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University at Buffalo

Buffalo, NY

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Program

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredNo AuditionInternal InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Moderately Selective12-24 Students

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredNo AuditionInternal InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Moderately Selective12-24 Students

Browse programs

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BFA Theatre Design/Technology

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredNo AuditionInternal InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Moderately Selective12-24 Students

Quick Links

BFA Acting

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenInternal AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Moderately Selective25-40 StudentsStudy Abroad

Quick Links

BFA Music Theatre

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenInternal AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or VirtualMTCP Participant

Program profile

Moderately Selective12-24 StudentsStudy Abroad

Quick Links

BA Theatre

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Program profile

25-40 Students

Quick Links

BFA Dance

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenInternal AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Selective12-24 StudentsTransfer In Friendly

Quick Links

BA Dance

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Selective12-24 Students

Quick Links

BFA Theatre Design/Technology

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredNo AuditionInternal InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Moderately Selective12-24 Students

Training

•Comprehensive training in all major areas of production: Scenic, Lighting, Costume, Sound, and Projection Design, as well as Stage Management and Technical Direction

•State-of-the-art facilities including proscenium-style Drama Theatre, adaptable Black Box Theatre, and distinctive Katharine Cornell Theatre

Notable Alumni

•Alumni work with Bandit Lites, Chicago Flyhouse, Disney Parks, Glimmerglass Festival, Hangar Theatre, Lighting Design Group, Parson-Meares LTD, Tait Towers, TheaterWorks USA, and Santa Fe Opera

•Graduates pursue advanced degrees at prestigious institutions nationwide

Professional Development

•Students regularly participate in national organizations such as KCACTF and USITT

•Paid experience opportunities working on live events at UB Center for the Arts

•Collaboration with faculty and professionals in regional theatres

•Internship opportunities across the country

School Info

Snapshot

3.70

Avg GPA (W)

74%

Admit Rate

school-wide

75%

Grad Rate

20.1K

Enrollment

$71K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

In-State Tuition

$11,036

Before aid

Out-of-State Tuition

$32,466

Before aid

Cost of Attendance

$35,922

Before aid

Average Net Price

$20,995

After aid

Official source College Scorecard

Program info updated Jun 27, 2:41 PM

Program Highlights

Training

•Comprehensive training in all major areas of production: Scenic, Lighting, Costume, Sound, and Projection Design, as well as Stage Management and Technical Direction

•State-of-the-art facilities including proscenium-style Drama Theatre, adaptable Black Box Theatre, and distinctive Katharine Cornell Theatre

Notable Alumni

•Alumni work with Bandit Lites, Chicago Flyhouse, Disney Parks, Glimmerglass Festival, Hangar Theatre, Lighting Design Group, Parson-Meares LTD, Tait Towers, TheaterWorks USA, and Santa Fe Opera

•Graduates pursue advanced degrees at prestigious institutions nationwide

Professional Development

•Students regularly participate in national organizations such as KCACTF and USITT

•Paid experience opportunities working on live events at UB Center for the Arts

•Collaboration with faculty and professionals in regional theatres

•Internship opportunities across the country

Program Highlights

Training

•Comprehensive training in all major areas of production: Scenic, Lighting, Costume, Sound, and Projection Design, as well as Stage Management and Technical Direction

•State-of-the-art facilities including proscenium-style Drama Theatre, adaptable Black Box Theatre, and distinctive Katharine Cornell Theatre

Notable Alumni

•Alumni work with Bandit Lites, Chicago Flyhouse, Disney Parks, Glimmerglass Festival, Hangar Theatre, Lighting Design Group, Parson-Meares LTD, Tait Towers, TheaterWorks USA, and Santa Fe Opera

•Graduates pursue advanced degrees at prestigious institutions nationwide

Professional Development

•Students regularly participate in national organizations such as KCACTF and USITT

