CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY · UNITED STATES
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Acting
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
36 mo
Duration
0.0
IELTS
€0k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- Top-ranked acting program by The Hollywood ReporterGlobal Recognition
- Full tuition waiver and annual living stipendFinancial Support
- 8 students admitted every other year from 1000+ applicantsHighly Selective
- Three-year residency and performance opportunities at Tony Award-Winning Cleveland Play HouseProfessional Experience
- Membership in Actors’ Equity Association upon graduationCareer Advantage
- New York City Showcase for industry professionalsIndustry Exposure
The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Acting at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) is a highly selective, three-year conservatory program offered in collaboration with the Tony Award-winning Cleveland Play House (CPH). This program is designed for dedicated actors seeking intensive training and professional experience. You'll gain rigorous conservatory training in acting, voice, speech, movement, period styles, and stage combat, taught by CWRU faculty, CPH resident artists, and guest artists. The small class size, admitting only eight students every other year, allows for a tailored curriculum to meet individual training needs. Students benefit from invaluable professional experience, including mainstage and understudy opportunities with Cleveland Play House. The program culminates in a third-year residency at CPH, where you will perform and understudy in their mainstage season. Additionally, you will participate in a New York City Showcase for industry professionals and gain membership in Actors' Equity Association upon successful completion, preparing you for a sustained career in the performing arts.
Curriculum
The three-year MFA program at CWRU and Cleveland Play House offers a comprehensive curriculum, integrating rigorous conservatory training with professional theatre experience.
- Years 1 & 2
- Acting
- Voice
- Speech
- Movement
- Period Styles
- Stage Combat
- Year 3
- Acting for the Camera
- Audition Technique
- Professional Development
Frequently asked questions
- What financial support is available for the MFA in Acting program?
- The program provides complete financial support, including a full tuition waiver, healthcare, and a competitive annual living stipend for all three years of study. This funding is awarded automatically to all admitted students.
- What is the duration and structure of the MFA in Acting program?
- This is a three-year conservatory program. Years 1 and 2 focus on intensive training in acting, voice, speech, movement, period styles, and stage combat. Year 3 includes acting for the camera, audition technique, professional development, and a residency at Cleveland Play House.
- How selective is the MFA in Acting program?
- The program is highly selective, admitting only eight students every other year. It is ranked as a top acting program by The Hollywood Reporter.
- What professional experience and career advantages does the program offer?
- Students gain professional experience through mainstage and understudy opportunities at the Tony Award-winning Cleveland Play House, culminating in a third-year residency. Graduates also participate in a New York City Showcase and gain membership in Actors' Equity Association.
- How do I apply to the MFA in Acting program?
- Prospective students must complete an online application through the Case Western Reserve University graduate admissions portal and register for auditions, which are conducted nationwide and internationally. Auditions are a critical part of the selection process.
Fees
Tuition (international)Full tuition waiver
Tuition (home)Full tuition waiver
LivingCompetitive annual stipend (spread over 9 months of study)
The Case Western Reserve-Cleveland Play House MFA in Acting Program provides complete financial support to each graduate student, including a full tuition waiver, healthcare, and a competitive annual living stipend for all three years of study.
How to apply
1. Application SubmissionComplete the online application through the Case Western Reserve University graduate admissions portal. This will typically include personal details, academic history, and any required essays or statements.
2. Audition RegistrationOnce your application is submitted, you will receive information on how to register for auditions. Auditions are conducted nationwide and internationally.
3. Audition ProcessAttend your scheduled audition. This will involve performing prepared pieces as specified by the program, and may include callbacks or interviews.
4. Selection and OfferCandidates are selected based on their application, audition performance, and potential to thrive in the rigorous conservatory environment. Successful applicants will receive an offer of admission, which includes full financial support.
Scholarships
CWRU/CPH MFA Acting Program Full ScholarshipFull tuition waiver, competitive annual living stipend, and healthcare
Accreditation
The MFA Professional Actor Training Program is a collaboration between Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland Play House, which is one of the oldest academic theatre programs in the United States and the nation's first regional theatre, respectively.
Frequently asked questions
What financial support is available for the MFA in Acting program?
+
The program provides complete financial support, including a full tuition waiver, healthcare, and a competitive annual living stipend for all three years of study. This funding is awarded automatically to all admitted students.
What is the duration and structure of the MFA in Acting program?
+
This is a three-year conservatory program. Years 1 and 2 focus on intensive training in acting, voice, speech, movement, period styles, and stage combat. Year 3 includes acting for the camera, audition technique, professional development, and a residency at Cleveland Play House.
How selective is the MFA in Acting program?
+
The program is highly selective, admitting only eight students every other year. It is ranked as a top acting program by The Hollywood Reporter.
What professional experience and career advantages does the program offer?
+
Students gain professional experience through mainstage and understudy opportunities at the Tony Award-winning Cleveland Play House, culminating in a third-year residency. Graduates also participate in a New York City Showcase and gain membership in Actors' Equity Association.
How do I apply to the MFA in Acting program?
+
Prospective students must complete an online application through the Case Western Reserve University graduate admissions portal and register for auditions, which are conducted nationwide and internationally. Auditions are a critical part of the selection process.