Frequently Asked Questions
Per Boston University’s recent announcement, all in-person College of Fine Arts 2020 summer programs have been canceled, including Boston University Summer Theatre Institute (BUSTI).
Over the past few weeks, we—like you—have been watching the rapidly evolving effects of a global pandemic. As eager as we are to get back into studio classrooms and rehearsal spaces to make healing art together, the safety of our students and teachers must come first.
We deeply regret the impact this cancellation has on our accepted students—loss of training, collaborative ensemble building, innovative storytelling, and, of course, college credits. A change in summer plans is challenging under any circumstances, but particularly in the midst of all of this uncertainty. Please know that if there were any way that we could safely welcome you to campus, we would exuberantly do so.
Deposits will be refunded for all canceled programs. For more details, please review FAQs below.
BUSTI 2020
Why is the program canceled?
We—like all of you—have been carefully watching the evolving impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. All of us hope to return to normal activity as soon as possible, but we must continue to prioritize the health and safety of our community. Unfortunately, it has become clear that the restrictions resulting from the pandemic will continue for some time. Although this decision will be disappointing to many, we believe it is necessary to achieve our ultimate goal – to resume the quality in-person programs that are our hallmark.
Will BUSTI offer online options?
BUSTI is such an incredibly immersive experience, in which ensemble-building and the residential environment are fundamental to each student’s growth. We did not believe we could genuinely uphold the integrity of the BUSTI experience through an online alternative.
The BU School of Theatre is planning outreach and information sessions about our undergraduate programs to be offered online over the summer, and we will share that information with you when we have it.
I have already paid my tuition deposit. Will it be refunded?
Yes, the tuition deposit will be fully refunded. The timeline for disbursement of refunds is currently being determined. We will communicate details as soon as we have them.
Will my application fee be refunded?
Application fees that have been processed cannot be refunded.
What if I've mailed a deposit that has not been processed?
We will not be processing any deposit checks received after March 9, 2020. They are currently held in our offices, and when if it safe to do so we will destroy them securely.
Summer 2021
I was accepted and enrolled in BUSTI 2020. Can this acceptance be transferred to 2021?
Any student currently accepted and enrolled in BUSTI 2020, who will be a rising Junior or Senior in high school in the fall of 2021 is eligible for enrollment in BUSTI 2021. If you had already paid your deposit for the 2020 session, your deposit will still be refunded. To secure your spot for the 2021 session, you would simply need to pay a new $500 deposit and submit new paperwork by February 1, 2021. We will be in touch later this year with more details.
This was my last summer to participate - I will have graduated from high school in summer 2021. Can you make exceptions to the age limits?
As BUSTI is a pre-college program, we regret that we are unable to support students who are eligible for enrollment at the college level.
Again, the School of Theatre is planning some outreach and information sessions to be offered online about our college level programs over the summer, and we will share that information with you when we have it.
I applied but did not finish my application. Will you keep my 2020 application on file for 2021?
All completed applications were reviewed prior to the program’s cancelation. Applicants who had applications in progress will need to reapply for the 2021 session. You may, however, choose to submit the same materials (essays, resume, letters of rec etc.) from your 2020 application.
I have already mailed my student account paperwork. Can BUSTI keep it and utilize it for summer 2021?
No, forms cannot be kept for next summer. They will be stored until we are able to destroy them securely, and if you choose to re-enroll we will ask for updated paperwork.
Additional Questions
What if I have additional questions?