The first charter of DePaul University included a statement on nondiscrimination and the policy has been enforced vigorously for 100 years. Students, faculty and the public are entitled to equal treatment regardless of race, creed or color. It is the policy of The Theatre School to make admission decisions without regard to the race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, national origin or handicap of the candidate. Admission to the Master of Fine Arts degree programs is based on evidence of ability to be successful in graduate study. Specific requirements include:
- Completion of an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university (as evidenced by official transcripts).
- Completion of graduate application materials.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- Demonstration of special competence in the major area through an audition.
Audition
Our auditions place special emphasis on the applicant’s potential for future growth. We believe that imagination, personal initiative, self-discipline, stamina, seriousness of commitment to the acting profession and trainability are fundamental.
By trainability, we mean that we attempt to judge the applicant’s potential for growth. We believe that this potential can be assessed by evaluating how the student reveals inner resources through the work. We look for the student’s ability to focus personal energies in a relaxed manner which will enhance communication of the conflict the character faces in the context of the play. Students who get trapped in “characterization” or “style” tend to demonstrate their level of virtuosity rather than tapping their deeper, inner resources.
MFA Acting applicants should prepare two (2) monologues – one contemporary and one classical, a maximum of four minutes total. The classical monologue must be Shakespearean, or from the Restoration, Jacobean or Elizabethan periods. You are urged to select material for which you are temperamentally suited; preferably something in which you might conceivably be cast now or in the near future. Avoid material which causes you to disguise yourself or “put on” a character. The pieces selected should be from plays. Recital of poetry or cuttings from short stories are not acceptable. Concentration and a sincere interest in your pieces are important. During your audition, keep your attention on what you are doing rather than on the effect you are having on the audition committee.
The audition begins with group physical and vocal work. Wear comfortable clothes appropriate for physical activity (examples: sweats, tee-shirts, shorts, leotards). You may be asked to remove your shoes and socks. If you wish, you may bring a change of clothing to change into after the warm up, though this is not required. After the group session, each person presents his or her monologues privately with our committee. After the monologues, you are assigned a scene partner from among the other auditionees and you and your partner will be given a six-line open scene to work on with our faculty. Once you have completed your scene, you have completed the audition and are done for the day. There are no callbacks.
Application Deadline and Entry Terms
Applications are only accepted for entry into the fall quarter of each academic year and are generally accepted from September through January for entry the following fall.