University of California, Santa Barbara
HSITest-FreeGreek LifeLGBTQ+
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Gateway Audition
No Interview
University App Required
Program Highlights
TRAINING PHILOSOPHY
•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
CAREER PREPARATION
•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
University AppApplication
Deadline
Regular DecisionDec 1, 2025
Domestic Fee
$80Waiver
International Fee
$95Waiver
Program AppApplication
Audition
Spring BFA Acting Audition (UCSB Campus)May 30, 2026
Audition Requirements
No audition required to apply. Students audition for the program after enrolling at the university.
Monologues
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 (required)
•Any photo that clearly shows your face — cellphone photos accepted
RESUME (required)
•Acting resume or list of theater-related activities
•Include acting, voice, movement classes, and performance experience with dates and venues
WRITTEN STATEMENT (required)
•200-word statement on why you want to join the UCSB BFA in Acting program
LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION (required)
•At least one letter from someone familiar with your acting
•Submit all materials to sposh@ucsb.edu before audition date
Good to Know
ELIGIBILITY
•Prospective and incoming freshmen are not eligible to audition — must complete first year as BA Theatre
•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
REGISTRATION
•Register for auditions via PlanetReg (link available on department website)
•University application and BFA audition are separate processes
What's The Process
AUDITION PROCESS
•Gateway program — all non-transfer students begin as BA Theatre 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 FORMAT
•In-person audition on UCSB campus
•Present two contrasting contemporary monologues (3 min total)
•Be prepared to stay until 5pm
SUBMISSION MATERIALS
•Submit headshot, resume, 200-word statement, and letter of recommendation to sposh@ucsb.edu
•Materials due before audition date (check department website for specific deadline)
CONTACT
•Sean O'Shea, Academic Advisor — sposh@ucsb.edu
Program info updated 4h ago
TRAINING PHILOSOPHY
•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
CAREER PREPARATION
•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 4h ago
Academic School Information
33%
Admit Rate
84%
Grad Rate
23,113
Enrollment
$74,915
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$16,414
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$50,614
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$16,109
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$9,231
Family Income $30k - $48k$9,992
Family Income $48k - $75k$12,588
Family Income $75k - $110k$17,136
Family Income $110k+$31,863
