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Emerson College

Boston, MA

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Program

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Highly Selective12-24 Students

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Highly Selective12-24 Students

Browse programs

Quick links

BFA Acting

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Highly Selective12-24 Students

Training

Intensive, technique-driven BFA acting program blending rigorous training with personal discovery

Designed to shape bold, versatile performers and creators who make authentic, innovative work across mediums

Separate from BFA Playwriting, Directing, and Dramaturgy (which serves directors, playwrights, and dramaturgs)

Emphasizes trust, connection, and exploration through ensemble work

Strong individual focus on craft with professional faculty in stage, TV, and film

Over 40% of degree requirements in liberal arts

Located in the heart of Boston's Theatre District

Notable Alumni

Denis Leary — Emmy-nominated actor, comedian, writer (Rescue Me)

Jennifer Coolidge — Emmy and Golden Globe winner (The White Lotus)

Henry Winkler — Emmy and Golden Globe winner (Barry, Happy Days)

School Info

Snapshot

3.73

Avg GPA (W)

51%

Admit Rate

school-wide

77%

Grad Rate

3.9K

Enrollment

$63K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Tuition & Fees

$61,260

Before aid

Average Net Price

$49,180

After aid

Undergraduate Costs And Billing Schedule · emerson.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Aug 27, 5:19 PM

Program Highlights

Training

Intensive, technique-driven BFA acting program blending rigorous training with personal discovery

Designed to shape bold, versatile performers and creators who make authentic, innovative work across mediums

Separate from BFA Playwriting, Directing, and Dramaturgy (which serves directors, playwrights, and dramaturgs)

Emphasizes trust, connection, and exploration through ensemble work

Strong individual focus on craft with professional faculty in stage, TV, and film

Over 40% of degree requirements in liberal arts

Located in the heart of Boston's Theatre District

Notable Alumni

Denis Leary — Emmy-nominated actor, comedian, writer (Rescue Me)

Jennifer Coolidge — Emmy and Golden Globe winner (The White Lotus)

Henry Winkler — Emmy and Golden Globe winner (Barry, Happy Days)

Program Highlights

Training

Intensive, technique-driven BFA acting program blending rigorous training with personal discovery

Designed to shape bold, versatile performers and creators who make authentic, innovative work across mediums

Separate from BFA Playwriting, Directing, and Dramaturgy (which serves directors, playwrights, and dramaturgs)

Emphasizes trust, connection, and exploration through ensemble work

Strong individual focus on craft with professional faculty in stage, TV, and film

Over 40% of degree requirements in liberal arts

Located in the heart of Boston's Theatre District

Notable Alumni

Denis Leary — Emmy-nominated actor, comedian, writer (Rescue Me)

Jennifer Coolidge — Emmy and Golden Globe winner (The White Lotus)

Henry Winkler — Emmy and Golden Globe winner (Barry, Happy Days)

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2027

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website

Fee

$65

Deadline

Emerson application for Acceptd artistic review — Early Action / Early Decision I applicantsNov 1, 2026

Emerson application for Acceptd artistic review — Regular Decision applicantsJan 15, 2027

Emerson application for Acceptd artistic review — Priority Transfer applicantsFeb 1, 2027

Performing Arts Deadlines Schedules · emerson.edu

Program AppApplication

Order

The university application must be submitted before the audition.

Apply

Acceptd

Fee

Artistic Application Fee

$30

Deadline

Acceptd Artistic Application (Early Action / Early Decision I)Nov 15, 2026

Acceptd Artistic Application (Regular Decision)Jan 31, 2027

Acceptd Artistic Application (Priority Transfer)Mar 29, 2027

Auditions

Boston In-Person

Audition (Early Action / Early Decision I)

Nov 14 & 21, 2026Dec 5, 2026

Audition (Regular Decision / Priority Transfer)

Jan 30, 2027Feb 6, 13 & 20, 2027

Audition (Priority Transfer)Apr 10, 2027

Unified

Audition - New YorkJan 22–24, 2027

Audition - ChicagoFeb 1–3, 2027

Audition - AnaheimFeb 6, 2027

Other dates

Virtual Audition (Early Action / Early Decision I)

Nov 15 & 22, 2026Dec 6, 2026

Virtual Audition (Regular Decision / Priority Transfer)

Jan 31, 2027Feb 7, 14 & 21, 2027

Virtual Audition (Priority Transfer)Apr 11, 2027

Performing Arts Deadlines Schedules · emerson.edu

Program Submission

Headshot/Selfie (Professional Not Required)

Resume

1-page theatrical resume

Application portal · Acceptd

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Audition Requirements

Monologues

Requirements

Two 1-3 Minute Contrasting Monologues from two contemporary plays (1950–present)

Age-appropriate characters

Choose pieces that show range and honesty

Application portal · Acceptd

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Performing Arts does not participate in Early Decision II

Priority Transfer April auditions and interviews become available for scheduling in Acceptd on March 1

The early-round application deadline applies only to Early Action or Early Decision I applicants. Regular Decision and Priority Transfer applicants submit their Emerson application before completing the separate Acceptd steps for their own round.

Early Action is nonbinding; Early Decision I is binding. Performing Arts does not offer Early Decision II.

Important Notes

Fall enrollment only — may only apply to one Emerson program

Program selected on Acceptd must match your Emerson College Application

National Unified Auditions open to Regular Decision and Priority Transfer applicants only

What's The Process

Audition Process

No prescreen required — schedule audition directly after submitting Artistic Application

Schedule in Acceptd after submitting Artistic Application

Slots first-come, first-served — fill up as early as August

Not all audition types available during every part of the cycle

Audition modality/location has NO bearing on admission decision

Contact: pa_artisticreview@emerson.edu, 617-824-8780

Audition Expectations

Three audition types: Boston in-person, other in-person locations, virtual

Boston in-person: 3-hour block with info session and flexible "volunteering" system for audition order

Outside-Boston in-person: info session then individual time slots

Virtual: via Acceptd AuditionRoom with info session then individual slots

School Info

Snapshot

3.73

Avg GPA (W)

51%

Admit Rate

school-wide

77%

Grad Rate

3.9K

Enrollment

$63K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Tuition & Fees

$61,260

Before aid

Average Net Price

$49,180

After aid

Undergraduate Costs And Billing Schedule · emerson.edu College Scorecard

Training

Intensive, technique-driven BFA acting program blending rigorous training with personal discovery

Designed to shape bold, versatile performers and creators who make authentic, innovative work across mediums

Separate from BFA Playwriting, Directing, and Dramaturgy (which serves directors, playwrights, and dramaturgs)

Emphasizes trust, connection, and exploration through ensemble work

Strong individual focus on craft with professional faculty in stage, TV, and film

Over 40% of degree requirements in liberal arts

Located in the heart of Boston's Theatre District

Notable Alumni

Denis Leary — Emmy-nominated actor, comedian, writer (Rescue Me)

Jennifer Coolidge — Emmy and Golden Globe winner (The White Lotus)

Henry Winkler — Emmy and Golden Globe winner (Barry, Happy Days)

Updated Aug 27, 5:19 PM

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