Graduate Auditions - MFA in Performance
Advance your craft as a performer and scholar. Our MFA in Performance program offers mentorship from professional theatre artists, immersive training, and opportunities to perform in productions.
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Learn from Leading Theatre Artists
Our faculty are professional actors, directors, and scholars actively engaged in the theatre world. As a graduate student, you’ll work closely with mentors who guide your development, support your audition and performance opportunities, and help you advance your professional career.
MFA Open House
Each year, our MFA in Performance program hosts an Open House for prospective students interested in learning more about the program and auditioning.
2026 Open House Date: February 27, 2026
RSVP: Required by February 20, 2026. Contact Dr. Ariadne Calvano, Director of Graduate Studies, at Ariadne.Calvano@louisville.edu.
Open House Schedule – February 27, 2026:
- 9:30–9:50 AM: Arrival and check-in for parking passes
- 10:00–11:45 AM: Auditions
- 12:00–12:50 PM: Lunch with current MFA students
- 1:00–2:00 PM: Observe Tools for a Global Theatre class
- 2:00–2:30 PM: Break
- 2:30–3:45 PM: Workshop with Professors LaShondra Hood & Ariadne Calvano
- 4:00–5:00 PM: Meet and greet with faculty and staff
- 5:00–6:15 PM: Dinner break
- 6:30 PM: Director’s Circle Reception for Pipeline
- 7:30 PM: Attend UofL Theatre Arts production of Dominique Morisseau’s Pipeline
Audition Options
We will be auditioning at URTA in Chicago, IL, January 25–28, 2026.
- Preferred submission before March 15, 2026
- Provide a 5-minute unedited video (YouTube or Vimeo)
- Include headshot, résumé, transcript (official/unofficial), and personal statement (500–800 words, double-spaced)
- Email materials to Ariadne.Calvano@louisville.edu
- Online interviews may be scheduled after submission
Instructions for Video Uploads:
YouTube:
- Upload video and set privacy to Unlisted
- Title video:
Lastname_Firstname_Audition_UofL - Send link to Dr. Calvano
Note: If your video is already uploaded, and you want to make it unlisted, go to “Creator Studio,” click on the dropdown menu beside your video, click “Info & Settings,” and then change your privacy settings.
Vimeo:
- Upload video and set privacy to “Only people with a password”
- Title video:
Lastname_Firstname_Audition_UofL - Send link and password to Dr. Calvano
Note: If your video is already uploaded, and you want to make it private, go to “Manage Videos” then “Settings,” then “Privacy,” then click “Only people with a password” and enter a password.
Deadlines
Expectations for All Auditions
Applicants should be prepared to:
- Perform two contrasting monologues (one classical, pre-1800; one contemporary)
- Provide a headshot and résumé
- Provide an official/unofficial transcript
- Submit a personal statement (500–800 words, double-spaced)
- Perform a cold reading
- Respond briefly to a writing prompt
- Participate in a short interview with faculty
Applicant Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree with minimum 3.0 GPA
- Two letters of recommendation
- Complete the standard admissions process for the Graduate School
For all questions concerning the admissions process, please contact Dr. Ariadne Calvano at ariadne.calvano@louisville.edu or 502-852-8447.
Ready to Take the Stage?
Explore your potential, refine your craft and make your mark in the world of theatre.