Theatre, MFA
Ready to build your career in theatre while making an impact onstage and beyond? The Theatre MFA at the University of Tennessee provides the groundwork you need to step boldly into professional theatre, learning alongside accomplished artists and renowned faculty with credits on and off Broadway. Whether you’re interested in acting or design, the MFA in theatre provides paths for students to gain skills in advanced performance techniques, technical and set design, and collaborative ensemble.
Program Overview
The MFA in Theatre prepares students for careers in professional theatre by working with renowned faculty, guest artists, directors, and designers.
Students will gain real-world production experience through the university’s distinguished Clarence Brown Theatre, dedicated light/media labs, and opportunities for travel to conferences and design seminars.
With five available concentrations and in-person courses that emphasize immersive studio practice, performance, and production work, you’ll graduate with advanced skills in acting, design, technical theatre, and creative problem-solving.
Concentrations
The department offers five theatre concentrations that prepare students to become professional actors and performers, designers, or directors.
Our current selection of concentrations include:
- Acting
- Costume Design
- Lighting Design
- Scenic Design
- Sound and Media Design
What Sets Us Apart
Top 25
MFA Program
UT’s MFA in Acting is ranked among the top 25 MFA performance programs in the world.
1:2
Faculty-Student Ratio
The Theatre MFA offers small cohorts in both design and acting concentrations with a 1:2 faculty ratio.
35–40,000
people attend sold-out shows each year
35–40,000 people attend sold-out shows each year at our world-renowned Clarence Brown Theatre, a League of Resident Theatres (LORT) D Equity theatre.
Why Study Theatre?
With three state-of-the-art theatre facilities, including the well-known Clarence Brown Theatre and the newly dedicated Jenny Boyd Theatre, at UT, students have a range of opportunities and resources to gain real-world production experience.
Our program also boasts faculty and guest directors with credits on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and across the country at organizations such as the Public Theater, Denver Center for the Performing Arts, the Lincoln Center Theatre, and more.
This program is an excellent fit for students looking to cultivate professional connections and build a robust portfolio of artistry, performance, or design.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
Clarence Brown Theatre
The Clarence Brown Theatre (CBT)—named after Academy Award winner for best director and 1910 UT alumnus Clarence Brown—seats roughly 500 and works with graduate students to produce four shows per year, allowing them to be cast in any of its productions.
Lab Theatre
The Lab Theatre—located in the center of UT’s campus—is a 125-seat black box venue considered part of the Clarence Brown Theatre. It is used for production and serves as classroom space for Theatre Department’s acting classes.
Jenny Boyd Theatre
The Jenny Boyd Theatre is a state-of-the-art theatre with flexible seating and staging designed to be adaptable to each performance’s unique characteristics. The Jenny Boyd Theatre began productions in spring 2026.
What Can You Do with an MFA in Theatre After Graduation?
An MFA in theatre prepares students to become professional actors and performers, artists, designers, directors, and even educators.
Many of our UT theatre graduates have gone on to become successful theatre and film professionals—with roles in television and major stage productions—as well as scenic designers and artistic directors at respected theatre companies. Other graduates now teach acting and theatre at universities across the country, helping shape the next generation of performers.
Whatever career pathway you choose, the MFA in theatre offers the opportunity to test and refine your skills alongside mentors who strive to help you achieve your creative dreams.
Featured Courses
THEA 525 Graduate Studies in Voice
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THEA 524 Graduate Studies in Acting Shakespearean Text
This course introduces students to tools for the analysis and performance of Shakespearean texts. Acting monologues and scenes are required.
THEA 557 Period Styles for the Theatre
This course focuses on the history of décor as it relates to theatrical design.
THEA 584 Photography for the Theatre
This course teaches students photographic techniques for shooting live performance events under challenging lighting environments.
Looking For More Options?
The College of Arts and Sciences offers students the broadest range of academic programs and opportunities for research and creative activities at the University of Tennessee, powered by faculty expertise across every discipline.
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