SCHOOL OF THEATRE & DANCE ADMISSIONS & AUDITIONS
Your Talent. Your Training. Your Stage.
The School of Theatre & Dance at the University of Houston is where passion meets purpose. We train artists and storytellers to challenge expectations, move audiences, and lead the future of the performing arts. Whether your path is acting, design, playwriting, or dance, your journey starts here.
Undergraduate Admissions
- Pursue your passion for performance at one of the nation's leading theatre and dance programs. All students must be admitted to both the University of Houston and to the specific program at the School of Theatre and Dance to enroll.
University Admission Requirements:
- Prospective Freshman: Must meet University application requirements
- Transfer Students: Review transfer requirements
- Current UH Students: Must be in Good Standing with 2.0 GPA or higher to change majors
- Readmission: Visit readmission information
Application Process:
- Apply to the University of Houston
- Apply to the School of Theatre & Dance
- Admission is by video audition only. We offer three audition video submission dates per academic year: one in the fall and two in the spring
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- Audition Video Requirements: Complete video audition guidelines and requirements are available at: https://www.uh.edu/kgmca/theatre-and-dance/admissions/auditions/uh_sotd_dance-audition-video-requirements_2022-final-copy3.pdf
- All specific audition requirements and submission guidelines are detailed in the application materials.
- Admission requires faculty assessment in your chosen area. All students must audition for admittance into their program (Acting, Stage Management, Production, Playwriting/Dramaturgy, or Theatre Education).
University Admission Requirements:
- Prospective Freshman: Must meet University application requirements
Transfer Students: Review transfer requirements
Current UH Students: Must be in Good Standing with 2.0 GPA or higher to change majors
Readmission: Visit readmission information
Application Process:
- Apply to the University of Houston
- Apply to the School of Theatre & Dance
- Upload all required supplemental materials by deadline (minimum two weeks before audition date)
- Schedule your audition
On-Campus Audition Experience
- What to Expect on Audition Day: Prospective students spend the full day at the UH School of Theatre & Dance to:
- Meet faculty and current students
- Attend theatre workshops
- Meet with Admissions and Financial Aid representatives
- Tour theatre facilities and campus
- Audition for faculty panel or have portfolio review (depending on program)
Audition Day Details:
- Registration limited to 40 students per on-campus audition date
- Advanced registration required
- Parents and guardians welcome to attend
- Breakfast and lunch provided
- A fun and exciting opportunity to get acquainted with our program
Audition Requirements:
- Complete audition requirements and guidelines are available at: https://www.uh.edu/kgmca/theatre-and-dance/admissions/auditions/uh_sotd_one-sheet_audition-requirements.pdf
Graduate Admissions
Advance your professional practice with graduate study designed for working theatre professionals and emerging artists.
- Designed for working theatre educators seeking advanced training and professional development.
- Program Leadership: Head of Area: Jessica Ferrarone - jferraro@central.uh.edu
Application Process:
- IMPORTANT: You must complete TWO separate applications - both are required for admission.
- Application #1: University of Houston Graduate School application Note: This application doesn't allow upload of supplemental documents
- Application #2: Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts MFA application This application allows upload of all supplemental materials
Required Materials:
- Transcripts:
- One official (sealed) transcript from each college/university attended
- An additional set of transcripts submitted to the Graduate College through the online application in CollegeNET
- References: Three (3) letters of recommendation
- Statement of Intent: Brief statement expressing graduate study reasons and indicating your concentration area (upload as PDF)
- Resume/CV: Upload as PDF
- Mini Portfolio
- Theatre Teaching Certificate from State of Residency: Upload a copy as PDF If teaching in private school, letter from school administrator
University of Houston + Alley Theatre MFA Professional Actor Training Program
- Program Leadership: Head of Area: Adam Noble – asnoble@central.uh.edu
Application Requirements:
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- All graduate acting candidates should audition for the program before applying to the UH Graduate School
- Meeting all KGMCA graduate admission requirements does not guarantee automatic admission
- No GRE required for actors
Audition Opportunities:
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- University/Regional Theatre Association (URTA)
- Self-submission to Adam Noble
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Design MFA Program - Advanced Training In Theatrical Design And Technology
- Program Leadership: Head of Area: Barb Niederer – bniedere@central.uh.edu
Application Requirements:
- Interviews and portfolio presentations held with Barbara Niederer
- Submit electronic portfolio, resume, and brief statement of experience and goals
- No GRE required for designers
Interview Opportunities:
- United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT)
- University/Regional Theatre Association (URTA)
MFA Application Process
- Apply to the University of Houston Graduate School
- Apply to the School of Theatre & Dance
- Complete program-specific requirements (auditions, portfolios, interviews)
Picture Yourself at McGovern College of the Arts
There’s no substitute for seeing it for yourself. Whether you meet us on the road or walk our halls in person, you’ll get a firsthand look at the energy, talent, and creativity that define the School of Art, Moores School of Music, and the School of Theatre & Dance. Let’s connect and help you take the first step toward your future in the arts.
Have Questions? We’re Here to Help
If you're ready to take the next step or just need more information, reach out to our admissions team. We’re happy to answer your questions and guide you through the process.
More InformationStudent Resources
Easily access important resources related to applications, financial aid, housing, and more. Whether you're applying to the Moores School of Music, returning to UH, or exploring funding options, these direct links will help guide your next steps: