Auditions are required for admission into the BFA and MFA in Acting degree programs.

Yes, we encourage prospective students to visit our program, observe our instructors and meet our students. Please make arrangements by calling Sidney Stretz at 336-256-1475.

MFA in Acting

Does UNCG require the GRE? 

No, the School of Theatre does not require the GRE for admission into the MFA Programs.

Are on-campus auditions/interviews required for an MFA in Acting?

UNCG attends the URTA auditions in Chicago and NYC, in addition to hosting a day of on-campus auditions in February of a recruiting year. The School of Theatre also accepts video auditions and zoom interviews for consideration for admission. (Some audition options and traveling may not be available due to COVID-19)

How many students are admitted into the MFA Program in Acting? 

UNCG admits 8 students every other year.

Is financial aid available for students in the MFA Program in Acting? 

All students admitted into the program will receive graduate teaching assistantships. These assistantships carry tuition waivers and a stipend.

If accepted, am I able to defer admission for a year? 

No. Due to the structure of the program and the sequential course offerings, a single cohort of actors goes through the program together. It is not possible to start in an “off” year.

BFA in Musical Theatre

How many applicants are accepted into the program?  

The BFA in Musical Theatre accepts 7-9 students into each cohort, resulting in exceptionally small class sizes and individualized training.  

What kinds of classes would I take?  

You can view the full BFA in Musical Theatre curriculum here. The dance curriculum is tailored to suit each student’s needs, and additional dance classes can easily be added in the junior and senior years assuming a student is current on their other studies.

Do I get to take voice lessons?  

Yes, the BFA in Musical Theatre has hour-long, private vocal study beginning in your first semester.  Voice lessons are an integral part of our training and last throughout your time as a student.

How do I apply?  

 The application process for the BFA in Musical Theatre is a 2-step process.  First, you’ll need to submit a pre-screen application.  Visit Acceptd for full details of the pre-screen process and to begin your application. Pre-screens will open in August of each year and close in January. Next, following a successful pre-screen, you will be invited to campus for a live audition. Finally, you’ll need to apply to the University. You don’t need to apply to UNCG before your audition, but we do recommend you apply by December 1st for priority consideration for financial aid. Auditions and deliberations continue through the end of February and admission offers are made in early March for the following fall’s incoming freshman cohort. If you have any questions about the audition process you can write to [email protected].

BFA Theatre Education

Why should I consider Theatre Education at UNC Greensboro for my teacher training?

Whereas many theatre education programs are mild extensions of a liberal arts degree, the BFA concentration in Theatre Education focuses on a comprehensive and well-rounded study in theatre content and pedagogy.  The rigorous 128 total semester hours primarily consist of multiple experiences in technical theatre, performance, design, directing, stage management, playwriting, theatre history, dramaturgy, and experiential learning with drama in the K-12 schools.  The theatre content makes up over 70 total hours and an additional 24 hours of professional education coursework not only prepare student teachers for their first teaching job, but a sustainable career of leadership in the field of public education. In addition, students earn over 100 hours of field experience, observing licensed theatre teachers in a diverse array of K-12 schools, as well as opportunities to direct short plays within the community, and the student teaching experience capstone boasts 8-10 weeks of solo-but-supported facilitation, carrying the full-day load of a cooperating teacher’s K-12 classes.  In the past ten years, those graduates who have actively sought gainful employment have enjoyed a hire rate of over 90%, and many still work as some of the most effective teachers in the state, leading in their local communities and professional organizations.

What all is required to earn a BFA in Theatre Education? 

To be successful in the program, it is important that you read and follow our Theatre Education Handbook. This cumulative resource will answer the bulk of questions related to program expectations. As you explore it, the Director of Theatre Education, Joshua Purvis, would be happy to answer any direct questions or clarify any information within the handbook.

When am I accepted in the Theatre Education program? 

First-year students are accepted into the BFA THRED program provisionally (which serves primarily to orient and guide first-year students within the program), but are not granted secondary admission until they are recommended to the School of Education, which can occur after the first full year, but often occurs during the second, since it entails maintaining three semesters of a minimum 3.0 UNCG GPA, 35 hours of field experience, passing scores (or SAT/ACT exemption) for the Praxis Academic Core test, and interview with the Director of Theatre Education during the end-of-year review.

Will I graduate in time as a transfer student? 

Transfer students should note that the program is concerned with the maturation and sequential training of the young artist/educator. Thus, enrollment for six semesters (three years) is required, even when students begin study in their junior year. Students planning to transfer to UNCG to pursue a B.F.A. in Theatre Education are cautioned to take courses that meet General Education Core (GEC) requirements instead of taking courses in the major.

Graduating in time as a transfer student is seldom the case with pre-professional degrees (e.g. BFA, BS, etc.), where the bulk of coursework is designed to occur at the university (and thus non-GEC courses seldom transfer cleanly). However, it is not impossible depending on your circumstances. Do note that the Registrar’s Office makes all final decisions regarding what credits transfer. The Director of Theatre Education can potentially aid in optimizing your transfer credits if you set up a meeting and come prepared with past syllabi and coursework. However, many transfer students find that the depth of study within the UNCG School of Theatre exceeds their experience within their previous institutions, and they place value on fully preparing to teach in the content area they are studying.

 When will I student teach? 

Student teaching only takes place in the spring semester of your senior year, and all coursework must be completed before student teaching. This means that if you decide to take an extra semester in an extended senior year, you will actually need to stay an extra year in order to student teach in the final spring semester. Refer to the Theatre Education Handbook for more information on student teaching as well as requirements you will need to fulfill in order to student teach.