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University of California - Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenInternal AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenInternal AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Browse programs

Theatre

Dance

Music performance

Composition & music studies

Quick links

BFA Theater

Acting

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenInternal AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Training

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

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

Avg GPA (W)

4.30

Admit rate

33%

school-wide

Grad rate

83%

Enrollment

23.1K

Earnings

$75K

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

Ucsb Undergraduate Cost Attendance Budget · finaid.ucsb.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated 2d ago

Program Highlights

Training

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

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

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

UC Application

Fees

Domestic Fee

$80

International Fee

$95

Opens

UCSB TAG Application filing period opens (transfer)Sep 1, 2026

UC Application filing period opensOct 1, 2026

Deadline

UCSB TAG Application filing deadline (transfer)Sep 30, 2026

Regular DecisionNov 30, 2026

Transfer Academic Update deadline (transfer)Jan 31, 2027

Deadlines · admissions.sa.ucsb.edu

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

Prepare two contrasting monologues from contemporary plays, chosen from material appropriate to your age range.

Both monologues should be fully prepared and memorized.

The combined time limit is three minutes — approximately 90 seconds per monologue.

Choose contrasting pieces that showcase your range and give the faculty a sense of who you are as an actor.

Additional Materials

Headshot

A headshot, or any picture that shows your face (May be from a cellphone).

Resume

An acting resume, or list of your theater related activities.

Statement

A written 200 word statement as to why you want to be part of the UCSB Theater and Dance Department BFA in Acting program.

Letters of Recommendation

At least one letter of recommendation from someone who is familiar with your acting.

Theater BFA Auditions · theaterdance.ucsb.edu

University Essays

UC Personal Insight Questions

350 words each · Answer 4 of 8 · Written once for all your UC Application schools

Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes or contributed to group efforts over time.
Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side.
What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time?
Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced.
Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement?
Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.
What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?
Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California?

Personal Insight Questions · admission.universityofcalifornia.edu Official page · ccs.ucsb.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

Application Logistics

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 by email before the audition

September 2026 audition: send materials to theaterdance-auditions@ucsb.edu by Wednesday, September 16

May 2026 audition: send materials to sposh@ucsb.edu by Tuesday, May 26

Contact

BFA audition materials: theaterdance-auditions@ucsb.edu

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

4.30

Admit rate

33%

school-wide

Grad rate

83%

Enrollment

23.1K

Earnings

$75K

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

Ucsb Undergraduate Cost Attendance Budget · finaid.ucsb.edu College Scorecard

Training

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

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 2d ago