In the Spring semester, there is an annual evaluation of each actor based on artistic progress, academic achievement, and overall compliance with the obligations for being an M.F.A. actor, such as meeting teaching expectations, complying with professional standards of commitment, and rehearsal practices.

After the evaluation, the faculty recommends to the graduate committee whether the student should be allowed to continue in the program. A non-recommendation detailing areas of weakness results in academic probation and a possible eventual dismissal.

An end of the year discussion is also held with each actor to discuss any questions or concerns that the actor wants to bring to the attention of the Acting and Directing faculty.

In the third, year each M.F.A. actor must complete a thesis project. An oral examination with prescribed material, an oral defense of the project, and an appropriate electronic record of the project are required. 

The above meetings and procedures meet the standard of evaluation once each semester, as required by NAST Guidelines.