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Does anyone have any inside tips on universities or conservatories with excellent theatre programs?

Specifically, I’m looking for M.A. in Theatre/Performance Studies and M.F.A. in Acting degree programs.

Just thought someone might have an inside scoop.

I know that the U of Minnesota has a good tech program (I’m starting this fall!), but I don’t know about the acting program. However, you can check out this page: http://cla.umn.edu/theatre/theatre_program/grad.html. It may have some of the information you want to see. The one thing I’m pretty sure about the U here is that if you do anything with the theatre program, you’ll make gazillions of contacts with all sorts of professionals.

Jo…

I don’t think I’ve ever called you Jo before.

U Minnesota has an EXCELLENT theatre program and offer everything but the thing I want. Great MFAs in directing and design, excellent MA and PhD work, but no Acting MFA. Blast. Amanda’s pretty interested in the MA/PhD program, so maybe I can get some work in the city while she goes to school.

Are you unbelievably excited to do your design work? I think it’s fantastic that you’re doing it…

you’ve never called me jo? ;)
That’s too bad that the U doesn’t have the program you want. Shoot.
And yes, I am really excited to start classes— I don’t know what to expect, but I’m sure it’ll be totally different from math. I think I heard that I’ll be in charge of a painting crew. Who knows how that will go…

I’ve heard good things about a masters program in Florida. (How’s that for a potential wild goose chase?)

I’ve taught writing at Columbia College in Chicago, but have heard that their theater program is not so good. I have heard better things about DePaul in Chicago, but I don’t know if they have a masters program.

So, Florida, then.

Thanks BC!

Actually, I have checked out both De Paul and FSU…they both have MFA programs and both hae great reputations. With FSU’s, you get to spend a few months in London and also get to work with the Asolo Theatre Company in Sarasota. Have you been there Grant? That’s pretty close to Bradenton, isn’t it?

I’m going to hone in on your post here Jason.
How about programs for Theatre History? Anybody know of anything. I think Dr. K did his work in Minneapolis…I think. I believe Brockett may still be teaching somewhere in Texas. Anybody know anything else?
FSU does have a fantastic theatre program by the way, both grad and undergrad. I’ve heard great things about the undergrad department at the U of Miami. I’m not sure about the grad program and I do know that undergrad tuition was something around 30K. Obscene.
Norb

Jason,

I’ve been to a few Asolo productions in Sarasota (just south of Bradenton). I don’t know much about the school except that it’s well-respected and the acting seemed very good both times I went. I also saw a picture of a young Paul Reuben (that’s Mr. PeeWee Herman to you) performing on the Sarasota stage in the lobby of the theatre, so that’s definitely worth something.

Grant.

You know what I always say: If it’s good enough for Pee-Wee, it’s good enough for me!