Requirements for Performance Programs

Acting Program (BFA, MFA)

This program accepts students only at the BFA1 (first-year undergraduate) and MFA1 (first-year graduate) levels. Acting student selections are based on the live audition only. Applicants are not required to submit a portfolio. Received acting portfolios will not be viewed or returned.

The following is required for the live audition:

• Applicants must present two monologues (no longer than two minutes each) of contrasting nature. Choose one from Shakespeare. Faculty, however, may choose to see only one of the two. You should also prepare a third monologue to present at the faculty’s request.
• Applicants must bring a résumé and a recent photograph, preferably a headshot, to the audition.

Directing Program (MFA only)

Select applicants to this program will be contacted for a personal interview based on a review of their application and portfolio materials. In addition to a portfolio, all applicants must submit a résumé and three letters of recommendation from professionals who know your work.

Portfolios should include a video documentation on DVD of live productions. It is highly unusual for an applicant to be accepted into the program without such documentation. Applicants are strongly urged to submit their application and portfolio materials on or before the Preferred Deadline in order to allow for thorough review and, if selected by the Head of Directing, a personal interview. The Office of Admissions will contact all applicants who are selected for an interview.

Writing for Performance Program (MFA only)

We are interested in disciplined writers alert to the ways that other disciplines inform their work (i.e. dance, critical studies, performance theory, urban planning/social theory, historical narratives, etc.). Artists who are urging their writing beyond the conventions of traditional scripts into all aspects of performance, and who view performance as a potential tool of social instigation/investigation are encouraged to apply.

Applicants to this program are accepted on the basis of a review of their application and portfolio materials, as well as a personal interview for selected candidates. All applicants must submit a portfolio of their work.

All applicants must submit a portfolio of their work. Portfolios should include:

• A résumé of your education, training and production experience.
• A listing of scripts, productions (including venues and dates), publications, grants and awards.
• A writing sample that consists of 10 continuous pages of work that best represents the direction in which the playwright feels s/he is moving.

In addition to the portfolio, applications must include the following:

• A two-page artist statement in which you describe your social and artistic interests, career goals and work history. You should also state how you think you might benefit from the Writing for Performance Program.
• Three letters of recommendation from professionals who know your work.
• Applicants are strongly urged to submit their application and portfolio materials on or before the Preferred Deadline in order to allow time for thorough review and, if selected by the Head of Writing for Performance, a personal interview. The Office of Admissions will contact all applicants who are selected for an interview.