Grad Lab
Grad Lab is a foundational component in the curriculum for both first and second-year graduates. In Grad Lab, students are given a “lens” (for example, “time”) and asked to devise a performance piece using that lens as a framework. The piece are publicly performed one evening teach cycle. During Grad Lab, students collaborate to create all aspects of the performance including designing and producing components of their showing.
Students can work in groups of any size, including individually. Devising each piece is done primarily outside of class. The expectation is that each piece has at least 8 hours of rehearsal.
During each Grad Lab cycle we host a Guest Artist to lead an embodied workshop. Some of our past guests include (links to the MFA produced SLC Performance Lab Podcast)
- Carlos Soto
- Okwui okpokwasili
- Kate Bornstein
- Jennifer Kidwell
- Doug Wright
- Deb Margolin
- Jillian Walker
- Holly Hughes
- Tom Lee
Think Tank
Think Tank is a program-wide convening of students, staff, and faculty when scheduled, on Tuesdays. This time is an opportunity for our community to come together around important topics in the field. We host student forums, guest artists, and panels to ideate and take action around such topics as diversity, equity, justice, consent, care, social engagement, new forms, artistic practice, and the season.
- Emily Johnson
- Claire Warden (IDC)
- Judi Lewis Ockler (IDC)
- Sarah Ruhl
- Ceasar Alvarez
- Daniel Alexander Jones
- The Civilians
- Anne Kaufman
- The TEAM
- Rachel Chavkin
- Graciela Daniele
- Ping Chong
- George Emilio Sanchez
MFA Advisors
Each year the MFA Theatre Program engages guest artists and curators to advise MFA Candidates by Monthly. For 22/23 our two advisors are Ben Pryor (Curator & Consultant) and Jennifer Kidwell (Performer and Creator)