The MFA Audition Isn’t Important

by Amelia Morse

Going through the MFA application process is hard. There are many things you must do to show you’re ready for this. Your audition is obviously the first thing that is important because it’s the first impression the MFA Professors have of you. It may be their first interaction with you in person. It’s the selling point to get you a callback and interview.

Where I see Actors fall short is in the interview. This is why -

Actors are so super focused on all the things they can control - their audition, their application, their letter of intent, etc. They lose sight of the interview because they believe that they can simply regurgitate what they wrote in their Letter of Intent. Having that mindset is actually hurting them more than helping.

The professors in these MFA Programs have already looked at all of your materials. They have watched your audition. They have literally gotten to know you at a distance and in a way that you control. They now want to get to know you when you’re not so polished, ready, and in control.

This isn’t because they secretly are twisting their mustache with an eerie smile waiting to catch you off guard. They actually want to see you as yourself.

The MFA Professors would like to get to know you better. They get an opportunity to see how you handle it when they ask you questions. What has been your role in the Acting, Theatre, and Film communities? What are your long-term goals? What do you want from them and their program? Most importantly - WHY are you here?

These people aren’t here to judge you. They’re wanting to know if you’re a good fit for their program. Will you benefit from being here? Will they be able to give you what you need? Will they be able to give you the enhanced tools for your goals?

These MFA Programs are looking for their ideal Actors and they’re truly hoping you’re one of them. In order for them to find that out, they have to get to know you.

The flip side is the interview is about you and your needs too. During the interview, you will also be given the opportunity to ask them questions.

This is your time to ask them questions you’re curious about. Questions you absolutely need to answer in order to determine if they are right for you too.

One thing I do advise all my Actors is when building their list of questions is determine their level of importance, where can you get your answers, and where do you need to get your answers from. That last part is referring to if you need to hear it from the professors when they’re all together, can you get it from an email response, or is this something you can ask someone else associated with the department?

Remember your time is limited once you’re in the room. This is a very big step you’re taking in your career as an Actor. Use your time wisely and efficiently. It’s more than just getting into a MFA Program, your goal is to get into your ideal MFA Program.

The Audition is important, there’s no denying that fact. It tells the MFA Professors what kind of Actor you are. The interview however tells them what kind of a person you are. They are both separate things, but they are owned and embodied by the same person - you.

Amelia Morse is the founder of The Morse Actors Studio and The MFA Prep Program. She has her MA and MFA in Theatre with an emphasis in Acting. She currently coaches Actors online for Audition and MFA Prep. The MFA Program is now accepting applications through the end of June. To learn more about Amelia and what she offers go to www.mfaprep.com or www.themorseactorsstudio.com