Private school18.2K

Boston University

Boston, MA

Test-Optional

Program

Concentration

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Highly Selective12-24 StudentsStudy Abroad

Program

Concentration

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Highly Selective12-24 StudentsStudy Abroad

Browse programs

Concentrations

Quick Links

BFA Theatre Arts

Performance

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Highly Selective12-24 StudentsStudy Abroad

Quick Links

BFA Theatre Arts

Performance

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Highly Selective12-24 StudentsStudy Abroad

Quick Links

BFA Theatre Arts

Design & Production

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

Virtual Only

Program profile

Highly SelectiveUnder 12 StudentsStudy Abroad

Quick Links

BFA Stage Management

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

Virtual Only

Program profile

Highly SelectiveUnder 12 StudentsStudy Abroad

PROGRAM RECOGNITION

•#20 best colleges for performing arts in America (2022 Niche)

•#35 best drama & theatre arts schools (2022 College Factual)

TRAINING

•Performance Core program shared by BFA Acting and Theatre Arts-Performance majors

•Students don't select specific major until end of freshman year

•Emphasis on artistic maturity, communal perspective, and curiosity

NOTABLE ALUMNI

•Julianne Moore (Oscar winner, Still Alice)

•Geena Davis (Oscar winner, The Accidental Tourist)

•Michael Chiklis (Emmy winner, The Shield)

•Marisa Tomei (Oscar winner, My Cousin Vinny)

•Jason Alexander (Tony winner, Seinfeld)

•Alfre Woodard (Emmy & Golden Globe winner)

•Ginnifer Goodwin (Big Love, Once Upon a Time)

Academic info

Snapshot

3.90

Avg GPA

11%

Admit Rate

school-wide

89%

Grad Rate

18.2K

Enrollment

$83K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Average Annual Cost

$24,402

after typical aid

Tuition & Fees

$68,102

before aid

Average annual cost reflects the grants and scholarships most students receive.

$0-30k$9,500

$30-48k$9,342

$48-75k$11,778

$75-110k$22,517

$110k+$47,504

View full data on College Scorecard

Program info updated 3d ago

Program Highlights

PROGRAM RECOGNITION

•#20 best colleges for performing arts in America (2022 Niche)

•#35 best drama & theatre arts schools (2022 College Factual)

TRAINING

•Performance Core program shared by BFA Acting and Theatre Arts-Performance majors

•Students don't select specific major until end of freshman year

•Emphasis on artistic maturity, communal perspective, and curiosity

NOTABLE ALUMNI

•Julianne Moore (Oscar winner, Still Alice)

•Geena Davis (Oscar winner, The Accidental Tourist)

•Michael Chiklis (Emmy winner, The Shield)

•Marisa Tomei (Oscar winner, My Cousin Vinny)

•Jason Alexander (Tony winner, Seinfeld)

•Alfre Woodard (Emmy & Golden Globe winner)

•Ginnifer Goodwin (Big Love, Once Upon a Time)

Program Highlights

PROGRAM RECOGNITION

•#20 best colleges for performing arts in America (2022 Niche)

•#35 best drama & theatre arts schools (2022 College Factual)

TRAINING

•Performance Core program shared by BFA Acting and Theatre Arts-Performance majors

•Students don't select specific major until end of freshman year

•Emphasis on artistic maturity, communal perspective, and curiosity

NOTABLE ALUMNI

•Julianne Moore (Oscar winner, Still Alice)

•Geena Davis (Oscar winner, The Accidental Tourist)

•Michael Chiklis (Emmy winner, The Shield)

•Marisa Tomei (Oscar winner, My Cousin Vinny)

•Jason Alexander (Tony winner, Seinfeld)

•Alfre Woodard (Emmy & Golden Globe winner)

•Ginnifer Goodwin (Big Love, Once Upon a Time)

