Theatre and Dance

How to Apply

Application Deadline: March 1, 2010

(all Design and Technology areas)

All departmental materials must be submitted in one packet, including Statement of Purpose and transcripts. Applicants may only apply in one area per academic year.

As of 2009 the portfolio requirement has changed. All portfolios must be submitted in the form of a DVD before an interview can be scheduled.

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 for your application: Theatrical Design, Theatrical Technology = 630703
    • 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 Lighting Design,” or “M.F.A. in Costume Technology,” “M.F.A. in Scenic Design,” etc.
    • 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
  • PLEASE NOTE: The GRE is not required for the M.F.A. in Theatre Design and Technology.

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:

    The statement of purpose should outline educational and professional goals, philosophy, and/or personal theatre aesthetic.

    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.

  • Design or Technical résumé and Design or Technical portfolio in the form of a power point or quick-time image file on DVD. DVD portfolio should include examples of drawing, painting, drafting, or any other hand skills applicable to your discipline, photos of realized productions, or any evidence of realized artwork. This DVD will not be returned. Applicants should bring original portfolio to their on campus interview should one be scheduled.
  • Review of the resume and the DVD portfolio by the faculty will determine the necessity of an on campus interview.
  • Applicants may interview through U/RTA (New York, Chicago) or in Austin. For interviews, applicants should contact the following

  • For campus visits please contact: Denise Martel

 

Preferred time for campus interviews: February 16-18, February 23-25, 2010.

Contact Information

Mail department materials to, or contact for further information:

Phillip Salazar, Graduate Program Coordinator
The University of Texas at Austin
Department of Theatre and Dance
1 University Station D3900
Austin, TX 78712
phone: 512.475.7336
email: salazar@mail.utexas.edu

For general admissions information, please visit the Admissions page.