Bachelor of Arts Admissions Procedure
Students seeking admission to the School of Theatre must:
1. Apply for admission. The Undergraduate Admissions Office prefers that all students use the Web application. Priority consideration for freshman admission to University Park is given to complete applications filed by November 30, 2009. Transfer applicants should file their applications by February 1, 2010. All interviews/auditions must be scheduled by February 1, 2010.
2. Schedule a date for an interview/audition with the School of Theatre. University Park interviews/auditions begin at 9:00 a.m. unless otherwise indicated on the following dates
- Saturday, December 5, 2009
All Programs (The Design and Technology program has additional deadlines) - Saturday, January 16, 2010
B.F.A. Musical Theatre - Saturday, January 23, 2010
B.A. Theatre, B.F.A. Stage Management - Saturday, February 13, 2010
B.A. Theatre, B.F.A. Musical Theatre, B.F.A. Design and Technology (see note below) - Saturday, February 20, 2010
B.A. Theatre, B.F.A. Design and Technology (see additional deadlines), B.F.A. Stage Management - Saturday, February 27, 2010
B.F.A. Musical Theatre
Unified Auditions / Musical Theatre Only
- Sat. - Sun., January 30 & 31, 2010
New York City - Mon. – Wed., February 1-3, 2010
Chicago* - Thurs., February 4, 2010
Las Vegas* - Sat. - Sun., February 6 & 7, 2010
Los Angeles*
*Please note: The Chicago audition will not include a dance audition. The Las Vegas and Los Angeles auditions will not include a dance audition or have an accompanist available. Applicants auditioning at those locations should bring taped accompaniment and a tape player.
Offers of admission are made by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. The decision is based both on acceptable academic credentials and a successful interview and/or audition.
Preparation for the Interview/Audition
Before the interview/audition all students must:
1. Call the School of Theatre at (814) 863-6819 weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (EST) to schedule an audition. Be prepared to indicate your primary degree program choice or you may register on-line for an audition for all programs except B.F.A. Musical Theatre.
2. Send two letters of recommendation, resume and headshot to:
School of Theatre Undergraduate Officer
133 Arts Building
University Park, PA 16802-2900
or fax (814) 865-5754. The letters of recommendation should address the student's character and theatre arts experience. These materials should be sent two weeks in advance of the interview/audition.
3. All students, except B.F.A. Musical Theatre students, need to submit a 1-2 page essay on a designated topic. The topic will be available when you call to schedule an interview/audition. The essay should be sent two weeks in advance of the interview/audition to the Undergraduate Officer.
Interview/Audition Requirements
B.A. Theatre
- 1. All students are required to interview with the faculty. Interviews will focus on the student’s past theatre experience as well as the applicant’s essay.
- 2. Only those students interested in the performance emphasis will be asked to audition.
a. Prepare a two-minute monologue from a contemporary script. The character should be appropriate to your age. We suggest that you work with your drama coach to identify an appropriate selection.
b. Please dress comfortably (wear shoes that will allow you to move naturally)
B.F.A. Design & Technology
- 1. All students are required to submit a resume and two or three examples of their artistic or technical abilities. This can include photographs of theatrical productions that they have participated in. This can also include copies of drawings, paintings, drafting, photography or any other items that show the students artistic or technical abilities. Please do not send originals. These materials along with the essay and letters of recommendation need to be submitted at least four weeks prior to the requested interview date. Only those students who have a complete file and who are academically admissible to University Park Campus will be considered for participation in the interview and portfolio process.
- 2. The deadline to submit materials for the December 5, 2009 interview date is Monday, November 9, 2009. The deadline to submit materials for the February 13, 2010 interview date is Monday, January 18, 2010. The deadline to submit materials for the February 20, 2010 interview date is Monday, January 25, 2010.
B.F.A. Musical Theatre
- 1. Prepare an up-tempo song and a ballad from the musical theatre repertoire. Both songs together should last no longer than 90 seconds. The ballad should demonstrate the applicant’s musicality. One song should have been written prior to 1960. Please bring sheet music in the correct key. We will provide an accompanist except for the Las Vegas and Los Angeles locations.
- 2. Our dance faculty will teach a short ballet and a short jazz combination except for the Chicago, Las Vegas and Los Angeles locations. Please bring clothes appropriate for dance.
- 3. Prepare a monologue not to exceed 90 seconds. The monologue should be from a contemporary play and within the applicant’s range.
B.F.A. Stage Management
- 1. Answer in writing several specific questions related to stage management skills. Answers must be typed single spaced and limited to one page (front and back). The questions will be available when the student calls to schedule an interview.
- 2. Bring a resume, examples of past works, or production books to review with the Head of the Stage Management program.
Awards & Scholorships
Please check the website for the College of Arts & Architecture for information on awards and scholorships available for School of Theatre students.