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University of Houston

Houston, TX

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Program

Concentration

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Highly SelectiveUnder 12 Students

Program

Concentration

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Highly SelectiveUnder 12 Students

Browse programs

Quick links

MFA Theatre

Acting

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Highly SelectiveUnder 12 Students

Training

Three-year conservatory-style program in partnership with Alley Theatre, a nationally recognized LORT company

Rigorous training in acting, voice, movement, stage combat, dialects, and intimacy coordination

Notable Alumni

Jim Parsons (BA Theatre) — four-time Emmy winner, Golden Globe winner, Tony-nominated

School alumni include Tommy Tune (10 Tony Awards), Loretta Devine (Emmy winner, original Broadway Dreamgirls), and Brent Spiner

Professional Development

Third-year residency working alongside Resident Acting Company at the Alley Theatre

Features The Circadian Project (100-hour devised theatre challenge) and The Turbo Project (one-week high-speed production)

Summers spent acting with professional theatre companies

Location

Access to Houston's thriving arts scene, fourth-largest city in the U.S. with world-class performing arts institutions

Graduates join nationwide network of alumni working across theatre, film, and television

School Info

Snapshot

3.49

Avg GPA (W)

74%

Admit Rate

school-wide

65%

Grad Rate

38.4K

Enrollment

$62K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

In-State Tuition

$11,888

Before aid

Out-of-State Tuition

$27,776

Before aid

Average Net Price

$14,276

After aid

Index · uh.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Aug 5, 2:23 PM

Program Highlights

Training

Three-year conservatory-style program in partnership with Alley Theatre, a nationally recognized LORT company

Rigorous training in acting, voice, movement, stage combat, dialects, and intimacy coordination

Notable Alumni

Jim Parsons (BA Theatre) — four-time Emmy winner, Golden Globe winner, Tony-nominated

School alumni include Tommy Tune (10 Tony Awards), Loretta Devine (Emmy winner, original Broadway Dreamgirls), and Brent Spiner

Professional Development

Third-year residency working alongside Resident Acting Company at the Alley Theatre

Features The Circadian Project (100-hour devised theatre challenge) and The Turbo Project (one-week high-speed production)

Summers spent acting with professional theatre companies

Location

Access to Houston's thriving arts scene, fourth-largest city in the U.S. with world-class performing arts institutions

Graduates join nationwide network of alumni working across theatre, film, and television

Program Highlights

Training

Three-year conservatory-style program in partnership with Alley Theatre, a nationally recognized LORT company

Rigorous training in acting, voice, movement, stage combat, dialects, and intimacy coordination

Notable Alumni

Jim Parsons (BA Theatre) — four-time Emmy winner, Golden Globe winner, Tony-nominated

School alumni include Tommy Tune (10 Tony Awards), Loretta Devine (Emmy winner, original Broadway Dreamgirls), and Brent Spiner

Professional Development

Third-year residency working alongside Resident Acting Company at the Alley Theatre

Features The Circadian Project (100-hour devised theatre challenge) and The Turbo Project (one-week high-speed production)

Summers spent acting with professional theatre companies

Location

Access to Houston's thriving arts scene, fourth-largest city in the U.S. with world-class performing arts institutions

Graduates join nationwide network of alumni working across theatre, film, and television

Key Info

Enrollment Term

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App ApplyTexas

Fee

$75

Deadline

Fall 2027 application dueMay 31, 2027

Fall 2027 supporting information dueJun 7, 2027

Incoming Freshman · uh.edu

Program AppApplication

Dates

Dates TBA

Apply

School Website

Theatredance App Portal · connect.uh.edu

Prescreen 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.

Monologues

Two Contrasting Monologues, Showing Strengths and Range AS A Performer

Maximum combined length: 2 minutes, 30 seconds total

Additional Materials

Headshot (Required)

Resume (Required)

Statement (Required)

Statement of Experience & Goals

One-to-two-page statement describing background and interests in graduate study

Transcript (Required)

Unofficial transcript showing combined GPA of 3.0 or higher in all prior coursework

Letters of Recommendation (Required)

Three personal or professional references (uploaded as part of Graduate School application)

Theatredance App Portal · connect.uh.edu

Audition Requirements

Additional Materials

Callback Interview

Successful video audition candidates are contacted for callback interviews

In-person callbacks available in Philadelphia, PA, Chicago, IL (January), or Houston, TX (February)

Virtual callbacks may be arranged on a case-by-case basis

Theatredance App Portal · connect.uh.edu

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Apply to the School of Theatre & Dance portal for full consideration

Email the faculty head for the Acting area as part of the MFA process

Audition for the MFA Acting program before applying to the UH Graduate School

GRE is not required

Eligibility

Must have completed a bachelor's degree (BA, BFA) by August 1

Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on undergraduate degree

Admission Pathway

Video self-submission to Adam Noble (asnoble@central.uh.edu)

URTA Guest Auditions (urta.com)

What's The Process

Audition Process

Candidates whose auditions progress will be contacted for callback interviews

In-person callback options are offered in New York City, Chicago, and Houston

Virtual callbacks may be arranged on a case-by-case basis

Audition Expectations

Submit a video audition via YouTube, Vimeo, or a comparable platform

Send video links directly to Adam Noble, Head of MFA Acting, at asnoble@central.uh.edu

Video submissions must be received by January 15 for priority consideration

Scholarship Info

Graduate Tuition Fellowships available

Stipends available

School Info

Snapshot

3.49

Avg GPA (W)

74%

Admit Rate

school-wide

65%

Grad Rate

38.4K

Enrollment

$62K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

In-State Tuition

$11,888

Before aid

Out-of-State Tuition

$27,776

Before aid

Average Net Price

$14,276

After aid

Index · uh.edu College Scorecard

Training

Three-year conservatory-style program in partnership with Alley Theatre, a nationally recognized LORT company

Rigorous training in acting, voice, movement, stage combat, dialects, and intimacy coordination

Notable Alumni

Jim Parsons (BA Theatre) — four-time Emmy winner, Golden Globe winner, Tony-nominated

School alumni include Tommy Tune (10 Tony Awards), Loretta Devine (Emmy winner, original Broadway Dreamgirls), and Brent Spiner

Professional Development

Third-year residency working alongside Resident Acting Company at the Alley Theatre

Features The Circadian Project (100-hour devised theatre challenge) and The Turbo Project (one-week high-speed production)

Summers spent acting with professional theatre companies

Location

Access to Houston's thriving arts scene, fourth-largest city in the U.S. with world-class performing arts institutions

Graduates join nationwide network of alumni working across theatre, film, and television

Updated Aug 5, 2:23 PM