How to Apply

Application Deadline: January 1, 2010

All departmental materials must be submitted in one packet, including your Statement of Purpose and transcripts. Letters of Recommendation may be submitted on-line, if not by hardcopy. (See below.)

Completed application files will be reviewed before those submitted with missing materials. You may check your application status on-line on the Graduate and International Admissions Center (GIAC) web site.

Application Requirements and Procedures:

Please read the following instructions very carefully.

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: Playwriting = 630700
  • 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 (MFA) & the area of study. For example, “M.F.A. in Playwriting.”
  • 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 and Dance. Submit it directly to GIAC.
• One official transcript
• GRE scores. The GRE is required for admission to the M.F.A. in Playwriting program. Information on testing may be found at www.gre.org
  • GRE Codes to enter on your application:
    Department Code for the Department of Theatre and Dance = 2406
    Institution Code for The University of Texas = 6882

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

c/o Phillip Salazar, Graduate Program Coordinator
The University of Texas at Austin
Department of Theatre and 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 http://www.utexas.edu/student/giac/lor.html.

  Letters of Recommendation may also be submitted on-line by your references. Each reference will receive instructions how to submit his/her letter on-line to GIAC's secured web site. Only one letter is required from each reference. Do not submit hardcopies, if your reference has already submitted his/hers on-line. You may check your on-line application status on the GIAC web site, to see what materials have been received.

• A résumé of all your practical theatre work
• Personal statement of goals: br /> 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.
• Two original and complete plays
  Hardcopies only. At least one of your submitted plays must be a “full length” play. One of your submitted plays may be a short play, if you'd like. Each play must be complete. No incomplete plays will be accepted.
• Finalists will be selected for an interview.

For general admissions information, please visit our Admissions page.