The graduate program combines classes with advanced independent projects. The theatre curriculum includes an active exploration of acting techniques that focus on historical, contemporary, and original texts. Design components include practical design techniques with set, lighting, and costume projects. There are specialized internships or fieldwork with New York City theatres, after the first year of the program. Student actors, directors, playwrights, and designers are encouraged to develop plays, stage readings, and a variety of performances in an environment which balances creative independence with the values of instruction in original work, as well as work with historical perspective.
Students participate in all aspects of the theatre.
Portfolio Project Students keep complete documentation of their work in the program and submit it for approval by the Committee on Graduate Studies in April of their second year. This portfolio includes photographs, programs, scripts, design projects, and important papers or class projects, as well as an evaluation of the student's work in each of the program classes. Portfolios are returned to students upon graduation for their professional use. Fieldwork as Internships Internships in New York theatres and regional companies can be created based on a student's focus and interest, after the first semester of graduate work. This internship is credit bearing and approved by the Program Director.