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University of Nevada - Las Vegas

Las Vegas, NV

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Program

Concentration

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program profile

Highly SelectiveUnder 12 Students

Program

Concentration

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program profile

Highly SelectiveUnder 12 Students

Browse programs

Quick links

MFA Theatre

Performance

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program profile

Highly SelectiveUnder 12 Students

Training

Comprehensive, interdisciplinary professional actor training

Training in contemporary realism, Shakespeare, classical material, comedy of manners, and acting for camera

Integrated voice, movement, speech, dance, and musical theatre skills

9-credit sequence of graduate Theatre Studies courses covering literature, history, and criticism

Cohort-based training for a class of 10 actors every three years

Performance & Productions

Work alongside professional actors, directors, designers, and faculty through the Nevada Conservatory Theatre

Unique connections to the Las Vegas entertainment industry and internship opportunities

Notable Alumni

Giovanna Sardelli (BFA 1987) — Artistic Director of TheatreWorks Silicon Valley; 2019 Tony Award for Best Regional Theatre; UNLV CFA Alumna of the Year 2019

School Info

Snapshot

3.38

Avg GPA (W)

96%

Admit Rate

school-wide

51%

Grad Rate

24.6K

Enrollment

$55K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

In-State Tuition

$11,231

Before aid

Out-of-State Tuition

$31,420

Before aid

Cost of Attendance

$30,683

Before aid

Average Net Price

$10,359

After aid

Costs · unlv.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Aug 20, 2:54 PM

Program Highlights

Training

Comprehensive, interdisciplinary professional actor training

Training in contemporary realism, Shakespeare, classical material, comedy of manners, and acting for camera

Integrated voice, movement, speech, dance, and musical theatre skills

9-credit sequence of graduate Theatre Studies courses covering literature, history, and criticism

Cohort-based training for a class of 10 actors every three years

Performance & Productions

Work alongside professional actors, directors, designers, and faculty through the Nevada Conservatory Theatre

Unique connections to the Las Vegas entertainment industry and internship opportunities

Notable Alumni

Giovanna Sardelli (BFA 1987) — Artistic Director of TheatreWorks Silicon Valley; 2019 Tony Award for Best Regional Theatre; UNLV CFA Alumna of the Year 2019

Program Highlights

Training

Comprehensive, interdisciplinary professional actor training

Training in contemporary realism, Shakespeare, classical material, comedy of manners, and acting for camera

Integrated voice, movement, speech, dance, and musical theatre skills

9-credit sequence of graduate Theatre Studies courses covering literature, history, and criticism

Cohort-based training for a class of 10 actors every three years

Performance & Productions

Work alongside professional actors, directors, designers, and faculty through the Nevada Conservatory Theatre

Unique connections to the Las Vegas entertainment industry and internship opportunities

Notable Alumni

Giovanna Sardelli (BFA 1987) — Artistic Director of TheatreWorks Silicon Valley; 2019 Tony Award for Best Regional Theatre; UNLV CFA Alumna of the Year 2019

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2027

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website

Fees

Domestic Application Fee

$60

International Application Fee

$95

Deadline

Priority (Financial Aid)Nov 15, 2026

FinalJun 1, 2027

First Year · unlv.edu

Program AppApplication

Apply

School Website

MFA Performance · unlv.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.

Songs

One Broadway Musical Song, 16 Measures (1 Min Max)

Must be selected from a Broadway musical

In-person audition: perform a cappella (no accompaniment provided)

Video submission: may include accompaniment

Monologues

Two Contrasting Monologue Selections, 4 Min Total Max

One selection must be classical (pre-18th Century) and in verse (Shakespeare)

Second selection should contrast the first

Total audition time should not exceed 4 minutes

Additional Materials

Statement of Purpose

Written statement (500 words or less) of purpose in pursuing graduate study

Letters of Recommendation

Two letters from former instructors, employers, or professionals

Transcripts

From all postsecondary institutions attended

Must show undergraduate degree in theatre (or equivalent major with practical experience)

MFA Performance · unlv.edu

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Apply through the UNLV Graduate College Application Portal

Minimum 2.75 overall GPA, or 3.00 for the last 60 credits

Fall admission only

MFA Performance admits a new acting cohort every three years; confirm the next available cohort with the program before applying

What's The Process

Audition Process

Entrance to the MFA Performance program requires an audition

National recruiting and auditions are conducted through U/RTA; refer to U/RTA for dates and audition guidelines

Candidates may also travel to Las Vegas to audition by appointment

The current recruitment page lists a new class of 10 actors beginning Fall 2026

Contact

Phil Hubbard, Head of MFA Acting: philip.hubbard@unlv.edu or 702-895-3869

Scholarship Info

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate assistantship opportunities available for theatre graduate students

Contact the Department of Theatre for current availability and application details

School Info

Snapshot

3.38

Avg GPA (W)

96%

Admit Rate

school-wide

51%

Grad Rate

24.6K

Enrollment

$55K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

In-State Tuition

$11,231

Before aid

Out-of-State Tuition

$31,420

Before aid

Cost of Attendance

$30,683

Before aid

Average Net Price

$10,359

After aid

Costs · unlv.edu College Scorecard

Training

Comprehensive, interdisciplinary professional actor training

Training in contemporary realism, Shakespeare, classical material, comedy of manners, and acting for camera

Integrated voice, movement, speech, dance, and musical theatre skills

9-credit sequence of graduate Theatre Studies courses covering literature, history, and criticism

Cohort-based training for a class of 10 actors every three years

Performance & Productions

Work alongside professional actors, directors, designers, and faculty through the Nevada Conservatory Theatre

Unique connections to the Las Vegas entertainment industry and internship opportunities

Notable Alumni

Giovanna Sardelli (BFA 1987) — Artistic Director of TheatreWorks Silicon Valley; 2019 Tony Award for Best Regional Theatre; UNLV CFA Alumna of the Year 2019

Updated Aug 20, 2:54 PM