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Columbia University

New York, NY

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Program

Concentration

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewNo University App

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Highly Selective12-24 Students

Program

Concentration

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewNo University App

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Highly Selective12-24 Students

Browse programs

Concentrations

Quick Links

MFA Theatre

Acting

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewNo University App

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Highly Selective12-24 Students

Quick Links

BA Drama and Theatre Arts

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Program profile

Study Abroad

Quick Links

MFA Theatre

Acting

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewNo University App

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Highly Selective12-24 Students

Quick Links

MFA Theatre

Directing

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewNo University App

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Ultra-Selective12-24 Students

Quick Links

MFA Theatre

Playwriting

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionNo InterviewNo University App

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

12-24 Students

Quick Links

MFA Theatre

Dramaturgy

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionNo InterviewNo University App

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

12-24 Students

Quick Links

MFA Theatre

Stage Management

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionNo InterviewNo University App

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

12-24 Students

Quick Links

MFA Theatre

Theatre Management & Producing

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionNo InterviewNo University App

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

12-24 Students

Program Recognition

•3-year MFA Acting program with small cohorts trained as an ensemble company

•Comprehensive training in theatre, television, and film

•Located in New York City with access to major theatres and studios

•Mindfulness meditation training integrated into curriculum

Training

•Co-Concentration Heads James Calleri and Peter Jay Fernandez lead scene study and acting technique

•Shakespeare & Heightened Texts with Scott Whitehurst; clown, Suzuki, dance with Ralf-Jean Pierre and Shanga Parker

•Acting through song with Tony nominee Jenn Colella; on-camera audition technique with James Calleri

•Movement curriculum with Sita Mani (Feldenkrais, Alexander Technique); voice and speech with Liz Hayes

Notable Alumni

•Marcel Spears '15 — Fat Ham (The Public Theater), The Neighborhood (CBS)

•Fang Du '18 — Golden Shield (Manhattan Theater Club)

•Phumzile Sitole '16 — Star Trek: Discovery

•Rebecca Henderson '06 — Russian Doll, Inventing Anna (Netflix)

•Charles Browning '06 — The Piano Lesson (Broadway)

•Lauren Nicole Cipoletti '13, Folami Williams '16, Dave Register '15 — Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Professional Development

•Third year includes Industry Showcases in New York and Los Angeles for agents, managers, and casting directors

•Professional Practice classes with development workshops led by LA and NYC industry professionals

•Representatives from Playwrights Horizons, Warner Brothers, and other major companies visit regularly

School Info

Snapshot

4.18

Avg GPA (W)

Admit Rate

school-wide

96%

Grad Rate

Enrollment

$102K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Tuition & Fees

$76,960

Before aid

Cost of Attendance

$99,774

Before aid

Average Net Price

$21,590

After aid

Official source College Scorecard

Program info updated May 22, 3:13 PM

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

•3-year MFA Acting program with small cohorts trained as an ensemble company

•Comprehensive training in theatre, television, and film

•Located in New York City with access to major theatres and studios

•Mindfulness meditation training integrated into curriculum

Training

•Co-Concentration Heads James Calleri and Peter Jay Fernandez lead scene study and acting technique

•Shakespeare & Heightened Texts with Scott Whitehurst; clown, Suzuki, dance with Ralf-Jean Pierre and Shanga Parker

•Acting through song with Tony nominee Jenn Colella; on-camera audition technique with James Calleri

•Movement curriculum with Sita Mani (Feldenkrais, Alexander Technique); voice and speech with Liz Hayes

Notable Alumni

•Marcel Spears '15 — Fat Ham (The Public Theater), The Neighborhood (CBS)

•Fang Du '18 — Golden Shield (Manhattan Theater Club)

•Phumzile Sitole '16 — Star Trek: Discovery

•Rebecca Henderson '06 — Russian Doll, Inventing Anna (Netflix)

•Charles Browning '06 — The Piano Lesson (Broadway)

•Lauren Nicole Cipoletti '13, Folami Williams '16, Dave Register '15 — Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Professional Development

•Third year includes Industry Showcases in New York and Los Angeles for agents, managers, and casting directors

•Professional Practice classes with development workshops led by LA and NYC industry professionals

•Representatives from Playwrights Horizons, Warner Brothers, and other major companies visit regularly

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

•3-year MFA Acting program with small cohorts trained as an ensemble company

•Comprehensive training in theatre, television, and film

•Located in New York City with access to major theatres and studios

•Mindfulness meditation training integrated into curriculum

Training

•Co-Concentration Heads James Calleri and Peter Jay Fernandez lead scene study and acting technique

•Shakespeare & Heightened Texts with Scott Whitehurst; clown, Suzuki, dance with Ralf-Jean Pierre and Shanga Parker

•Acting through song with Tony nominee Jenn Colella; on-camera audition technique with James Calleri

•Movement curriculum with Sita Mani (Feldenkrais, Alexander Technique); voice and speech with Liz Hayes

Notable Alumni

•Marcel Spears '15 — Fat Ham (The Public Theater), The Neighborhood (CBS)

•Fang Du '18 — Golden Shield (Manhattan Theater Club)

