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Program

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredNo AuditionInterview RequiredPortfolio RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

Virtual Only

Program profile

Under 12 StudentsStudy Abroad

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredNo AuditionInterview RequiredPortfolio RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

Virtual Only

Program profile

Under 12 StudentsStudy Abroad

Browse programs

Quick links

BFA Costume Design & Production

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredNo AuditionInterview RequiredPortfolio RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

Virtual Only

Program profile

Under 12 StudentsStudy Abroad

Training

•Integrated sequences in costume design, production, graphic skills, management, and dramatic literature combine classroom exercises with School of Theatre production assignments

•Hands-on instruction includes draping, flat patterning, tailoring, dye work, millinery, costume construction, figure drawing, costume history, textiles, and production management

•The program emphasizes visual storytelling, artistic risk, collaboration, critique, and the ability to translate conceptual and emotional ideas through clothing

•Average classes of 8–10 students support weekly seminars, production advising, end-of-semester conferences, and close mentoring by working professionals

Facilities

•The CFA Production Center includes a dedicated costume shop, separate craft-and-dye space, design labs, personal design-studio space, and a stock of more than 10,000 costume pieces

•Students build and design for BU productions, may work with off-campus theatres, and have access to internships and summer-stock opportunities

•The onSET guest-artist program, study abroad, and the annual Boston/New York Theatre Showcase extend professional preparation

School Info

Snapshot

3.90

Avg GPA

11%

Admit Rate

school-wide

89%

Grad Rate

18.2K

Enrollment

$83K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Tuition & Fees

$74,594

Before aid

Cost of Attendance

$98,419

Before aid

Average Net Price

$24,402

After aid

Official source College Scorecard

Program info updated 4d ago

Program Highlights

Training

•Integrated sequences in costume design, production, graphic skills, management, and dramatic literature combine classroom exercises with School of Theatre production assignments

•Hands-on instruction includes draping, flat patterning, tailoring, dye work, millinery, costume construction, figure drawing, costume history, textiles, and production management

•The program emphasizes visual storytelling, artistic risk, collaboration, critique, and the ability to translate conceptual and emotional ideas through clothing

•Average classes of 8–10 students support weekly seminars, production advising, end-of-semester conferences, and close mentoring by working professionals

Facilities

•The CFA Production Center includes a dedicated costume shop, separate craft-and-dye space, design labs, personal design-studio space, and a stock of more than 10,000 costume pieces

•Students build and design for BU productions, may work with off-campus theatres, and have access to internships and summer-stock opportunities

•The onSET guest-artist program, study abroad, and the annual Boston/New York Theatre Showcase extend professional preparation

Program Highlights

Training

•Integrated sequences in costume design, production, graphic skills, management, and dramatic literature combine classroom exercises with School of Theatre production assignments

•Hands-on instruction includes draping, flat patterning, tailoring, dye work, millinery, costume construction, figure drawing, costume history, textiles, and production management

•The program emphasizes visual storytelling, artistic risk, collaboration, critique, and the ability to translate conceptual and emotional ideas through clothing

•Average classes of 8–10 students support weekly seminars, production advising, end-of-semester conferences, and close mentoring by working professionals

Facilities

•The CFA Production Center includes a dedicated costume shop, separate craft-and-dye space, design labs, personal design-studio space, and a stock of more than 10,000 costume pieces

•Students build and design for BU productions, may work with off-campus theatres, and have access to internships and summer-stock opportunities

•The onSET guest-artist program, study abroad, and the annual Boston/New York Theatre Showcase extend professional preparation

Key Info

Enrollment Term

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App

Fee

$80

Deadline

First-year applicants

School of Theatre Early Decision I university application deadlineNov 1, 2026

University application deadline for merit scholarship considerationDec 1, 2026

Early Decision II university application deadlineRegular Decision university application deadlineJan 5, 2027

Transfer applicants

Transfer university application deadlineMar 15, 2027

Undergraduate · bu.edu

Program AppApplication

Order

The prescreen may be submitted before the university application.

Apply

Acceptd

Fee

Acceptd Fee

$35

Opens

Sep 1, 2026

Deadline

First-year applicants

Early Decision I Acceptd deadlineNov 1, 2026

Early Decision II and Regular Decision Acceptd deadlineDec 1, 2026

Transfer applicants

Transfer Acceptd deadlineMar 15, 2027

Undergraduate · bu.edu

Prescreen Requirements

These requirements are from the Fall 2026 entry cycle. Fall 2027 requirements are typically posted between August and October and usually change only slightly — confirm on the official source before submitting.

