Boston University School of Theatre

THE SCHOOL OF THEATRE within the COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS at BOSTON UNIVERSITY is one of the country’s leading institutions for the study of the theatrical profession, including Acting, Management, Design, and Production; while providing students an opportunity to integrate a thorough liberal arts education.

The School of Theatre balances artistic mentorship with the cultivation of each student’s unique and individual path.  We further the conversation of diversity and equity by valuing and incorporating each student’s personal goals.  We celebrate students as we provide strong foundational training that spans a robust list of disciplines and passions.  And we strive to be on the forefront of exploring artistic possibilities through a laboratory approach to new and existing work.  Through our transformative risk taking, we bring concepts into existence that unleash ideas and build connections to shape the world. 


For Graduate Information, please scroll to the bottom of this page.



UNDERGRADUATE: IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION & DEADLINES


You must apply to Boston University via the Common App prior to submitting your materials.  For more information, please visit BU Admissions.  Know that BU is test-optional, meaning you do not have to submit SAT and ACT test scores.

Please note: You will need your BU ID to submit this application. Your BU ID is generated within one week of submitting your Common App, Coalition Application, or Graduate Application. Please be sure to submit your BU Application well before the deadline in order to comfortably submit to the School of Theatre.  


The School of Theatre application opens on September 1st, 2022 for Fall 2023 admission. Please start an application to view the specific guidelines. To sign up for an information session led by a current student, faculty, or staff member, visit this page.

The BFA Performance Core is the first year of our BFA Acting and BFA Theatre Arts - Performance programs.More about the BFA Performance Core

The BFA Design & Production Core is the first year of our BFA Design, BFA Production, BFA Stage Management and BFA Theatre Arts – Design & Production programs.

More about our BFA Design & Production Core

Our School of Theatre Application Fee is $30. 
Virtual Auditions and Interviews will also have a $30 AuditionRoom Fee. 
For more information about fee waivers, please scroll to the end of this page.



Early Decision 1

• Common Application Deadline:  Apply by November 1st 
• Acceptd Deadline:  Upload by November 1st
  • please schedule your audition/interview after applying and provide any desired supplemental materials

Early Decision 2

• Common Application with Merit Scholarship* Deadline:  Apply by December 1st
  • *for more information on merit scholarships, please click here. 
• Common Application without Merit Scholarship Deadline:  Apply by January 4th 
• Acceptd Deadline:  Upload by January 4th
  • please schedule your audition/interview after applying and provide any desired supplemental materials

Regular Decision

Regular Decision candidates will be required to submit pre-screen materials.  Some applicants are then invited to participate in a live audition (BFA Performance Core) or virtual interview (BFA Design & Production Core).  Applicants will be notified on or before January 17th if they are being asked to schedule their timeslot.  Please know that our first weekend of auditions/interviews is January 20th, so please plan for a potentially tight turnaround if you are submitting close to the deadline. 

• Common Application with Merit Scholarship* Deadline:  Apply by December 1st
  • *for more information on merit scholarships, please click here. 
• Common Application without Merit Scholarship Deadline:  Apply by January 4th 
• Acceptd Deadline:  Upload by January 4th

Transfer Students

Transfer Students will also be required to submit pre-screen materials.  Some applicants are then invited to participate in a live audition (BFA Performance Core) or virtual interview (BFA Design & Production Core).  Applicants will be notified on or before March 20th if they are being asked to schedule their timeslot.  Please know that our auditions/interviews will be the weekend of March 25th, so please plan for a potentially tight turnaround if you are submitting close to the deadline. 

• Common Application Deadline:  Apply by March 15th 
• Acceptd Deadline:  Upload by March 15th

BU Financial Aid

• Application Deadline:  Apply by December 1
• Required Materials: FAFSA and CSS Profile 
  • for more information about financial assistance, please click here. 

GRADUATE: IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION & DEADLINES

The School of Theatre offers MFA Degrees in Directing, Scenic Design, Lighting Design, Sound Design, Costume Design, Costume Production, Technical Production 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.  For more information, please visit our School of Theatre website.

Please note: In addition to uploading your portfolio materials here, you must complete and submit a Boston University College of Fine Arts: Graduate Application

• Boston University Priority Application Deadline:  January 15th   
• URTA Application Deadline:  January 2nd  
  • deadline for URTA attendees to submit their BU Graduate Application: February 13th 

• The 2023 URTA's (University Resident Theater Association) will take place during these dates:
  • Graduate Design & Production:
    • In-Person (Chicago):  Jan. 25 – 27
    • Live-Virtual:  Feb. 4
  • Graduate Directing:
    • Virtual:  Feb. 11 – 12

• • Applications open on September 6th

A breakdown of portfolio requirements by degree can be found here.


General Questions
please contact us at theatre@bu.edu
or call (617) 353-3390

Technical Questions
please visit the Acceptd Help Desk 

Financial Assistance
regarding fee waivers, please click here

Thank you visiting us!!  We look forward to seeing your work.

Tour of the SOT space   |   Student Profile: Ireon Roach (CFA’21)   |   Core Values with McCaela Donovan and Jim Noone