ACTING

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre with a concentration in Acting at the University of Houston is a pre-professional program that guides a select ensemble of students through a full arc of actor training. The curriculum integrates coursework in acting, voice and speech, movement, stage and screen combat, theatre history, and play analysis with a season of productions across three distinct venues. Students refine their craft and gain hands-on experience both onstage and off, developing the skills needed to become innovative and collaborative arts professionals.

The four-year acting progression begins with foundational training that strengthens technique and fosters ensemble collaboration. During the second and third years, students continue their development through intermediate and advanced coursework in acting, voice, and movement, including intimacy training, accents, dialects, and Shakespeare. Students also select electives in areas such as musical theatre, film production, and directing. In the fourth year, students focus on advanced study in film acting and complete a capstone project that showcases their work to industry professionals.

With world-class faculty and facilities, extensive performance opportunities, and access to Houston’s thriving arts scene, the School of Theatre & Dance provides an ideal environment for aspiring actors. While still in the program, students engage with local professional companies such as the Houston Shakespeare Festival, the Alley Theatre, and Stages. Competitive tuition and financial support options make this rigorous training accessible, while the university’s location in one of the nation’s largest cities connects students to a dynamic performing arts community and a broad network of alumni working across stage and screen.

The University of Houston + Alley Theatre M.F.A. Professional Actor Training Program is an immersive three-year conservatory-style program designed to prepare actors for careers in regional theatres and major commercial markets. Through rigorous training in acting, voice, movement, stage combat, dialects, and intimacy coordination, students develop the versatility and technique required for the industry. Students perform in fully produced productions and train with renowned faculty, guest artists, and industry professionals.

In the third year, students transition to the Alley Theatre, where they work alongside the Resident Acting Company in a nationally recognized LORT theatre. Training begins with The Intensive, a preparatory workshop focused on ensemble-building, followed by two signature projects: The Circadian Project, a 100-hour devised theatre challenge, and The Turbo Project, a one-week high-speed rehearsal and production experience. Summers are spent performing with professional theatre companies, allowing students to return to Houston with expanded experience and industry connections.

Housed within the Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts, the program provides access to world-class faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and Houston’s thriving arts scene. Graduates join a nationwide network of alumni working across theatre, film, and television. Competitive tuition and financial support options help make this top-tier training accessible.

*All interested candidates must audition to be considered for acceptance into the Professional Actor Training Program (PATP).*

• Jessica Ferrarone, Assistant Instructional Professor of Acting, Head of Summer MA for Theatre Educators
• Vivian Majkowski, Associate Professor of Voice, Head of Graduate Studies
• Adam Noble, Associate Professor of Acting and Movement, Head of MFA Acting
• Allison Pistorius, Assistant Professor of Acting, Head of BFA Acting
• Molly Wetzel, Assistant Professor of Speech, Head of Performance Area
• Jack Young, Professor of Acting, Lead Acting Instructor