The O'Neill Moscow Art Theatre Semester

Theatre in Russia is at the crossroads of culture.

The O'Neill Moscow Art Theatre Semester offers undergraduate students a living experience with one of the most accomplished and groundbreaking theaters in the world.

The founders of the Moscow Art Theatre created a new form of drama, believing that all theater must reflect and illuminate the human condition. Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko, primarily through their association with the works of Anton Chekhov, maintained that the crucial element in the art of theater is ensemble.

They created a company where actors, directors, writers, and designers have been making theater together for years, sometimes lifetimes. The approach to theater in Russia is very different from most of what is experienced in the United States. Because it is seen as an expression of the Russian identity, theater holds an exalted place in the culture.

The O'Neill Moscow Art Theatre Semester offers young theater artists the unique opportunity to engage in this demanding and highly rewarding artistic environment.

The experience begins with a three-day orientation at the O'Neill Theater Center in Connecticut. Students are introduced to Russian language, culture, and the other members of the class. The group then departs from New York City for the rest of the semester in Moscow.

Classes are held six days a week, from 9:00am to 6:00pm. Daily acting classes in the Stanislavsky System and the Michael Chekhov Technique, and movement classes including Biomechanics and ballet, are complemented with voice, design, Russian language, and Russian theater history. This immersion in conservatory-based training is enhanced by the rich cultural life in Moscow.

Moscow is alive with many exciting theaters, opera houses, concert halls and museums. Every student will attend the theater, opera, ballet, and concerts frequently. Tickets are provided as an integral part of the cultural program. Students will travel to Saint Petersburg for 4 days in the middle of their stay in Russia.

Semester Dates
MATS Fall 2008 - September 14 through December 15, 2008
Application Deadline: March 20, 2008

MATS Fall 2009 - September 13 through December 14, 2009
Application Deadline: March 20, 2009

Director
Anatoly Smeliansky

Credit
Students receive twenty units of credit for five courses. Connecticut College is the accrediting institution. All classes are taught on the premises of the Moscow Art Theatre.

Housing
Students live in the Moscow Art Theatre School dormitory. It is centrally located with dining facilities and excellent security.

Admission
When selecting students we look for a proven ability to handle the demands of disciplined theater work and to be a positive and contributing member of an ensemble. Applicants must demonstrate a clear understanding of opportunities and challenges of a semester of study in Moscow and a determination to complete the program in a conscientious manner. Special attention is paid to the required letters of evaluation. Russian language experience is not required.

Visiting and Interviews
All MATS applicants must have an interview, which is scheduled upon receipt of all application materials. Due to the demanding nature of the program, both artistically and culturally, it is imperative that the interview be conducted in person. Under special circumstances a phone interview may be substituted. Get directions to NTI.

Application Deadlines
Admission to MATS is selective; applicants are encouraged to apply well in advance of the deadlines. MATS is offered in the Fall Semester only. All applications must be received by March 20.

Required Fees (effective for Fall 2008 semester)
These fees are effective as of February 1, 2008
Tuition $12,250
(includes $900 non-refundable reservation deposit)
Housing $5,250
Travel Surcharge: $900
Total Comprehensive Fee: $18,400

The estimated cost of meals is $1,200, which is not included in the Total Comprehensive Fee. The dormitory has kitchen facilities, and the program provides guidance for shopping and inexpensive dining.

Payment Policy
An $900 non-refundable deposit must be paid within 14 days of receipt of the notification of acceptance or the position will not be held for the student. This deposit is subtracted from the tuition charge above. The remainder of the comprehensive fee is due August 1 for the fall semester and December 1 for the spring semester.

Financial Aid
Financial aid is limited. Therefore, applicants should determine whether their existing loans, grants, and scholarships might be applied to the O'Neill Moscow Art Theatre Semester. In most instances they can be transferred because of our accreditation through Connecticut College. Connecticut College is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Please telephone the NTI office at 860-443-7139 if you have financial aid questions.

Affirmative Action
The O'Neill Theater Center affirmatively seeks to attract to its faculty, staff and student body persons of diverse backgrounds. Pursuant to this policy, no applicant for admission or applicant for employment is discriminated against because of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, national or ethnic origin.

Medical Insurance
The O'Neill Moscow Art Theatre Semester assumes no medical expenses for its students. All students must have medical insurance coverage either through their parents or from their college or university.