The Professional Actor Training Program at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill is a rigorous three-year MFA program. The purpose of the PATP is to provide a bridge to the profession, and to offer advanced training in Acting, Voice & Speech, and Movement for the Actor.

Why should you choose UNC for your professional training?
  • Train with experienced master teachers and leading guest professionals as part of a professional LORT company
  • Competitive stipend and tuition remission
  • Membership in Actors Equity Association
  • Prestigious New York Showcase

The Program's affiliation with PlayMakers Repertory Company , an Equity/LORT theatre, provides an ongoing opportunity for training and significant work within a nationally-recognized professional company. In addition to other criteria, actors auditioning for the Professional Actor Training Program are selected for their ability to function as core members of the PlayMakers acting company. Each PATP student will be eligible to become a member of Actors' Equity Association prior to or at the time of graduation. Immediately following the conclusion of training,  PATP actors are seen by casting professionals and agents in the prestigious New League Showcase in New York City.

Classes are taught by resident master teachers and distinguished guest faculty within a conservatory structure. The training is progressive and cumulative and must be completed in three consecutive years. 

The acting sequence is designed to develop within each actor a personal, creative and flexible working process, adaptable to a wide variety of performance demands, from on-camera work to Shakespeare.

The movement sequence is designed to promote a strong, grounded and responsive physical instrument, capable of transformation and variety that communicate character.

The voice/speech sequence is designed to empower each actor to communicate effectively, imaginatively, and freely, regardless of the demands of different kinds of language and performance spaces.

Rehearsal and performance are ongoing throughout the training period at PlayMakers Repertory Company, in fully mounted PATP productions, and in studio productions.

For Application information go here.

For Curriculum information go here.

For PATP Faculty go here.

For current Graduate Students go here.

Find out about PATP Alumni here.

To read a letter from the Artistic Director go here.

To read a letter from the Head of the Program go here.