Theatre Arts (MFA)

Admission Expectations

  • Students must submit an online graduate application and submit all required documentation to the Graduate School.
  • Evidence of a Bachelor’s Degree and 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA).
  • Audition at the University of Louisville, at a regional or national conference site, or through a video submission.  More information about MFA program auditions is available at https://louisville.edu/theatrearts/graduates/auditions
  • Transcripts of all undergraduate and (if applicable) graduate work
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Personal Statement (500-800 words, double-spaced)
  • Department committee reviews application materials and makes a recommendation to the Graduate School.
  • All applicants are automatically considered for Graduate Teaching or Research Assistantships that include full tuition, stipend, and health insurance for the academic year (August–May).

Program Requirements

MFA candidates must complete the course requirements listed below. Students are paired with a faculty advisor to review their progress at the end of each semester, evaluating coursework, professionalism, performance projects, and any GTA responsibilities.

Performance Courses42
Acting for Camera
Graduate Acting I
Graduate Acting II
Graduate Acting III
Graduate Acting IV
Graduate Acting V
Graduate Movement I
Graduate Movement II
Graduate Movement III
Graduate Movement IV
Graduate Voice I
Graduate Voice II
Graduate Voice III
Graduate Voice IV
Theatre Arts Elective (at the 500+ level, minimum 3 credit hours)
Academic Courses12
Playscript Interpretation - WR
Special Topics in Theatre
Performance Theory
Approaching African-American Theatre
Related Coursework8
Introduction to Graduate Study in Theatre
Theatre Pedagogy
Independent Study in Community Service
Elective (at the 600+ level, outside of Theatre Arts, minimum 3 credit hours)
Performance Projects10
MFA Performance Project I
Thesis Performance
Thesis Guidance
Minimum Total Hours72