FAQs
I am really excited about applying to BUSTI. What is required of me to apply?
To apply to BUSTI, please follow the instructions on our Apply page.
I am an international student. How do I apply to BUSTI?
International students may apply to the program following the instructions on our Apply page. The University does not require any special paperwork or documentation to apply to the program; international students are also no longer required to complete an I-20 form. For travel and identification purposes, international students should carry both their passport and visa with them while traveling and once in Boston.
How do apply for financial aid to attend the program?
In addition to their applications, students seeking financial aid should submit a letter to the BUSTI Director outlining and explaining their reasons for requesting financial assistance. The Summer Theatre Institute most frequently awards financial assistance amounting to 10% of the overall tuition, or approximately $500. In some cases up to 20% of the overall tuition, or approximately $1000, will be awarded. Most years, 5 to 10 students will receive “partial funding” packages.
The BUSTI staff will review financial aid requests long before the spots for the 2012 program have filled up; please don’t worry about your need for aid preventing you from grabbing a spot in the program.
Does the BUSTI program offer Musical Theatre training?
The Summer Theatre Institute, like the School of Theatre’s BFA undergraduate program, focuses on shaping the skills of the actor, including those skills related to work in musical theatre performance.
The BU School of Theatre does not offer a BFA in Musical Theatre; likewise, the School does not offer a Shakespeare major or a major in Acting for Film. The faculty believe that students should obtain a wide range of theatrical experience during their undergraduate work. To focus on only Musical Theatre is limiting professionally. The School of Theatre aims to graduate students who are ready for whatever opportunities the professional world may bring their way. That is why the School’s BFA training places emphasis on Voice and Movement and then provides advanced electives in Singing and Dance.
Similarly, the Summer Theatre Institute focuses on developing and crafting performance skills in both Acting and Singing. We do not limit exposure to singing and voice work in our program, but Musical Theatre is not a sole focus.
I want to apply to BUSTI, but I can’t attend the whole program. Can I still attend?
The BUSTI program is a full, 5-week commitment. Missing any time puts you significantly behind in terms of studio and rehearsal work. We request that all applicants be ready to commit fully for the duration of the program.
What should I bring with me to BUSTI?
Students will need to bring their own towels, linens, blankets and pillows for the dormitory. If you feel that purchasing such items would be easier than traveling with them, there is a Bed, Bath & Beyond nearby that is easily accessible by car or by foot from the dormitory.
For class, students should bring movement clothing (think yoga or workout attire) and supportive athletic shoes. In the summer months, it is vital to stay hydrated; please bring an extra reusable water bottle for class.
As outlined in the Acceptance Packet, students will bring journals as well as copies of their core texts with them. Pens and pencils should be brought to class each day.
Please ensure that you have proper identification with you at the time of check in. On the first full day of BUSTI, all students will receive their Terrier ID Card; the Terrier Card provides students with access to the dining halls and serves as identification throughout the program.
Students may bring laptops, cameras, cell phones, etc., to the program at their discretion. The Summer Theatre Institute is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged belongings. We highly recommend that valuables, if brought to Boston, stay locked in dorm rooms and in a personal valuables safe.
As a BUSTI student, is there a place to work out?
The program is rigorous and physical. Many students find that they stay fit simply by participating in the program. However, if you would like to work out during your stay, membership to the BU Fitness and Recreation Center (FitRec) provides students with access to fitness and weight training equipment, swimming facilities, indoor basketball courts, indoor racquetball and squash courts, and locker room facilities.
I am a parent/guardian of a BUSTI student. How do I pay the program fees?
The program deposit fee can be paid via bank, personal or cashier’s check, or by money order. The initial deposit allows the University to open a student account for your child. Once a student account is established, and BU posts the program tuition, housing and board charges, you will receive information on how to pay your student’s account balance via money transfer, check or credit card.
To pay your BUSTI deposit, please mail the check or money order along with your signed Letter of Agreement to:
Summer Theatre Institute
Boston University College of Fine Arts
855 Commonwealth Avenue, 4th Floor
Boston, MA 02215
Please note that your deposit check may not be cashed immediately. We cannot cash deposit checks until your child’s student account is created through the University; this allows the money to be properly credited toward the cost of the program.
As a parent, can I use my 529 plan for payment on my student’s account?
While the Summer Theatre Institute specifically has never used 529 plans for payment of the program, other BU high school programs have. The BU Office of Student Accounts (the office from which you will receive billing statements) recommends that parents contact their individual 529 plan organizations; some may not allow use of the 529 plan for high school college credit programs.
Are BUSTI students chaperoned at all times?
The dorms are staffed after the 11pm curfew 24/7 with a combination of BUSTI Teaching Assistants as well as Residence Life Staff. The students are chaperoned in classes, and for group trips on the weekend. BUSTI students are treated like college students and are on their own during meal times and travel time to and from the dorms.
While the rigor involved with attending the BU Summer Theatre Institute leaves little free time (days are packed with classes, rehearsals, workshops, and group experiences), the BUSTI staff tries to provide students with opportunities to explore and experience the city. At the top of the program, during orientation, BUSTI and BU Police representatives discuss safety and city life with all students. We make every effort to encouraged students to practice safe and sound judgment in all situations (travel in groups, never walk alone in an area with which you are unfamiliar, don’t carry large amounts of cash/valuables, etc.).
If parents come to visit, does the curfew still apply to their BUSTI student?
Parents can request to excuse their BUSTI students on occasion provided they contact the BUSTI office with at least 48 hours notice. Requests can be emailed (pdifabio@bu.edu) or faxed (617.353.4363). A member of the BUSTI staff will verify the parent/guardian request. If we do not receive notification 48 hours in advance, we will not allow the student to miss curfew; because this is a safety/liability issue, we always error on the side of caution.
I am a parent/guardian seeking to stay in the area for parts of the BUSTI program. Where would you recommend?
Hotel Commonwealth in Kenmore Square (closest to the main BU campus)
Holiday Inn Brookline (a few blocks away in the neighboring town of Brookline)
Hyatt Regency Cambridge (across the Charles River in Cambridge, very close to the College of Fine Arts)
Courtyard Marriott Boston/Cambridge (across the Charles River in Cambridge)
Double Tree Guest Suites Boston/Cambridge (along the Charles River, a few blocks from the Marriott)
What type of meal plan is affiliated with the program? What do I do if my student has dietary restrictions?
Students who enroll in the Summer Theatre Institute and stay in dormitory housing are required by BU to enroll in a dining hall meal plan. Students can choose between a 14 meal/week plan and a 19 meal/week plan. Students often purchase snacks, coffee, etc., at local shops such as Starbucks, Panera and CVS.
Students should indicate their specific dietary restrictions on the forms provided in the BUSTI Acceptance Packet. On move-in day, we encourage concerned parents to meet with us so that we can alert Residence Life/Dining Services if necessary. Students will be responsible for speaking up in the dining hall and placing special requests; Dining Services is very willing to accommodate special requests.
My BUSTI student will be traveling to the program without me. Can someone pick them up from the airport/bus station?
Each year, we have a number of students who arrive to our program through air and bus travel. We understand your concern as a parent/guardian in wanting to find secure transport for your child. Unfortunately, because of the high volume of travelers and the limited numbers of BUSTI staff members, we cannot provide transportation from the airport/bus station to campus. Fortunately, Logan Airport is traveler-friendly, as are the Back Bay and South Station bus terminals. Hailing a taxi cab is convenient and reasonable in cost. Car services are also available in Boston.