How to Apply

Undergraduate

The Department of Theatre Arts offers over twenty years of experience training students in both the practical and academic aspects of live theatre.  Undergraduates specialize in acting, directing, design and technical theatre, theatre history and criticism, or any combination thereof.  Unlike the protected environment of a conservatory, undergraduate theatre training at Pitt takes place within the context of the liberal-arts experience at a large, urban university, firmly established within a lush and vibrant arts community. 

Theatre students have the option of specializing in one or more aspects of theatre production, and the program is designed to teach advanced skills and techniques in areas such as technical design, lighting and sound, theatre criticism, and stage direction.

All undergraduate applications to the department are handled through the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid website.

Graduate

The deadline for applying to all graduate programs in theatre arts is January 15 (MFA applications are accepted every other year). Please note that some financial aid requires applications be received before January 5, so please review the Note on Financial Aid to determine whether you should apply earlier. We recommend that you explore the Graduate section of our site and read the online Graduate Handbook (PDF) before applying.

The University of Pittsburgh requires online applications for graduate programs. Before applying, please review the following list of required materials, as well as the following paragraphs describing admissions procedures for each of our graduate programs. Note that most of these materials must be delivered via the online application site. Any materials no attached via the online application site must be sent directly to the Theatre Department (1617 Cathedral of Learning, Pittsburgh, PA 15260.)
 
•    A personal statement indicating your reasons for pursuing a graduate degree at the University of Pittsburgh and your academic and professional goals.
•    Three academic writing samples (not required for MFA, but strongly recommended)
•    Curriculum Vitae
•    Two copies of official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions you have attended. These should be sent directly to the Theatre Department.
•    Current GRE Scores (not required for MFA, but strongly recommended)
•    Three letters of recommendation
•    Non-U.S. citizens: TOEFL or IELTS scores
•    Non-U.S. citizens: international-graduate-student supplemental application forms 
Academic Year 2009–2010 (PDF)

Click here to apply online