{"id":1679,"date":"2022-05-23T16:53:13","date_gmt":"2022-05-23T20:53:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cfa\/?page_id=1679"},"modified":"2025-10-28T16:23:09","modified_gmt":"2025-10-28T20:23:09","slug":"application-process","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cfa\/theatre\/admissions-auditions\/graduate\/application-process\/","title":{"rendered":"Graduate Theatre Programs Application Process"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All Boston University School of Theatre graduate programs require a complete application for consideration. This includes a portfolio. Applicants applying to any graduate program in the College of Fine Arts must have earned (or expect to earn) a bachelor\u2019s degree (or equivalent). All materials will be submitted electronically. Please see the sections below for full instructions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>MFA Design, Production, Management &amp; Artisan Certificate Admissions<\/h3>\n<p>Learn more about applying to Boston University School of Theatre&#8217;s graduate programs in Design, Production, and Management!<\/p>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" id=\"blue\" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">IMPORTANT DEADLINES<\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Boston University Priority Application Deadline:\u00a0 January 15<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">URTA Registration Deadline:\u00a0 December 27 \u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Deadline for URTA attendees to submit their BU Graduate Application: February 17<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/urta.com\/events-hub\/\">URTA (University Resident Theater Association<\/a>) will take place during these dates:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Graduate Design &amp; Production:<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In-Person (Chicago):\u00a0 January 23 &#8211; 24<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Virtual Interviews (via video conferencing): January 20<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>Early application is advised. Applicants submitting material after the priority deadline will be considered on a space-available basis.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" id=\"blue\" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS &amp; STEPS<\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p>MFA Design, Production &amp; Management and Artisan Certificate applicants should anticipate submitting material to two locations.\u00a0 Please first submit an application via the <a href=\"https:\/\/bu-cfa2026.liaisoncas.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Boston University College of Fine Arts Graduate Application<\/a> as detailed below, and then move on to the Artistic Portfolio Section to complete <a href=\"https:\/\/app.getacceptd.com\/butheatre\">Acceptd<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>There, you will be asked to upload:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Your Resume<\/strong> in .pdf format<\/li>\n<li><strong>Unofficial Transcripts<\/strong> uploaded to your electronic application from all colleges and universities from which you have earned a degree, diploma or certificate.\n<ul>\n<li><i><span>* If you are accepted and choose to enroll, BU will then require Official Final Transcripts from your undergraduate degree granting institution.<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>A Personal Statement<\/strong>; describe your career path and ambitions and why you wish to study at Boston University at this time.<\/li>\n<li><strong>A Design &amp; Production Essay<\/strong>; write a short essay that discusses what is valuable to you in pursuing a life as a theatre artist and what value you believe theatre can bring to a community of people.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Two (2) Letters of Recommendation from theater professionals<\/strong>. These may be submitted online using the supplied Letter of Recommendation Form.<\/li>\n<li><strong>A non-refundable application fee of $95<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>English Language Proficiency<\/strong>. If English is not your first language, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cfa\/admissions\/graduate\/english-proficiency-requirements\/\">click here<\/a> to learn more about requirements for English Language Proficiency.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol><\/ol>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" id=\"blue\" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">PORTFOLIO SUBMISSION<\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p>Artistic Portfolio submissions are also required for all MFA Design, Production &amp; Management and Artisan Certificate applicants. <strong>Please find your desired degree, and upload the corresponding Portfolio materials<\/strong>\u00a0to our <a href=\"https:\/\/app.getacceptd.com\/butheatre\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">School of Theatre Acceptd<\/a> platform, which will be used in the preliminary selection process.\u00a0 Your Portfolio can be accepted at any time, but will only be reviewed after your application has been submitted via the CFA Graduate Application. Applicants may upload up to 18 files, and may submit the following<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Images<\/strong> &#8211; in .jpg, .png, .pdf, or gif format<\/li>\n<li><strong>Videos<\/strong> &#8211; in .mov, .wmv, .flv, .wp4, or .mp3 format<\/li>\n<li><strong>Media<\/strong> &#8211; as links hosted on YouTube, Vimeo, or SoundCloud<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>S<em>ubmissions that do not adhere to the requirements will not be considered<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>After review of all applications submitted to both the <a href=\"https:\/\/bu-cfa2026.liaisoncas.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">CFA Graduate Application<\/a> and through <a href=\"https:\/\/app.getacceptd.com\/butheatre\">Acceptd<\/a>, a small number of applicants will be invited to a live interview.<\/p>\n<h5>Scene Design<\/h5>\n<p>Please feature one designed show organized into a designer\u2019s package.