Undergraduate Admissions – Performance
Our School of Theatre auditions between 1000 and 1300 applicants yearly. We then have the privilege of inviting up to 35 of those artists to join our first year Performance Core.
The undergraduate Performance Core is for BFA candidates pursuing a BFA in Acting or BFA in Theatre Arts––Performance: Applicants may submit as an Early Decision applicant for Early Decision 1 or Early Decision 2; A Regular Decision applicant; or a Transfer Student applicant.
There are two parts to the BU application process for prospective undergraduate (BFA) students: 1) The Academic Review with Boston University, and 2) The Artistic Review with the School of Theatre
Applicants must complete both parts of the application process to be considered for admission to the BU School of Theatre. Applications for Boston University can be completed via the Common App: Once that is completed, and applicants have received a BU ID, they can apply for an Artistic Review via the Acceptd Platform.
Artistic Reviews vary slightly depending on the core program for which you apply. The first step of the Artistic Review is a Prescreen through the Acceptd Platform:
- In Acceptd, Performance Core applicants should choose either Performance Core Early Decision 1, Performance Core Early Decision 2, or Performance Core Regular Decision, when selecting a “Program” in the Acceptd Platform. Performance Core is best suited for students pursuing BFA degree in Acting or Theatre Arts.
Applicants selected from their prescreen will be invited for an interview or audition/interview through the Accetpd Platform messaging system, with details TBA (be sure to check your Acceptd inbox).
BFA Performance Core Application Instructions
Early Decision 1
Early Decision 1 applicants for undergraduate Performance Core should upload their materials to the Accetpd platform, and will be invited to schedule a Live-Virtual Artistic Review. There is no pre-screen requirement for Early Decision 1 Candidates.
Application Deadline: November 1, 2023
Live-Virtual Audition Dates: November 11 & 12, 2023
Required Materials:
These materials are aimed at assessing where you are in your artistic process, and how that process, regardless of the number of productions you have worked on, evinces a level of artistic maturity, communal perspective, and capacious curiosity.
All Submission Must Include:
- A Resume listing:
- Academic, professional, or artistic achievements;
- Work, volunteer, or community service experience;
- Experience in theatre, film, television, or related media;
- Specific training, workshops and/or courses in these fields;
- A Personal Statement:
- 100-200 words describing your artistic perspective.
- Two contrasting, contemporary, 1-minute monologues:
* Be sure to watch the BU School of Theatre information video, and feel free to ask any questions you may have on the day of your audition.
Encouraged Supplemental Materials:
Optional Additions to your Submission Can Include:
- A Letter of Recommendation:
- Please directly upload a letter from a mentor or instructor who can speak to your work and ethos as an artist and collaborator.
- An Artistic Snapshot, some examples include:
- An excerpt from a directing portfolio;
- A scene or up to four pages of something you’ve written;
- 16 bars of any song (voice or instrument).
- Writing Prompt, please answer the following question in 300-500 words:
- “If you could invite an audience to watch your work, who would it be and why?”
Acceptd Submission Instructions:
- Slate Instructions:
For each monologue, print your BU ID on a sheet of paper, and hold it up before clearly stating:
- Your Name
- The Name of your Piece
- And the Author of your Piece
Monologue Instructions:
Monologue One:
- Framing: A ‘medium shot’, or framed from about mid-torso to the top of your head; be sure to stand against a plain wall or background and use clear, directed lighting so that it illuminates your face and eyes. You may sit or stand, and place your scene partner just off to the side of the camera lens or above it.
- Instructions:
- As one file, upload two-takes alternate takes of the monologue.
Monologue Two:
- Framing: Shoot this monologue as ‘site specific’; meaning, working outside of a neutral background and with a secondary activity.
- Instructions:
- Decide on a unique location and activity––these do not need to be based in the given circumstances of the piece.
- You may have someone else hold your camera and follow you around as you move. However, please film this in one continuous shot (no editing).
