Theatre: Acting Concentration, MFA
for the degree of Master of Fine Arts in Theatre, Acting concentration
Admission
Candidates should apply to one of the ten graduate areas offered: Master of Fine Arts in Theatre with specialization in acting, costume design, costume technology, lighting design, scenic design, sound design and technology, stage management, or scenic technology; the Master of Arts in Theatre with specialization in theatre history; or the Doctor of Philosophy in Theatre with specialization in theatre history. All applicants should present transcripts documenting undergraduate or graduate study of theatre practice, dramatic literature, and theatre history with a cumulative grade point average in these subjects of at least 3.0 (A = 4.0). Applicants whose first language is not English must submit recent Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores; the current minimum score for consideration is 550 on the paper-based test (213 on the computer-based version).
Candidates for the M.F.A. degree must demonstrate talent in theatrical performance or production by audition or by the presentation of a portfolio of their work to an admissions committee of the faculty, either on campus or at one of the regional University/Resident Theatre Association (U/RTA) audition sites. M.F.A. candidates are admitted in the fall term only. The M.F.A. acting program accepts applications only every three years; the next academic years in which applications will be accepted are 2024-25 for Fall 2025 admission.
Master’s and doctoral candidates should present records of at least a 3.0 grade point average in all subjects studied at the undergraduate and graduate levels, supply samples of their scholarly writing, and submit recent Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. In addition to the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores required of all foreign students, master’s and doctoral candidates whose first language is not English are encouraged to submit scores of the Test of Written English (TWE). Ph.D. candidates should hold a master’s degree in theatre or in a related field. Master’s and doctoral candidates are normally admitted in the fall term.
Graduate Teaching Experience
Although teaching is not a general Graduate College requirement, experience in teaching is considered an important part of the graduate experience in this program.
for the degree of Master of Fine Arts in Theatre, Acting concentration
For additional details and requirements refer to the department's Graduate Programs and the Graduate College Handbook.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Acting | 48 | |
| Theatre History | 4 | |
| Departmental approved electives | 20 | |
| Total Hours | 72 | |
Other Requirements
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Other requirements may overlap | |
| A concentration is not required | |
| Minimum 500-level Hours Required Overall: | 12 |
| Must be in residence six semesters | |
| Students in the MFA Program participate continuously in the production program of the Department of Theatre, which presents six to eight productions annually at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. | |
| Minimum GPA: | 3.0 |
The M.F.A. is a terminal degree in theatre practice. Approved areas of specialization include acting, costume design, costume technology, lighting design, scenic design, scenic technology, sound design and technology, and stage management. Only full-time students will be admitted to the program. With departmental and Graduate College approval, up to two semesters of residency and 32 hours of coursework may be waived on the basis of the student's prior professional experience, although such cases are rare.
for the degree of Master of Fine Arts in Theatre, Acting concentration
By the end of the program, students will be able to:
- Analyze, prepare, and rehearse dramatic material and to collaboratively engage in performance of works for the stage.
- Speak clearly and expressively in communication of dramatic material and to develop practices of healthy voice and speech preparation.
- Demonstrate acquisition of expressive movement skills, including stage combat techniques, and development of sustainable physical practices of performance.
- Understand the expectations of auditioning for and working in professional live and screen performance.
- Demonstrate an ability for instruction in acting and performance-related courses, including voice, speech, and movement.
for the degree of Master of Fine Arts in Theatre, Acting concentration
Graduate Degree Programs in Theatre
concentrations:
Acting
Design & Technology
for the degree of Master of Fine Arts in Theatre, Acting concentration
Theatre Department
Department Head: Valleri Robinson
Director of Graduate Studies: Jeffrey Eric Jenkins
Theatre Department website
Theatre Department faculty
4-122 Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, 500 South Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 333-2371
Theatre email
College of Fine & Applied Arts
College of Fine & Applied Arts website
Admissions
Grad College Admissions & Requirements