Overview

The Acting M.F.A. at Indiana University Bloomington is a terminal professional degree designed to cultivate the imaginative and intellectual potential of dedicated performers. This three-year graduate training programme provides a multi-faceted approach to developing a healthy and sustainable career in the global arts industry. Students engage in a rigorous curriculum that balances classroom technique with extensive practical application on stage.

Why Acting at Indiana University Bloomington?

The department offers a vibrant environment with state-of-the-art facilities that accommodate everything from intimate readings to large-scale multi-media productions. With a strict 1:8 faculty-to-student ratio, participants receive significant individualised attention and mentorship from active industry professionals. The programme also provides unique financial benefits, including a minimum yearly stipend and travel grants for external study at prestigious institutions like the Black Arts Institute or Shakespeare & Co.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 27271 per year
National fee: USD 27271 per year
Local fee: USD 27271 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum integrates voice and movement training every semester alongside foundational acting methodologies. Modules may include:

Meisner, Adler, and Stanislavski Methodologies
On-Camera Acting
Solo Performance Development
Audition Strategies and Techniques
Contemporary and Pre-20th Century Scene Study
Intimacy for the Stage
History, Theory, and Literature
Entrepreneurship for Actors
Performing Shakespeare

Careers with Acting

Graduates are prepared for professional roles across the theatre, film, and television industries. The programme includes a dedicated entrepreneurship course to help students master self-promotion and production skills. In the final year, actors participate in both a live Showcase production and a Video Showcase specifically designed for dissemination to industry professionals and casting directors. Alumni from the department currently work in professional capacities throughout the country, frequently returning to the university to share their expertise with current cohorts.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Pedagogy for Theatre

Movement for the Graduate Actor: Alexander, Suzuki, Viewpoints

Movement for the Graduate Actor: Michael Chekhov Technique

Movement for the Graduate Actor: Laban & Neutral Mask

Movement for the Graduate Actor: Comedy, Clowning, Commedia

Stage Combat courses include SAFD Certification opportunities

Studies in Acting: Ensemble-Building, Adler

Studies in Acting: Meisner

Acting Shakespeare

Studies in Acting: Styles

Graduate Acting for the Camera

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , International

More details

Nationals: Rolling admission

Language

English

Credits

65 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Bloomington, United States

Disciplines

Drama View 255 other Masters in Drama in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

We are not aware of any English requirements for this programme.

Other requirements

General requirements

Admission into the M.F.A. program requires an undergraduate degree from an accredited four-year collegiate institution, or equivalent training and experience.

Official undergraduate transcripts are required to complete an application to all programs in the department.

As a part of the application, the University Graduate School also requires three letters of recommendation written by persons familiar with your technical skill, creative ability, and potential for growth.

You are also required to submit a 300-500 word statement of purpose. This should relate to the study of theatre in general, as well as to your special areas of interest.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

27271 USD / year

≈ 27271 USD / year
Out-of-State

27271 USD / year

≈ 27271 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

27271 USD / year

≈ 27271 USD / year

Living costs

Bloomington

United States

1071 - 1733 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Acting.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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