CURRICULUM - Acting/Performance

Come play with us!

The MFA program in Acting at UMKC is like no other program in this country. We offer a unique course of study that values both classroom training and hands-on production experience. We believe in both the strength of a classical theatre heritage and the power of new contemporary voices in the theatre. We aim to learn from the masters at the same time that we step forward into the future of American Theatre. We believe in theatre that is engaged in public issues.

Our curriculum is flexible and allows for the changing demands of the profession and our faculty and student body. We believe that actors come in many shapes and sizes and that no one career or training goal applies to every student. We teach our classes in both the semester long tradition and in short, intensive blocks which allow for concentrated study in a particular area of specialization. Although subject to change, a typical progression of classes might look as follows:
 

Year One

Acting I and II
Theatre History
Text Analysis
Ballroom Dance
Acrobatics
Voice
Movement
 

Year Three

Professional Development
New York Showcase
Acting for the Camera

Year Two

Acting III and IV
Singing
Stage Combat
Commedia dell’Arte
Clown
Voice
Movement