Student Learning Outcomes

Students graduating from this program will:

• Devise collaborative techniques--ensemble movement and creation, collaborative agreements and rehearsal notation in order to collectively work and create with others.
• Analyze a script, in any historical period, in order to understand given circumstances and interpret a role for the stage.
• Produce the appropriate physical and/or vocal technique to support and sustain a full-length theatrical performance in any given genre.
• Create a personal acting technique that allows them to consistently vocally and physically prepare to work, play truthfully on stage, and play an action within a scene.

Program Requirements

The MFA Acting degree at UMKC comprises a three-year, 60-credit-hour professional actor-training program that partners comprehensive performance education alongside partnership opportunities with nationally recognized local professional theatres, including the KC Rep. MFA students are subject to the General Graduate Academic Requirements of the University for graduate study.

First Year

The first year of training is a highly disciplined, process-oriented period of study based on foundations of presence, self-awareness, storytelling and connection. Through ensemble play, building character is the foundation of the actor's exploration. Movement training is focused on awareness and availability through the Alexander Technique, and physical approaches to characterization including neutral, emotional, and character mask work. Voice classes engage in Fitzmaurice Voicework, exploring intensive breath and vocal production, speech as an action, and mastery of textual and spatial demands.

Performance work includes cohort-centered devising and the first-year "Discovery Project", in which acting students are integrated with other graduate candidates and faculty in each area of theatre for text analysis and a collaborative application of research methods.

Second Year

In the second year of training the student actor continues with exploration of Shakespeare and other heightened text, as well as contemporary practices of Meisner work in the studio. Movement studies progress into the ferocious play of commedia dell'arte and personal clown, and the epic storytelling of tragedy and melodrama. Voice classes broaden the application of Fitzmaurice Voicework to meet the demands of heightened text, deep diving into vocal extremes, and refining speech skills through accent acquisition practices. Actors engage with private and ensemble singing, acting on camera, and applying their comprehensive process to audition technique.

Second-year actors continue performance work with guest and faculty directors on new, contemporary, and period plays selected to elevate each cohort's progression through the program.

Third Year

Third-year actors continue to apply their craft to challenging studies while developing skills for professional collaborations. The Conservatory studies include stage combat, voiceover, University performances, and showcase production. Actors will engage in Professional Theatre Partnerships with Equity theatres across the Kansas City metro area, as appropriate to casting and educational needs. The third year culminates in a thesis performance and oral defense. All students who are considered "in good standing" participate in a showcase that meets industry standards.

For a look at our most recent cohort’s work, check out the MFA Acting Showcase of 2024.