Acting, MFA
We accept a select class of 6-8 actors every three years, ensuring personalized attention and a close-knit, collaborative ensemble.
Our conservatory-style training emphasizes risk-taking and experimentation, helping you develop as a professional artist under the mentorship of experienced core faculty and guest artists. As part of our graduate acting ensemble, you’ll be at the heart of 5-6 main stage productions and numerous workshop projects, while also serving as a leader and mentor to undergraduates.
Assistantships are available, offering a tuition waiver, stipend, and health insurance. Opportunities are available in teaching, publicity, and branding efforts for the School of Theatre and Dance, or collaborating with West Virginia Public Theatre, our affiliate professional theatre.
Your Degree Plan
MFA Acting students are committed to a five-day-a-week, conservatory-style schedule, attending classes in acting, voice, movement, and scene study. Scene study is the weekly practice of presenting material supported by studio course work and is a key proponent to the program.
You will develop not only an effective, collaborative, and healthy rehearsal process, but also the skill set of facilitating effective critique.
In addition to the studio program, you are required to complete coursework in:
- Theatre history
- Text analysis
- Criticism
- Research methods
An overall grade point average of 3.0 is needed to remain in the program.
Fulfillment of the degree culminates in the performance, written documentation and oral defense of a thesis project.
School of Theatre and Dance MFA programs are accredited by the National Association of the Schools of Theatre and are terminal degrees.
The WVU Difference
What sets this program apart?
- All students receive a tuition waiver.
- A limited number of graduate assistantships are available and include stipends and health insurance.
- MFA Acting students are the core of the School’s casting pool for 5-6 annual main stage productions.
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Canady Creative Arts Center
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Requirements
To be eligible for admission into a graduate program at WVU an applicant must submit official, bachelor's 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.
Admission Requirements
Additional application considerations:
- The next application cycle will begin in December 2026 for a fall 2027 start.
- Your audition should consist of 2 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 required documents for international applicants.
Application Deadlines
Each graduate program sets their own terms for admission and application deadlines. Applicants can only apply for admission for the terms displayed below. Any questions regarding the application deadline should be directed to the graduate program representative.
- Fall: March 31
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