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University of Illinois Chicago

Chicago, IL

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Program

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Browse programs

Quick links

BFA Acting

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

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

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

Notable Alumni

Andrew Neftalí Perez (BFA Acting '17) — . Jeff Award Nominee; credits include The Chi (Showtime), Empire (FOX), and Chicago P.D. (NBC)

Professional Development

Internships at Steppenwolf Theatre Company and Lookingglass Theatre Company

Located in Chicago with direct access to the professional theatre scene

Facilities

Flexible mainstage black box theatre, studio theatre, and experimental performance spaces

School Info

Snapshot

3.55

Avg GPA (W)

77%

Admit Rate

school-wide

62%

Grad Rate

22.2K

Enrollment

$69K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

In-State Tuition

$16,720

Before aid

Out-of-State Tuition

$29,884

Before aid

Average Net Price

$10,974

After aid

Cost Attendance Coa · financialaid.uic.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Aug 20, 2:54 PM

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

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

Notable Alumni

Andrew Neftalí Perez (BFA Acting '17) — . Jeff Award Nominee; credits include The Chi (Showtime), Empire (FOX), and Chicago P.D. (NBC)

Professional Development

Internships at Steppenwolf Theatre Company and Lookingglass Theatre Company

Located in Chicago with direct access to the professional theatre scene

Facilities

Flexible mainstage black box theatre, studio theatre, and experimental performance spaces

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

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

Notable Alumni

Andrew Neftalí Perez (BFA Acting '17) — . Jeff Award Nominee; credits include The Chi (Showtime), Empire (FOX), and Chicago P.D. (NBC)

Professional Development

Internships at Steppenwolf Theatre Company and Lookingglass Theatre Company

Located in Chicago with direct access to the professional theatre scene

Facilities

Flexible mainstage black box theatre, studio theatre, and experimental performance spaces

Key Info

Enrollment Term

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App

Fees

Domestic Fee

$70

International Fee

$70

Opens

Spring 2027 Transfer and Fall/Spring 2027 First-Year Applications OpenAug 1, 2026

Fall Transfer Applications OpenDec 15, 2026

Deadline

First-year applicants

Fall First-Year Early ActionNov 2, 2026

Fall First-Year Regular DecisionFeb 1, 2027

Transfer applicants

Fall Transfer Deadline (On-Campus Programs)Apr 1, 2027

Deadlines · admissions.uic.edu

Program AppApplication

Dates

Opens later

Theatre Degree Auditions · theatreandmusic.uic.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.

Monologues

Requirements

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

Theatre Degree Auditions · theatreandmusic.uic.edu

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Apply via Common App

No separate audition portal — scheduling instructions sent by email after application submission

What's The Process

Audition Process

After submitting your UIC application, you will receive an email with instructions to schedule your audition

Audition Expectations

In-person on-campus audition is strongly encouraged

Recorded audition option available if unable to attend in person

Contact

Neal McCollam: nealmac@uic.edu, 312-996-3991

School Info

Snapshot

3.55

Avg GPA (W)

77%

Admit Rate

school-wide

62%

Grad Rate

22.2K

Enrollment

$69K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

In-State Tuition

$16,720

Before aid

Out-of-State Tuition

$29,884

Before aid

Average Net Price

$10,974

After aid

Cost Attendance Coa · financialaid.uic.edu College Scorecard

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

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

Notable Alumni

Andrew Neftalí Perez (BFA Acting '17) — . Jeff Award Nominee; credits include The Chi (Showtime), Empire (FOX), and Chicago P.D. (NBC)

Professional Development

Internships at Steppenwolf Theatre Company and Lookingglass Theatre Company

Located in Chicago with direct access to the professional theatre scene

Facilities

Flexible mainstage black box theatre, studio theatre, and experimental performance spaces

Updated Aug 20, 2:54 PM