Acceptance into the MFA programs is determined through the application process and participation in the School of Dance MFA Interview/Audition. Attendance at the MFA Interview/Audition offers prospective students an opportunity to observe the classes and rehearsals, tour campus and dance facilities, converse with current graduate students, and interview with the faculty. MFA Interview/Audition participation is required for admission and for TA funding consideration unless alternative arrangements have been made.

Candidates choosing to audition/apply by video may be contacted for a virtual interview. Only candidates with completed applications will be contacted.

Applicants should demonstrate:

• 3+ years of experience in the professional field of dance in performance, choreography, staging, teaching, Screendance, curation, etc.

• Proficient teaching abilities in areas that align with School of Dance undergraduate curricula and/or offer new perspectives and topics that will enrich our existing curricula. (Please ensure teaching experience is evident in the Personal Statement, CV, and video links.)

• A clear articulation of personal interests, areas of study, or creative or theoretical inquiry that could be developed into a personalized research agenda.

• A clear justification as to why pursuing a Master of Fine Arts degree is necessary to future goals.

Application Materials

Applicants can upload materials below. Please prepare the following.

1. CV or Resume Must include:

Credentials in the areas of education, training, and work experience.

At least three references.

2. Creative work

For candidates wishing to conduct a creative thesis, include links to full-length examples of 1-3 recent choreographic, Screendance or performance projects.

3. Teaching samples

Ballet MFA applicants: Include 1-2 links of clear audio/visual recordings of you teaching a full-length ballet class.

Modern Dance MFA applicants: Include 1-2 links of clear audio/visual recordings of you teaching contemporary techniques (broadly defined), improvisation, or composition classes

4. Letters of Recommendation

Applicants must provide two letters of recommendation. Please request a letter from two professional dance references. Direct them to upload their letters of recommendation to Slate.

5. Transcripts

Applicants must provide unofficial transcripts from all institutions of higher education you have attended.

6. Personal Statement

Prepare a 3-4 page essay that articulates your interest in pursuing an MFA degree from the University of Utah’s School of Dance including: 1) your graduate school and post-graduation goals; 2) potential scholarly or practice-based research interests (i.e., choreography, Screendance, history, criticism and theory, interdisciplinary arts and technology, Arts-in-Health, etc.,); 3) how your professional, artistic, or personal experiences in dance have prepared you for pursuing an advanced degree.

University of Utah Application Link (Slate)

MFA Audition Registration

*Priority deadline: January 5, 2024. Initial review of applicants will begin shortly after.

All applicants may request consideration for various levels of funding. More information about the Graduate Tuition Benefit can be found here.

• A full-time Teaching Assistantship includes a tuition waiver (up to 15 credits per semester, not to exceed 60 total credit hours across two years), accompanying stipend divided across each semester and paid according to the University payroll schedule and eligibility for the University Graduate Student Health Insurance Program. A full-time Teaching Assistantship requires up to 20 hours of teaching-related work per week.

• A .50 Teaching Assistantship includes a partial Tuition Waiver, accompanying stipend divided across each semester and paid according to the University payroll schedule and requires up to 10 hours of teaching-related work per week. Graduate Health Insurance is not included.

• Candidates who wish to earn an MFA degree without the obligations of a Teaching Assistantship are also welcome to apply. Tuition costs will fall to the candidate, and health insurance benefits are not included.

Viable Applicants for TA funding:

• Demonstrate a track record of teaching classes that align with our needs in existing undergraduate curricula and/or offer new perspectives and topics that will enrich our existing curricula.

• Possess 3+ years of professional experience as performers, choreographers, stagers, and/or teachers and are familiar with the artists and practices currently shaping the field.

• Attend MFA Interview/Audition (Attendance at the MFA Interview/Audition is required for TA funding consideration unless alternative arrangements have been made.)

International students must:

• Be accepted to the University. (see International Graduate Admissions)

• Meet or exceed the University TOEFL requirements - Students whose native language is not English are required to submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) as part of their application. Applications are not considered complete without the most recent test scores for Speaking. (see English Proficiency Requirements)

If unable to attend the MFA Interview/Audition, international students must:

• Submit all materials required of all applicants. (see above)

• Submit video speaking about your professional interests in dance and why the University of Utah is your chosen school.

Successful candidates will be contacted for a virtual interview.