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University of California - Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA

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Program

Concentration

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenInternal AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program

Concentration

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenInternal AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Browse programs

Concentrations

Quick Links

BFA Theater

Acting

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenInternal AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Quick Links

BFA Theater

Acting

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenInternal AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Quick Links

BFA Dance

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

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BA Dance

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Quick Links

BA Theater

Directing

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Quick Links

BA Theater

Playwriting

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Quick Links

BA Theater

Theater & Performance Studies

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Quick Links

BA Theater

Theater & Community

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Quick Links

BA Theater

Design

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Training

•Highly selective 3-year conservatory-style program entered sophomore year

•Geared to the stage actor with training across a wide range of styles and techniques

•Core training in comprehensive acting, voice, and movement classes

•Work in classics, modern world drama, and avant-garde genres

Professional Development

•All students in final years individually prepared for national auditions

•Strong placement record at top MFA programs, regional theatres, and Shakespearean festivals

•Prepares students for leading graduate conservatory programs, internships, and professional careers

School Info

Snapshot

33%

Admit Rate

school-wide

83%

Grad Rate

23.1K

Enrollment

$75K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

In-State Tuition

$17,673

Before aid

Out-of-State Tuition

$56,943

Before aid

Cost of Attendance

$50,946

Before aid

Average Net Price

$16,109

After aid

Official source College Scorecard

Program info updated 1d ago

Program Highlights

Training

•Highly selective 3-year conservatory-style program entered sophomore year

•Geared to the stage actor with training across a wide range of styles and techniques

•Core training in comprehensive acting, voice, and movement classes

•Work in classics, modern world drama, and avant-garde genres

Professional Development

•All students in final years individually prepared for national auditions

•Strong placement record at top MFA programs, regional theatres, and Shakespearean festivals

•Prepares students for leading graduate conservatory programs, internships, and professional careers

Program Highlights

Training

•Highly selective 3-year conservatory-style program entered sophomore year

•Geared to the stage actor with training across a wide range of styles and techniques

•Core training in comprehensive acting, voice, and movement classes

•Work in classics, modern world drama, and avant-garde genres

Professional Development

•All students in final years individually prepared for national auditions

•Strong placement record at top MFA programs, regional theatres, and Shakespearean festivals

•Prepares students for leading graduate conservatory programs, internships, and professional careers

Key Info

Enrollment Term

University AppApplication

Apply

admission.universityofcalifornia.edu

Fees

Domestic Fee

$80

International Fee

$95

Deadline

Regular DecisionNov 30, 2026

Post-Enrollment Audition Requirements

These requirements are from the Fall 2026 entry cycle. Fall 2027 requirements are typically posted between August and October and usually change only slightly — confirm on the official source before submitting.

No audition is required for the initial application. This is an internal program gate students complete after enrolling at the university.Gateway source

Monologues

Requirements

•Two Contrasting Contemporary MONOLOGUES, 3 min total

•Choose from published plays within the actor's own age range

•Approximately 90 seconds each

•Must be fully memorized

Additional Materials

Headshot

Resume

•Acting resume or list of theater-related activities

•Include acting, voice, movement classes, and performance experience with dates and venues

Statement

•200 words on why you want to join the UCSB BFA in Acting program

Letters of Recommendation

•At least one letter from someone familiar with your acting

Official Source

Good to Know

Application Logistics

•Register for auditions via PlanetReg (link available on department website)

•University application and BFA audition are separate processes

Eligibility

•Prospective and incoming freshmen are not eligible to audition; must complete first year as BA Theater

•Transfer students may audition prior to first year of study

•BFA program requires 3 years of study; transfer students should plan accordingly

•Acceptance to the BFA program is dependent upon acceptance to the university

What's The Process

Audition Process

•Gateway program; all non-transfer students begin as BA Theater majors

•Non-transfer students audition at the end of freshman year for BFA entry starting sophomore year

•Transfer students may audition in May and/or September before their first year of study

Audition Expectations

•In-person audition on UCSB campus

•Present two contrasting contemporary monologues (3 min total)

•Be prepared to stay until 5pm

•Submit headshot, resume, 200-word statement, and letter of recommendation to sposh@ucsb.edu

•Materials due to sposh@ucsb.edu by May 26, 2026

Contact

•Sean O'Shea, Academic Advisor: sposh@ucsb.edu

School Info

Snapshot

33%

Admit Rate

school-wide

83%

Grad Rate

23.1K

Enrollment

$75K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

In-State Tuition

$17,673

Before aid

Out-of-State Tuition

$56,943

Before aid

Cost of Attendance

$50,946

Before aid

Average Net Price

$16,109

After aid

Official source College Scorecard

Training

•Highly selective 3-year conservatory-style program entered sophomore year

•Geared to the stage actor with training across a wide range of styles and techniques

•Core training in comprehensive acting, voice, and movement classes

•Work in classics, modern world drama, and avant-garde genres

Professional Development

•All students in final years individually prepared for national auditions

•Strong placement record at top MFA programs, regional theatres, and Shakespearean festivals

•Prepares students for leading graduate conservatory programs, internships, and professional careers

Updated 1d ago

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