Comments on: MFA Theater Programs = Ponzi Scheme?

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By: Allison

Allison — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 03:52:21 +0000

Cool — fair enough. Thanks for the clarification.

By: Dennis Baker

Dennis Baker — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 13:58:10 +0000

Because I feel like Tom Loughlin, I am a teacher who is telling my students the realities of some of the MFA theater programs and the profession. Many people find me after reading my experience with the Rutgers MFA acting program. I am transparent about my process and feel I give my students a well rounded view about MFA programs. I also point them to people that are having positive experiences as well, like Angela. I have never have told anyone not to get an MFA, I am simply asking questions about the current system.

By: Allison

Allison — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 07:09:57 +0000

Hi Dennis:

I am the person to whom Mike Daisey responded.

One question: How can you call MFAs Ponzi schemes when you offer audition coaching for prospective graduate theater students? Where is your role in this structure?

- Allison

By: Angela

Angela — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 04:15:06 +0000

To Mick – My program (Florida State University/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training) currently has 30 students. All of us get our tuition waived and all of us get the same stipend. When I was researching graduate schools, I found others that had similar situations (such as Ohio State University, Indiana University, Wayne State University, and the University of Missouri – Kansas City, if I remember correctly).

I agree that no MFA can guarantee a successful career in theatre (really, nothing can — this profession is a gamble). But, for me, it is absolutely worth it. I’ve already grown so much as an actor, as an artist, and as a person since I’ve been here. And I know that I’m going to have a more successful and rewarding life as a result of it.

I’m not saying that an MFA is the right decision for everyone. I’m just saying that I think calling it a Ponzi scheme is a flawed analogy.

By: Dennis Baker

Dennis Baker — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:46:09 +0000

Mick, Tom Loughlin, professor in upsate New York, responds to Daisey's comments on his blog posts, What I Teach & Why I Teach.

By: Mick Montgomery

Mick Montgomery — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 23:57:48 +0000

Can. Worms. Everywhere.

I guess the natural question to Angela’s comment is, how many students in each program get work stipends and free tuition per year? How many institutions offer this as opposed to the ones that do not?

My big question is… is it worth it?

I’m sure the MFA student who forked over tuition would argue, yes. It’s hard to criticize the legitimacy of a degree you spent time and money to get.

MFA’s in and of themselves are a valid pursuit, as any pursuit of knowledge is a personal journey, where the rewards should be measured by the individual on the road not by the financial merits attributed.

However, I think Daisy and Dennis are stating that so many MFA’s dangle the carrot of successful acting careers in front of students to entice people into their programs. That logic is just a ridiculous fallacy. Therefore there is an ethical question here that should be answered. I notice no actual MFA professors have spoken up in this public dialogue yet.

By: Angela

Angela — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 18:28:52 +0000

Again, I would like to state that this does not apply to all MFA programs. There are many that waive tuition and offer stipends.