
Acting for the Stage and Screen Major (BFA)
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Acting for the Stage and Screen Major (BFA)
Study Acting for the Stage and Screen at Azusa Pacific University
We'll help you graduate ready for professional excellence in on-camera and stage acting. You'll create a professional reel, gain on-camera credits, and participate in an industry film and live performance at Warner Bros. Studios. APU is just 20 miles from Los Angeles, the entertainment capital of the world. When you study here, you'll open the door to real-world industry connections.
Program at a Glance
The School of Visual and Performing Arts develops students’ talents through rich artistic experiences and comprehensive training in their chosen artistic discipline.
Application Deadline
- November 14, 2023: Early application for eligible talent scholarship
- January 23, 2024: Regular admissions deadline

Gain Hands-on Experience
- Professional training in theater, film, and television
- Audition techniques to meet industry standards
- Produce and perform in a showcase for Hollywood agents
By the Numbers
Get Started

Jollyfisher Ekpye ’24 loves that APU is training him in acting for both the stage and screen, since he plans to land roles in both.
Program Details
APU’s Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting for the Stage and Screen is an innovative acting degree program providing real-world connections, professional on-camera credits, and an industry showcase of film and live performances for seniors. It is also one of the first programs in the country to train actors for equal excellence in on-camera and stage acting.
Browse the tabs below—if you have any questions, visit the Student Services Center page, and we’ll make sure you get the info you need.
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.
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
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.
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)
General Undergraduate Admission Requirements
Select an option below:
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:
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.
Net Price Calculator
To view specific requirements and coursework information, visit the current academic catalog:
The 2022 BFA Senior Showcase, featuring our graduating senior class, took place in Los Angeles in May. Watch the highlights below!
BFA Senior Showcase 2022
Azusa Pacific University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
Featured Faculty

Monica Ganas
Professor, Department of Theater Arts

Christopher Keene
Associate Professor of Technical Theater, Department of Theater Arts

Kirsten Lundin Humer
Program Director, BFA in Acting for the Stage and Screen; Associate Professor, Department of Theater Arts
Career Outlooks and Outcomes

College of the Arts Hosts Industry Spotlight at Warner Bros. Studios
APU’s College of the Arts (COTA) hosted the 2023 Industry Spotlight on May 4 at the legendary Warner Bros. Studios, giving students a chance to showcase their work in front of industry talent representatives and casting directors.