- This is your opportunity to have fun, take risks, and try something new. Show us your vision for the piece–there is no wrong way to do this!
Early Decision 2
Early Decision 2 applicants for undergraduate Performance Core should upload their materials to the Accetpd platform.
Application Deadline: January 4, 2024
Live Virtual callbacks: January 13-14, 2024
Pre-Screen (or self-tape) Materials:
The pre-screening phase, conducted through the Acceptd platform, is aimed at assessing where you are in your artistic process, and how that process, regardless of the number of productions you have worked on, evinces a level of artistic maturity, communal perspective, and capacious curiosity.
Required Materials:
All Submission Must Include:
- A Resume listing:
- Academic, professional, or artistic achievements;
- Work, volunteer, or community service experience;
- Experience in theatre, film, television, or related media;
- Specific training, workshops and/or courses in these fields;
- A Personal Statement:
- 100-200 words describing your artistic perspective.
- Two contrasting, contemporary, 1-minute monologues:
* Be sure to watch the BU School of Theatre information video, and feel free to ask any questions you may have on the day of your audition.
Encouraged Supplemental Materials:
Optional Additions to your Submission Can Include:
- A Letter of Recommendation:
- Please directly upload a letter from a mentor or instructor who can speak to your work and ethos as an artist and collaborator.
- An Artistic Snapshot, some examples include:
- An excerpt from a directing portfolio;
- A scene or up to four pages of something you’ve written;
- 16 bars of any song (voice or instrument).
- Writing Prompt, please answer the following question in 300-500 words:
- “If you could invite an audience to watch your work, who would it be and why?”
Pre-Screen Instructions:
- Slate Instructions:
For each monologue, print your BU ID on a sheet of paper, and hold it up before clearly stating:
- Your Name
- The Name of your Piece
- And the Author of your Piece
Monologue Instructions:
Monologue One:
- Framing: A ‘medium shot’, or framed from about mid-torso to the top of your head; be sure to stand against a plain wall or background and use clear, directed lighting so that it illuminates your face and eyes. You may sit or stand, and place your scene partner just off to the side of the camera lens or above it.
- Instructions:
- As one file, upload two-takes alternate takes of the monologue.
Monologue Two:
- Framing: Shoot this monologue as ‘site specific’; meaning, working outside of a neutral background and with a secondary activity.
- Instructions:
- Decide on a unique location and activity––these do not need to be based in the given circumstances of the piece.
- You may have someone else hold your camera and follow you around as you move. However, please film this in one continuous shot (no editing).
- This is your opportunity to have fun, take risks, and try something new. Show us your vision for the piece–there is no wrong way to do this!
Regular Decision
Regular Decision applicants for undergraduate Performance Core should upload their pre-screen materials to the Accetpd platform. Some applicants are then invited to participate in an Artistic Review. The Artistic Review, conducted either virtually or in person, is aimed at interrogating whether the CFA is poised to develop your unique potential and voice, and whether the amalgamation of tradition and innovation are ideally suited for your artistic growth.
Those invited for an Artistic Review will be notified by the first week in January.
Details on how to self-schedule will be included in the notification.
Application Deadline: January 4, 2024
Audition Dates:
In-Person Boston: January 20-21, 2024
In-Person New York City: January 27-28, 2024
In-Person Chicago: February 5-8, 2024
Live-Virtual: February 10-11, 2024
Required Materials:
All Submission Must Include:
- A Resume listing:
- Academic, professional, or artistic achievements;
- Work, volunteer, or community service experience;
- Experience in theatre, film, television, or related media;
- Specific training, workshops and/or courses in these fields;
- A Personal Statement:
- 100-200 words describing your artistic perspective.
- Two contrasting, contemporary, 1-minute monologues:
* Be sure to watch the BU School of Theatre information video, and feel free to ask any questions you may have on the day of your audition.
