Master of Theatre creative application requirements

The Master of Theatre has additional requirements used as part of the selection process. Find out everything you need to know about the interview process.

To be considered for selection into the Master of Theatre, you need to submit a course application and prepare a folio. Shortlisted applicants will be required to attend an interview.

You must read the How to Apply information on the course page, as well as these folio and interview requirements.

Start year intake 2027 timeline

Before August 2026

Review the entry requirements and how to apply information on the Master of Theatre course page.

3 August 2026

Applications open.

By 31 October

Submit your course application direct to the University of Melbourne or via an authorised education agent.


Upload your folio as part of your creative tasks via the Creative Application Platform (SlideRoom).


Graduate Access Melbourne application due (domestic applicants only).

17 & 20 November

Dramaturgy specialisation: Shortlisted applicants will be required to attend an interview.

18 & 19 November

Directing specialisation: Shortlisted applicants will be required to attend an interview.

24 & 25 November

Writing specialisation: Shortlisted applicants will be required to attend an interview.

What to prepare – Directing specialisation

Artistic statement

Submit an artistic statement (up to 1,500 words) that articulates the following:

  • Why do you want to make theatre (100 - 500 words)
  • What are 3 pieces of art (any medium) that have hugely inspired or impacted you in your life?
  • How do you see your place in the world? (100 - 500 words)
  • What do you hope to gain from undertaking the Master of Theatre (Directing) course at the VCA?

Within the Creative Application Platform, you will be asked to provide the name and contact details of three referees to submit a referee report on your behalf. The three referees are ideally: one character reference, one academic reference, and one referee who can attest to the applicant's creativity and artistic practice.

Your referees may submit their referee reports up to 5 days after the Master of Theatre applications close. It is strongly recommended that you also contact your referees directly to notify them of your application and deadline.

Shortlisted applicants will be required to attend a 30-minute online interview via Zoom.

Applicants will be asked to present an idea for a story, either original or existing, i.e. based on a pre-existing play an imagined story, a factual story, a traditional story or any other story which then becomes the basis of a concept pitch for making a piece of theatre.

The applicant will present the performance concept pitch, including ideas for set and costume design, lighting design, sound design, casting, proposed venue, and tone/style of the piece. Be ready to answer questions about your concept relating to themes, socio-political connections to the real world, and why this piece should be staged.

What to prepare – Dramaturgy specialisation

Artistic statement

Submit an artistic statement (up to 1,000 words) that articulates the following:

  • What you wish to gain from your training period and your artistic and career aspirations
  • The kind of performance work that inspires you
  • Your major points of interest in Dramaturgy
  • What sort of questions you wish to explore about your own practice during this course

Within the Creative Application Platform, you will be asked to provide the name and contact details of three referees to submit a referee report on your behalf. The three referees are ideally: one character reference, one academic reference, and one referee who can attest to the applicant's creativity and artistic practice.

Your referees may submit their referee reports up to 5 days after the Master of Theatre applications close. It is strongly recommended that you also contact your referees directly to notify them of your application and deadline.

Shortlisted applicants will be required to attend an online interview to discuss their creative practice and suitability for the course.

What to prepare – Writing specialisation

Creative writing folio

Submit your creative writing folio (maximum 20 pages).

Artistic statement

Submit an artistic statement (up to 1,000 words) that articulates the following:

  • Your writing for performance strengths, weaknesses and aspirations
  • The kind of performance work that inspires you
  • What you wish to gain from your training period
  • Your major areas of writing interests (solo, collaborative, community, etc)

Within the Creative Application Platform, you will be asked to provide the name and contact details of three referees to submit a referee report on your behalf. The three referees are ideally: one character reference, one academic reference, and one referee who can attest to the applicant's creativity and artistic practice.

Your referees may submit their referee reports up to 5 days after the Master of Theatre applications close. It is strongly recommended that you also contact your referees directly to notify them of your application and deadline.

Shortlisted applicants will be required to attend an online interview to discuss their artistic statement and writing folio.

The interview will run for approximately 20 minutes.

Inclusivity and accessibility

The University of Melbourne and the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all participants, regardless of their physical, sensory, cognitive, or psychological abilities. Should you be required to attend an interview, you will be asked if you have any accessibility requirements during the interview booking stage.

How to submit your selection tasks

Your folio must be uploaded and submitted via the Creative Application Platform (SlideRoom). We recommend allowing plenty of time to prepare and submit your creative tasks. Applications after the published closing day cannot be accepted.

How you'll be assessed

All applicants will be ranked according to the outlined criteria, up to the capacity of places in the course.

The folio will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

  • Motivation for undertaking the course
  • Relevant previous experience
  • Imaginative and creative capacity
  • Technical and practical competence
  • Physical and kinaesthetic competence
  • Technical skills and integrated understanding of design (set, costume, lights, site, medium) and potential for development

The folio will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

  • Motivation for undertaking the course
  • Relevant previous experience
  • Imaginative and creative capacity

The folio will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

  • Motivation for undertaking the course
  • Relevant previous experience
  • Writing skills
  • Imaginative and creative capacity
  • English writing skills

The interview will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

  • Understanding of the course structure and expectations of the program
  • Capacity to meet the academic demands of the course
  • Articulation of their own practice and aspirations
  • Level of maturity and self-motivation required for the course
  • Clarity and confidence in communication
  • Ability to communicate creative ideas