\u00a0 This should include, but not be limited to: research (visual, sociologic, historic); abstract response; production concept; scene breakdown; sketches; renderings; painters elevations; drafting; any paperwork generated during the design and production process; and photos of models.\u00a0 Applicants should also include photos of the finished production.<\/p>\n<h5>Lighting Design<\/h5>\n<p>Please submit a minimum of two designed shows, organized into a designer\u2019s package. The materials should communicate the artistic intentions behind the choices made for each production. Each show should include, but not be limited to: design statement; magic sheet(s); drafting package (light plot and section at minimum. Detail plates if available); hook-up; photos of the realized production. Suggested, but not required, materials may include: research (historic, sociologic, light, color); emotional response; sketches; pre-visualization renders; model photos; cue synopsis. Applicants are encouraged to submit additional artistic work from mediums outside of lighting design, such as paintings, drawings, photography, films, sculpture, or any other medium that provides additional insight into your voice as an artist.<\/p>\n<h5>Sound Design<\/h5>\n<p>Applicants should include one designed show organized into a designer\u2019s package.\u00a0 This should include, but not be limited to: research (period, music, location, characters, historical people); emotional response; production concept; scene breakdown\/analysis of the play; sound breakdown by scene; source list; any paperwork generated in building cues; loudspeaker plot; and system drawings.\u00a0 Applicants should also include cue examples\u2014finished cues, partially assembled cues with accompanying description, and\/or software, which could be printouts of screen captures.<\/p>\n<h5>Costume Design<\/h5>\n<p>Please feature one designed show organized into a designer\u2019s package.\u00a0 This should include, but not be limited to: research (visual, fashion, historic); emotional response; production concept; character breakdown; sketches; renderings with swatches; design spec sheets; and any paperwork generated during the design and production process.\u00a0 Applicants should also include photos of the finished production.<\/p>\n<h5>Costume Production<\/h5>\n<p>Applicants should include materials from one designed show organized into a production package. This should include, but not be limited to: photographs of finished costumes; detailed photographs that show sewing and\/or craft proficiency; patterns and pattern research; and a mission statement. Applicants should also include photos of the finished production.<\/p>\n<h5>Technical Production<\/h5>\n<p>Applicants should include materials from one produced show organized into a technical package.\u00a0 This should include, but not be limited to: production concept; drafting of realized scenery for construction purposes (may be both CAD and hand drafting); examples of budget tracking for produced scenery; list of computer proficiency-platforms, software (CAD, spreadsheet, File Maker, MS Word, etc.); and a mission statement.\u00a0 Applicants should also include photos of the finished production.<\/p>\n<h5>Production Management<\/h5>\n<p>Applicants should include materials that showcase their voice and style as a theatre artist and production manager. For some applicants, this may mean materials from a single project they production managed organized into a production package; for others this may mean samples of work from multiple projects, including production management adjacent work (such as stage management or technical direction), depending on personal experience. Applicants are encouraged to include work in the portfolio that highlights their skills in communication and collaboration, such as production meeting notes, budget plans, and calendars\/schedules, as well as photos and production documentation that give a sense of project scope and responsibilities.<\/p>\n<h5>Scene Painting Artisan Certificate<\/h5>\n<p>The sample portfolio should feature examples of Scenic Painting projects and production work. Please include photos of original artwork provided as well as indications of process and samples of how you achieved the final product.\u00a0 Applicants should also include photos of drawings, draftings and any other applicable work product that highlights your skills and areas of interest.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h3>MFA Directing Admissions<\/h3>\n<p>Learn more about applying to Boston University School of Theatre&#8217;s graduate program in Directing!<\/p>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" id=\"grey\" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">IMPORTANT DEADLINES<\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span>Boston University Priority Application Deadline:\u00a0<span>\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"tinymce-deadline-warning\">January 15th\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/span><span><span class=\"tinymce-deadline-warning\"><\/span><\/span><span><span class=\"tinymce-deadline-warning\"><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><i>Early application is advised. Applicants submitting material after this deadline will be considered on a space-available basis.<\/i><\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" id=\"grey\" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS &amp; STEPS<\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p>MFA Directing applicants should anticipate submitting material to two locations. First, applicants must submit an application via the <a href=\"https:\/\/bu-cfa2026.liaisoncas.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Boston University College of Fine Arts Graduate Application<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>There, you will be asked to upload:<b><\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Your Resume<\/b> &#8211; list artistic work with dates<\/li>\n<li><strong>Unofficial Transcripts<\/strong> uploaded to your electronic application from all colleges and universities from which you have earned a degree, diploma or certificate.