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School of Theatre & Dance

Master of Fine Arts

The School of Theatre & Dance’s commitment to academic excellence and the highest professional standards has made the institution a vital resource in the educational and cultural life of this city. We offer graduate students a rigorous program of study rooted in both academic knowledge and practical experience, producing informed, innovative graduates who go on to become leaders in their respective fields.  

Housed in the heart of the fourth largest city in America, the University of Houston provides its students with a wide array of opportunities for culturally diverse experiences. School of Theatre & Dance students are also exposed to the myriad professional, religious, and community-based performance opportunities that the city has to offer. 

GENERAL MFA ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS 

Prospective MFA candidates are encouraged to contact the head of their area of concentration prior to filling out an official application, as each area of study has unique placement criteria and deadlines. 

In addition to meeting all KGMCA graduate admission requirements, prospective students will be assessed by the faculty recruitment committee within their area of concentration prior to being offered placement.

Acting 

Head of Area: Adam Noble – asnoble@central.uh.edu

  • All graduate acting candidates should audition for the University of Houston + Alley Theatre MFA Professional Actor Training Program before applying to the UH Graduate School; candidates that meet all KGMCA graduate admission requirements are not automatically admitted into the program.
  • Audition opportunities may be secured through the University/Regional Theatre Association (URTA), or by self-submission to Adam Noble.
  • No GRE is required for actors. 

Designers 

Head of Area: Barb Niederer – bniedere@central.uh.edu

Important Links: 

  • HOW TO APPLY TO YOUR MFA PROGRAM

    1. Apply for placement within your area of concentration.
    2. Once you have received an offer, then apply to the  UH Graduate School.

    As part of the UH Graduate School application process, applicants must: 

    • Pay the application fee.
    • Request letters of recommendation from theatre professionals.

    Applicants to the programs should request three (3) letters. During the online application, applicants are asked for the names and email addresses of their recommenders. Those individuals will be contacted directly by UH to submit their letters of support.  

    • Submit all official college transcripts to UH Graduate Admissions. 
      1. Proof of Degree. The State of Texas requires all incoming graduate students to provide proof that they have received the appropriate undergraduate degree(s) in order to enter any graduate program. Students who apply while enrolled at another institution will be required to submit an additional, final transcript to the UH Graduate Admissions Office upon completion of their degree.
      2. International Transcripts. If you have attended an institution outside of the United States, please see the Graduate School's International Applicants Transcript Information for country-specific requirements. 
      3. Official Address. If your previous institution uses the eScript electronic transcript system, copies can be submitted to gradschool@uh.edu. Otherwise, send official transcripts by mail to: 

      University of Houston 
      Graduate Admissions 
      P.O. Box 3947 
      Houston, Texas 77253-3947  

    • Apply to the School of Theatre and Dance. As part of the application system, applicants upload program-specific materials as needed.

     

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