We admit a unified graduate cohort every three years, where students progress through the program as a single group. Our current cohort for 2026–2029 and is now at full capacity Recruitment for our next cohort (2029–2031) will begin in fall 2028. To receive notifications when the application opens, please fill out this form.
Although our current cohort is at capacity, our field of study is shaped by emerging opportunities and evolving needs. As a result, there are occasional instances in which an off-cycle applicant may be considered. Bottom line, if you are interested in our program, please reach out to head of graduate performance (John Walch) or head of graduate design (Shawn Irish).
We are now accepting Graduate applications for M.F.A. Theatre candidates for the Fall of 2026 in the following areas:
- Acting*
- *Applications continue to be accepted on a rolling basis after April 1, 2026, in the case of an additional slot opening.
All applicants must submit through this portal. On campus or online auditions/interviews are encouraged and can be scheduled anytime by contacting the area heads on each individual form.
While the priority deadline was February 1st, applications are now being accepted on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. If you are considering appying at this point, it is strongly recommended you, contact Amy Herzberg, Head of Acting at: herzberg@uark.edu.
Our Theatre Department Graduate Assistantships will be available until all positions are filled. If you have any questions, please contact the area head in your specific program of study.
The Department of Theatre seeks eight to ten M.F.A. Actors for admission to our program beginning Fall 2026. Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled. Acceptance to the Acting area requires a preliminary video audition and a callback audition, either in-person or virtually. STEP ONE: (rolling after Feb. 1, 2026)
Applicants wishing to apply to the MFA Acting Program should prepare to provide:
- Applicant Information
- Undergraduate Degree and GPA
- Unofficial Transcript
- Resume and Headshot
- A Personal Statement, one- to two-pages, 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.
- A Preliminary Audition: Prepare three contrasting monologues (a contemporary comedic, a contemporary dramatic, and a Shakespeare or other classical piece), 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.
- Three Letters of Recommendation from theatre professionals, professors, or other people who are familiar with the applicant and/or their work.
- After your preliminary audition is reviewed, you may be invited to a callback audition. Callbacks may be done in-person on our campus or via Zoom. In some cases, additional video audition pieces may be requested.
STEP TWO: 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 by the Department of Theatre. 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.
The GRE Test is not required for admission to the University of Arkansas Graduate School and standardized tests are not required for admission into the M.F.A. Program in Theatre.