Degree: Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
Field of Study: Theater Arts

Program Overview

In 1996, Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland Play House joined forces to create a Master of Fine Arts program in acting. The MFA is a terminal professional degree, and candidacy for the program requires an undergraduate degree, some theatrical experience, or demonstrable potential for work at the graduate level. In addition, candidates must provide evidence of technical skill and creative ability through the audition process.

At the end of each semester in residence, each student's progress is evaluated. Only students who have clearly demonstrated growth and excellence are permitted to remain in the program. The award of the MFA degree is contingent upon the student’s academic progress and upon the assessment on the part of the faculty that the candidate possesses the potential to work in the field of theater on a professional level.

Graduate Policies

For graduate policies and procedures, please review the School of Graduate Studies section of the General Bulletin.

Program Requirements

Requirements for the MFA degree include:

1. 82 credit hours of graduate work beyond the bachelor’s degree
2. A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 for all course work on the graduate level
3. Completion of the course requirements for the MFA Thesis Portfolio
4. Successful completion of the third-year internship at Cleveland Play House

Course requirements for the MFA in acting are as follows: