Theatre and Dance

How to Apply

M.F.A. in Acting Audition Requirements

The Acting Area in the Department of Theatre and Dance at the University of Texas has embarked on a bold new plan that now recruits a new class only every three years. Our Acting class is a highly motivated and talented group of individuals wishing to pursue acting as a career. Talent and the content of successful application were the primary criteria for admission. This new class reflects a rich cultural diversity. We admitted fourteen actors in Fall of 2007, who will graduate in the class of 2010.

We will admit a new cohort in Fall 2010.

Prospective M.F.A Acting students are required to audition first, prior to submitting their application materials. Application fees paid to the Graduate and International Admissions Center (GIAC) cannot be refunded.

Auditions for the Class of 2013 will take place at all three U/RTA sites: New York, Chicago and San Francisco, in January & February 2010. http://www.urta.com
Additionally, for those who cannot attend U/RTA and wish to audition in Austin, we have scheduled the following onsite audition dates:

Sunday, November 22, 2009
Saturday & Sunday, December 12 & 13, 2009
Saturday & Sunday, January 30 & 31, 2010
10:00am - 4:00pm

Please prepare two contrasting monologues (one classical, if possible) totaling no more than 3 minutes combined. You will have the option of singing 16 bars of a song. Please bring your own tape or CD. A player will be provided. Please bring an 8x10 headshot and resume. There may be callbacks at the end of the day.

Please contact Phillip Salazar (512-475-7336) to schedule an audition in Austin. If you plan to audition at any of the URTA sites, you will follow their application & audition process.

The Department of Theatre & Dance is located in the Winship Building, at the corner of 23rd Street and San Jacinto Street (diagonally across the street from the football stadium on the UT Campus).

Application files submitted complete will processed before those submitted with recommendations and transcripts sent separately.

Application Requirements and Procedures:

Application Deadline: March 1, 2010

Please read the following instructions very carefully.

You must have auditioned first, before being asked to submit your application materials for further consideration. We are not authorized to refund your application fee, sent to the Graduate and International Admissions Center (GIAC).

Materials must be sent to TWO places:

1. To the Graduate and International Admissions Center:

Visit the link below for their mailing address and phone numbers:
http://www.utexas.edu/student/giac/contactgiac.html

  • Application for Admission to Graduate Study with application fee
    • The required online application may be accessed at
      http://www.utexas.edu/student/giac
    • Major code for your application: Acting 630701
    • When you fill out your Texas Common Application on the “Apply Texas” website, for the “Concentration/Interest” question, list the degree you wish to seek (M.F.A.) & the area of study. For example, “M.F.A. in Acting.”
    • If you do not have the means to access the electronic application, please visit a library to use a computer.
    • Do not send your application fee to the Department of Theatre & Dance. Submit it directly to GIAC.
  • One official transcript
  • PLEASE NOTE: The GRE is not required for the M.F.A. in Acting.

2. To the Department of Theatre and Dance (in one packet):

c/o Phillip Salazar, Graduate Program Coordinator
The Department of Theatre & Dance
1 University Station D3900
Austin TX 78712

Make sure your departmental materials are clearly labeled with your full name and UT Electronic Identifier (UT EID) on each page.

Do not attach the half-sheet “Cover Form” (from the GIAC web site) to any materials sent to the Department of Theatre & Dance. That form is only used for transcripts that you forward to GIAC (see above).

  • One official transcript (this is in addition to the one required by the admissions office)
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • These letters should be written by those who can speak most authoritatively about your background, training, experience and potential for a career in your chosen area of specialization in theatre. Letters should be submitted with the Request for Reference form available online at the time of application or at the site
  • A résumé
  • Personal statement of goals
    Although you may submit your Personal Statement (Statement of Purpose) on-line, with your Texas Common Application, you must still submit a hardcopy to us in your application package.

For general admissions information, please visit the Admissions page.