Private school7.3K

Southern Methodist University

Dallas, TX

Test-OptionalGreek Life

Program

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredNo University App

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

SelectiveUnder 12 Students

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredNo University App

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

SelectiveUnder 12 Students

Browse programs

Quick Links

MFA Acting

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredNo University App

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

SelectiveUnder 12 Students

Quick Links

MFA Acting

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredNo University App

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

SelectiveUnder 12 Students

Quick Links

BFA Theatre

Musical Theatre

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Selective12-24 Students

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

Selective12-24 Students

Quick Links

BFA Theatre

Theatre Studies

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Selective12-24 Students

Quick Links

MFA Entertainment Design

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredNo University App

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

SelectiveUnder 12 Students

Training

•Three-year professional training in the Stanislavsky tradition

•Voice, movement, and text work integrated throughout curriculum

•Partnership with award-winning Dallas Theater Center (LORT)

•Third-year digital showcase marketed to agents and casting directors nationwide

Notable Alumni

•Lauren Graham (Gilmore Girls)

•Amy Acker (Angel, Person of Interest)

•Michael Aronov (Tony Award winner — Oslo)

•Tiffany Denise Hobbs (The Lion King national tour, Waitress on Broadway)

Value

•Full tuition scholarship ($44,500/year tax-free) plus $12,000/year assistantship

•Total 3-year package: $168,000

Academic info

Snapshot

3.67

Avg GPA (W)

63%

Admit Rate

school-wide

84%

Grad Rate

7.3K

Enrollment

$78K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Average Annual Cost

$40,892

after typical aid

Tuition & Fees

$67,040

before aid

Average annual cost reflects the grants and scholarships most students receive.

$0-30k$23,544

$30-48k$20,038

$48-75k$24,152

$75-110k$33,477

$110k+$58,213

View full data on College Scorecard

Program info updated May 27, 1:16 AM

Program Highlights

Training

•Three-year professional training in the Stanislavsky tradition

•Voice, movement, and text work integrated throughout curriculum

•Partnership with award-winning Dallas Theater Center (LORT)

•Third-year digital showcase marketed to agents and casting directors nationwide

Notable Alumni

•Lauren Graham (Gilmore Girls)

•Amy Acker (Angel, Person of Interest)

•Michael Aronov (Tony Award winner — Oslo)

•Tiffany Denise Hobbs (The Lion King national tour, Waitress on Broadway)

Value

•Full tuition scholarship ($44,500/year tax-free) plus $12,000/year assistantship

•Total 3-year package: $168,000

Program Highlights

Training

•Three-year professional training in the Stanislavsky tradition

•Voice, movement, and text work integrated throughout curriculum

•Partnership with award-winning Dallas Theater Center (LORT)

•Third-year digital showcase marketed to agents and casting directors nationwide

Notable Alumni

•Lauren Graham (Gilmore Girls)

•Amy Acker (Angel, Person of Interest)

•Michael Aronov (Tony Award winner — Oslo)

•Tiffany Denise Hobbs (The Lion King national tour, Waitress on Broadway)

Value

•Full tuition scholarship ($44,500/year tax-free) plus $12,000/year assistantship

•Total 3-year package: $168,000

Key Info

Program AppApplication

Apply

School Website

Deadline

Graduate application full-consideration deadlineFeb 15, 2026

Auditions

On-Campus (Dallas)Dec 6, 2025

URTA (Philadelphia, PA)Jan 9, 2026

URTA (Atlanta, GA — SMU virtual only)Jan 18, 2026

URTA (Chicago, IL)Jan 25, 2026

URTA (Virtual)Jan 31, 2026

URTA (Fullerton, CA — SMU virtual only)Feb 7, 2026

Audition Requirements

Songs

ONE 16-BAR SONG

•A cappella or with your own music

Monologues

TWO AUDITION SELECTIONS

•One 2-minute monologue from a contemporary play

•One contrasting 2-minute selection from a classical play

Additional Materials

Application Materials

•OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS from each college or university previously attended

•THREE LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION from professors who know the applicant's personal and academic qualifications

•ARTIST STATEMENT addressing graduate-study goals and fit with SMU

•CV/RESUME listing relevant accomplishments, scholarships, residencies, exhibitions, screenings, or related experience

Official Source

Good to Know

Application Logistics

•Submit the Meadows School of the Arts Graduate Application through SMU Graduate Admission

•Complete the online application and deliver all supporting materials before February 15 for full fall consideration

•Application materials are retained for one year and are not returned

Admission Pathway

•Admits 8 students every other year (2024, 2026, 2028)

•All new Theatre students begin courses in the fall semester

Important Notes

•$75 application fee is waived for M.F.A. in Theatre applicants at time of application

What's The Process

Audition Process

•In-person on-campus audition in Dallas: Saturday, December 6, 2025, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

•URTA auditions available in Philadelphia, Atlanta, Chicago, virtual, and Fullerton formats

•Philadelphia, PA: January 9-11, 2026

•Atlanta, GA: January 18, 2026 (SMU attending virtually only)

•Chicago, IL: January 25-28, 2026

•Virtual: January 31-February 1, 2026

•Fullerton, CA: February 7-8, 2026 (SMU attending virtually only)

•Contact Meadows Graduate Admissions if unable to attend the on-campus or URTA auditions

Audition Expectations

•Audition includes an interview

Scholarship Info

•Full tuition scholarship ($44,500/year tax-free) plus $12,000/year assistantship. Total 3-year package: $168,000.

Academic info

Snapshot

3.67

Avg GPA (W)

63%

Admit Rate

school-wide

84%

Grad Rate

7.3K

Enrollment

$78K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Average Annual Cost

$40,892

after typical aid

Tuition & Fees

$67,040

before aid

Average annual cost reflects the grants and scholarships most students receive.

$0-30k$23,544

$30-48k$20,038

$48-75k$24,152

$75-110k$33,477

$110k+$58,213

View full data on College Scorecard

Training

•Three-year professional training in the Stanislavsky tradition

•Voice, movement, and text work integrated throughout curriculum

•Partnership with award-winning Dallas Theater Center (LORT)

•Third-year digital showcase marketed to agents and casting directors nationwide

Notable Alumni

•Lauren Graham (Gilmore Girls)

•Amy Acker (Angel, Person of Interest)

•Michael Aronov (Tony Award winner — Oslo)

•Tiffany Denise Hobbs (The Lion King national tour, Waitress on Broadway)

Value

•Full tuition scholarship ($44,500/year tax-free) plus $12,000/year assistantship

•Total 3-year package: $168,000

Updated May 27, 1:16 AM

Southern Methodist University

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Southern Methodist University

Browse programs

Program Highlights

Key Info

Audition Requirements

Good to Know

What's The Process

Scholarship Info

Academic info

Program Highlights

Program Highlights

Key Info

Audition Requirements

Good to Know

What's The Process

Scholarship Info

School Info