The Old Globe and University of San Diego Shiley Graduate Theater Program
Your Artistry has brought you here.
The Top Ten Drama Program in the World.- Hollywood Reporter 2023
Our professional training program provides an intimate, professional, and meaningful experience for only 7 artists each year to grow in San Diego, California. We nationally recruit 7 MFA Actors each year to join in an intensive 2 year course of professional training in Classical and Contemporary Theatre. With only 7 actors in each class, an exceptional amount of personal attention is given to each actor's individual artistic journey. MFA Actors should expect a healthy and challenging training schedule that goes year round for 2 years.
Admission to the program is based on an application and audition process. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited and approved institution. The degree does not need to be in theatre. International students are welcome to apply to the MFA program; please visit our FAQs page for important information regarding your transcripts. We do not participate in U/RTA auditions, you must apply directly to our program.
Questions? Visit our Application FAQ page!


Jeffrey Rashad (2023) as Prince Hal in Henry IV Part 1 directed by Jesse Perez. Photo by Rich Soublet II
Audition Process
2024 AUDITION TOUR DATES
NYC Auditions: Jan. 19-23 2024
Chicago Auditions: Jan. 31st and Feb. 1, 2024
San Francisco Auditions: Feb. 3-4, 2024
San Diego Auditions: Feb. 11-12, 2024
*Please note ALL 2024 auditions are in person.
Callback information provided at audition.
The audition consists of two, two-minute contrasting monologues, one Shakespeare and one contemporary. Additional monologues may be requested at the time of your audition. No singing or dance auditions. Further audition information will be given when we contact you to make an appointment.
During recruitment season, if you have questions about your appointment, please email globemfa@gmail.com

Application Information
Our 2024 Application is live now!
We look forward to working with you on the 2024 Audition Tour!
For questions about the application process (including GRE/TOEFL submission, LORs, and other technical questions), please contact the Graduate Admissions office directly at grads@sandiego.edu
INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS please visit our Application FAQs page. If you are having problems, please call USD Graduate Admissions at 619-260-4524.
More more information on USD Graduate Admissions CLICK HERE
For questions about the Old Globe/USD Shiley Graduate Theatre program, contact the Program Coordinator, Nicole Ries at nries@theoldglobe.org
