Admissions

Online Application | Frequently Asked Questions | Graduate Financial Aid

How to Apply

Submit graduate Application to Meadows School of the Arts

  • Contact Information
  • Transcripts
  • Recommendations
  • Artist Statement
  • CV/Resumé
  • Acting: Interview-Audition
  • Design: Interview

The Division of Theatre observes a highly selective admissions policy in its graduate programs. Four students are admitted to the stage design program every year. Eight students are admitted to the acting program every other year. Prospective students in all areas are strongly encouraged to visit the campus to gain a keener appreciation of our training, the environment and the University.

Stage Design Interview-Portfolio Review: The design faculty interviews applicants for graduate study in scenery, costume and lighting design. Applicants can choose to interview in Dallas, at the University/Resident Theatre Association's three venues or at a number of our own national sites. Appointments for on-campus interviews can be made by contacting the Division of Theatre.

Application Checklist

Please read carefully before beginning your application:

Deadline and Application Fee

To assure full consideration for the fall term, application should be completed online and ALL supporting materials pertaining to the application for admission should be delivered to the Meadows Graduate Office BEFORE February 15th. Materials received from applicants who do not enroll will be retained by the Meadows Graduate Office for one year. All documents become the property of Southern Methodist University and cannot be returned. The $75.00 application fee is waived for MFA in Theatre applicants at the time of application.

Transcripts

Request in writing one official transcript from the Registrar of each college or university previously attended, including summer terms. These may be sent directly to Graduate Application Processing, PO BOX 518, Dallas, TX 75275-0518 or to gradappmaterials@smu.edu. Do not opened sealed envelopes if the transcripts are sent to you, instead, mail them to Graduate Application Processing. A supplementary transcript covering work in progress at the time of the application must be furnished upon completion of that work. International transcripts that are not in English must be accompanied by official English translations.

Recommendations

Three letters of recommendation are required. Letters of recommendation should be requested from professors who know the personal and academic qualifications of the applicant. When completing an online application applicants will have the opportunity to arrange for letters to be delivered electronically to the references listed. Applicants will need a valid email address for each reference and upon submission, notification will be emailed to them directly with instructions on submitting a web-recommendation form on behalf of the applicant. We will also accept drafted letters by mail or email sent to Graduate Application Processing.

Financial Aid

Scholarships and graduate assistantships for qualified, admitted students are available from the graduate division. Candidates for graduate awards are encouraged to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form is not required from international students on the F-1 visa. For additional information, contact the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid, Meadows School of the Arts, PO Box 750356, Dallas, Texas 75275-0356 (telephone 214/768-3314).

Additional Documents Required for International Applicants

We welcome international applicants at SMU and into the Meadows School of the Arts! Our campus has a significant international graduate student body and we believe that international students provide diverse perspectives and backgrounds that are invaluable in graduate educations. Click here to review a list of additional requirements, extended information, and list of resources for International Applicants.

Submission and Contact Information

All materials regarding the application should be directed to the following:

Graduate Application Processing
PO BOX 518
Dallas, TX 75275-0518

You may also email application-related documents to gradappmaterials@smu.edu.

Questions regarding the application, audition or admission process may be directed to:

Meadows Admission Office
meadowsgrad@smu.edu
214-768-3217