University of Illinois Chicago
HSITest-OptionalGreek LifeLGBTQ+
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
No Interview
University App Required
Program Highlights
TRAINING
•Conservatory-style BFA acting training within a liberal arts setting
•Six semesters of voice for the actor and six semesters of movement
•Eight semesters of acting culminating in a semester-long audition class
FACULTY
•Led by Yasen Peyankov, Steppenwolf Theatre Ensemble member
•Faculty includes members of four Tony Award-winning Chicago theatre companies
•Senior audition class taught by casting directors from Goodman Theatre and Chicago Shakespeare Theater
PROFESSIONAL CONNECTIONS
•Internships at Steppenwolf Theatre Company and Lookingglass Theatre Company
•Located in Chicago with direct access to the professional theatre scene
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Andrew Neftalí Perez (BFA Acting '17) — Jeff Award Nominee; credits include The Chi (Showtime), Empire (FOX), Chicago P.D. (NBC)
FACILITIES
•Flexible mainstage black box theatre, studio theatre, and experimental performance spaces
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Deadlines
Early ActionNov 3, 2025
Regular DecisionFeb 2, 2026
Domestic Fee
$70Waiver
International Fee
$70
Program AppApplication
Auditions
On-Campus AuditionNov 10, 2025
On-Campus AuditionJan 17, 2026
On-Campus AuditionJan 26, 2026
On-Campus AuditionFeb 2, 2026
Audition Requirements
Monologues
TWO CONTRASTING CONTEMPORARY MONOLOGUES, 2 min each
•Two monologues from contemporary published plays
•Pieces should contrast in tone (e.g., dramatic and comedic)
Additional Materials
RESUME (required)
•Submit a digital copy of your resume
Good to Know
APPLICATION PROCESS
•Apply via Common App
•No separate audition portal — scheduling instructions sent by email after application submission
What's The Process
AUDITION FORMAT
•In-person on-campus audition is strongly encouraged
•Recorded audition option available if unable to attend in person
SCHEDULING
•After submitting your UIC application, you will receive an email with instructions to schedule your audition
CONTACT
•Neal McCollam: nealmac@uic.edu, 312-996-3991
Program info updated 2h ago
TRAINING
•Conservatory-style BFA acting training within a liberal arts setting
•Six semesters of voice for the actor and six semesters of movement
•Eight semesters of acting culminating in a semester-long audition class
FACULTY
•Led by Yasen Peyankov, Steppenwolf Theatre Ensemble member
•Faculty includes members of four Tony Award-winning Chicago theatre companies
•Senior audition class taught by casting directors from Goodman Theatre and Chicago Shakespeare Theater
PROFESSIONAL CONNECTIONS
•Internships at Steppenwolf Theatre Company and Lookingglass Theatre Company
•Located in Chicago with direct access to the professional theatre scene
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Andrew Neftalí Perez (BFA Acting '17) — Jeff Award Nominee; credits include The Chi (Showtime), Empire (FOX), Chicago P.D. (NBC)
FACILITIES
•Flexible mainstage black box theatre, studio theatre, and experimental performance spaces
Updated 2h ago
Academic School Information
3.55
Avg GPA (W)
77%
Admit Rate
61%
Grad Rate
22,170
Enrollment
$68,740
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$14,338
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$29,884
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$10,974
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.
Family Income $0 - $30k$7,529
Family Income $30k - $48k$8,119
Family Income $48k - $75k$10,921
Family Income $75k - $110k$16,185
Family Income $110k+$25,047
