The MFA in Theatre Arts with a focus in Acting is awarded by the Graduate College with instruction in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Applicants must meet the Admission Requirements of the Graduate College and the department offering the degree program (review the department's website or the General Catalog for departmental requirements).
Tuition and fees vary by degree program and the type of student you are. Also review the options for Financial Assistance for Theatre Arts Students.
This program accepts new students every three years. The next admission cycle will begin with applicants for Fall 2027. Future admission cycles will begin with students applying for Fall 2027, Fall 2030, etc.
- Fall semester—The next acceptance cycle will begin with applicants for Fall 2027.
- Candidates participating in the University/Resident Theatre Association (U/RTA) interviews: Deadlines are set by U/RTA
- Candidates not participating in U/RTA interviews: All application materials must be received no later than Jan. 15, 2027
The graduate application process has two steps
- You must first submit the online application to the Graduate College and pay the $60 application fee by credit card ($100 for international applicants).
- Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an email instructing you on how to upload your supporting documents and submit letters of recommendation. A few programs require materials be sent directly to them. However, almost all supplemental material can and should be uploaded from your Admissions Profile in MyUI, our online service center for applicants and students. You can only access this AFTER you have submitted your application.
GRE scores are not required for this program.
Degree Program Supplemental Materials
- A résumé
- A written statement explaining why you are seeking the MFA in acting at Iowa
- A current headshot photo
- Once the applicant has submitted their application, they must contact the head of acting paul-kalina@uiowa.edu to set up an audition/interview prior to Jan. 15 in order to be considered for the program
Recommendations
The application requirement section of your Profile includes an electronic letter of recommendation feature. If your program of study requires letters of recommendation, you will be asked to give the contact information of your recommenders including their email on your Admissions Profile. The recommender will then get an email giving them instructions on how to upload the recommendation letter and/or form.
- Three letters of recommendation
Materials to send to Admissions
- A set of your unofficial academic records/transcripts uploaded on your Admissions Profile. If you are admitted, official transcripts will be required before your enrollment. For international records, all records should bear the original stamp or seal of the institution and the signature of a school official. Documents not in English must be accompanied by a complete, literal, English translation, certified by the issuing institution.
- International students must send their official TOEFL scores from Educational Testing Service (the University's institutional code is 6681).
- Once recommended for admission, international students must send a Financial Statement.
Apply Online, the $60 application fee ($100 for international students) is payable by Discover, MasterCard, or Visa.
Department of Theatre Arts
The University of Iowa
107 Theatre Building
Iowa City, IA 52242
theatre@uiowa.edu
1-319-335-2700
Enrollment Management
The University of Iowa
2900 University Capitol Centre
201 S. Clinton St.
Iowa City, IA 52242
admissions@uiowa.edu
1-319-335-1523