University of Michigan
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Program Characteristics
Prescreen Required
No Audition
Interview Required
In-Person or Virtual
Highly Selective
Under 12 Students
University App Required
Program Highlights
TRAINING & PRODUCTIONS
•Small cohorts with individualized educational approaches from devoted faculty
•Program culminates with a Senior Directing Thesis
•Faculty studios, Directing Theses, and student-led Basement Arts productions in Newman Studio
FACILITIES
•Performance venues: Arthur Miller Theatre, Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre, Power Center for the Performing Arts, and Newman Studio
•Visiting artists interact as resident teaching artists and guest designers
STUDENT LIFE
•Flexibility to participate in other U-M activities including sports, Greek life, marching band
ALUMNI NETWORK
•Alumni across the country from Broadway to Disney World, Spoleto Festival to Jacob's Pillow
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Deadlines
Early ActionNov 1, 2025
Early DecisionNov 1, 2025
SMTD Application DeadlineDec 1, 2025
Regular DecisionFeb 1, 2026
Fee
$75Waiver
SMTD Artistic Profile Fee
$45Waiver
Program AppApplication
Apply atSchool Website
Deadline
Dec 1, 2025
Auditions
Ann Arbor (In Person)Jan 16, 2026
Online/ZoomJan 17, 2026
Ann Arbor (In Person)Jan 30, 2026
Online/ZoomJan 31, 2026
Artistic Profile Fee
$45Waiver
Prescreen Requirements
Submission Specifications
•Format: Original files only (no YouTube, Google Drive, or other file-hosting services)
•Background: Neutral video background with little to no visual distractions
Additional Materials
RESUME & PHOTO
•Upload typed resume including previous theatre experience and training
•Upload a photo with a good likeness of yourself
"WHY DIRECTING?" VIDEO (60-90 sec)
•Face-to-camera response to "Why do you want to pursue a career in directing?"
•Do not submit a multi-camera, highly technical, edited studio video
PERSONAL STATEMENT (max 2 pages, double-spaced)
•Reasons for choosing directing training at Michigan and a theatre career
•May include goals, professional ambitions, and ideas about the field
INSTRUCTIONAL MOVEMENT VIDEO
•Watch the provided instructional video, practice the 2 sequences, and film yourself executing them
•Wear clothes that allow for free movement
•Camera must capture the whole body
VOCALIZATION VIDEO
•Read the Chorus speech from The Cure at Troy by Seamus Heaney
•Choose any 2 stanzas and play with the words — ignore meanings, play with sounds
•Lengthen, shorten, howl, sing, growl — have fun
DOCUMENTATION
•Upload notebooks, reviews, photographs of your theatre experience
•At least one letter of recommendation from a theatre teacher or professional
Good to Know
APPLICATION PORTAL
•Apply via Common App + SMTD Artistic Profile
•Upload all portfolio components to Artistic Profile by December 1
IMPORTANT NOTES
•SMTD does NOT participate in Early Action/Early Decision
•Items must be clearly and articulately presented
What's The Process
PORTFOLIO REVIEW
•Auditions and interviews by invitation only
•Candidates who advance will be contacted with invitation and instructions
•SMTD does not accept walk-in auditions/interviews
INTERVIEW
•In-person and virtual formats available
•Conversation with Directing faculty about theatre experience, knowledge of playwrights and directors, other interests, and goals
•Could last five to twenty minutes or longer
•Come prepared with questions about the program
Scholarship Info
•All applicants considered for SMTD merit-based scholarships
•Scholarship decisions sent by early April
•Financial need-based aid also available — explore grants, Work-Study, and loans
•December 1 deadline required for merit-based award consideration
Program info updated 1 week ago
Academic School Information
3.90
Avg GPA
18%
Admit Rate
93%
Grad Rate
33,488
Enrollment
$83,648
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$17,228
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$58,072
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$14,832
after typical aid
Average annual cost is often lower than tuition because it accounts for grants and scholarships most students receive. It includes tuition, room & board, books, and supplies.
Annual Cost by Family Income
Family Income $0 - $30k$4,926
Family Income $30k - $48k$5,389
Family Income $48k - $75k$8,756
Family Income $75k - $110k$16,042
Family Income $110k+$26,787
