Graduate Admissions
If you’re a professional artist seeking to deepen, expand, and challenge your own practices, consider joining the vibrant community at Boston University. BU School of Theatre offers MFA Degrees in Directing, Scenic Design, Lighting Design, Sound Design, Costume Design, Costume Production, Technical Direction and Production Management; as well as an Artisan Certificate in Scenic Painting.
The graduate program is rigorous and selective in order to cultivate a collaborative cohort that works together in both the classroom, and in performance spaces. Students are supported and encouraged to engage with the greater Boston network through personalized Faculty mentorships, Assistantship opportunities, and our Professional Theater Initiatives.
IMPORTANT DEADLINES
To get started on your application, visit the BU CFA Graduate Application. All application materials should be uploaded there electronically. If you require assistance with the BU application fee due to financial hardship, please contact arts@bu.edu to request a fee waiver code.
Applicants must also submit their Artistic Portfolio materials, which vary by degree, via our School of Theatre Acceptd page. Please visit the Graduate Application Process page for degree-specific portfolio considerations.
Additionally, applicants can choose to attend URTA’s Auditions & Interviews. If attending URTA, please know that you will still need to upload your materials to our Acceptd page in order to complete your application.
- Boston University Priority Application Deadline: January 15th
- Deadline to apply to attend the URTAS
- Deadline for URTA attendees to submit their BU Graduate Application: February 15th
- The 2024 URTA’s (University Resident Theater Association) will take place during these dates:
- Graduate Design & Production:
- In-Person (Chicago): Jan. 24 – 26, 2024
- Live-Virtual Interviews (via video conferencing): Jan. 17, 2024
- Graduate Directing & Stage Management:
- Live-Virtual Interviews (via video conferencing): Feb. 2 & 3, 2024
- Graduate Design & Production:
Applications received after these deadlines will be reviewed on a space-available basis.
Visit our English Proficiency Requirements page for testing requirements by program.
For any questions, email the School of Theatre or call us at 617-353-3390.
THEATRE GRADUATE PROGRAMS
Select your desired degree to learn more!
Artisan Certificate Scene Painting
HOW TO APPLY
Learn more about the graduate application processes, requirements, and steps based on the program of interest.
To get started on your application, visit the BU CFA Graduate Application.
INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS
International applicants must prove proficiency in English.
English Proficiency Requirements
FINANCIAL AID
The School of Theatre expects to substantially fund most accepted graduate students. Accepted graduate students may receive up to a full-tuition scholarship, assistantship, and stipend.