Apply for the MFA in Design or Directing
We are now accepting applications for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Admission to the program requires the following:
1. Admission to the Graduate School – Application information can be found here. Apply for Graduate Admissions.
To bypass the information screen and go directly to the application, click here. Graduate School Admissions login.
When completing this application, be sure to select MFA in Theatre and the appropriate concentration in Design or Directing to be considered for our program.
2. Admission to the MFA program – When completing the graduate application for admission, you will be asked to upload the following as part of the departmental application.a. Personal statement outlining your goals and rationale for obtaining an MFA.
b. Portfolio of your work
c. Three letters of recommendation
d. Resume/CV
e. A writing sample that demonstrates academic capacity congruous with graduate-level work.
3. Required minimum GPA of 2.5 with appropriate academic preparation in related coursework from an accredited undergraduate institution. Official transcripts are required and are submitted directly to the graduate school.
4. An interview with area-specific members of the Design or Directing faculty.
Please contact John Yorke, the coordinator of Graduate Studies, at Jyorke@memphis.edu after completing your application. John will coordinate contact with a faculty member in your concentration area.
Students are admitted to the program on a rolling basis, and applying early is encouraged.
The priority deadline for admission is February 15, 2025, but applications will be reviewed through July 2025 for fall admission.
Prospective candidates are encouraged to visit the campus, tour our facilities, meet the faculty and students, and see a season production.