Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
MFA Program in Theatre at CSUF
How would you characterize the aesthetic/goals of the MFA program?
This degree is for students who desire a professionally oriented education and
training in design and technical production, acting, or directing. It is the
objective of the department to educate and train highly skilled, motivated
individuals for careers in professional theatre (including television and film)
or for careers as artist-teachers in college or university theatre. Only those
who demonstrate an exceptional talent, a high degree of motivation, and a
deep commitment to their education and training will be admitted into the
program. The highest academic and creative standards will be demanded
throughout the program. A positive attitude and a rigid sense of theatre
discipline are essential for success in the program.
What are the production opportunities (acting, directing, designing)?
The department mounts 12-15 major productions each year in five venues.
Often sold out before opening night, productions run from one to three weeks,
providing the opportunity for students to learn the joy and challenge of
continuing to develop a production with a paying audience. Graduate actors
are guaranteed a role in each semester of residency. Graduate directors direct
three fully-realized theatrical productions, and a number of other projects, in
our state-of-the-art theatres.
What are the CSUF facilities like?
In 2008, we opened our new Performing Arts Center, which adds to our
existing facilities, and includes several state-of-the-art theatres, rehearsal
rooms, dance studios, sound, makeup, lighting, scenic and costume shops
and studios. Our performance spaces include:
Little Theatre (500-seat proscenium)
Young Theatre (250-seat thrust)
Hallberg Theatre (150-seat black box)
Arena Theatre (125-seat flex)
Grand Central Theatre (50-seat intimate flex)
Television/Film Studio
Are internships available?
Yes. CSUF students regularly work at several of Southern California’s
leading theatres, film and television studios, including South Coast Repertory,
A Noise Within, Mark Taper Forum, NBC, CBS, Paramount Studios,
Shakespeare Orange County, etc.
What are CSUF Theatre alumni up to?
Upon obtaining an MFA from Cal State Fullerton, you are part of a family of
CSUF alumni that includes critically-acclaimed producers, directors, casting
directors, actors, stage managers, screenwriters, designers, technicians,
playwrights, etc. Current and recent alumni are working or have worked in
the following venues: Broadway: Wicked, The Drowsy Chaperone, A Chorus
Line, The Producers, Homebody/Kabul, Hairspray, Altar Boyz, Momma Mia,
Beauty and the Beast, and Les Miserables; International/National Tours:
Hairspray, Miss Saigon, Hair, and Camelot; Regional Theatre: Oregon
Shakespeare Festival, South Coast Repertory; Film: Spider-man 2, Fargo,
Beauty and the Beast, Homeward Bound and Men in Black II; TV: Desperate
Housewives, Ugly Betty, 24, Boston Public, General Hospital, LAX, JAG,
Criminal Minds, Married with Children, Sleeper Cell, and The Young and the
Restless.
Do I need to have a B.A. in Theatre in order to apply? What are the
prerequisites for admission?
Not necessarily. It is required that you have a B.A., B.F.A. or M.A. from an
accredited college or university, preferably with a major in theatre; or a degree
in a related field and extensive work in technical design and production,
acting, or directing. Other prerequisites are: minimum GPA of 3.0 in all
upper-division undergraduate work in theatre; minimum GPA of 2.75 for the
last half of the undergraduate program is also required; completion of any
additional prerequisites which may be required by the Graduate Adviser prior
to admission and classification.
Do I need to take the GRE before applying to CSUF?
No. You do not need to take the GRE before applying to the MFA program at
CSUF. If you are accepted into the program, you will need to satisfy the
GWR (Graduate Writing Requirement) within the first year of residency.
How many years does it take to get an MFA at CSUF?
Three. The MFA program at CSUF requires three (3) years of residency. It is
not possible to complete the program in less than three years, or to attend parttime.
Can I “double major”?
No. Graduate study in each of the areas of emphasis is extremely demanding.
There is only enough time for students to complete their course and
production responsibilities, and students do not have time to hold down a job,
or fulfill requirements of an additional degree or area of emphasis within the
department. Students choose one of the following areas of emphasis: Acting,
Directing, or Design and Production.
Is there financial aid, scholarships, etc. available?
Yes. The department offers a number of scholarships, assistantships, and paid
work opportunities in the classroom, scenery shops, library, and production
office. CSUF nominates incoming graduate students for out-of-state tuition
waivers for student who are not already residents of the State of California,
however all students are responsible for in-state tuition and fees. To help
offset these costs, MFA candidates may receive either a graduate assistantship
or a teaching assistantship, depending on individual qualifications and
background. In addition, students may apply for supplementary financial aid,
which is administered through the University Financial Aid Office.
http://www.fullerton.edu/financialaid/
Do graduate students teach?
All Acting and Directing MFA Candidates teach undergraduate
courses each semester (depending on performance) during residency.
