The Department of Theatre will begin accepting new applicants for the M.F.A. Program
in late Fall of 2025 for the cohort beginning in Fall of 2026. In the meantime, if
you would like to be notified when applications open, please fill outour form.
Acceptance to the Acting area requires a preliminary video audition and a callback
audition either in-person or virtually.
If you have any questions regarding the application or audition process, please contact
Amy Herzberg, Head of Acting at: herzberg@uark.edu.
In general, the application and admission into the program is a two-part process.
- First, all applicants must apply directly to the Department of Theatre through our Graduate Application Portal.
- Before applying, please familiarize yourself with the admission requirements below.
- Please note: there is no application fee for the first step of our application process.
STEP ONE: (Due Winter 2026, exact deadline TBD)
Applicants wishing to apply to the Acting Program should prepare to provide:
- Applicant Information
- Undergraduate degree and GPA
- Resume and headshot
- A Preliminary Audition: Prepare three contrasting monologues (a contemporary comedic, a contemporary dramatic,
and a Shakespeare), totaling no more than eight minutes. If desired, applicants can
provide an additional song from the musical theatre repertoire of up to one minute.
In this case, the audition should not exceed nine minutes. All applicants must submit a video audition.
STEP TWO: By invitation/callback, due date to be determined with invitation. Applicants
who receive an official callback will be asked to further provide:
- A one- to two-page personal statement addressing the applicant’s reasons for wanting to pursue an M.F.A. in Acting. The
statement should also discuss the applicant’s goals after completion of the program.
Applicants are welcome to share other relevant information that might give the selection
committee perspective on their application.
- Transcript
- Three letters of recommendation from theatre professionals, professors, or other people who are familiar with the
applicant and/or their work.
The GRE Test is not required for admission the University of Arkansas Graduate School
and standardized tests are not required for admission into the M.F.A. Program in
Theatre.
STEP THREE: After official acceptance, due date to be determined with acceptance offer.
Final admission into the MFA Program requires a formal application to the University
of Arkansas Graduate School. This step is not necessary until one has been granted
admission into the MFA Program. To apply to the graduate School, one should expect
to provide:
- Current official transcript (official transcripts must come from a College or University
Registrar or similar office)
- If one’s undergraduate career is incomplete at the time of application, a final official
transcript must be sent to the graduate school before registration begins for one’s
second semester.
