Immerse yourself in theatre in a progressive, arts-focused community
Study with nationally respected faculty mentors. Collaborate across boundaries to create, develop, and present new works. Financial support is available.
In the MFA program in theatre arts, you'll receive extensive, immersive, personalized training focused on developing your unique artistic voice--no matter what specialty you pursue.
A life-changing experience
“It’s amazing. Cold-reading new scripts is a really valuable skill, but then also, getting to work with the playwright, developing a character–a part that nobody else has ever played before–is really exciting.”
Visual and Performing Arts at Iowa
Find your voice at the University of Iowa. Artists of every medium and movement have left their mark on Iowa and the world, from playwright Tennessee Williams to sculptor Elizabeth Catlett.
Becoming a theatre artist requires mastering one field of study while developing knowledge of and respect for the others. MFA students at Iowa practice and learn within their own intensive programs while working closely with one another across disciplines in a community of artists.
Each of Iowa’s MFA programs is
- An intensive 3-year course of study
- Dedicated to the development of theatre artists and new work
- Grounded in the study of dramatic literature
- Connected to its sister programs by means of formal and informal collaborations
Take the next step toward your future
You'll work with teams of fellow graduate students, talented undergraduates, and professors to create, develop, and present multiple never-before-seen works of theatre. You'll hone your artistic vision, master crucial technical skills, and engage with every aspect of complex productions. You'll prepare to leave your unique mark on your field, while living and working in Iowa City, America's most celebrated literary town and a mecca for the arts.
Our faculty mentors are outstanding teachers and nationally respected theatre professionals who will train you to work in the nation's top arts organizations, from the stage to the technical shops to the front office. Internships allow you to experience professional work settings.
We offer exceptional faculty-mentored scholarly research and creative production opportunities, both on campus and off.
And we are able to defray your educational costs through fellowships, assistantships, and scholarships.
We believe that theatre is a powerful tool for advancing social justice, and encourage everyone to apply to join our creative, collaborative, welcoming, and supportive community.
25-30
Student-led productions of original work each year
2:1
Student-to-faculty ratio in MFA program