Program
Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewIn-Person Only12-24 StudentsUniversity App Required
Program Characteristics
Prescreen Required
Audition Required
No Interview
12-24 Students
University App Required
Program Highlights
TRAINING
•Intensive conservatory training begins immediately upon entering UConn
•Curriculum includes acting technique, voice & speech, movement, stage combat, dance, Suzuki method, and theatre history
PRODUCTIONS
•Students perform at Connecticut Repertory Theatre (CRT), the professional Equity performance wing of the department
•Acting majors work on three run crews (lights, costumes, sound, or scenery) for CRT productions
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
•Senior Showcase in NYC performing before top casting directors and agents
•Students participate in U/RTA and other professional development opportunities
•Located in Storrs, CT with access to New York City professional theatre community
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Bobby Moynihan ('99) — nine-season cast member on Saturday Night Live
•Austin Stowell (BFA '07) — Bridge of Spies, Whiplash
•Paige Turco (BFA '88) — April O'Neil in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles films
•Forrest McClendon (BFA '89) — Tony-nominated for The Scottsboro Boys
•Jackie Burns (BA '02) — Elphaba in Broadway's Wicked
Expert Tips
A few clarifications about the 3.5-minute limit:
•The total time for your two monologues and one song must be 3.5 minutes or less.
•Your pieces do not have to be equal in length. For example, you could have:
-One 2-minute monologue
-One 45-second monologue
-A very short song
-Even if your total time is closer to 2.5 minutes, that’s completely fine.
Slates:
•You may slate at the beginning of each piece and go directly into it, or
•Record your slates separately and edit them in.
Editing:
•You can combine all pieces into one video, or
•Submit each piece as a separate video.
As long as you include:
✅ Two monologues
✅ One song
✅ A slate for each piece
✅ Everything within 3.5 minutes
you'll be good to go!
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
Early DecisionNov 1, 2025
PriorityDec 1, 2025
Regular DecisionJan 15, 2026
Rolling (Regional Campuses)May 1, 2026
Fee
$80Waiver
CT residents fee waived Oct 15 - Nov 1
Program AppApplication
Apply atSlideRoom
Deadlines
Early Decision (SlideRoom + UConn App)Nov 1, 2025
SlideRoom DeadlineJan 1, 2026
UConn Application DeadlineJan 15, 2026
Auditions
Callback (Early Decision)Nov 15, 2025
CallbackDec 7, 2025
CallbackJan 18, 2026
CallbackJan 24–25, 2026
Prescreen Requirements
Songs
ONE SONG
•Included in the 3.5-minute total video time
•If using phone for accompaniment, place on provided table rather than holding while singing
Monologues
TWO MONOLOGUES (contrasting)
•All videos in total must be no longer than 3.5 minutes
•Must be thoroughly memorized
•Do NOT use dialects or accents other than your own, even if the script calls for them — faculty wants to hear your natural voice
•Slate each piece before performing: your name, character name, and title of the play
Additional Materials
RESUME
HEADSHOT
Callback Requirements
Songs
ONE SONG
•Perform the same song from your SlideRoom submission
•Bluetooth speaker available, or bring your own device
•If using phone for accompaniment, place on provided table rather than holding while singing
Monologues
TWO MONOLOGUES (contrasting)
•Perform the same two monologues from your SlideRoom submission
•Must be thoroughly memorized
•Do NOT use dialects or accents other than your own — faculty wants to hear your natural voice
•Announce pieces in performance order: your name, character name, and title of the play
Additional Materials
•Bring printed HEADSHOT and resume
Good to Know
APPLICATION PROCESS
•Two-step: UConn application (Common App or Coalition) + SlideRoom video audition
•Complete both by January 1 recommended
•Submit UConn app by December 1 for merit scholarship & Honors Program consideration
SLIDEROOM
•Submit via SlideRoom — two monologues + one song, 3.5 minutes total
•Maximum of 3 video files allowed
•Can combine all pieces into one video or submit separately
FAFSA
•Deadline: February 15, 2026
IMPORTANT
•Admission decisions not made until Undergraduate Admissions receives audition results
•Fall enrollment only
•Recommended: select Theatre Studies BA as your second-choice major — doubles your opportunity to engage with the program
What's The Process
PRESCREEN (SLIDEROOM)
•Submit two monologues + one song via SlideRoom video (3.5 min total)
•Pieces can be combined into one video or submitted as separate files (max 3)
•Slate each piece: your name, character name, and title of the play
CALLBACK
•Selected applicants invited to in-person callback at UConn Storrs, CT
•Sign up for earliest available date — it is to your advantage
•50-minute Group Call: warm-up, improvisation work, cold reads of provided text
-Wear clothes that allow you to move freely and breathe deeply
-You will have time to change before your individual slot
•15-minute Individual Audition: perform the two monologues and song from your SlideRoom submission
-You choose the order — announce pieces before beginning
NOTIFICATION
•Admission decisions begin early March
IMPORTANT
•Do NOT use dialects or accents other than your own — faculty wants to hear your natural voice
•Callback will be video recorded to share with all performance faculty
•Contact: drama@uconn.edu or 860-486-1635
Scholarship Info
DEPARTMENTAL SCHOLARSHIPS
•Department of Dramatic Arts distributes annual scholarships for talent and financial need
•Separate from university merit scholarships
UNIVERSITY MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS
•Submit UConn application by December 1 for automatic consideration
•Also considered for Honors Program with Dec 1 submission
NEW ENGLAND REGIONAL STUDENT PROGRAM
•Students from Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont are eligible for a significant discount on out-of-state tuition
•BFA Acting is an approved degree program under this program
•Administered by the New England Board of Higher Education
Program info updated Mar 27, 2:31 AM
TRAINING
•Intensive conservatory training begins immediately upon entering UConn
•Curriculum includes acting technique, voice & speech, movement, stage combat, dance, Suzuki method, and theatre history
PRODUCTIONS
•Students perform at Connecticut Repertory Theatre (CRT), the professional Equity performance wing of the department
•Acting majors work on three run crews (lights, costumes, sound, or scenery) for CRT productions
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
•Senior Showcase in NYC performing before top casting directors and agents
•Students participate in U/RTA and other professional development opportunities
•Located in Storrs, CT with access to New York City professional theatre community
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Bobby Moynihan ('99) — nine-season cast member on Saturday Night Live
•Austin Stowell (BFA '07) — Bridge of Spies, Whiplash
•Paige Turco (BFA '88) — April O'Neil in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles films
•Forrest McClendon (BFA '89) — Tony-nominated for The Scottsboro Boys
•Jackie Burns (BA '02) — Elphaba in Broadway's Wicked
Updated Mar 27, 2:31 AM
Academic School Information
3.79
Avg GPA (W)
52%
Admit Rate
84%
Grad Rate
19,835
Enrollment
$73,997
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$21,044
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$43,712
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$25,097
after typical aid
Average annual cost is often lower than tuition because it accounts for grants and scholarships most students receive. It includes tuition, room & board, books, and supplies.
Family Income $0 - $30k$15,193
Family Income $30k - $48k$16,339
Family Income $48k - $75k$20,608
Family Income $75k - $110k$28,285
Family Income $110k+$33,797
