I ultimately decided to go. I feel it would really help me in my career progression in the long run. Dana Gamarra, our current mentor, called to some of his contacts at other theatres, and they seem to not have an issue with me having a degree from the same university as my undergrad. Wayne's grad school is not your typical situation of grad schools as well. It actually is a fellowship with Wayne State University, as in the Hilberry is a professional space being used by the university. I am salaried, and receive benefits, along with working full shows on a professional level 2 times a school year. It's more along the lines of having a steady job to do theatre for the next three years while gaining an MFA at the same time. I work exclusively with the theatre, and not at all with department, as far as undergrad goes. The curriculum literally consists of two classes per semester per year associated with stage management, the rest is basic classes and whatnot. This opportnity also gives me the change to explore other areas of theatre, such as lighting design and some costume work. I would like to have that work on my resume as well.
Wayne is not like other grad schools, as my research has shown, and it is also the only one that fully waivers tuition.