Resume (Required)

Resume: Include academic, professional, or artistic achievements

Include work, volunteer, or community-service experience

Include experience in theatre, film, television, or related media

Include relevant training, workshops, or courses

Portfolio (Required; 18 Pieces)

Arrange the portfolio as individual or grouped files, a website link, or one PDF

Accepted image formats include JPG, PNG, PDF, and GIF

Portfolio: Accepted video and audio formats include MOV, WMV, FLV, and MP3

Portfolio: Hosted media links may use YouTube, Vimeo, or SoundCloud

Portfolio: Demonstrate the broadest possible range of theatrical and artistic expression

Work may include costume renderings, scenic drawings, ground plans, lighting and sound plots, props, masks, soundscapes, prompt books, production paperwork, and process photographs

Creative writing, photography, sketches, and photographs of sculptures, murals, or other non-transportable work may also be included

Statement (Required for Transfer Applicants)

Submit 100–200 words describing your artistic perspective

Letters of Recommendation (Optional)

Upload a letter from a mentor or instructor who can speak to your work and ethos as an artist and collaborator

Essay (Optional)

Respond in 300–500 words: “If you could invite an audience to watch your work, who would it be and why?”

Application portal · Acceptd

Good to Know

Application Logistics

•Submit the Common App first when possible to obtain a BU ID, then submit portfolio materials through Acceptd

•If Acceptd is submitted before the BU ID is available, email Director of Admissions Matt Lupulio (mlupulio@bu.edu) with the BU ID once received

•Select the matching DP&M Core Early Decision 1, Early Decision 2, Regular Decision, or Transfer option in Acceptd

•The School of Theatre Acceptd fee is $30; a fee-waiver request is available

•Early Decision 1: Common App and Acceptd due November 1, 2026

•Early Decision 2 and Regular Decision: Acceptd due December 1, 2026; Common App due January 5, 2027

•Transfer: Common App and Acceptd due March 15, 2027

Admission Pathway

•Applicants apply to the first-year Design, Production & Management Core, not a specific major

•The core leads to BFA majors in Scene Design, Lighting Design, Sound Design, Costume Design & Production, Technical Production, Stage Management, or Theatre Arts–Design, Production & Management

•Students declare their specific BFA major at the end of the first year

•Fall enrollment only

What's The Process

Audition Process

•Reviews 250-350 portfolio applicants yearly

•Virtual portfolio interviews with faculty members

Audition Expectations

•Virtual interviews with faculty member

•Ten-minute presentation sharing portfolio collection

•Followed by ten minutes of friendly discussion about your work

•Interview and discussion provides the primary basis for evaluation

•ED1 applicants invited to schedule interview after Acceptd submission

•ED2 and Regular Decision applicants notified by first week in January

•Transfer applicants notified by first week in March

•Portfolio submissions that do not adhere to requirements will not be considered

•Submission not considered complete until interview is scheduled

Scholarship Info

Merit Scholarships

•Apply by December 1 Common App deadline to be considered for all merit scholarships

•ED1 applicants (November 1 deadline) are automatically considered

•BU is test-optional for scholarship consideration

Financial Aid

•BU meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all four years

•Submit FAFSA and CSS Profile by December 1 to qualify

School Info

Snapshot

3.90

Avg GPA

11%

Admit Rate

school-wide

89%

Grad Rate

18.2K

Enrollment

$83K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Tuition & Fees

$74,594

Before aid

Cost of Attendance

$98,419

Before aid

Average Net Price

$24,402

After aid

Official source College Scorecard

Training

•Integrated sequences in costume design, production, graphic skills, management, and dramatic literature combine classroom exercises with School of Theatre production assignments

•Hands-on instruction includes draping, flat patterning, tailoring, dye work, millinery, costume construction, figure drawing, costume history, textiles, and production management

•The program emphasizes visual storytelling, artistic risk, collaboration, critique, and the ability to translate conceptual and emotional ideas through clothing

•Average classes of 8–10 students support weekly seminars, production advising, end-of-semester conferences, and close mentoring by working professionals

Facilities

•The CFA Production Center includes a dedicated costume shop, separate craft-and-dye space, design labs, personal design-studio space, and a stock of more than 10,000 costume pieces

•Students build and design for BU productions, may work with off-campus theatres, and have access to internships and summer-stock opportunities

•The onSET guest-artist program, study abroad, and the annual Boston/New York Theatre Showcase extend professional preparation

Updated 4d ago