre season, using the DownStage Theatre space. Students handle all
aspects of producing including creating a statement of purpose, choosing a season,
managing budgets, schedules, advertising, and technical supervision. Students in the class
gain hands-on training in all aspects of the theatre and are expected to perform a variety
of production jobs throughout the season.
Q:
And how are productions chosen?
A: Student directors and playwrights are invited to submit production proposals in
both the fall and spring semesters that are then made available to the entire theatre faculty
for review. The times and process for submitting proposals are announced at Theatre
Forum by the program’s artistic director, Allen Lang
Applying to Sarah Lawrence:
Q:
What is the application process?
A:
The application can be mailed to you, or you can download the application from
the Sarah Lawrence College Web site: http://www.slc.edu.
The application, fee, and supporting documents must be mailed to: Sarah
Lawrence College, Graduate Studies Admissions, 1 Mead Way, Bronxville, NY 10708.
Q:
What is the application process timeline?
A:
The application deadline is January 1. In early February selected applicants are
invited to come to campus to interview with the faculty, attend classes and meet current
graduate students.
Q:
Is it possible to send supporting documents separately?
A:
Yes, however you should keep in touch to let us know when to expect missing
pieces and to make sure that all your documents have finally been received. Transcripts
from an undergraduate institution must be in a sealed envelope. Letters of
recommendation must be sent directly from the recommender or from you in a sealed
envelope with the recommender’s signature across the flap. Everything should be sent to
the attention of the Graduate Studies office.
Q:
A:
Do you require GREs?
SLC does not require GRE scores.
Q:
A:
How many applicants are accepted each year?
We can accept a maximum of 13 students per year.
Q:
Can I enroll in the program on a part-time basis?
A:
It’s difficult, given the intense nature of the training, however exceptions can be
made in extraordinary circumstances.
Q:
Can I visit Sarah Lawrence College?
A:
Yes. Please contact Manny Lomax at elomax@sarahlawrence.edu in Graduate
Admissions.
Q:
What are the tuition costs?
A:
A basic outline of tuition and costs can be found at
http://www.slc.edu/studentaccounts/Graduate_Tuition_and_Costs.php Specific details
will be discussed in the interview sessions.
Q:
What kind of financial aid is available and how do I apply?
A:
Applicants receive a booklet on financial aid options, which are also discussed in
the interviews. If you need more information, please contact: Susan Guma, dean of
Graduate Studies at sguma@sarahlawrence.edu or Roberta Daskin, Financial Aid at:
rdaskin@sarahlawrence.edu.
Q:
What additional fees can I expect to incur at Sarah Lawrence?
A:
Additional expenses depend on individual circumstances. In general:
Parking on campus is $100/semester. Books are either recommended or required per
instructor preference, and students spend $500/semester on average
General information:
Q:
How far away is the College from the airports?
A:
Westchester Airport in White Plains is 20-30 minutes, but it’s small and service is
limited.
LaGuardia Airport is 30 minutes driving and 1-2 hours by public transportation.
JFK Airport is a one-hour drive.
Newark Airport is in New Jersey, but is approximately a one-hour drive.
Q:
How do I get from the airport to the College?
A:
Cab or car service is the easiest. Public transportation is available to New York
City, and trains from Grand Central Terminal go to Bronxville.
Q:
How can I find a place to live?
A:
While there is no college housing for graduate students, SLC has a very good
housing Web board and housing coordinator that you will be given access to in the
summer. You can also use Craigslist.org or the local papers.
Q:
How do I get around?
A:
A car is helpful but not necessary. The College is about a mile from the Metro
North Bronxville train station. There are also buses that run from the campus to the train
station and mall, etc.
Q:
How far is the College from NYC?
A:
30 minutes to Grand Central by train (Metro North), or up to an hour by subway
(the less expensive option).
Q:
Is there College transportation, i.e. bus service?
A:
There is a free nightly shuttle van that meets every train that comes in and goes to
the city after 5 p.m.
Q:
What is the campus social life like for graduate students?
A:
The Graduate Student Senate (GSS) holds monthly meetings that are informative
and party-like. You will find out more about the GSS during orientation.
There is also the daily campus e-mail that details all the campus happenings.
Basically, the social life is what you choose to make of it, and options abound.