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Hi Taylor,
So, I am currently looking into MFA programs... my goal is teaching theatre at a University Level, possibly continuing on to a PhD. I currently hold a BA in Performing Arts w/ emphasis in Acting/Directing. Since graduating, I have worked about three years for different theatre companies doing various things (Acting, Make up design, scene painting, asst. directing, etc...).
I have been looking into Theatre Education programs (not too many out there) and the only one I noticed who offered an MFA was Boston University. Of course I know there are many MFA's out there in Acting, but I'm having trouble figuring out what might be best to go into if my initial intent is to teach at a university.
Would you have any suggestions? Any help or advice would be great!
Hi Nikki,
Wow, you have me stumped!
This is an area I can't really give advice in. I'm afraid it will require a lot of web searches and phone calls. Many of the teachers I know are actors who teach under a "resident artist" label with universities. No doubt, it is best to go with a sheep skin, as they say, than trying to be hired without it. -Especially if you haven't an established career you are coming from. While many schools would jump at the chance to have a veteran actor come wow the kids, absent that, you would need credentials.
You might try a backwards approach and try to locate universities in areas you would want to settle in, and try to speak with the chairman to ask what career advice he or she would give on requirements needed...as well as opportunities out there to fill...
Best,
Taylor
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Answers by Expert:
Taylor Sheppard
Expertise
I can answer questions: on starting a career in acting, mistakes in acting, etiquette when dealing with industry contacts, finer points on how to act, and things to avoid in the field.
Experience
I have been a professional actor 21 years, with appearances in TV, Film and commercials. I have made good decisions and potentially damaging mistakes. I believe anyone who has a dream deserves to explore it, and I take their aspirations seriously. That being said, I do not pull punches. I try to be tactful, but I will not lie to someone, honesty is more effective. My last film role was in "Teeth" which was picked for Sundance in January 2007. It was sold to Lionsgate and Weinstein Co. for somewhere over 2.5 million. The role was "Mr. Griffith", a sex-ed teacher.
Organizations
Ciao Agency-Austin/Georgetown, Texas. (Formerly known as Donna Adams Agency. Matthew McConaughey was a good friend and fellow member. I also have belonged to agencies in three other Texas cities, but they have since closed.) TXMPA -Texas Motion Picture Alliance. Various other internet networking web rings as well as Actors Access. I was instrumental in advising actress Krista Allen on getting her career in acting started in Austin,Texas (we worked at the same Health Club in the early '90's).
Publications
Previously wrote on a now defunct website such as this one. I enjoyed helping new actors.
Education/Credentials
I have acted for 21 years. I studied under James Nelson Harrell as well as other talented actors at Southwest Texas State University. After college, I have taken classes with Julliard graduate Mona Lee, Bill Johnson, Van Brookes, Marco Perella and others in Austin Texas. I am constantly attending classes to maintain my edge and explore new directions. In addition to attending strictly acting classes, I have also taken business workshops with respected casting directors, such as Shari Rhodes ("Jaws","Close Encounters", "Raggedy Man".) Barbara Brinkley, Jo Edna Bolden and Donise Hardy, (Castingworks LA).
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