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Acting

College of Fine & Applied Arts

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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

88% employed or continuing education

53% employed after graduation

35% attending graduate school

$37,778 average starting annual income

Sample employer destinations: Baltimore Center Stage (2), Cru (1), Everyday Humans (1) View All

Sample grad school destinations: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, New York University, Bristol Old Vic Theatre School 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 Handbook

Graduation & Retention2

4.1 years to degree

96% first-year retention rate

70% four-year graduation rate

80% six-year graduation rate

Annual Program Costs3

Illinois Resident

  • Tuition: $14,620
  • Fees: $5,054
  • Expenses: $18,884
  • Total: $38,558

Non-Resident

  • Tuition: $34,972
  • Fees: $5,054
  • Expenses:$19,224
  • Total: $59,250

International

  • Tuition: $35,966
  • Fees: $5,054
  • Expenses: $19,224
  • Total: $60,244

Related Majors

1 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.

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