Description
The master of fine arts in acting at the University of Nebraska Lincoln is devoted to the development of working professional actors. Actors who can make for themselves a successful professional life in an extraordinarily competitive field, and who possess the skills, insight, intelligence and vision to create the theatre of the future.

Once every three years a gifted group of actors are selected to participate in a our classical acting training program rooted in Shakespeare and classical realism. The group is small to insure individualized attention. We believe it is from the expansion of voice, body, mind and heart required to do Shakespeare successfully, that we can then train an actor to do the more realistic size of contemporary realism and the subtleties of acting for film. We are committed to:

• Five semesters of shows selected for these actors: Shakespeare, classical realism, comedy, styles and dialect pieces. Some class projects will culminate in juried performances.
• Acting classes: Individual work focused on combining vocal, physical and emotional technique using scene study and the plays selected for mainstage performance as our lens.
• Individualized movement training: Through the implementation of various movement techniques the actor is prepared to move organically and to successfully build physical characterizations. Part of the training is dedicated to the actor earning a certification in stage combat.
• Individualized vocal training: Here the focus is on voice production, beginning with the breath, using relaxation to connect body, mind and spirit, with emphasis on English language dialects.
• An audition course: Emphasizing all stage genres and on-camera techniques
• An acting for the camera course: Emphasis on practical application of acting training to film, television and commercials.
• Three years of teaching: The best way to learn is to teach. When aided by strong faculty mentorship, we believe understanding deepens in actors as they articulate what they are learning by teaching others.
• A musical theatre class: A beginning course in audtioning for and singing in Musicals. Opportunities for additional course work and on-going private voice lessons.
• A directing for the actor class: The fundamentals of directing viewed from how an actor can develop a director's eye even from inside the play.
• A showcase: A piece developed to show off the skills of this class for talent buyers.
• Professional forum: agents, casting directors and theatre company managers invited to see performances, give feedback and offer master classes. Planned throughout the senior year of study.
• Nebraska Repertory Theatre: Opportunities for performance with Actor's Equity Association actors while earning A.E.A. Membership Candidacy points.
• Summer work: A commitment to audition training, and travel to auditions to aid in finding summer acting work.