Key Info

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App

Deadline

Early DecisionNov 1, 2025

Early Decision II (Merit Scholarship)Dec 1, 2025

Early Decision II / Regular DecisionJan 5, 2026

TransferMar 15, 2026

Fee

$80Waiver

Program AppApplication

Apply

Acceptd

Deadline

Early Decision INov 1, 2025

Early Decision IIDec 1, 2025

Regular DecisionDec 1, 2025

TransferMar 15, 2026

Auditions

Virtual Audition (Early Decision I)Nov 8, 2025

Virtual Audition (Early Decision I)Nov 9, 2025

Virtual Callback (Early Decision II)Jan 10, 2026

Virtual Callback (Early Decision II)Jan 11, 2026

Virtual AuditionJan 17, 2026

Virtual AuditionJan 18, 2026

NYC AuditionJan 23, 2026

NYC AuditionJan 24, 2026

NYC AuditionJan 25, 2026

Virtual AuditionJan 31, 2026

Virtual AuditionFeb 1, 2026

Boston AuditionFeb 7, 2026

Boston AuditionFeb 8, 2026

Virtual Audition (Transfer)Mar 21, 2026

Virtual Audition (Transfer)Mar 22, 2026

Fee

Acceptd Fee

$35Waiver

Prescreen Requirements

Monologues

REQUIREMENTS

•Two Contrasting One-minute Contemporary Monologues

•Each piece should not exceed one minute

•Verbal introduction at beginning: your name, title of piece or play, and name of playwright (not counted against your time)

MONOLOGUE ONE (standard)

•Framing: Medium shot (mid-torso to top of head)

•Plain wall or background with clear, directed lighting

•May sit or stand; place scene partner just off to side of camera lens or above it

MONOLOGUE TWO (site-specific with secondary activity):

•Filmed in a unique location outside of a neutral background

•Film in one continuous shot (no editing)

•May have someone hold camera and follow you around

•Show your vision for the piece — there is no wrong way to do this

NOTE

•Students interested in Theatre Arts major should also include a recorded or written explanation of their experience and interest in studying Theatre Arts beyond performing

Additional Materials

•RESUME (academic, professional, artistic achievements)

•HEADSHOT

Optional materials

•LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION

•Artistic snapshot: directing portfolio excerpt, writing sample, or 16 bars of song

•Writing prompt response: 300-500 words on 'If you could invite an audience to watch your work, who would it be and why?'

Official Source

Good to Know

APPLICATION LOGISTICS

•Submit Common App first to obtain BU ID

•Then submit prescreen materials via Acceptd

•If Acceptd submitted before receiving BU ID, email Director of Admissions Matt Lupulio (mlupulio@bu.edu) with BU ID

•Select "Performance Core Early Decision 1", "Performance Core Early Decision 2", or "Performance Core Regular Decision" in Acceptd

•Must also upload a recorded or written explanation of experience and interest in studying Theatre Arts beyond performing

ELIGIBILITY

•Performance Core leads to BFA in Acting or BFA in Theatre Arts-Performance

•Students do not select specific major until end of freshman year

•Fall enrollment only

What's The Process

AUDITION PROCESS

•Submit prescreen materials through Acceptd

•ED1 applicants automatically receive callback link after Acceptd submission

•ED2 and Regular Decision applicants notified by mid-January for callbacks

•Transfer applicants notified with scheduling details

•Auditions 1,000-1,300 applicants yearly

AUDITION EXPECTATIONS

•Callbacks scheduled through Acceptd platform messaging system

•Artistic Review conducted either virtually or in person

•Regular Decision offers both virtual and in-person (NYC, Boston) audition options

•Be sure to watch the BU School of Theatre information video before your audition

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

Academic info

Snapshot

3.90

Avg GPA

11%

Admit Rate

school-wide

89%

Grad Rate

18.2K

Enrollment

$83K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Average Annual Cost

$24,402

after typical aid

Tuition & Fees

$68,102

before aid

Average annual cost reflects the grants and scholarships most students receive.

$0-30k$9,500

$30-48k$9,342

$48-75k$11,778

$75-110k$22,517

$110k+$47,504

View full data on College Scorecard

PROGRAM RECOGNITION

•#20 best colleges for performing arts in America (2022 Niche)

•#35 best drama & theatre arts schools (2022 College Factual)

TRAINING

•Performance Core program shared by BFA Acting and Theatre Arts-Performance majors

•Students don't select specific major until end of freshman year

•Emphasis on artistic maturity, communal perspective, and curiosity

NOTABLE ALUMNI

•Julianne Moore (Oscar winner, Still Alice)

•Geena Davis (Oscar winner, The Accidental Tourist)

•Michael Chiklis (Emmy winner, The Shield)

•Marisa Tomei (Oscar winner, My Cousin Vinny)

•Jason Alexander (Tony winner, Seinfeld)

•Alfre Woodard (Emmy & Golden Globe winner)

•Ginnifer Goodwin (Big Love, Once Upon a Time)

Updated 3d ago

Boston University

Browse programs

Program Highlights

Key Info

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Good to Know

What's The Process

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Academic info

Program Highlights

Program Highlights

Key Info

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Good to Know

What's The Process

Scholarship Info

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