ACTING

The B.F.A. concentration in Acting at the University of Houston is a pre-professional program that guides a select ensemble of students through a full arc of actor training. The creative curriculum in acting, voice and speech, movement, stage and screen combat, theatre history, and play analysis is integrated with a season of productions across three distinct venues. Students refine their craft and gain hands-on experience both onstage and off, providing actors the opportunity to develop the necessary skills to become innovative and collaborative arts professionals.    

The four-year acting progression begins with foundational training that strengthens technique and fosters ensemble collaboration. During the second and third years, students hone their skills with intermediate and advanced classes in acting, voice, and movement, including intimacy training, accents, dialects, and Shakespeare. They also select electives in topics like musical theatre, film production, directing, and beyond. In their fourth year, students gain in-depth knowledge in film acting, which they use to complete the capstone project that showcases their work to industry professionals and launches their careers.     

With world-class faculty and facilities, extensive performance opportunities, and access to Houston’s thriving arts scene, UH’s School of Theatre & Dance provides an ideal environment for aspiring actors. While still in school, students work with local professional companies like the Houston Shakespeare Festival, the Alley Theatre, Stages, and more. Competitive tuition and financial support options make this top-tier training both accessible and affordable. Situated in America’s fourth-largest city, UH connects students to a diverse, dynamic performing arts community, as well as a nationwide network of alumni working professionally across stage and screen.  

The University of Houston + Alley Theatre’s M.F.A. Professional Actor Training Program is an immersive three-year conservatory-style program designed to prepare actors for careers in regional theatres and major commercial markets. With rigorous training in acting, voice, movement, stage combat, dialects, and intimacy coordination, students develop the versatility and technique required for the industry. They perform in fully produced productions and train with renowned faculty, guest artists, and industry professionals. In the third year, students transition to the Alley Theatre, working alongside the Resident Acting Company in a nationally recognized LORT theatre. Training begins with The Intensive, a preparatory workshop focused on ensemble-building, followed by two signature projects: The Circadian Project, a 100-hour devised theatre challenge, and The Turbo Project, a one-week high-speed rehearsal and production experience. Summers are spent acting with professional theatre companies before returning to Houston with expanded experience and industry connections. Housed within the Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts, the program provides access to world-class faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and Houston’s thriving arts scene. Graduates join a nationwide network of alumni working across theatre, film, and television, with competitive tuition and financial aid making this top-tier training accessible. 

*All interested candidates MUST audition to be considered for acceptance into the PATP* 

• Jessica Ferrarone, Assistant Instructional Professor of Acting, Head of Summer MA for Theatre Educators
• Vivian Majkowski, Associate Professor of Voice, Head of Graduate Studies
• Adam Noble, Associate Professor of Acting and Movement, Head of MFA Acting
• Allison Pistorius, Assistant Professor of Acting, Head of BFA Acting
• Molly Wetzel, Assistant Professor of Speech, Head of Performance Area
• Jack Young, Professor of Acting, Lead Acting Instructor