•Phumzile Sitole '16 — Star Trek: Discovery

•Rebecca Henderson '06 — Russian Doll, Inventing Anna (Netflix)

•Charles Browning '06 — The Piano Lesson (Broadway)

•Lauren Nicole Cipoletti '13, Folami Williams '16, Dave Register '15 — Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Professional Development

•Third year includes Industry Showcases in New York and Los Angeles for agents, managers, and casting directors

•Professional Practice classes with development workshops led by LA and NYC industry professionals

•Representatives from Playwrights Horizons, Warner Brothers, and other major companies visit regularly

Key Info

Program AppApplication

Apply

School Website

Fee

School of the Arts Application Fee

$110Waiver

Deadline

Jan 6, 2026

Auditions

Live Audition (NYC)Jan 17, 2026

Live Audition (NYC)Jan 18, 2026

Live Audition (NYC)Jan 24, 2026

Live Audition (NYC)Jan 25, 2026

Live Audition (Chicago)Jan 28, 2026

Live Audition (Chicago)Jan 29, 2026

Live Audition (Chicago)Jan 30, 2026

Live Audition (San Francisco)Feb 6, 2026

Live Audition (San Francisco)Feb 7, 2026

Live Audition (San Francisco)Feb 8, 2026

Callback (NYC)Mar 7, 2026

Callback (NYC)Mar 8, 2026

Audition Requirements

Monologues

Requirements

•Two Contrasting MONOLOGUES, one classical and one contemporary

•Each lasting one to one and a half minutes long

•All auditions are required to be presented in English

Additional Materials

Headshot

•Full-sized (8.5" x 11") in high resolution format

Written Materials

•Brief autobiography: approximately 500 words summarizing your life and theatrical experience

•Statement of theatrical and personal objectives: approximately 500 words describing the theatrical people, places, and principles that have inspired and guided your aesthetic

Resume

•Current theatrical resume

Recommendations

•Three letters of recommendation

Official Source

Good to Know

Application Logistics

•Apply through the Columbia University School of the Arts online application

•Applications open October 1, 2026 for Fall 2027

•Specify "Acting" as your concentration within the MFA Theatre program

Important Notes

•Only one application fee is due per application cycle

•Applicants applying to multiple concentrations must submit separate applications

•Admissions page lists Financial Aid application deadline: February 3

•Tuition page advises completing aid steps by February 1 for need consideration

What's The Process

Audition Process

•Applicants can either upload an audition video OR audition in person

•Live audition locations: New York City, Chicago, San Francisco

•All auditions must be presented in English

•All callbacks required in person in New York, March 7 and 8, 2026

•No video option for callbacks

•Interviews scheduled at the discretion of the Admissions Committee

Scholarship Info

Fellowships & Scholarships

•School of the Arts provides over $18 million for student support each year in tuition scholarships, paid positions, and teaching assistantships

•Fellowships and scholarships awarded based on a combination of merit, documented financial need, and/or commitment to serve the School

•Priority given to full-time MFA students in first and second years completing coursework

•Service opportunities (teaching positions, department roles) available competitively

Financial Aid Application

•Must complete Arts Financial Aid Application by February 1 to have need considered

•International students are eligible for School-based scholarships and fellowships

Veterans

•Up to $5,000 in fellowship support for up to five eligible post-9/11 veterans per academic year

School Info

Snapshot

4.18

Avg GPA (W)

Admit Rate

school-wide

96%

Grad Rate

Enrollment

$102K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Tuition & Fees

$76,960

Before aid

Cost of Attendance

$99,774

Before aid

Average Net Price

$21,590

After aid

Official source College Scorecard

Program Recognition

•3-year MFA Acting program with small cohorts trained as an ensemble company

•Comprehensive training in theatre, television, and film

•Located in New York City with access to major theatres and studios

•Mindfulness meditation training integrated into curriculum

Training

•Co-Concentration Heads James Calleri and Peter Jay Fernandez lead scene study and acting technique

•Shakespeare & Heightened Texts with Scott Whitehurst; clown, Suzuki, dance with Ralf-Jean Pierre and Shanga Parker

•Acting through song with Tony nominee Jenn Colella; on-camera audition technique with James Calleri

•Movement curriculum with Sita Mani (Feldenkrais, Alexander Technique); voice and speech with Liz Hayes

Notable Alumni

•Marcel Spears '15 — Fat Ham (The Public Theater), The Neighborhood (CBS)

•Fang Du '18 — Golden Shield (Manhattan Theater Club)

•Phumzile Sitole '16 — Star Trek: Discovery

•Rebecca Henderson '06 — Russian Doll, Inventing Anna (Netflix)

•Charles Browning '06 — The Piano Lesson (Broadway)

•Lauren Nicole Cipoletti '13, Folami Williams '16, Dave Register '15 — Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Professional Development

•Third year includes Industry Showcases in New York and Los Angeles for agents, managers, and casting directors

•Professional Practice classes with development workshops led by LA and NYC industry professionals

•Representatives from Playwrights Horizons, Warner Brothers, and other major companies visit regularly

Updated May 22, 3:13 PM