Public school42.9K

University of Texas - Austin

Austin, TX

Greek LifeLGBTQ+

Start free

Program

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Highly Selective12-24 Students

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Highly Selective12-24 Students

Browse programs

Quick links

BFA Acting

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Highly Selective12-24 Students

Training

Training combines stage acting with voice-over, narration, film and television

Regular collaboration with Radio-Television-Film students for on-camera experience

Study under B. Iden Payne tradition of actor training with roots in Shakespeare

Performance & Productions

Annual season of 6-8 productions plus Studio Series and Cohen New Works Festival

Notable Alumni

Marcia Gay Harden (BA Drama '80) — Oscar winner (Pollock), Tony winner (God of Carnage)

Bruce McGill (BFA Drama '73) — Animal House, My Cousin Vinny, Lincoln

Rip Torn (BA Drama) — Men in Black, Emmy winner for The Larry Sanders Show

Tommy Tune (BFA Drama '62) — 10 Tony Awards as performer, director and choreographer

J. Quinton Johnson — Hamilton on Broadway, Everybody Wants Some!!

Professional Development

Final semester in Los Angeles through UT Semester in LA program

Digital showcase filmed and released to industry professionals before graduation

School Info

Snapshot

3.83

Avg GPA (W)

27%

Admit Rate

school-wide

89%

Grad Rate

42.9K

Enrollment

$75K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

In-State Tuition

$11,688

Before aid

Out-of-State Tuition

$44,908

Before aid

Average Net Price

$19,857

After aid

College Scorecard

Program info updated Sep 3, 8:42 PM

Program Highlights

Training

Training combines stage acting with voice-over, narration, film and television

Regular collaboration with Radio-Television-Film students for on-camera experience

Study under B. Iden Payne tradition of actor training with roots in Shakespeare

Performance & Productions

Annual season of 6-8 productions plus Studio Series and Cohen New Works Festival

Notable Alumni

Marcia Gay Harden (BA Drama '80) — Oscar winner (Pollock), Tony winner (God of Carnage)

Bruce McGill (BFA Drama '73) — Animal House, My Cousin Vinny, Lincoln

Rip Torn (BA Drama) — Men in Black, Emmy winner for The Larry Sanders Show

Tommy Tune (BFA Drama '62) — 10 Tony Awards as performer, director and choreographer

J. Quinton Johnson — Hamilton on Broadway, Everybody Wants Some!!

Professional Development

Final semester in Los Angeles through UT Semester in LA program

Digital showcase filmed and released to industry professionals before graduation

Program Highlights

Training

Training combines stage acting with voice-over, narration, film and television

Regular collaboration with Radio-Television-Film students for on-camera experience

Study under B. Iden Payne tradition of actor training with roots in Shakespeare

Performance & Productions

Annual season of 6-8 productions plus Studio Series and Cohen New Works Festival

Notable Alumni

Marcia Gay Harden (BA Drama '80) — Oscar winner (Pollock), Tony winner (God of Carnage)

Bruce McGill (BFA Drama '73) — Animal House, My Cousin Vinny, Lincoln

Rip Torn (BA Drama) — Men in Black, Emmy winner for The Larry Sanders Show

Tommy Tune (BFA Drama '62) — 10 Tony Awards as performer, director and choreographer

J. Quinton Johnson — Hamilton on Broadway, Everybody Wants Some!!

Professional Development

Final semester in Los Angeles through UT Semester in LA program

Digital showcase filmed and released to industry professionals before graduation

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2027

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App ApplyTexas School Website

Fee

$75

Opens

Aug 1, 2026

Deadline

Early Action Application Deadline (not College of Fine Arts)Oct 15, 2026

Early Action Supplemental Materials Deadline (not College of Fine Arts)Oct 22, 2026

Regular Application DeadlineDec 1, 2026

Regular Supplemental Materials DeadlineDec 10, 2026

Freshman · admissions.utexas.edu

Program AppApplication

Opens

Sep 1, 2026

Undergraduate Application Timeline · theatredance.utexas.edu

Prescreen Requirements

Monologues

Requirements

Two Contrasting Monologues

Approximately 1-minute each

Choose from plays you've read in their entirety (not monologue books)

Character close in age to you

Recommended: one contemporary (written after 1980) and one classical/heightened text

Avoid overdone plays: Rabbit Hole, Red, Prodigal Son, She Kills Monsters

Additional Materials

College of Fine Arts application

Headshot (does not have to be professional — clear image taken on mobile device is acceptable)

BFA Acting · theatredance.utexas.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Audition Requirements

Monologues

Callback Work

The callback may include performing one or two monologues and/or scenes

BFA Acting · theatredance.utexas.edu

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Submit prescreen materials via Theatre and Dance application portal (accessible through MyStatus after Common App submission)

Eligibility

Admits incoming freshmen only — students with any college-level coursework after high school graduation are not eligible

Important Notes

College of Fine Arts does not participate in Early Action — Fine Arts applicants who apply early by October 15 will receive admission decisions by February 15

What's The Process

Audition Process

Prescreen materials reviewed first

Callback audition/interview invitations sent December through January

Select applicants invited to in-person or virtual callback audition

Auditions held in January

Scholarship Info

Department's scholarship committee awards merit and financial need-based scholarships to incoming students. No separate scholarship application required — students who fully complete their application are automatically considered for departmental funding. Department also awards scholarships to continuing students.

School Info

Snapshot

3.83

Avg GPA (W)

27%

Admit Rate

school-wide

89%

Grad Rate

42.9K

Enrollment

$75K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

In-State Tuition

$11,688

Before aid

Out-of-State Tuition

$44,908

Before aid

Average Net Price

$19,857

After aid

College Scorecard

Training

Training combines stage acting with voice-over, narration, film and television

Regular collaboration with Radio-Television-Film students for on-camera experience

Study under B. Iden Payne tradition of actor training with roots in Shakespeare

Performance & Productions

Annual season of 6-8 productions plus Studio Series and Cohen New Works Festival

Notable Alumni

Marcia Gay Harden (BA Drama '80) — Oscar winner (Pollock), Tony winner (God of Carnage)

Bruce McGill (BFA Drama '73) — Animal House, My Cousin Vinny, Lincoln

Rip Torn (BA Drama) — Men in Black, Emmy winner for The Larry Sanders Show

Tommy Tune (BFA Drama '62) — 10 Tony Awards as performer, director and choreographer

J. Quinton Johnson — Hamilton on Broadway, Everybody Wants Some!!

Professional Development

Final semester in Los Angeles through UT Semester in LA program

Digital showcase filmed and released to industry professionals before graduation

Updated Sep 3, 8:42 PM