The UConn Department of Dramatic Arts has developed one of the finest university-based actor-training programs in the country. Our teachers have studied and taught in some of the best colleges and conservatories in North America. They have also worked, and continue to work, as actors and/or directors and/or performance coaches for important regional repertory theatres, on- and off-Broadway productions, television programs and major motion pictures.

Actor-Training Philosophy: Although we do not rigidly conform to one method of actor training, our program is based on the core aspects of Konstantin Stanislavski’s theories, combined with useful applications of his work by practitioners such as Stella Adler, Uta Hagen, Robert Lewis, Peter Kass, Sanford Meisner and Michael Chekhov. Our head of performance training, Dale AJ Rose, studied with Hagen, Adler and Kass, and taught acting in New York City. In addition, Professor Rose’s approach to actor training is heavily influenced by dance and the theatrical movement styles of Le Coq and the Dell ‘Arte International School of Physical Theatre. He fosters techniques of mask and clowning that strengthen the actor to go beyond being an interpreter to being a creator of theatre. Suzuki technique continues to be part of the training and stimulates the actor’s dynamic connection to center. Our belief is that these theatrical movement techniques are a response to the psychologically driven techniques of Stanislavski, and will take the actor into the most exciting theatre of the 21st century. Click here for more information on the BFA or MFA programs in Acting.