\n<ul>\n<li><i><span>* If you are accepted and choose to enroll, BU will then require Official Final Transcripts from your undergraduate degree granting institution.<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>A Personal Statement<\/strong>; describe your career path and ambitions and why you wish to study at Boston University at this time.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Two (2) Production Essays<\/b>:\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"2\">Choose a play you have directed and write a passionate essay.\u00a0Include an analysis of the script, conceptual and design ideas, and an explanation of your personal connection to the work.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"2\">Choose and justify a three-play season for a theater and audience of your own imagining.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"2\"><b>Two (2) Letters of Recommendation from theater professionals<\/b>. These may be submitted online using the supplied Letter of Recommendation Form.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"2\"><b>A non-refundable application fee of $95<\/b>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>English Language Proficiency<\/strong>. If English is not your first language, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cfa\/admissions\/graduate\/english-proficiency-requirements\/\">click here<\/a> to learn more about requirements for English Language Proficiency.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol><\/ol>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" id=\"grey\" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">PORTFOLIO SUBMISSION<\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<h5>PORTFOLIO SUBMISSION<\/h5>\n<p>Artistic Portfolio submissions are also required for all MFA Directing applicants.\u00a0 Please submit the following materials through our <a href=\"https:\/\/app.getacceptd.com\/butheatre\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">School of Theatre Acceptd<\/a> platform, which will be used in the preliminary selection process.\u00a0 Your Portfolio can be accepted at any time, but will only be reviewed after your application has been submitted via the CFA Graduate Application.<\/p>\n<p><b>MFA Directing Portfolios should include materials from two (2) Directed Productions.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0 These submissions should present evidence of skill, sophistication, superior preparation, and talent.\u00a0 <strong>P<\/strong><\/span><b>lease also upload the following to the <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/app.getacceptd.com\/butheatre\"><b>Acceptd<\/b><\/a><b> platform.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><i>Examples of materials, but not limited to:<\/i><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Production concepts; scene breakdowns\/play analyses; research; character breakdowns; emotional responses; artistic\/mission statements; budget plans; prompt books<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Photos\/videos of the finished production (please do not submit full length videos)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>After review of all applications submitted to both the <a href=\"https:\/\/bu-cfa2026.liaisoncas.com\/applicant-ux\/#\/login\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">CFA Graduate Application<\/a> and through <a href=\"https:\/\/app.getacceptd.com\/butheatre\">Acceptd<\/a>, a small number of applicants will be invited to a live interview.<\/p>\n<p>Please note: This program is designed for stage directors only. Students wishing to pursue a master\u2019s program in Film and Television Directing should contact the Boston University <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/admissions\/graduate\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">College of Communication<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"callouts has-1\">\n<div class=\"callout blue\">\n<div class=\"image\"><img src=\"\/cfa\/files\/2022\/05\/Theatre-Admissions-banner-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Booth Theatre production\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"content\">\n<h4>Apply Now<\/h4>\n<p>Get your graduate degree in theatre at BU!<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"button\" href=\"https:\/\/bu-cfa2026.liaisoncas.com\/applicant-ux\/#\/login\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Apply<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>All Boston University School of Theatre graduate programs require a complete application for consideration. This includes a portfolio. Applicants applying to any graduate program in the College of Fine Arts must have earned (or expect to earn) a bachelor\u2019s degree (or equivalent). All materials will be submitted electronically. Please see the sections below for full [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14125,"featured_media":0,"parent":1673,"menu_order":2,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"bu-publication":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cfa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1679"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cfa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cfa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cfa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/14125"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cfa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1679"}],"version-history":[{"count":50,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cfa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1679\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":126383,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cfa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1679\/revisions\/126383"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cfa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1673"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cfa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1679"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"bu-publication","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cfa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu-publication?post=1679"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}