Application to each of The Theatre School’s MFA programs is a two part process involving submitting the required application materials and participating in an audition or interview. Auditions for the Acting program is required; interviews for the Arts Leadership and Directing majors are by invitation. Admission decisions are heavily weighted on the audition or interview process.

How to Apply. 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. Click on a major to the right for more specific requirements including an application checklist.

Auditions and Interviews. An audition is required for all Acting Program applicants. An audition and interview is by invitation for Directing Program finalists. Applicants to the Arts Leadership Program will be invited to interview if selected as semi-finalists after the initial application review.

Admissions Decisions. Admissions decisions are made and communicated after all applicants have auditioned or interviewed. The Theatre School does not operate an early action, early acceptance or rolling admissions process. Decisions are communicated in writing and are mailed mid-March with a May 1 response deadline. Decisions cannot be communicated over the phone or by email. Only applicants who have completed all admissions requirements will be considered for admission.

Scholarships. Every applicant to The Theatre School, provide he or she has completed all admissions application requirements, is automatically considered for talent scholarships without an additional audition, interview or application. Incoming graduate scholarships generally range from $14,000 to $16,000 annually and are one-year awards; scholarships may be renewed annually as part of each student’s annual evaluation. Incoming scholarships are awarded in the admissions decision letter.

Financial Aid. There are two types of need-based financial aid available to admitted graduate students –loans and work study. To be considered for a need-based financial aid package, applicants must submit a valid Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This is the only application required for need-based financial aid and is not require for scholarship consideration.

The FAFSA becomes available on January 1 of the year in which you will enter college and can either be submitted through a hard copy – generally available from college financial aid offices – or online at www.fafsa.ed.gov To have your FAFSA results reported to The Theatre School, enter DePaul University’s FAFSA code, 001671, in the college section.

We suggest you complete the FAFSA by February 15. Because financial aid packages are packaged on a first-come, first-served basis, submitting your FAFSA by this date will insure you receive full consideration for need-based financial aid. Financial aid packages are mailed separately from the admissions decision letter and are only mailed to students after they have been admitted to The Theatre School.  

Tuition. The Theatre School’s tuition is billed as a guaranteed package rate, meaning you pay one flat fee each year for all of your coursework and production work and you are billed the same rate each year you are in a program for up to three years. In other words, your tuition rate is locked in at the tuition rate you pay in your first year of the program. Tuition for graduate students entering in the fall of 2008 is $26,900. Tuition is billed in thirds and due at the beginning of each quarter.

Student Housing. DePaul University does not offer campus housing for graduate students on the Lincoln Park Campus. Graduate housing is available in University Center Chicago, DePaul’s campus residence on the Loop Campus in downtown Chicago. The Theatre School Admissions Office provides admitted graduate students with information about University Center Chicago housing as well as information regarding off-campus housing in the Chicago area.