Acting

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What is Acting?

This program is a concentration within Theatre. It provides in-depth training in a variety of performing media with a personal approach. You’ll spend the first 2 years studying all types of theatre. You will also take introductory courses in movement, voice, and acting. After passing a review to enter your final 2 years, you’ll meet in daily 4-hour studio sessions that expand on your previous studies. These may include training in Shakespeare, dialects, stage combat, contemporary and period plays, musical theatre, and on-camera technique. You can apply directly into this concentration, although you must pass an audition before being accepted.

Career Options

Film
Musical theatre
Teaching
Television
Theatre

Post-Graduation Success¹

87% employed or continuing education

56% employed after graduation

31% attending graduate school

$50,503 average starting annual income

Sample employer destinations: Arc Worldwide, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Solstice View All

Sample grad school destinations: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Michigan, University of Pennsylvania View All

Program Resources

College of Fine & Applied Arts Program Webpage Degree Requirements

Review Criteria

First-Year Major-Specific Criteria

Strong talent review (audition or portfolio)

View All Review Criteria

Transfer Criteria

Transfer Guide

Graduation & Retention²

4.0 years to degree

94% first-year retention rate

60% four-year graduation rate

70% six-year graduation rate

Annual Program Costs³

Illinois Resident

Tuition: $14,340
Fees: $4,928
Expenses: $18,222
Total: $37,490

Non-Resident

Tuition: $33,460
Fees: $4,928
Expenses:$18,562
Total: $56,950

International

Tuition: $34,408
Fees: $4,928
Expenses: $18,562
Total: $57,898

Related Majors

Dance (BFA) - FAA

Music Open Studies - FAA

Theatre Studies - FAA

¹ Post-Graduation data come from the college that houses this particular major. Post-graduate data was collected through the Illini Success initiative, which primarily relies on self-reported survey data sources. Statistics are aggregated from the past three years. Please note that total compensation may be greater than annual salary as other forms of compensation (e.g., signing bonus, commission, benefits) are not included. For more information on Illini Success data and methods, please visit the Illini Success website. For average wage or salary information five years after entry into an occupation, visit the Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes Explorer.

² Graduation and retention data comes from several majors within a similar interest area. Data may not yet be available for newly created programs. Years-to-degree data is only available for programs from which you can earn a degree. Retention and graduation rates are only available for programs that you can apply directly into. Retention rates reflect retention to the university, not necessarily retention within the major.

³ "Expenses" are estimated and include books, supplies, housing, and other living expenses. The exact amount you’ll pay depends on where you decide to live, the meal plan you choose, and your overall lifestyle. To learn more about costs, please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid website. To learn the average monthly student loan payment over a period of 20 years based on estimated cost, visit the Illinois College2Career website.