Encouraged Supplemental Materials:
Optional Additions to your Submission Can Include:
- A Letter of Recommendation:
- Please directly upload a letter from a mentor or instructor who can speak to your work and ethos as an artist and collaborator.
- An Artistic Snapshot, some examples include:
- An excerpt from a directing portfolio;
- A scene or up to four pages of something you’ve written;
- 16 bars of any song (voice or instrument).
- Writing Prompt, please answer the following question in 300-500 words:
- “If you could invite an audience to watch your work, who would it be and why?”
Pre-Screen Instructions:
- Slate Instructions:
For each monologue, print your BU ID on a sheet of paper, and hold it up before clearly stating:
- Your Name
- The Name of your Piece
- And the Author of your Piece
Monologue Instructions:
Monologue One:
- Framing: A ‘medium shot’, or framed from about mid-torso to the top of your head; be sure to stand against a plain wall or background and use clear, directed lighting so that it illuminates your face and eyes. You may sit or stand, and place your scene partner just off to the side of the camera lens or above it.
- Instructions:
- As one file, upload two-takes alternate takes of the monologue.
Monologue Two:
- Framing: Shoot this monologue as ‘site specific’; meaning, working outside of a neutral background and with a secondary activity.
- Instructions:
- Decide on a unique location and activity––these do not need to be based in the given circumstances of the piece.
- You may have someone else hold your camera and follow you around as you move. However, please film this in one continuous shot (no editing).
- This is your opportunity to have fun, take risks, and try something new. Show us your vision for the piece–there is no wrong way to do this!
Transfer Students
Transfer applicants for undergraduate Performance Core, either from another BU College or from another school should upload their pre-screen materials to the Accetpd platform. Some applicants are then invited to participate in an Artistic Review. The Artistic Review, conducted either virtually or in person, is aimed at interrogating whether the CFA is poised to develop your unique potential and voice, and whether the amalgamation of tradition and innovation are ideally suited for your artistic growth.
Those invited for an Artistic Review will be notified by the first week in March.
Details on how to self-schedule will be included in the notification.
Application Deadline: January 4, 2024
Audition Dates: TBA
Required Materials:
All Submission Must Include:
- A Resume listing:
- Academic, professional, or artistic achievements;
- Work, volunteer, or community service experience;
- Experience in theatre, film, television, or related media;
- Specific training, workshops and/or courses in these fields;
- A Personal Statement:
- 100-200 words describing your artistic perspective.
- A 1-minute monologue.
- A 1-minute, self-directed movement piece.
* Be sure to watch the BU School of Theatre information video, and feel free to ask any questions you may have on the day of your audition.
Encouraged Supplemental Materials:
Optional Additions to your Submission Can Include:
- A Letter of Recommendation:
- Please directly upload a letter from a mentor or instructor who can speak to your work and ethos as an artist and collaborator.
- An Artistic Snapshot, some examples include:
- An excerpt from a directing portfolio;
- A scene or up to four pages of something you’ve written;
- 16 bars of any song (voice or instrument).
- Writing Prompt, please answer the following question in 300-500 words:
- “If you could invite an audience to watch your work, who would it be and why?”
Pre-Screen Instructions:
- Slate Instructions:
For each monologue, print your BU ID on a sheet of paper, and hold it up before clearly stating:
- Your Name
- The Name of your Piece
- And the Author of your Piece
Monologue Instructions:
Monologue One:
- Framing: A ‘medium shot’, or framed from about mid-torso to the top of your head; be sure to stand against a plain wall or background and use clear, directed lighting so that it illuminates your face and eyes. You may sit or stand, and place your scene partner just off to the side of the camera lens or above it.
- Instructions:
- As one file, upload two-takes alternate takes of the monologue.
Self-Directed Movement Piece. :
- Framing: A ‘wide-shot’ framing your entire body and its relationship to your surroundings.
- Instructions:
- Decide on a unique location and theme.
- Develop a beginning, middle, and end to your piece.
- Work in a way that is safe and takes care of your instrument.