Author Topic: MFA?  (Read 2956 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

jenndesimone

  • Tourist
  • *
  • Posts: 3
    • View Profile
MFA?
« on: Nov 14, 2007, 01:08 am »
Okay so I got my undergrad degree and worked for a little while before applying for grad school. Well, I'm just finishing up my first semester and I HATE it. It's not what I thought it would be and I am not learning nearly as much as I would like. SO the question is: Stick it out for another year and a half, or leave while I have my sanity and save my money?

Will an MFA be worth it in the long run?

JJC98

  • New to Town
  • **
  • Posts: 16
  • Gender: Female
    • View Profile
  • Affiliations: None
Re: MFA?
« Reply #1 on: Nov 14, 2007, 08:15 am »
that's a great question! Matter of fact, i sorta have the same question. I got my BA in '98, and am starting to think of a career in theatre. i've thought about going back and getting my Masters - but I'm not sure if it would be worth it or i NEED it.

I'm anxious to see the responses to the original question.

Jenn - maybe the best thing you should do is go through your second semester and see how it goes. Maybe it was something more about your prof's teaching techniques. Maybe you've been in the "real world" for a while, and having troubles adjusting back to school. (that's one of my fears)  Talk to your advisor.  either way - good luck!!

sievep

  • Permanent Resident
  • *****
  • Posts: 204
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Affiliations: AGMA
  • Experience: Professional
Re: MFA?
« Reply #2 on: Nov 14, 2007, 10:24 am »
I know stage managers at all different levels who do and don't have an MFA. 

I don't, and I'm able to fill up my calendar fairly easily . . . .so no, I don't think that you HAVE TO have an MFA in order to make it in this business. 
"This lovely light, it lights not me" - Orson Welles

BalletPSM

  • Permanent Resident
  • *****
  • Posts: 226
  • Gender: Female
    • View Profile
  • Affiliations: AEA
  • Current Gig: Stage Management Faculty at Baylor University
  • Experience: Professional
Re: MFA?
« Reply #3 on: Nov 14, 2007, 12:04 pm »
No -- you don't necessarily need an MFA to work as a stage manager.

However, an MFA will open up possibilities for you that you wouldn't have without it -- such as teaching! 
This is a big reason why I want to go back to school at some point.  I would love to teach -- but won't be able to do so without that degree.  Do I need it to get work?  No.  Is it an expense that I am willing incur if I don't get a good fellowship?  No.  But if i apply to a school and they show me enough money so that i don't have to put myself in debt, then I'll definitely go. 

Stage managing is getting to do everything your mom told you not to do - read in the dark, sit too close to the TV, and play with the light switches!

MatthewShiner

  • Forum Moderators
  • *****
  • Posts: 2478
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Affiliations: AEA, SMA
  • Current Gig: Freelance Stage Manager; Faculty for UMKC
  • Experience: Professional
Re: MFA?
« Reply #4 on: Nov 14, 2007, 03:13 pm »
There have been other threads about this before.

The MFA is not a make or break in this business, but it's really about are your marketable in the market you want to be.

You are a business of one person, and you need to be as prepared to enter this workforce and compete with everyone else in the marketplace for jobs.  If you feel you can do that without further education, then go for it.  Why waste the time and the money?  There are positions out there, mostly attached to the education facilities, where it will be tremendously easier for you to work if you have the MFA.

If you have any specific questions, show me an IM.  I am a grad school graduate, and I can go on and on about the pros and cons, but it comes down to a personal choice. 
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Anything posted here as in my own personal opinion, and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of my employer - whomever they be at a given moment in time.

 

riotous