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Chapel Hill, NC•PublicCity
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Official Program Page

Program Characteristics

No Prescreen
No Audition
Interview Required
In-Person Only
University App Required

Program Highlights

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

•3-year MFA program training candidates for careers in corporate, regional, or educational theatre
•Prepares candidates to assume responsibility for the entire production process from technical drawings through strike

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING

•Affiliated with PlayMakers Repertory Company — an Equity/LORT professional theatre
•Candidates work with PRC shop as integral part of training, held to professional staff standards

CURRICULUM

•Training in AutoCAD, construction, structural design, metalworking processes, rigging, electronics, mechanical systems, and shop management

Key Info

University App

Apply atCommon App
Deadlines
Early ActionOct 15, 2025
Regular DecisionJan 15, 2026
Fee
$85Waiver

Program App

Apply atSchool Website

Interview Requirements

PORTFOLIO (required)

•Present a portfolio of past work in the field during on-campus interview
•Prior experience in both theatre and technical methods is expected

resume (required)

•Include work experience and education

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE (required)

•Upload to Graduate School application

REFERENCES

•Three letters of recommendation
•Two copies of official undergraduate transcripts

Good to Know

APPLICATION

•Apply through UNC Chapel Hill Graduate School
•Send copies of materials directly to Michael Rolleri at Center for Dramatic Art, CB #3230, UNC Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3230

ENROLLMENT

•Accepted for first year only — continuation into years 2 and 3 subject to MFA faculty approval

What's The Process

THE PROCESS

1. Complete online application to UNC Chapel Hill Graduate School

2. Send resume, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and transcript to Michael Rolleri

3. Arrange a date for personal interview and on-campus visit

4. During visit, present portfolio of work — selection based on demonstrated ability, portfolio, and interview

INTERVIEW OPTIONS

•On-campus visit preferred (contact Michael Rolleri: mrolleri@email.unc.edu, 919-843-9818)
•Interviews also available at LiNK, SETC, and USITT conventions in March
•Serious applicants should plan an earlier on-campus visit

Contact: Michael Rolleri — mrolleri@email.unc.edu, (919) 843-9818

Scholarship Info

FINANCIAL AID

•Limited number of departmental assistantships available
•Additional financial aid available through the university
•FAFSA deadline: March 1 for priority consideration
Program info updated 1 week ago

Academic School Information

4.49
Avg GPA (W)
19%
Admit Rate
92%
Grad Rate
20,556
Enrollment
$72,200
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$8,989
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$39,330
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$12,983
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$3,165
Family Income $30k - $48k$5,143
Family Income $48k - $75k$11,220
Family Income $75k - $110k$19,106
Family Income $110k+$24,077
View full data on College Scorecard