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SUNY Purchase

Purchase, NY

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Program

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program profile

Highly Selective12-24 Students

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program profile

Highly Selective12-24 Students

Browse programs

Quick links

BFA Acting

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program profile

Highly Selective12-24 Students

Program Recognition

One of a handful of U.S. BFA acting programs that meets the standards of the Consortium of Conservatory Theatre Training Programs

Conservatory of Theatre Arts so prolific its alumni network is nicknamed the "Purchase Mafia" (a term embraced by Edie Falco and Hal Hartley)

Training

Four-year sequential conservatory program built to test the actor's instrument — body, voice, and personality — within a single cohort that trains together as a "company"

First two years develop the actor's imagination and inner resources; third and fourth years apply that work in full rehearsal and performance

27 to 40 hours per week of direct faculty contact, with comparable preparation time; led by acting co-chairs Liam Joynt and Maggie Surovell

Does not offer musical theatre training — purely an acting conservatory

Performance & Productions

Purchase Repertory Theatre stages classic and contemporary work directed by visiting professionals and resident faculty

Seniors collaborate with Film BFA students to shoot a professional performance reel

Notable Alumni

Edie Falco — The Sopranos, Nurse Jackie

Stanley Tucci — The Devil Wears Prada, The Hunger Games (class of '82)

Parker Posey — Best in Show, The White Lotus

Melissa Leo — Oscar winner, The Fighter

Wesley Snipes — Blade, New Jack City

Adina Porter — True Blood, American Horror Story

Chris Perfetti — SAG Award winner, Abbott Elementary (class of '11)

Professional Development

Graduating seniors are presented in industry showcases for agents, producers, and casting directors in New York City and Los Angeles

High percentage of alumni work professionally on Broadway, Off-Broadway, in film, and on television

School Info

Snapshot

3.39

Avg GPA (W)

74%

Admit Rate

school-wide

63%

Grad Rate

3.2K

Enrollment

$45K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

In-State Tuition

$8,953

Before aid

Out-of-State Tuition

$18,863

Before aid

Average Net Price

$18,913

After aid

Cost Of Attendance · purchase.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Aug 28, 6:04 PM

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

One of a handful of U.S. BFA acting programs that meets the standards of the Consortium of Conservatory Theatre Training Programs

Conservatory of Theatre Arts so prolific its alumni network is nicknamed the "Purchase Mafia" (a term embraced by Edie Falco and Hal Hartley)

Training

Four-year sequential conservatory program built to test the actor's instrument — body, voice, and personality — within a single cohort that trains together as a "company"

First two years develop the actor's imagination and inner resources; third and fourth years apply that work in full rehearsal and performance

27 to 40 hours per week of direct faculty contact, with comparable preparation time; led by acting co-chairs Liam Joynt and Maggie Surovell

Does not offer musical theatre training — purely an acting conservatory

Performance & Productions

Purchase Repertory Theatre stages classic and contemporary work directed by visiting professionals and resident faculty

Seniors collaborate with Film BFA students to shoot a professional performance reel

Notable Alumni

Edie Falco — The Sopranos, Nurse Jackie

Stanley Tucci — The Devil Wears Prada, The Hunger Games (class of '82)

Parker Posey — Best in Show, The White Lotus

Melissa Leo — Oscar winner, The Fighter

Wesley Snipes — Blade, New Jack City

Adina Porter — True Blood, American Horror Story

Chris Perfetti — SAG Award winner, Abbott Elementary (class of '11)

Professional Development

Graduating seniors are presented in industry showcases for agents, producers, and casting directors in New York City and Los Angeles

High percentage of alumni work professionally on Broadway, Off-Broadway, in film, and on television

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

One of a handful of U.S. BFA acting programs that meets the standards of the Consortium of Conservatory Theatre Training Programs

Conservatory of Theatre Arts so prolific its alumni network is nicknamed the "Purchase Mafia" (a term embraced by Edie Falco and Hal Hartley)

Training

Four-year sequential conservatory program built to test the actor's instrument — body, voice, and personality — within a single cohort that trains together as a "company"

First two years develop the actor's imagination and inner resources; third and fourth years apply that work in full rehearsal and performance

27 to 40 hours per week of direct faculty contact, with comparable preparation time; led by acting co-chairs Liam Joynt and Maggie Surovell

Does not offer musical theatre training — purely an acting conservatory

Performance & Productions

Purchase Repertory Theatre stages classic and contemporary work directed by visiting professionals and resident faculty

Seniors collaborate with Film BFA students to shoot a professional performance reel

Notable Alumni

Edie Falco — The Sopranos, Nurse Jackie

Stanley Tucci — The Devil Wears Prada, The Hunger Games (class of '82)

Parker Posey — Best in Show, The White Lotus

Melissa Leo — Oscar winner, The Fighter

Wesley Snipes — Blade, New Jack City

Adina Porter — True Blood, American Horror Story

Chris Perfetti — SAG Award winner, Abbott Elementary (class of '11)

Professional Development

Graduating seniors are presented in industry showcases for agents, producers, and casting directors in New York City and Los Angeles

High percentage of alumni work professionally on Broadway, Off-Broadway, in film, and on television

Expert Tips

Yes, SUNY Purchase wants the date in your slates. It's ok if your two pieces are recorded on different dates. You can cut between the slate and the monologue itself, but do them in the same recording session

This is often confusing for actors submitting - think of it as an opportunity to show your authentic self and be vulnerable. Why do you care about acting? What has led you to walk this path?

