MFA Graduate Internship

The MFA Internship is intended to engage the student in an experience that approaches a traditional apprenticeship in the theatre profession. The challenge of the professional environment itself is considered of greater significance than the title of the particular job assignment.

Ideally the internship will be undertaken away from Memphis in order to explore other theatre environments. Since theatre standards and practice vary considerably, the Internship offers excellent opportunity for exposure to artistic vision and professional practices of colleagues in other settings.

The MFA candidate's graduate education should profit from this broadening of experience. In addition, acquisition of an internship position is good preparation for the experience of finding work in the profession after graduation and is an effective means of establishing professional career connections.

Satisfactory completion of a Graduate Advisory Committee-approved internship is a requirement for graduation. A wide variety of internship possibilities exist in the environments of community, regional professional, summer stock, and commercial theatre.

Though naturally desirable, being paid for the internship work is not a requirement. The Graduate Advisory Committee grants approval of an internship proposal according to the specific merits of a prospectus presented by the student.

Typically, an internship involves at least six to eight weeks' experience in a full-time working theatre environment during the summer months. Full-semester internships during the academic year are also a possibility.The student will receive 6 credit hours upon successful completion of the Internship (graded as "Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory"). Typically, the student registers for 3 hours in each of the semesters following completion of the Internship.