Acting for the Stage and Screen Major (BFA)

How to Apply and Audition

Early decision admission deadline to apply is November 14, 2023. The standard decision admission deadline to apply is January 23, 2024. All applicants must audition.

The following application instructions are for:

• Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting for the Stage and Screen

All first-year and transfer applicants for undergraduate admission must complete the following:

Submit your Recorded Pre-Screen Audition

Please be sure to upload all materials via BFA in Acting Recorded Pre-Screen Audition form. The audition form will go live early September. There are no live auditions.

• Current picture or headshot
• Resume: Your resume should include any and all performance activities.
• Two contrasting monologues OR 1 monologue and 16 bars of a song (1-2 minutes per monologue).
• All about me video: Please upload a video where you share who you are with us.

Guidelines & Recommendations for Recorded Pre-Screen Audition

All applicants to the BFA in Acting for the Stage and Screen will need to upload two separately filmed audition monologues OR one monologue and 16 bars of a song to their supplemental application Recorded Pre-Screen Audition form.

What to Prepare

Applicants should prepare two contrasting monologues. Each piece should be no longer than 2 minutes. If you are a singer, you can replace one monologue for 16 bars of a song.

Filming your Auditions

Pre-recorded audition videos do not need to be professionally filmed. They should provide a clear picture and audio. We understand that it may be difficult to find a location to film your auditions and where you film your pieces will have no bearing on your candidacy to this program. Below are some things we’d like you to keep in mind when you film:

• Each monologue should be filmed separately.
• You are in a well-lit area with minimal background distractions and that your audio is clear and understandable.
• Your contrasting monologues should be filmed as a “close-up”. The frame should be sized to include the top of your head down to your chest.
• Each monologue should begin with a slate that includes: Your name, the title of the monologue, and the playwright’s name.
• Please do not add an accent or dialect when performing your monologues. We are much more interested in listening to your natural voice.
• Dress as you would for an in-person audition. Costumes are not needed.

Invited Interview/Callbacks with Faculty

After submitting your Recorded Pre-Screen Audition, the BFA faculty panel evaluates all pre-screen auditions. Selected candidates will be invited to attend our Callback Weekend. You may be asked to perform one or two monologues from your recorded audition submissions for your callback. In addition, you will have an opportunity to converse with the BFA faculty panel evaluators before or after presenting your monologues. This is a chance for us to get to know you a little bit more; in addition to watching your work as an artist, we want to learn about who you are as a person. Early admission applicants will be notified about callbacks mid-November and standard admission applicants will be notified about callbacks late-January.

College of the Arts Talent Scholarships Form

The theater department at APU awards scholarships to students who show strong promise to make an impact in theater at APU. Applicants need to be a theater major in order to receive COTA scholarship funds. To apply, students need to audition and to fill out the above Recorded Pre-screen Audition Form and submit two contrasting monologues or one monologue and 16 bars of a song.

COTA Talent Scholarship Form

How to Apply

• Complete your APU Undergraduate Application
• Select Theater: Acting for the Stage and Screen, BFA as your major
• Submit your BFA in Acting for the Stage and Screen Recorded Pre-Screen Audition
• Complete your FAFSA (does not apply to international students)

Campus Tours and Virtual BFA Q&As

APU Theater Arts In-person Campus Tours includes an exclusive Theater Arts tour, reception with faculty, lunch with BFA in Acting students, and an audit of a class. Parents and students are invited to find out more about APU Theater Arts. The sessions will be hosted by a member of our admissions team, who will introduce you to our unique program. We look forward to meeting you!

Theater Arts APU One Day In-person Campus Tours Fall 2023 Dates:

• October 20th
• November 10th

Campus Tour RSVP Form

Theater Arts In-person Immersive Day

February 23, 2024, spend the day with Theater Arts faculty and students. Join us for a University tour, department tour, academic connect with faculty, audit a class, lunch with theater students and see a production.

Immersive Day RSVP Form

Theater Arts Virtual Connect

We invite you to get to know Azusa Pacific University Theater Arts faculty and programs by registering for a Zoom Information Session as well as a Q&A with BFA in Acting student ambassadors.

Virtual BFA Q&As Fall 2023 Dates:

• October 27th at 4pm(PST)
• November 17th at 4pm(PST)

Virtual BFA Q&As Spring 2024 Dates:

• January 26th at 4pm (PST)
• March 1st at 4pm (PST)

Virtual Connect RSVP Form

General Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Select an option below:

• First-time Freshman
• Transfer
• International

College of the Arts Theater Scholarship

The College of the Arts Theater Scholarship is a talent-based scholarship available to select incoming undergraduate students enrolled in the:

• BFA in Acting for the Stage and Screen
• BA in Theater Arts

Although a private college education may seem out of reach for many, recent research from Kiplinger reveals that the actual value of some private universities may prove this assumption wrong. In 2010, Kiplinger selected Azusa Pacific University for its Top 100 Best Values in Private Colleges rankings. Read more about APU’s ranking in Kiplinger’s Best Values in Private Colleges.

APU students may take advantage of three types of financial aid: scholarships and grants, education loans, and student employment.

Scholarships and Grants

Scholarships and grants are considered “gift aid” and do not require repayment. They can come from federal, state, or private sources. Scholarships are typically merit-based, meaning they are awarded depending on demonstrated academic ability or other specific talents.

Scholarships are often available from sources outside of APU. You can search for these scholarships through websites such as finaid.org or fastweb.com. The Student Services Center is sometimes notified of scholarships available through APU departments or local organizations, and can provide information about any available scholarships on request.

Education Loans

Education loans are usually repaid after graduation, may be deferred until after graduate school, and often have very low interest rates.

Military Benefits

Military members—and in some cases their spouses and dependents—qualify for financial assistance covering tuition, housing, and books. Azusa Pacific is a Yellow Ribbon University and Military Friendly School, so you can be confident that you’ll receive the benefits and flexibility you need to complete your education.

Student Employment

On-campus student employment is available for students needing additional income to pay for education-related expenses. APU students also find work off campus in the surrounding community.

Net Price Calculator

We’re committed to helping families understand early in the college search process the value of the APU experience, and options for affordable financing of a top-tier Christian university education.

Now that you’re familiar with the financial aid opportunities available to APU students, it’s time to estimate what your true cost may be to attend Azusa Pacific. Remember, estimations are only as accurate as the information you provide. Click on the Net Price Calculator button below to begin.

To view specific requirements and coursework information, visit the current academic catalog:

Program Requirements

The 2022 BFA Senior Showcase, featuring our graduating senior class, took place in Los Angeles in May. Watch the highlights below!

Industry RSVP

Azusa Pacific University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).