The seven-day residencies in Virginia launch each new semester. Each residency is the student’s opportunity to meet the MFA faculty, to begin semester coursework, and to attend workshops, seminars, lectures, discussions, readings, activities, and performances.

In addition to hearing from our exceptional faculty, students should also expect to attend readings and presentations from featured guests, including award winning actors, directors, designers, technicians, and more.

Though students will focus primarily in one theatre area during their semesters, all students will have opportunities to attend master classes, presentations, and artist talks in design, acting, and directing.

During our residency sessions, students are paired with their faculty mentor with whom they will work for the remainder of the semester. In addition, students all begin one of their MFA core courses during the residency–this course will also continue throughout the semester.

Each student will attend five residencies. One of their final two residencies is a 14-day showcase summer residency. A student graduates during their final residency.