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2027

University AppApplication

Apply

School Website Common App

Fee

$50

Deadline

Purchase application required to receive the Admissions Portal before the audition submissionDec 23, 2026

Acting · purchase.edu

Program AppApplication

Order

The university application must be submitted before the prescreen.

Apply

School Website

Fee

Prescreen Fee

$55

Deadline

ApplicationDec 23, 2026

Audition SubmissionJan 1, 2027

Audition

Callbacks (On Campus)Feb 20, 2027

Acting · purchase.edu

Prescreen Requirements

Monologues

Requirements

Two monologues, one video each

First Video

A contemporary monologue written in the last 100 years, 90 seconds to 2 minutes

Must be from a published play

Second Video

A classical monologue with heightened language or circumstances, 90 seconds to 2 minutes

Shakespeare is preferred, but SUNY Purchase is also excited by other classical or verse texts

Other classical authors may include Aphra Behn, Pedro Calderon de la Barca, Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz, Lope de Vega, and Kalidasa

Slate

Before each monologue, include your first and last name, the date, the name of the play, the author, and the character

Choice Guidance

Show range in physical life, relationships, and given circumstances while bringing your authentic self to the work

Your Artist's Story

A Third Video OR an Essay - Share something about yourself as an artist in a video no more than 3 minutes long. Alternatively, you can submit an essay on this topic. Ideas to spark your Artist's Story:

What is your artist's story?

What stories excite you and how do you hope to impact audiences?

Share your work as an artist outside of acting: play an instrument; share a painting or a song of yours. This is less about hearing 16 bars of a song and more about hearing your passion and artistry

Additional Materials

Headshot or snapshot

Resume

Your resume should include a complete list of theatrical activities

Name, address, email and cell telephone number(s) included on your resume

Letter of Recommendation

Acting · purchase.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Audition Requirements

Additional Materials

Headshot

Bring a hard copy of your headshot to the in-person callback

Resume

Bring a hard copy of your resume to the in-person callback

Acting · purchase.edu

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Apply via SUNY Application or Common App

University application fee: $50 for either application

Only pay when ready to submit your video audition — faculty review upon payment and edits cannot be made after

What's The Process

Audition Process

Submit materials via Admissions Portal no later than January 1, 2027

Only pay when ready to submit — faculty review upon payment, edits cannot be made after

Callbacks offered on a rolling basis — the sooner you submit, the better

If selected for a callback, students are notified by email

Callbacks take place in person both on campus and off campus

On-Campus: Saturday, February 20, 2027 (Dance Building, Upper Level, 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase, NY)

Off-Campus: Late January-early February 2027; exact dates and locations to be announced

Audition Expectations

Be prepared to work on two or more of your pieces with your auditors

Callback lasts approximately 15 minutes — a work session, and hopefully fun!

Decisions

Final decisions granted on a rolling basis beginning in mid-March

Scholarship Info

Talent Scholarships

Institutional scholarships awarded to BFA students based on talent demonstrated during the application/audition process

Scholarship awards are funded for four years (eight semesters)

All applicants are automatically considered — no separate scholarship application required

School Info

Snapshot

3.39

Avg GPA (W)

74%

Admit Rate

school-wide

63%

Grad Rate

3.2K

Enrollment

$45K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

In-State Tuition

$8,953

Before aid

Out-of-State Tuition

$18,863

Before aid

Average Net Price

$18,913

After aid

Cost Of Attendance · purchase.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

One of a handful of U.S. BFA acting programs that meets the standards of the Consortium of Conservatory Theatre Training Programs

Conservatory of Theatre Arts so prolific its alumni network is nicknamed the "Purchase Mafia" (a term embraced by Edie Falco and Hal Hartley)

Training

Four-year sequential conservatory program built to test the actor's instrument — body, voice, and personality — within a single cohort that trains together as a "company"

First two years develop the actor's imagination and inner resources; third and fourth years apply that work in full rehearsal and performance

27 to 40 hours per week of direct faculty contact, with comparable preparation time; led by acting co-chairs Liam Joynt and Maggie Surovell

Does not offer musical theatre training — purely an acting conservatory

Performance & Productions

Purchase Repertory Theatre stages classic and contemporary work directed by visiting professionals and resident faculty

Seniors collaborate with Film BFA students to shoot a professional performance reel

Notable Alumni

Edie Falco — The Sopranos, Nurse Jackie

Stanley Tucci — The Devil Wears Prada, The Hunger Games (class of '82)

Parker Posey — Best in Show, The White Lotus

Melissa Leo — Oscar winner, The Fighter

Wesley Snipes — Blade, New Jack City

Adina Porter — True Blood, American Horror Story

Chris Perfetti — SAG Award winner, Abbott Elementary (class of '11)

Professional Development

Graduating seniors are presented in industry showcases for agents, producers, and casting directors in New York City and Los Angeles

High percentage of alumni work professionally on Broadway, Off-Broadway, in film, and on television

Updated Aug 28, 6:04 PM