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Program Characteristics
Prescreen Required
Audition Required
Interview Required
In-Person or Virtual
Selective
12-24 Students
University App Required
Program Highlights
PROGRAM RECOGNITION
•Nationally ranked top-25 BFA program (OnStage Blog 2019-20)
•Featured in The Hollywood Reporter and Los Angeles Times
TRAINING
•Triple-threat curriculum integrating acting, singing, and dance from day one
•Combines core BFA acting training with advanced musical theatre technique coursework
•10:1 student-to-faculty ratio with industry-connected faculty
PERFORMANCE & PRODUCTIONS
•Annual mainstage musical plus cabarets, dance studio shows, and short films
•First-year students eligible to audition for all productions
•Students also book professional work in LA theaters, commercials, and TV
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Colleen Ballinger ('08) - creator of Miranda Sings, Netflix's Haters Back Off, Dawn in Waitress on Broadway
•Marcie Dodd ('01) - Wicked LA and Broadway cast member
•Amanda Dayhoff ('20) - Broadway National Tour of 1776
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
•Annual Industry Spotlight showcase at Warner Bros. Studios for agents, managers, and casting directors
•100% of 2025 Senior Showcase actors offered talent representation
•Theater Arts Talent Scholarships awarded automatically through audition process
DEGREE FLEXIBILITY
•Double major possible in four years without extending graduation timeline
LOCATION
•25 minutes from Los Angeles - proximity to Broadway national tours, regional theatre, and film/TV industry
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
Early ActionDec 3, 2025
PriorityMar 1, 2026
Rolling
Fee
$45Waiver
Program AppApplication
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
Early DecisionDec 1, 2025
StandardFeb 21, 2026
Auditions
Early Admission CallbackOct 25, 2025
Early Admission CallbackNov 15, 2025
Standard Admission CallbackFeb 21, 2026
Standard Admission CallbackMar 21, 2026
Prescreen Requirements
Monologues
TWO CONTRASTING MONOLOGUES, 90 sec each
•Choose one of the following options:
-Option 1: One Shakespeare and one contemporary
-Option 2: One dramatic and one comedic
MATERIAL SELECTION:
•Choose material that resonates with you and reveals something meaningful about who you are
•Monologues should correspond to characters suitable to your natural age range
•Memorized and performed — do not add accent or dialect, use natural voice
FILMING:
•Each monologue must begin with a SLATE: name, title of play, and playwright
•Contemporary/dramatic: close-up (top of head to chest)
•Shakespeare/comedic: full body shot
•Well-lit area with minimal background distractions and clear audio
Wildcard / Special Skill
N/A
Submission Specifications
FRAMING
•Contemporary/dramatic monologue: Close-up (head to chest)
•Shakespeare/comedic monologue: Full body shot
SLATE
•Name, play title, playwright's name
•Begin each monologue with slate
TECHNICAL
•Well-lit area with minimal background distractions
•Clear, understandable audio
•Each monologue filmed separately
•Professional filming not required
Additional Materials
•Current picture or HEADSHOT
•RESUME (performance activities including drama, dance, vocal performance)
Good to Know
APPLICATION PORTAL
•Submit prescreen materials via APU Pre-Screen Video Audition Form
•University application via APU Undergraduate Application
PROGRAM SELECTION
•Select 'Theater Arts | Musical Theater Emphasis | BFA' when prompted in APU application
ELIGIBILITY
•Open to first-year and transfer applicants
•Complete FAFSA (does not apply to international students)
What's The Process
PRESCREEN:
•Submit all materials via Pre-Screen Video Audition Form
•Select 'Theater Arts | Musical Theater Emphasis | BFA' when applying
•Applicants notified within 2 weeks of prescreen review
CALLBACK:
•Invitation-only after successful prescreen
•Early admission callbacks: October through December
•Standard admission callbacks: late January through March
•In-person on campus or virtual option available
•Includes complimentary ticket to APU Theater Arts performance
Scholarship Info
THEATER ARTS TALENT SCHOLARSHIP
•Talent-based scholarship for incoming BFA students (including Musical Theater Emphasis)
•All audition applicants are automatically considered — no separate application required
•Awards based on demonstrated aptitude and potential to contribute to APU's theatrical community
Program info updated Yesterday
Academic School Information
3.85
Avg GPA (W)
79%
Admit Rate
63%
Grad Rate
2,977
Enrollment
$66,677
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$43,600
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$19,798
after typical aid
Average annual cost is often lower than tuition because it accounts for grants and scholarships most students receive. It includes tuition, room & board, books, and supplies.
Annual Cost by Family Income
Family Income $0 - $30k$17,839
Family Income $30k - $48k$19,271
Family Income $48k - $75k$20,848
Family Income $75k - $110k$21,641
Family Income $110k+$23,832
