Tuition for MFA - Chicana Student
Inepo Noelle Teak!
Me llamo Noelle!
My name is Noelle!
#SendNoelle2GradSchool
I am a descendent of the Yaqui Yo'eme, and indigenous to the what is now called Chihuahua and Durango in Mexico. During the late 1800's my family fled from Tucson and their tribe to Fresno because they were in danger and fighting to survive. My family eventually came to Los Angeles in the early 1900's and this is where we have been since. I am actively and daily in a process of cultural relearning and reclaiming my native language and heritage.
This past month on May 21st, two of my dreams came true, getting into an MFA program of my dreams and living abroad! The past 10 years I have worked tirelessly trying to support my dreams and live them. I have traveled to the Czech Republic, New York and my hometown of East LA working with various theatre companies and also teaching youth and young adults the power of storytelling. I have realized that although my dream is to act full time it also includes the ability to teach. To take what I learn and bring it back to my community to be able to help young artists, activist and people of color feel supported by their voices. Because I will be part of the first class to receive this degree, I will not be able to receive federal grants or loans from the U.S. and will need to rely on private grants and loans which are harder to come by.
I received a Bachelors Degree on Miwok, Pomo, and Wappo land at Sonoma State University in Acting. I was the only non-white student in the acting program, and longed for representation. I longed to be in plays and speak words written by people like me. It was there that I realized the importance of representation within theater, film and television. I also longed for a teacher that could understand my world of being disconnected from language pre and post colonial contact and how that affects the relationship I have with how my voice sounds or doesn't sound.
As an artist of color and indigenous descent I struggle with being financial stable and having access to opportunity. Like so many others I am constantly fighting the battle of working to make money to survive and doing what I love. This degree would help me become financially independent, stable and continue to be involved and thrive in my field. That is a huge win!
I was accepted into ALRA's MFA program for Linklater Teaching Practice (Voice and Theatre Arts) and go abroad this September. The new MFA Linklater Teaching Practice (Voice and Theatre Arts) is a unique practice- based Masters Degree centred in Kristin Linklater’s methodology. Linklater was a world-leading expert in vocal technique for actors and performers of all disciplines. The Linklater voice methodology underpins all voice training at ALRA, which is internationally recognised as one of the most innovative centres for actor training.
The MFA is rooted in Linklater’s approach to voice as fundamental to a whole system for actor training. A second emphasis in the two-year programme is Applied Theatre Arts, as developed by Augusto Boal through his ‘Theatre of the Oppressed’.
The MFA is a reimagined, pioneering training for Actor-Teachers.
- This MFA programme will equip me with the skills to develop the capacities of multiple communities to express complex social and political needs and find their voices both metaphorically and physically.
- As global culture shifts there is a growing need for professionals who can lead artistic projects, to facilitate groups from a multitude of experiences and beliefs to successfully communicate.
Here is a list of expenses:
Tuition Fee Total: $33,736.50
Year 1: $16,868.25
Year 2: $16,868.25
Visa Total: $2,835
Room & Board Total: $32,350
Year 1: $16,175
Year 2: $16175
Travel Total (flights/ subway/ bus): ~$4,000
Year 1: $2000
Year 2: $2000