•Paid experience opportunities working on live events at UB Center for the Arts

•Collaboration with faculty and professionals in regional theatres

•Internship opportunities across the country

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2026

University AppApplication

Apply

School Website

Fee

$50

Deadline

Early ActionNov 1, 2025

Regular DecisionFeb 1, 2026

Program AppApplication

Apply

School Website

Auditions

Portfolio Review (Pittsburgh Unified)Oct 10, 2025

Portfolio Review (Pittsburgh Unified)Oct 11, 2025

Portfolio Review (Pittsburgh Unified)Oct 12, 2025

Portfolio Review (Pittsburgh Unified)Oct 13, 2025

Portfolio Review (On Campus)Nov 8, 2025

Portfolio Review (NYC, Pearl Studios)Jan 17, 2026

Portfolio Review (WNY Unified, Buffalo)Jan 31, 2026

Portfolio Review (On Campus)Feb 28, 2026

Portfolio Review (SETC, Chattanooga)Mar 4, 2026

Portfolio Review (SETC, Chattanooga)Mar 5, 2026

Portfolio Review (SETC, Chattanooga)Mar 6, 2026

Portfolio Review (SETC, Chattanooga)Mar 7, 2026

Portfolio Review (On Campus)Mar 28, 2026

Prescreen Requirements

This program has a required admission interview and a separate internal interview gate after enrollment. The gateway source documents the post-enrollment gate; admission requirement details may be separate.Gateway source

Resume

Letter of Intent

•Outline your interest in Theatre Design/Production and your specific interest in the University at Buffalo

Portfolio (Hard Copy or Digital)

•Production photos

•Documentation of pieces designed or built for production

•Designs from other disciplines (fashion, architecture, etc.)

•Samples of drafting

•Drawing/painting skills

•Fine artwork

•Photography

•Paperwork used to manage a project

•Anything you feel is relevant to theatre, design, technology, stage management, and collaborative work

Letters of Recommendation

•Two letters required, preferably discussing your work in Design and Technology

Official Source

Good to Know

Application Logistics

•University application and departmental portfolio interview are both required

•Submit the interview registration form at least two weeks before the selected interview date

•Video interviews are available if applicants cannot attend in person

Admission Pathway

•Students can interview before starting at UB

•Many students begin in the Theatre BA and transition after introductory courses and production experience

Program Requirements

•Admitted BFA students retain their place through periodic faculty evaluations and reviews

What's The Process

Audition Process

•Pittsburgh Unified Auditions: October 10–13, 2025

•New York City: January 17, 2026 at Pearl Studios

•Western New York Unified Auditions: January 31, 2026 in Buffalo

•SETC Conference: March 4–7, 2026 in Chattanooga, TN

Audition Expectations

•Portfolio review and interview with Design/Technology faculty required

•Portfolio invitations and interviews conducted on a rolling basis

•November 8, 2025 @ 9am–1pm (UB Center for the Arts, North Campus)

•February 28, 2026 @ 9am–2pm (UB Center for the Arts, North Campus)

•March 28, 2026 @ 9am–2pm (UB Center for the Arts, North Campus)

•Video interviews available

•Submit registration form two weeks in advance of interview date

•If unable to schedule on listed dates, contact Professor Catherine Norgren at norgren@buffalo.edu

School Info

Snapshot

3.70

Avg GPA (W)

74%

Admit Rate

school-wide

75%

Grad Rate

20.1K

Enrollment

$71K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

In-State Tuition

$11,036

Before aid

Out-of-State Tuition

$32,466

Before aid

Cost of Attendance

$35,922

Before aid

Average Net Price

$20,995

After aid

Official source College Scorecard

Training

•Comprehensive training in all major areas of production: Scenic, Lighting, Costume, Sound, and Projection Design, as well as Stage Management and Technical Direction

•State-of-the-art facilities including proscenium-style Drama Theatre, adaptable Black Box Theatre, and distinctive Katharine Cornell Theatre

Notable Alumni

•Alumni work with Bandit Lites, Chicago Flyhouse, Disney Parks, Glimmerglass Festival, Hangar Theatre, Lighting Design Group, Parson-Meares LTD, Tait Towers, TheaterWorks USA, and Santa Fe Opera

•Graduates pursue advanced degrees at prestigious institutions nationwide

Professional Development

•Students regularly participate in national organizations such as KCACTF and USITT

•Paid experience opportunities working on live events at UB Center for the Arts

•Collaboration with faculty and professionals in regional theatres

•Internship opportunities across the country

Updated Jun 27, 2:41 PM