Theatre Arts MFA: Performance Pedagogy
LMU’s MFA in Performance Pedagogy is a graduate degree program designed for individuals with experience as theater professionals looking to expand their career options as teachers or professors of theater. The program will develop existing professional experience and knowledge with individually-tailored courses in acting theory, pedagogy, directing, design, theater history, and dramatic literature leading to a terminal master’s degree. Conveniently located at LMU's main campus in West Los Angeles, and offering flexible schedules and financial aid.
Our Unique Program
Testimonials
Josh Grisetti '21
Associate Professor of Musical Theatre, Cal State Fullerton
“I would never have been ready to teach effectively in higher education without the support of the LMU performance pedagogy program. There is a vernacular and a skillset and a culture ingrained in the academic world that you don’t need to be aware of as a student, but must be as a faculty member — LMU prepared me for all of that.“
Thomas Chavira '22
Assistant Professor of Theatre, University of Oklahoma
"I can pinpoint my desire to teach starting from leading acting workshops where I discovered a new thrill: to educate and help others discover and carve out artistic choices. Before LMU, I was working sporadically as an actor and theatre producer, now I have landed a position prior to graduation teaching acting and theatre at Texas Christian University."
Ann James '23
Director, Intimacy Directors of Color
"This program challenges your teaching philosophy in the very best ways. Professional educators working out in the field are being confronted with new teaching challenges coming out of the pandemic and the changing social and political landscapes. In this program, we discuss cutting-edge practices, and develop syllabi, lesson plans and overall outlook on what it means to be a responsive and prepared theater educator."
Maria Lingbanan '25
“LMU made me realize that my desire for effective teaching was just the beginning. Thanks to an incredible faculty, I developed a lifelong dedication to the performing arts as a tool for transformation. I found inspiration in the university's mission — the education of the whole person — a principle I have woven into every lesson plan, class, and curriculum I create. With the completion of this program, I am not only confident in my ability to teach any course but also invigorated to share my distinctive pedagogical approach—an approach that LMU has beautifully (re)ignited within me."