Is there a “cut” in the MFA program?
Not necessarily. We don’t plan to dismiss any students from the program, but
under some circumstances, we feel that it is necessary. At the end of each
semester of the first year, each M.F.A. candidate is evaluated by a faculty
committee. The committee, by recommendation to the Associate Vice
President for Graduate Studies, has the authority to retain, dismiss, or place
candidates on probation. To be retained in the M.F.A. Acting Program,
students must prepare an acting demonstration (jury) at the end of their first
year of study. The performance faculty will assess each student at this time
and determine if the student warrants retention or dismissal from the program
based on a set of predetermined criteria. In addition to the acting jury, each
student will also be assessed on professionalism, collegiality and progress in
coursework and departmental productions.
Is there a graduate showcase for the MFA Actors?
Yes. At the conclusion of graduate study at CSUF, actors are introduced to the
profession with a showcase in Los Angeles, fully produced, directed and
designed by Cal State Fullerton.
What do I need to do to prepare for an audition?
If you are auditioning at CSUF, prepare two contrasting monologues to show
range, one dramatic, one comedic, totaling 3 minutes. If you would like to
sing, bring recorded accompaniment and sing 16 bars. Download the
Handbook for Actors and Coaches for assistance in preparing your audition:
www.urta.com.
Will CSUF be at the URTA (University/Resident Theatre Association) National
Unified Auditions in New York, Chicago, and San Francisco?
Representatives will be in attendance in New York and Chicago but not
San Francisco.
Should I audition and/or interview at CSUF?
Yes. If at all possible, travel to CSUF to audition. Otherwise, attend the
URTA auditions in New York or Chicago. If neither of these options is
available, we will accept video auditions, but this is not recommended.
What is the deadline for the Design and Production area?
March 1.
Can I visit the campus?
Yes! We encourage visits throughout the year. Discover for yourself what
we’re all about.
How do I apply?
Applications are now being accepted for Fall 2014 admission to the Acting,
Directing, Design and Production areas.
The MFA in Acting is an alternate year program. The next class, strictly
limited to 10 students, will begin study in Fall 2014. Auditions will be held
in Spring 2014, as part of the University/Resident Theatre Association’s
(URTA) Unified Auditions and Interviews, and separately in Fullerton.
The MFA in Directing is also an alternate year program. Only one candidate
is selected in this program. The next MFA directing candidate will begin
study in Fall 2014, with selection beginning in Spring 2014.
The MFA in Design and Production accepts a limited number of candidates
each year. Selection for these programs is based on production books,
portfolios and interviews. Please send your resume/portfolio to the faculty
member who heads your area of interest, and they will contact you for an
appointment if interested. Design and Production faculty also attend the
URTA National Unified Auditions and Interviews.
There is a two-step process for applying to the MFA Program in Theatre:
1. Obtain an Intent to Apply form, either on the department’s web site
(http://www.fullerton.edu/arts/documents/Theatre_MFA_intenttoapply.p
df) or by calling the department office (657) 278-3628. Submit the Intent
to Apply form, along with the other information requested on that form.
Actors: If you would like to audition at CSUF, note that on the form, and
then you will receive notification of the time and location of your
audition via email. The on-campus CSUF auditions will take place on
Sunday, February 9, 2014. If you don’t receive notification of your
audition time slot by January 15, please contact David Nevell at
dnevell@fullerton.edu. If you are planning to interview or audition
through URTA in New York, Chicago, your audition/interview
information is administered through URTA. Contact URTA for more
details: www.urta.com.
Directors: All students wishing to apply for the MFA Directing program
and looking to be granted an interview must send the following by
February 1, 2014.
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Statement of Purpose essay.
A theatrical résumé (include all experience: directing, acting,
design, stage management, etc.).
Sample photos of past productions. (4 or 5 photos is sufficient)
Do not send video.
Intent to Apply form.
3 current letters of recommendation: one academic, one from
someone very familiar with your work as a director, and one
personal.
Please send materials to:
Mark Ramont
Head of Directing
Department of Theatre and Dance California State
University, Fullerton PO Box 6850
Fullerton, Ca. 92834
Applicants for Directing may also submit their materials electronically by
emailing materials to mramont@fullerton.edu. Materials must be
formatted as PDF, except sample photos, which may be PDF or JPG.
Please submit COMPLETE files ONLY; applications emailed with
missing materials will be returned.
Interviews will be scheduled in mid-to-late March, dependent on the
availability of the candidate and faculty.
2. Formally apply to the University, by submitting the online application and
fee: http://www.csumentor.edu/admissionapp/grad_apply.asp. The deadline
for completing online applications is March 1st for admission the following
fall semester; mailed applications also need to be postmarked by March 1st.
This deadline may change based upon enrollment projections. Check the
university graduate studies website for current information
http://www.fullerton.edu/graduate