MFA Acting

This is a practice-based programme for those wishing to develop a career as a professional actor, an innovative theatre praxis and an understanding of creative producing in London, the centre of British theatre. The programme is practice-based and industry-facing, aligned with both main stage and contemporary arts practice. The programme gives students the support to develop as theatre directors and, crucially, independent creative producers with the ability to make high quality and innovative performance work. The teaching team are both experienced academics and professional practitioners and have wide networks within the creative industries, including production houses, directors, actors and industry bodies. They will also have the opportunity to work with writers and directors on other MFA programmes in the school or externally. Teaching will take place in the industry standard studio facilities at USS and the professional arts venue Rich Mix.

What You Will Learn

On our fast-paced course, your development as an artist in the studio will be underpinned by a programme called Critical Concepts. This is a series of seminars, presentations and lectures introducing, and centred upon, the theoretical debate around contemporary fine art practice. You will organise and curate group shows, both as part of the curriculum but also beyond it amid east London’s thriving art scene. Previous exhibition venues have included the RK Burt Gallery, Parfitt Gallery, New Realms Gallery, Seven Seven Gallery and Star Gallery.

Through the Professional Practice element of the course, we will encourage you to develop a wide understanding of the relationship between studio practice and the life of a professional artist. There will even be opportunities for you to enjoy work experience. For instance, some of our students have worked with Professor Davey on his art projects in the past.

Your Future Career

The work you will be doing with theatre professionals and the constructive help and advice you will receive from your course tutors throughout your course is all geared towards helping you establish yourself in the industry. Your final degree show will act as your showcase to attract agents and develop your professional networks.

By having your own mentor in the last six months of your course, you will not only gain important insight and advice about the technical aspects of theatre directing but you will receive invaluable help in developing important contacts.