Acting M.F.A.

M.F.A. – Acting

We have completed our recruitment cycle for the incoming class of nine M.F.A. Acting students in the Fall 2023 semester. Our next recruitment cycle will begin in January 2026. 

Audition information

Our mission statement

Indiana University’s 3-year graduate acting training program leads to a terminal professional degree: the M.F.A. in Acting. Our program endeavors to recognize and support each student’s innate artistry, while offering customizable, reliable tools for fullest realization of each student’s Physical, Communicative, Imaginative, Intellectual, and Career-building potential. Our emphasis is on supporting the well-rounded artist, offering a multi-faceted approach to a healthy and sustainable career as an actor.

Financial support

  • Tuition waiver
  • Insurance (medical, vision, dental)
  • Assistantships with $23,000 minimum yearly stipend
  • Travel grants to engage in study outside the department. Recent grants have been awarded for additional study with Intimacy Directors and Coordinators, The Patsy Rodenberg Academy, Black Acting Methods Studio, Black Arts Institute, Atlantic Acting Summer Intensive, Shakespeare & Co., and many others.

Teaching + assistantships

  • M.F.A. Acting candidates are offered opportunities to teach early-level undergraduate acting courses, as well as co-teaching other disciplines on occasion.
  • Faculty mentors supervise, observe, and offer constructive feedback in evaluation of each Instructor’s progress.

Our environment

  • Our department is vibrant and exciting, with more than 250 students pursuing B.A., B.F.A. and M.F.A. degrees.
  • We strive to foster an inclusive environment, where all students are welcomed, supported, and encouraged to be part of the day-to-day life of the department. Take a look at our department's Mission and Climate Statements for details about our commitments to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Wellness & Sustainability.

  • Our facilities are varied, state-of-the-art, and accommodate all kinds of performance, from intimate staged readings to fully-produced, multi-media, large-cast plays and musicals.

  • Our alumni work in professional capacities throughout the country, and often return to share their experiences and expertise with our students.

Admissions

We maintain a total of nine actors in our intensive, three-year program, and although our faculty teach both graduate and undergraduate courses, the 1:9 ratio of teachers to actors ensures that no M.F.A. actor gets lost in the shuffle. We offer personalized attention to individual artist growth.

Applications are considered every three years beginning in January, and are accepted until all openings have been filled. Please contact us with questions regarding the application process.

Learn how to apply