What benefits would a MFA in Acting have for someone already pursuing or who plans to pursue a BFA?
Submitted by bolinger81380 on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 16:00.
Tagged: Getting Training in the US
I am planning to pursue a BFA in Drama at a top conservatory school and was wondering if considering also pursuing a MFA in Acting would be a good idea and what benefits it would have in my career?
Brad Olinger


BFA or MFA?
There's no doubt that having an MFA will give you a great deal more education. But is that ultimately what you want with your career? Do you want education or experience?
I recieved my BFA from a top ten ranked acting school, and in all the time since I graduated and have peddled my resume around town, no one has batted an eye. No one was impressed. They did ask what classes I was in...right now.
I wouldn't change my education for anything. I think getting a BFA prepared me mentally and emotionally for running my own business here in the real world, but there's an attitude here in the States (my hope is that other countries are different) that a University education isn't very important. I whole-heartedly disagree, but that's the feedback I get.
An MFA will give you, in my opinion, better acting chops (but won't paying gigs do the same?) and will allow you to move into a teaching position at a college or university.
If you want to teach, get the MFA. If you want to act, take your great BFA education and act! And if you decide later you want to teach, you can always go back and get your MFA.
There's no magic between 'B' and 'M' that means more jobs. Heck, I was in a restaurant the other day and met a waiter with an MFA!