What you'll study
Multidisciplinary training with elements of acting, directing, writing and collaborative ensemble practices.
This program, designed specifically for US-based students, is delivered in partnership with National Theater Institute (NTI) in Connecticut.
Study at two different locations:
- National Theater Institute in Connecticut, USA
- Rose Bruford College in London, UK
Why choose this course?
Expert training
Drawing on the benefits and experience of two noteworthy educational institutions with an excellent history of delivering high-quality vocational theater training, you will study performance and theater creation in its totality: acting, directing, playwriting, music theater, theory, history, and dramatic literature, as well as several basic aspects of technical theater.
Unique approach
Designed specifically for US-based candidates, this MFA program offers a unique global degree across two continents. The program uniquely integrates British and American approaches to theater training. This program attracts highly motivated, internationally-minded students who are interested in developing a multimodal practice (including skills in acting, directing, writing, and collaborative ensemble creation) while also focusing on self-sustaining approaches to theater making.
Industry contacts and networking
Build a network and make connections on both sides of the Atlantic. Past and upcoming visiting lecturers, tutors and mentors include: Joyce Henderson, performer with Complicité; Katie Mitchell, theatre and opera director; Claudia de Serpa Soares, Sasha Waltz & Guests ensemble (Berlin, Germany); Billy Barry, ensemble member of Batsheva Dance Company (Israel); Jay Skelton; Mita Pujara and many others.
Graduate Visa
On successful completion of the MFA, students will be eligible to apply for the Graduate visa, granting them permission to stay in the UK for at least 2 years. With a Graduate visa, students can: work in most jobs, look for work, be self-employed, continue living in the UK with partners/children (if they’re eligible), do voluntary work, travel abroad and return to the UK.
Multidisciplinary
Students undertake a practical investigation into contemporary performance, directing and writing, and their relationship to making new ensemble and performance creation.
MFA Course Structure
The MFA program has a unique pattern in that it is taught for two years across two different continents. The program will benefit from the courses already on offer at Rose Bruford College and its international partners which have been developed, structured and used as the springboard to build the MFA.*
- Module 1. Laboratory Intensive (30 credits)
- Module 2. Advanced Practice (30 credits)
- Module 3. Performance skills (30 credits)
- Module 4. Languages of Practice (30 credits)
- Module 5. Performer, Writer, Director as Theater Maker. (60 credits)
- Module 6: Final Independent Project (60 credits)
This final module facilitates the creation of your original creative work. This may be a performance, a conceptual paper, a multi-dimensional proposition of a project that you have developed, and a pitch to professional organisations; it may be the practical articulation of your own practice or a model and vision for your future organisation.
It could be a book or a proposition for a PhD; it may be presenting your Research and Development for a theatre production or creating a showreel, professional portfolio, and audition material.
It will be the culmination and distillation of the practice and vision you have developed over the course of your studies and reflect the integrity and originality of your practice. Your final project can be understood as the proposition launches you into the professional world.
* ITPP course is currently under review. The current guidelines apply to Autumn 2024 entry only.
MFA Year 1
Based at the National Theater Institute, Connecticut, USA.
MFA Year 2
Based at Rose Bruford College in London, UK.
Programme Director, MA/MFA Collaborative Theatre Making & MFA International Theatre Practice and Performance
Read their profile Programme Director, MA/MFA Collaborative Theatre Making & MFA International Theatre Practice and Performance
Ivan Talijančić (he/him) is an international time-based artist, educator and cultural producer working at the intersection of performance, theater, dance, film, video, installation/visual art, new media, fashion, fundraising/development, curatorship, journalism and education.
Read their full profileHow to join
This program is only suitable for US citizens. If you are not a US citizen, you will not be eligible to apply for this course, but you may be interested in one of our other Postgraduate programs.
Course fees
For the MFA (2-year course): £57,156
This fee includes:
- Tuition for the semesters in the US and the UK
- Housing and Food for the US semesters
- One-week residency in New York City
- Local Transport in the US
- Graduation robe hire
- 2 Graduation guests transcripts/degree
Institution code:
Course code:
Entry requirements
Applicants for Masters Programmes will be expected to have a good undergraduate degree in a related subject area. The College also encourages applications from those without formal qualifications who may be accepted on the basis of professional experience.
The application deadline for Postgraduate courses is 29 February 2024.
Application Guidance
Application and self-tape
When you submit your online application you will be asked to submit an application form with digital self-tapes, no more than two minutes each, performed in English:
- Submit a contemporary monologue (no longer than 2 minutes).
- Discuss your interest and motivation to participate in the ITPP course (approximately 3 minutes).
In addition to steps 1 and 2, dependent on your discipline, you are also required to submit a work example. Below are some examples of what you may wish to include:
- If your background is primarily in writing: 10-15 page excerpt (from a script or another form of creative writing of yours).
- If your background is primarily in directing: link to a video excerpt from a fully staged production you have directed (up to 10 minutes,) or a directing portfolio/website.
- If your background is primarily in acting: link to a reel, or a video excerpt from a fully staged production you were featured in (up to 10 minutes).
- Multidisciplinary artists are encouraged to apply: if you are a director / writer / composer, for example, you may submit materials that give a sense of your work in each area.
If you require additional guidance with your submission, you may contact [email protected] for assistance.
In all cases, the selection panel will look for a ability, self-motivation and criticism with an informed enthusiasm capable of sustaining you within the highly rigorous and challenging conditions of the MFA programme.
We charge an audition fee of £35. There will be no subsequent fee should you be called back for any further rounds.
Interview
If successful at Stage 1, applicant is invited to attend a live online interview. The outcome will either be an offer made or application unsuccessful.
Postgraduate course discount for Rose Bruford alumni
We offer a 5% discount on fees for our postgraduate courses for alumni who’ve completed an undergraduate course at Rose Bruford. Get in touch with our Admissions team on [email protected] if you’re a graduate or current undergraduate student to find out more.
Funding and Financial SupportCourse Summary
Duration
MFA 24 Months
Mode of study
Full time
Start date
September 2024
Course Type
Postgraduate Course
Course Fees (2023 Entry)
Course fees for 2024 entry have not been published yet
MFA UK & Republic of Ireland & International Students (240 credits)
£57156