Private school3.9K

Emerson College

Boston, MA

Test-OptionalGreek LifeLGBTQ+

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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 StudentsTransfer In Friendly

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 StudentsTransfer In Friendly

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 StudentsTransfer In Friendly

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 StudentsTransfer In Friendly

Quick Links

BFA Musical Theatre

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or VirtualMTCP Participant

Program profile

Highly Selective12-24 StudentsTransfer In Friendly

Quick Links

BFA Playwriting, Directing, and Dramaturgy

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

Virtual Only

Program profile

Selective25-40 Students

Quick Links

BFA Design and Stage Management

Stage Management

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

Virtual Only

Program profile

Selective25-40 Students

Quick Links

BFA Design and Stage Management

Scenic Design

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

Virtual Only

Program profile

Selective25-40 Students

Quick Links

BFA Design and Stage Management

Lighting Design

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

Virtual Only

Program profile

Selective25-40 Students

Quick Links

BFA Design and Stage Management

Costume Design

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

Virtual Only

Program profile

Selective25-40 Students

Quick Links

BFA Theatre Education & Performance

Performance

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Selective12-24 StudentsPK-12

Quick Links

BFA Theatre Education & Performance

Classrooms + Communities

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

Virtual Only

Program profile

Selective12-24 StudentsPK-12

Quick Links

BFA Theatre Education

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

Virtual Only

Program profile

Selective25-40 StudentsPK-12

Quick Links

BFA Stage & Production Management

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

Virtual Only

Program profile

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

Official source College Scorecard

Program info updated 1h ago

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

Fee

$65

Deadline

Emerson College Application (Early Action / Early Decision I)Early ActionEarly Decision INov 1, 2026

Emerson College Application (Regular Decision)Jan 15, 2027

Emerson College Application (Priority Transfer)Feb 1, 2027

Program AppApplication

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, 2026

Virtual Audition (Early Action / Early Decision I)Nov 15, 2026

Boston In-Person Audition (Early Action / Early Decision I)Nov 21, 2026

Virtual Audition (Early Action / Early Decision I)Nov 22, 2026

Boston In-Person Audition (Early Action / Early Decision I)Dec 5, 2026

Virtual Audition (Early Action / Early Decision I)Dec 6, 2026

Unified Audition - New YorkJan 22, 2027

Unified Audition - New YorkJan 23, 2027

Unified Audition - New YorkJan 24, 2027

Boston In-Person Audition (Regular Decision / Priority Transfer)Jan 30, 2027

Virtual Audition (Regular Decision / Priority Transfer)Jan 31, 2027

Unified Audition - ChicagoFeb 1, 2027

Unified Audition - ChicagoFeb 2, 2027

Unified Audition - ChicagoFeb 3, 2027

Audition dateBoston In-Person Audition (Regular Decision / Priority Transfer)Unified Audition - AnaheimFeb 6, 2027

Virtual Audition (Regular Decision / Priority Transfer)Feb 7, 2027

Boston In-Person Audition (Regular Decision / Priority Transfer)Feb 13, 2027

Virtual Audition (Regular Decision / Priority Transfer)Feb 14, 2027

Boston In-Person Audition (Regular Decision / Priority Transfer)Feb 20, 2027

Virtual Audition (Regular Decision / Priority Transfer)Feb 21, 2027

Boston In-Person Audition (Priority Transfer)Apr 10, 2027

Virtual Audition (Priority Transfer)Apr 11, 2027

Program Submission

Headshot/Selfie (Professional Not Required)

Resume

•1-page theatrical resume

Official Source

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

Official Source

Good to Know

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

Transfer Pathway

Emerson defines transfer applicants and publishes a separate transfer process, while performing arts applicants must also complete the major-specific artistic application and review. Performing arts transfer applications are fall-only, and musical theatre applicants complete a prescreen before scheduling an audition. Because the BFA coursework is sequential, transfers should ask the department to estimate placement and remaining semesters before assuming credits shorten the degree.

Official Source

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

Official source 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 1h ago