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University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

25-40 Students

Program

Concentration

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

25-40 Students

Browse programs

Quick links

BFA Theatre

Acting

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

25-40 Students

Training

Intensive conservatory-based training emphasizing professional readiness

Classes in acting, voice and speech, movement, stage combat, and dialects

Scene work covers contemporary plays, musical theatre, Shakespeare, and acting for the camera

Healthy, sustainable approach to craft with innovative and daring artistry

Vocal and physical integration, collaboration, and bold storytelling across styles

Performance & Productions

Students audition for department productions from second year onward

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts — world-class performance venue

Notable Alumni

Nick Offerman (BFA '93) — Parks and Recreation, The Last of Us; co-founded Defiant Theatre in Chicago after graduating

Alan Ruck (BFA '79) — Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Succession; began career at Goodman Theatre after Illinois

Betsy Brandt (BFA '96) — Breaking Bad, Life in Pieces; lived at Krannert Center during her training

Lynne Thigpen — Tony Award winner for An American Daughter (1997); studied theatre at UIUC on acting fellowship

Professional Development

Illinois Acting Showcase for senior students

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

4.00

Admit rate

42%

school-wide

Grad rate

85%

Enrollment

36.3K

Earnings

$81K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$16,004

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$35,124

Before aid

Average net price

$14,355

After aid

College Scorecard

Program info updated Aug 13, 10:28 PM

Program Highlights

Training

Intensive conservatory-based training emphasizing professional readiness

Classes in acting, voice and speech, movement, stage combat, and dialects

Scene work covers contemporary plays, musical theatre, Shakespeare, and acting for the camera

Healthy, sustainable approach to craft with innovative and daring artistry

Vocal and physical integration, collaboration, and bold storytelling across styles

Performance & Productions

Students audition for department productions from second year onward

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts — world-class performance venue

Notable Alumni

Nick Offerman (BFA '93) — Parks and Recreation, The Last of Us; co-founded Defiant Theatre in Chicago after graduating

Alan Ruck (BFA '79) — Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Succession; began career at Goodman Theatre after Illinois

Betsy Brandt (BFA '96) — Breaking Bad, Life in Pieces; lived at Krannert Center during her training

Lynne Thigpen — Tony Award winner for An American Daughter (1997); studied theatre at UIUC on acting fellowship

Professional Development

Illinois Acting Showcase for senior students

Program Highlights

Training

Intensive conservatory-based training emphasizing professional readiness

Classes in acting, voice and speech, movement, stage combat, and dialects

Scene work covers contemporary plays, musical theatre, Shakespeare, and acting for the camera

Healthy, sustainable approach to craft with innovative and daring artistry

Vocal and physical integration, collaboration, and bold storytelling across styles

Performance & Productions

Students audition for department productions from second year onward

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts — world-class performance venue

Notable Alumni

Nick Offerman (BFA '93) — Parks and Recreation, The Last of Us; co-founded Defiant Theatre in Chicago after graduating

Alan Ruck (BFA '79) — Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Succession; began career at Goodman Theatre after Illinois

Betsy Brandt (BFA '96) — Breaking Bad, Life in Pieces; lived at Krannert Center during her training

Lynne Thigpen — Tony Award winner for An American Daughter (1997); studied theatre at UIUC on acting fellowship

Professional Development

Illinois Acting Showcase for senior students

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2027

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App· Only option

Fee

$75

Application · Common App

Program AppApplication

Auditions

On-Campus Early Action

AuditionDec 5, 2026

Illinois High School Theatre Festival

AuditionJan 8, 2027

Other dates

On-Campus AuditionJan 23, 2027

Chicago Unifieds

Audition - Day 1Feb 1, 2027

Audition - Day 2Feb 2, 2027

Audition - Day 3Feb 3, 2027

Audition Requirements

Songs

Requirements

Optional song

Not required — offered as an optional addition

Bring recorded accompaniment and means to play it

Monologues

Requirements

Two Contrasting monologues, 60 sec each max

Each monologue from a different play

Speech of one character only — not multiple characters speaking

Choose characters similar to your own age and experience

Material Selection

Contemporary characters without dialects are best

Shakespeare or classical material welcome, but one selection should be from a contemporary text

Be prepared to have your monologues coached and explored

Additional Materials

Headshot (Required)

Bring a photograph of yourself

Resume (Required)

List theatre experiences, educational background, and other interests

Include hobbies, special skills, and employment history

Upload electronic version when registering + bring paper copy to audition

Apply Acting · theatre.illinois.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Complete the university application and register separately for an acting audition

Fall 2027 audition registration links are scheduled to be posted in August 2026

Illinois High School Theatre Festival applicants must also register with the festival

What's The Process

Audition Expectations

Acting applicants may audition on campus, at the Illinois High School Theatre Festival, or at Chicago Unifieds

On-campus events include faculty workshops, student conversations, a Krannert Center tour, and the audition

International applicants or applicants unable to travel may request a virtual audition

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

4.00

Admit rate

42%

school-wide

Grad rate

85%

Enrollment

36.3K

Earnings

$81K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$16,004

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$35,124

Before aid

Average net price

$14,355

After aid

College Scorecard

Training

Intensive conservatory-based training emphasizing professional readiness

Classes in acting, voice and speech, movement, stage combat, and dialects

Scene work covers contemporary plays, musical theatre, Shakespeare, and acting for the camera

Healthy, sustainable approach to craft with innovative and daring artistry

Vocal and physical integration, collaboration, and bold storytelling across styles

Performance & Productions

Students audition for department productions from second year onward

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts — world-class performance venue

Notable Alumni

Nick Offerman (BFA '93) — Parks and Recreation, The Last of Us; co-founded Defiant Theatre in Chicago after graduating

Alan Ruck (BFA '79) — Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Succession; began career at Goodman Theatre after Illinois

Betsy Brandt (BFA '96) — Breaking Bad, Life in Pieces; lived at Krannert Center during her training

Lynne Thigpen — Tony Award winner for An American Daughter (1997); studied theatre at UIUC on acting fellowship

Professional Development

Illinois Acting Showcase for senior students

Updated Aug 13, 10:28 PM