MFA Acting applicants are admitted to the program only through an audition and interview with program faculty. You can audition through the University/Resident Theatre Association (U/RTA) auditions or at the USC campus on-site audition.
Auditions for our next MFA Acting Class will take place in 2026 for admission in the
2026-2027 academic year.
To Apply Online or On-Campus
If you wish to apply directly to the MFA program either our on-campus audition or online, please contact Lauren Wilson, MFA Acting Program Co-Director, and provide the following:
- an acting resumé;
- a professional headshot;
- unofficial undergraduate transcript;
- a statement of purpose detailing why you are pursuing graduate training at USC;
- three letters of recommendation; and,
- for online applications, a link to a YouTube audition video no longer than 3 minutes.
Please submit all the materials listed above as a single digital file, PDF, or submit
printed materials via regular mail. If you are a non-URTA applicant, please submit
your materials by the deadline noted above. Once your materials are submitted, an
online interview will be scheduled. Recruiting will continue until all the spots are
filled.
Audition Requirements
Please perform two contrasting monologues of one minute each, as well as a one-minute movement piece. The movement piece can be a dance, a story without words, or a physical character
study. Be sure you are well-lighted and that your camera shows you from head to toe
during the movement piece and the monologues.
Next Steps
Once accepted into the MFA Acting Program through the audition/interview process, students must then apply to the USC Graduate School. The GRE is not required. Official transcripts verifying an accredited undergraduate degree will be required before formal acceptance.
Questions?
Any further inquiries about our program can be directed to:
Lauren Wilson
Assistant Professor of Theater
Co-Director of MFA Acting Program
428 Longstreet Theatre
1300 Greene St.
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC 29208
lw63@mailbox.sc.edu
Erica Tobolski
Professor of Voice/Speech & Acting
Co-Director of MFA Acting Program
427 Longstreet Theatre
1300 Greene St.
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC 29208
eetobols@mailbox.sc.edu