Acting for the Stage and Screen Major (BFA)

How to Apply and Submit Pre-Screen Audition

You must audition to be accepted into the BFA in Acting for the Stage and Screen program. All first-year and transfer applicants for undergraduate admission must submit the following:

• Current picture or headshot
• Résumé (include any and all performance activities)
• Video audition requirements:
  
  • BFA in Acting for the Stage and Screen: Two contrasting one-minute monologues.
  • BFA in Acting for the Stage and Screen Musical Theater Emphasis: One one-minute monologue and 32 bars of a song

Be sure to upload all materials via the BFA in Acting for the Stage and Screen audition form.

Application Deadlines

Early admission: December 1, 2024

Regular admission: January 24, 2025

Filming Your Auditions

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

• Ensure 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.
• 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.

If you have questions about content and material, contact us at theater@apu.edu.

Invited Interview/Callbacks with Faculty

The BFA faculty panel will evaluate 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 during your callback. In addition, you will have the 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 better. In addition to watching your work as an artist, we want to learn about who you are as a person.

• Early Admission Applicants: Notification about callbacks will be in late November.
• Regular Admission Applicants: Notification about callbacks will be in late January.

Theater Arts Talent Scholarship 

The Department of Theater Arts at APU awards scholarships to students who show strong promise of making an impact in theater at APU. To be eligible for a scholarship, you must be a theater major. Submitting your audition materials automatically enters you for consideration for a theater arts talent scholarship.

APU Undergraduate Application

• Complete your APU Undergraduate Application
• Select Acting for the Stage and Screen as your major
• Submit a BFA in Acting for the Stage and Screen audition form
• Complete your FAFSA (does not apply to international students)

General Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Select an option below:

• First-time Freshman
• Transfer
• International

Theater Arts Exclusive Tours 

Join us for an exclusive look at our theater arts program! Our tours include:

• A special theater arts tour
• A reception with faculty
• Lunch with BFA in Acting students
• The opportunity to audit a class

Parents and students are welcome to participate and discover more about APU theater arts. Each session is hosted by a member of our admissions team, who will introduce you to our unique program. We look forward to meeting you!

Theater Arts In-person Immersive Day

On November 15, 2024, spend the day with theater arts faculty and students. Join us for a university tour and department tour, connect with faculty, audit a class, have lunch with theater students, and see a production.

Immersive Day RSVP Form

APU Theater Arts One-day In-person Campus Tours, Fall 2024 Dates

• December 6, 2024

Campus Tour RSVP Form

Theater Arts Talent Scholarship

The Theater 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
• BFA in Acting with Musical Theater Emphasis
• BA in Theater Arts

 

You might think that a private college education is beyond your reach, but there are many financial resources available to help make an Azusa Pacific education a reality. APU students may take advantage of three basic 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:

Program Requirements

All BFA in Acting for the Stage and Screen students in the musical theater emphasis take the same core classes, as well as advanced classes in singing, a variety of dance techniques, and music theater styles and skills. By senior year, students are introduced to a broad range of projects on the stage and screen. Students perform in larger roles on the main stages and gain exposure to on-camera work for film and television in sketch comedy episodes and a senior Industry Spotlight web series. Students also take classes that prepare them for the business aspects of the profession. A BFA Showcase in the Industry Spotlight provides all students with the opportunity to perform before industry professionals in Los Angeles.

All application deadlines and admission requirements for the musical theater emphasis are the same as those of the regular BFA, with one exception: The video audition requirements include one one-minute monologue and 32 bars of a song (as opposed to two contrasting one-minute monologues).

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

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