Considering an MFA in Theatre Arts?
You already know your craft. Now come learn how to teach it.
Loyola Marymount University’s MFA in Performance Pedagogy provides an opportunity for theater professionals to achieve a master's degree with a focus on pedagogy and the theory of teaching theater.
We will expand your existing professional experience and knowledge with individually-tailored courses in acting theory, pedagogy, directing, design, theater history, and dramatic literature.
Our location in the heart of West Los Angeles allows you to continue to work and act while earning a degree that is tailored to your interests and will open up a new world of career options as an educator. Now accepting applications!
Let's start a dialogue
Our admissions team would love to get to know you better!
Location
LMU's vibrant main campus is in the heart of West Los Angeles and is celebrated as one of the most beautiful campuses in the United States
Hands-On Experience
Gain applied experience teaching undergraduate courses, exploring writing and directing opportunities, and working directly with students
Small Class Sizes
Our students love our close-knit community of artists and scholars. Here, you'll receive personalized attention and work closely with faculty
Flexible Schedules
Our program is designed for working professionals. Finish your degree on a schedule that fits into your life, and works for you
Alumni/Student Testimonials
Josh Grisetti MFA '21
Assistant Professor and Co-Head of Musical Theatre
California State University, 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 MFA '22
Adjunct Professor
Texas Christian University
"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, taking the occasional food service/hospitality job to make ends meet. I was blessed beyond measure to have landed a teaching job prior to graduation teaching acting and theatre at Texas Christian University."
Ann James '23 (Expected)
Theatre Educator and Intimacy Coordinator
Current MFA Candidate
"LMU’s MFA in Performance Pedagogy is a program that 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. The courses are extremely valuable and I am so proud to be an LMU Lion."
Garret Camilleri, MFA '22
Adjunct Instructor
Santa Monica City College
“As an experienced actor and director, I knew the MFAPP degree would be the right move for me to transition into a career as an educator, which has long been a dream of mine. At LMU, I was able to explore passion projects, gain hands-on teaching experience, and acquire the tools I needed to confidently step into my new role as a theatre professor.”
Emily Stapleton, MFA '22
Lecturer and Director
Hawaii Pacific University
“My time at LMU was life-changing. I especially appreciated how the program provided me the space to tailor my course work to my unique interests as an artist, allowing me to work as a teaching assistant for script analysis and playwriting in addition to teaching a writing/acting course of my own design to undergraduate students."
Open up your career options!
University Professor
Acting Studio Owner / Instructor
Director
Private Acting Coach
Theatre Program Director
Educational Outreach Manager