For the answers to our most frequently asked questions, please visit this FAQ.

We are unable to schedule individual meetings with potential applicants. You are invited to join us for a LIVE Zoom info session and Q&A with our recruiting team on Saturday, November 21 from 11:00a-12:30p. No need to pre-register. You can join the info session via this link: https://tennessee.zoom.us/my/katiecunninghamzoom

Recruiting Calendar

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville will be recruiting in early 2027 for a new cohort of eight actors to begin their training in August 2027. We will be recruiting at URTAs, SETC, and by private audition. Our program has repeatedly been ranked among the top-25 MFA performance programs in the U.S., U.K., and Australia.

Audition Dates:

• International applicant video audition deadline: December 1, 2026 (international applicants only!)
• Local Knoxville auditions: December 5, 2026. Please complete this form to register.
• URTAs: January – February 2027 
• Private auditions by appointment in URTA tour cities (Philadelphia and Chicago), dates TBA

Application Format

Unless you are an international applicant, it is not necessary to apply to the Graduate School or the Department of Theatre prior to acceptance into the program. If you receive an offer to join the program, you may submit a formal application at that point.

Acceptance into the program is by audition and interview, followed by an application process to the UTK Graduate School. We encourage applicants to take advantage of the audition processes at URTA and SETC. Details on these processes can be found at the links above.

For information on requirements and deadlines for applying to the Graduate School (only necessary after you receive an offer for domestic students), go to:  

https://gradschool.utk.edu/admissions/applying-to-graduate-school/

There is a $60.00 application fee.  

If you are attending SETC or URTA auditions, we will not schedule a private audition with you until we have seen you at those events. However, we do encourage you to send us a photo and resume and/or website link in advance of your URTA audition.

Application Requirements

1. Audition
Prepare:

• Two contrasting monologues (under 2 minutes each) — one comedic, one dramatic; classical piece in verse, one contemporary
• One backup monologue in case it’s requested
• Optional: a brief song excerpt (a cappella or recorded accompaniment, no accompanist provided) — singing isn’t required, but helps us learn your voice; the department produces one musical per season

• Video submission (required for callbacks, recommended for all before URTA auditions):

2. Interview — Possible callback and interview based on audition.

• Start with a slate (portrait orientation, head-to-feet): name(s), pronouns (optional), and pieces being performed (character, play, playwright)
• Remaining monologues: chest-up framing, no face-only close-ups
• Mind lighting, sound, background, clothing contrast, and efficient editing
• Review fully before submitting; note any other work samples you’d like reviewed
• Send video link (no attachments) to Professor Katie Cunningham: kcunni12@utk.edu

3. Campus Visit — Finalists may be invited to visit UTK; department provides support case-by-case, based on funding.

4. Acceptance — If accepted, complete the online Graduate School application, pay the $60 fee, and submit:

5. Non-native English speakers are required to submit language certification scores.

• Unofficial transcripts and degree confirmations
• Photo and resume
• Two-page essay on your artistic commitment and goals
• Two recommendation letters
• (No GRE required)

Note: Don’t mail materials unless requested — it delays processing.

• Two contrasting monologues (under 2 minutes each) — one comedic, one dramatic; classical piece in verse, one contemporary
• One backup monologue in case it’s requested
• Optional: a brief song excerpt (a cappella or recorded accompaniment, no accompanist provided) — singing isn’t required, but helps us learn your voice; the department produces one musical per season
• Start with a slate (portrait orientation, head-to-feet): name(s), pronouns (optional), and pieces being performed (character, play, playwright)
• Remaining monologues: chest-up framing, no face-only close-ups
• Mind lighting, sound, background, clothing contrast, and efficient editing
• Review fully before submitting; note any other work samples you’d like reviewed
• Send video link (no attachments) to Professor Katie Cunningham: kcunni12@utk.edu
• Unofficial transcripts and degree confirmations
• Photo and resume
• Two-page essay on your artistic commitment and goals
• Two recommendation letters
• (No GRE required)
• (No GRE required)

DO NOT SUBMIT TRANSCRIPTS OR ANY OTHER MATERIAL BY POSTAL MAIL UNLESS REQUESTED TO DO SO. THIS WILL DELAY PROCESSING YOUR APPLICATION.

Thank you for your interest in the MFA in Theatre, Acting program at the University of Tennessee. We hope to hear from you!

Application Guidelines for International Students

International students are welcomed apply to the MFA in Acting program. Admission to our program is by audition only. Before auditioning, review UTK’s “Required Funding for Student Visa Sponsorship” page.

Don’t apply to the Graduate School yet — only after you’re instructed to.

Auditions: International students audition by video, due December 1. A faculty committee reviews submissions and either rejects the applicant or invites them to a virtual callback audition/interview (additional callbacks possible). No campus visit is required, though one may be arranged case-by-case. You’ll be notified once the process is complete.

After auditioning, one of three outcomes follows:Since outcomes aren’t known until after auditioning, plan to have the $60 Graduate School application fee ready before February 1, just in case.

• Offer (January): apply to the Graduate School by February 1.
• Waitlist: still apply to the Graduate School by February 1 (admission not guaranteed).
• Declined: no need to apply.