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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

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

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.67

Admit rate

63%

school-wide

Grad rate

84%

Enrollment

7.3K

Earnings

$78K

10yr after

Costs & aid

Tuition & fees

$71,816

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$96,388

Before aid

Average net price

$40,892

After aid

Cost Of Attendance · smu.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated 4d ago

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

Enrollment Term

Fall 2026

These Fall 2026 enrollment dates have passed — dates for the next cycle aren't available yet.

Program AppApplication

Apply

School Website

Deadline

Fall 2026 Graduate Application Full-Consideration DeadlineFeb 15, 2026

Auditions

Fall 2026 SMU On-Campus MFA Acting

AuditionDec 6, 2025

Fall 2026 URTA Philadelphia

Auditions - First DayJan 9, 2026

Auditions - Second DayJan 10, 2026

Auditions - Third DayJan 11, 2026

Fall 2026 URTA Atlanta

AuditionsJan 18, 2026

Fall 2026 URTA Chicago

Auditions - First DayJan 25, 2026

Auditions - Second DayJan 26, 2026

Auditions - Third DayJan 27, 2026

Auditions - Fourth DayJan 28, 2026

Fall 2026 URTA Virtual

Auditions - First DayJan 31, 2026

Auditions - Second DayFeb 1, 2026

Fall 2026 URTA Fullerton

Auditions - First DayFeb 7, 2026

Auditions - Second DayFeb 8, 2026

Graduatestudies · smu.edu Actingmfa · smu.edu

Audition Requirements

These requirements are from the Fall 2026 entry cycle. Fall 2027 requirements are typically posted between August and October and usually change only slightly — confirm on the official source before submitting.

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

Actingmfa · smu.edu

Good to Know

Application Logistics

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

Complete the online application and supporting materials by the published deadline for full fall consideration

Admission Pathway

Admits a cohort of 8 students once every three years

The next class will enter in fall 2029

All new Theatre students begin courses in the fall semester

Important Notes

The $75 application fee is waived for MFA in Theatre applicants at the 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

Fall 2026 SMU On-Campus MFA Acting Audition — Dallas, TX

Fall 2026 URTA Philadelphia Auditions - First Day — Philadelphia, PA

Fall 2026 URTA Philadelphia Auditions - Second Day — Philadelphia, PA

Fall 2026 URTA Philadelphia Auditions - Third Day — Philadelphia, PA

Fall 2026 URTA Atlanta Auditions — Atlanta, GA

Fall 2026 URTA Chicago Auditions - First Day — Chicago, IL

Fall 2026 URTA Chicago Auditions - Second Day — Chicago, IL

Fall 2026 URTA Chicago Auditions - Third Day — Chicago, IL

Fall 2026 URTA Chicago Auditions - Fourth Day — Chicago, IL

Fall 2026 URTA Virtual Auditions - First Day — Online

Fall 2026 URTA Virtual Auditions - Second Day — Online

Fall 2026 URTA Fullerton Auditions - First Day — Fullerton, CA

Fall 2026 URTA Fullerton Auditions - Second Day — Fullerton, CA

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.

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.67

Admit rate

63%

school-wide

Grad rate

84%

Enrollment

7.3K

Earnings

$78K

10yr after

Costs & aid

Tuition & fees

$71,816

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$96,388

Before aid

Average net price

$40,892

After aid

Cost Of Attendance · smu.edu 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 4d ago