University of Michigan BFA/MFA

The University of Michigan's Department of Theatre and Drama is part of the prestigious School of Music, Theatre and Dance, one of the most comprehensive performing arts schools in the country. The school traces its origins to 1880 as the Ann Arbor School of Music, merging with the university in 1929 and expanding to encompass theater and dance programs that have become nationally recognized in their own right. The first play production course was offered in 1915, and the department has grown steadily over the past century into one of the strongest university-based acting programs in the country. Located in Ann Arbor, Michigan — a vibrant college town known for its intellectual culture, arts scene, and passionate school spirit — the program benefits from the resources of one of the world's great public research universities. The completion of the Walgreen Drama Center in 2007 provided the department with state-of-the-art facilities that match the quality of its instruction. Michigan's theater program has produced an extraordinary roster of alumni who have shaped American entertainment, from pioneering legends to contemporary stars, establishing the program as a perennial powerhouse in actor training.

In 2025, the University of Michigan offers a BFA in Acting within the Department of Theatre and Drama, alongside its nationally top-ranked BFA in Musical Theatre, which is widely considered one of the two or three best musical theater programs in the country. The acting program benefits enormously from its proximity to the musical theater program, with crossover training opportunities that produce graduates who are unusually versatile performers. Training is comprehensive, covering classical and contemporary acting, musical theater fundamentals, voice and speech, movement, on-camera technique, and a strong emphasis on physical performance. The BFA Acting program requires 122 credits, with approximately 67% in SMTD coursework and 33% in liberal arts — ensuring that graduates receive both intensive professional training and a well-rounded education. The BFA in Musical Theatre is extraordinarily competitive, with acceptance rates of approximately 3-4%, admitting only 22-24 students from roughly 700 applicants each year; the BFA in Acting is similarly competitive though specific acceptance rates are not published. Michigan's Big Ten university environment offers a unique combination of elite arts training with the social, athletic, and intellectual energy of one of America's most vibrant college campuses.

Admission to Michigan's BFA in Acting requires both an academic application to the University of Michigan and an artistic audition evaluated by the Department of Theatre and Drama faculty. Applicants prepare audition materials that typically include contrasting monologues, and callbacks may involve additional exercises and interviews. Both in-person and online auditions are available, reflecting the program's commitment to accessibility for applicants from across the country and internationally. The program is highly selective, and the audition is the primary driver of admission decisions, though academic credentials are also considered given Michigan's status as a top-ranked public university. Financial aid decisions are typically communicated alongside admissions offers, and students should complete the FAFSA to be considered for need-based assistance. Prospective students interested in the musical theater BFA should be aware that its acceptance rate is among the lowest of any program in the country, and cross-auditioning for both acting and musical theater tracks is sometimes possible.

The BFA curriculum at Michigan provides comprehensive training across a wide range of performance skills, with a progressively challenging structure that builds from foundational technique in the first year through advanced performance and professional preparation by graduation. Training covers classical and contemporary acting, voice and speech with dialect work, movement including stage combat, musical theater skills, and on-camera technique. Students perform in a full season of department productions, gaining experience in classical, contemporary, musical, and experimental work across Michigan's professional-quality theater facilities including the Walgreen Drama Center. The integration with Michigan's musical theater program means that even acting-track students have opportunities to develop singing and dance skills, producing performers who are more versatile than graduates of programs that strictly separate the disciplines. Industry professionals regularly visit campus to guest-teach, direct, and scout talent, and the department maintains strong relationships with agents, managers, and casting directors on both coasts. Senior students participate in annual showcases in New York and Los Angeles that are well-attended by industry professionals and consistently generate representation and audition opportunities for graduating students.

Michigan's Department of Theatre and Drama attracts ambitious, versatile performers who want elite training within the context of one of America's most dynamic university environments. The alumni list is extraordinary: James Earl Jones, one of the most celebrated actors in American history, studied at Michigan, as did Lucy Liu, Darren Criss, Gavin Creel, David Alan Grier, Celia Keenan-Bolger, and the legendary playwright Arthur Miller. The program is particularly well-represented on Broadway and in musical theater, with Michigan graduates consistently appearing in leading roles in major productions. The Big Ten university environment provides a campus experience that pure conservatories cannot offer — students have access to Division I athletics, a vibrant social scene, world-class academic departments, and a campus culture that combines intellectual rigor with school spirit. The Ann Arbor community is highly supportive of the arts, with a thriving local theater scene and a culture of creativity that extends beyond the university. Michigan graduates are known for their versatility, their strong work ethic, and their ability to work across theater, film, television, and musical theater — qualities that make them highly sought after by employers and representatives.

Tuition at the University of Michigan for out-of-state undergraduate students is approximately $50,000-$58,000 per year, with in-state rates significantly lower at approximately $16,000-$17,000 per year. The university's large endowment supports generous financial aid packages, and merit scholarships and need-based aid are available for both in-state and out-of-state students. Michigan meets a significant portion of demonstrated financial need for many students, and the financial aid office works with admitted students to create individualized packages. For in-state Michigan residents, the program offers extraordinary value — elite training at a fraction of the cost of private conservatories. Out-of-state tuition, while lower than many private programs, is still a significant investment, and prospective students should carefully evaluate their financial aid offers. Graduate students in SMTD may be eligible for fellowships that cover full tuition, though these are competitive and not guaranteed for all programs.

The University of Michigan is the ideal choice for versatile actors who want elite training within the context of a dynamic, well-rounded university experience, and who value the crossover opportunities with one of the nation's top musical theater programs. If you are equally drawn to acting and musical theater and want the flexibility to develop skills in both areas, Michigan offers an environment that is difficult to find at this level elsewhere. The program is particularly well-suited for actors who want the social, athletic, and intellectual dimensions of a major university alongside their professional training. Actors who want to be in New York or Los Angeles during their training should consider programs in those cities. If cost is a primary concern and you are not a Michigan resident, public university programs like UNCSA or SUNY Purchase offer comparable conservatory training at dramatically lower out-of-state rates. For actors seeking MFA programs specifically, Yale, Juilliard, and Rutgers offer strong graduate options that Michigan does not provide.

If you are a Michigan resident, this program represents one of the best values in actor training in the country — take full advantage of the in-state tuition rate. Research both the acting and musical theater BFA tracks carefully, and consider whether cross-auditioning makes sense for your skills and interests. Take advantage of the university's broader resources by exploring courses in literature, history, and other humanities that can deepen your work as an actor. Build relationships with students in the musical theater program, as the collaborative opportunities and shared skills will make you a more versatile performer. See as much live theater as possible in Ann Arbor and make the effort to travel to New York and Chicago to see professional productions and build industry awareness. Prepare thoroughly for the senior showcases in New York and Los Angeles, as these events are critical for launching your professional career, and leverage Michigan's extensive alumni network from day one — Michigan graduates are known for being generous with their time and support for fellow Wolverines.