An audition or an interview (depending on your program) is required for admission to The Theatre School; students must submit an application to DePaul University (naming their intended major) before they can begin the audition or interview process. Registration is done online on a first come, first served basis and typically closes one week before the audition or interview is scheduled to take place. We encourage you to apply early in order to have the widest range of dates and times available to you. Do you have questions about what you'll need or what to expect? Visit our audition/interview FAQ!
Undergraduate (BFA) Applicants
BFA Theatre Studies & Design/Tech Interviews
Interviews are required for all BFA programs other than BFA Acting. Interviews take place from November through mid-February. Applicants must log into the interview registration page to see the specific dates/times available for their major. Interviews take place in-person (Chicago) or virtually (Zoom); you must submit an application and program specific application materials prior to registering for an interview.
How do I schedule an interview?
Interview Days for Fall 2026*
| Date | Time | Location | Programs |
| Saturday, January 17 | 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Chicago | Theatre Studies: Comedy Arts Theatre Arts Theatre Management Design & Technology: Costume Technology Lighting Design Sound Design Wig and Makeup |
| Saturday, January 31 | 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Chicago | Theatre Studies: Comedy Arts Dramaturgy/Criticism Playwriting Theatre Arts Theatre Management Design & Technology: Costume Design Costume Technology Lighting Design Scene Design Theatre Technology Wig and Makeup |
| Friday, February 13 | 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Chicago | Theatre Studies: Comedy Arts Playwriting Theatre Arts Design & Technology: Costume Design Projection Design Scene Design Stage Management Theatre Technology |
| Friday, February 20 | 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Chicago | Theatre Studies: Theatre Arts Design & Technology: Projection Design Sound Design Stage Management Theatre Technology |
| Saturday, February 21 | 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Chicago | Theatre Studies: Playwriting Theatre Arts Theatre Management Design & Technology: Costume Design Costume Technology Lighting Design Sound Design Stage Management Wig and Makeup |
| Nov. 15-Feb. 15 | Various | Virtual | Various |
*February 15 is the deadline to register for an in-person or virtual interview. All application materials must be received by February 1.
BFA Acting Prescreen and Callback Audition
The audition process for the BFA Acting program is done in two steps: a video prescreen and a live, group callback. Prescreens are due by December 1 and callback audition sessions occur in January and February. Callback auditions are offered in-person (Chicago, New York and Los Angeles) or virtually (Zoom); you must pass the video prescreen prior to registering for a callback audition.
How do I audition?
Callback Audition Dates for Fall 2026
| Date | Time | Location |
| Saturday, January 17 | 8:30 a.m. | Chicago |
| Saturday, January 24 | 8:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. | New York |
| Sunday, January 25 | 8:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. | New York |
| Saturday, January 31 | 8:30 a.m. | Chicago |
| Monday, February 2 | 8:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. | Chicago |
| Saturday, February 7 | 8:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. | Los Angeles |
| Friday, February 13 | 8:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. | Virtual |
| Friday, February 20 | 8:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. | Chicago |
| Saturday, February 21 | 8:30 a.m. | Chicago |