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Acting  Master's

Be part of an intensive three-year course of study that will prepare you for the industry through studio instruction and performance opportunities.

Overview

What is Acting at WVU like?

Description

The Master of Fine Arts in Acting at WVU is an intensive three-year course of study preparing individuals for the industry through studio instruction and performance opportunities. The School of Theatre and Dance accepts a class of 6-8 actors to the program once every three years. The current graduate class of MFA Acting students began in Fall of 2021. The next application cycle will begin in November 2023 for a Fall 2024 start.

The small class size provides individualized attention while building an intimate, collaborative, and innovative ensemble. The process-oriented training is rooted in the conservatory-style structure and provides an environment conducive to risk-taking and experimentation. The program is committed to developing professional artists ready for industry careers under the guidance of core faculty and resident/guest artists with various expertise in the field.

The graduate acting ensemble serves as the core of the casting pool for 5-6 main stage productions, as well as multiple student and faculty workshop projects. They serve as leaders and mentors to undergraduate students in the classroom, studios, rehearsals, and performance. Assistantships are available, which include tuition waiver, a stipend, and health insurance. Graduate students fulfill their assistantship through teaching in the classroom, publicity engagement and branding for the School, or working with West Virginia Public Theatre (our affiliate professional theatre).

Application Deadlines

Each graduate program sets their own term of admission and application deadline. Applicants can only apply for admission for the term displayed below. Any questions regarding the application deadline should be directed to the graduate program representative.

Fall: March 31

At a Glance

  • College/School:
    College of Creative Arts
  • Division:
    School of Theatre and Dance
  • Department:
  • Degree Designation:
    MFA
  • Degree Program:

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Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Acting at WVU?

University Requirements

To be eligible for admission into a graduate program at WVU an applicant must submit official, bachelors degree transcripts from a regionally accredited institution and hold a GPA of at least 2.75.

WVU operates decentralized admissions. Decentralized admissions allows each graduate program to set its own application requirements in addition to the University requirements.

Program Requirements

To be eligible for admission into the Acting graduate program an applicant must submit the following documentation:

  • Audition
  • Letters of Recommendation - Three
  • Résumé /CV

Additional application considerations:

  • The next admission term open will be for Fall 2024.
  • Your audition should consist of two contrasting monologues and 16-32 bars sung a cappella, not to exceed 3 minutes in total.

Applications that are incomplete or are submitted after the deadline may be reviewed if openings remain.

International Applicants must also submit the materials outlined here.

Contact Information

Who do I contact if I have questions?

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