Undergraduate Admission

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Theatre School community consists of artists from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. For more information, please read more about our school's vision here.

Application Deadlines & Timeline

All applicants to The Theatre School, including transfer students, follow the same admissions deadlines and timeline; all new students begin in the fall term. If you are considering transferring into The Theatre School, either from a non-theatre program at DePaul University or from a different university, be sure to read our Transfer Student FAQ.  Please note:  The Theatre School does not offer Early Action or Early Decision.  All applicants to The Theatre School will receive a final decision on their application by mid-March.​

Deadlines & Timeline

August 1

Ap​plications Open​
December 1
Prescreen/Application Deadline (Acting and Stage Management only)
Applications close for BFA Acting and BFA Stage Management.

  • ​​Actors must have their application, photograph and prescreen video submitted by this date.  All supplemental application items must be submitted by February 1.
  • Stage Managers must have their application ​AND all supplemental application items submitted by this date.
February 1
Application Deadline (all other majors)
Applications close for all remaining Theatre School majors. All application materials must be received by this date.
​February 15

​Interview/Callback Audition Registration Deadline
Last date to register for an Interview/Callback Audition (in-person or virtual).  Available slots are first come, first served.  Please register early.
Mid-March
Admissions decisions are released along with Theatre School Scholarships and need-based financial aid awards. 

The Theatre School does not offer Early Action or Early Decision.  All applicants to The Theatre School will receive a final decision on their application by mid-March. ​

May 1
Deadline to respond to offer of admission

Application Process

Step 1: Submit The Common Application or DePaul's Transfer Application

Begin by submitting an application and specifying your intended major as a Theatre School program. You cannot apply undecided to The Theatre School and cannot submit more than one application at a time to DePaul University. Within 24 hours of applying, you will receive a confirmation email and access to the Blue Demon Domain - your personalized application status portal. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure their application materials are received by the deadline.

Step 2: Audition or Interview

The BFA Acting major requires an audition; all other Theatre School majors require an interview. Click on your intended major below to learn more about the audition or interview process, as well as what major-specific application materials you will need to submit prior to registering:

  • BFA Acting (prescreen required)

  • BFA Comedy Arts

  • BFA Costume Design

  • BFA Costume Technology

  • BFA Dramaturgy/Criticism

  • BFA Lighting Design

  • BFA Projection Design

  • BFA Playwriting

  • BFA Scene Design

  • BFA Sound Design

  • BFA Stage Management (prescreen required)

  • BFA Theatre Arts

  • BFA Theatre Management

  • BFA Theatre Technology

  • BFA Wig and Makeup Design & Technology

Step 3: Submit Additional Application Materials

Although the audition or interview (and its associated materials) is the most important part of the admissions process for The Theatre School, there are a couple other materials you will need to submit in order to complete your application:

  • Official School Transcript(s)

  • Letters of Recommendation

  • Photograph

  • SAT or ACT Test Scores (optional for most applicants)

  • Proof of English Language Proficiency (required if educated outside of the U.S.)


Want to learn more about applying, auditions/interviews, or what it's like to be a student at The Theatre School? Check out our admission "frequently asked questions" page and chat with current students! If you have questions about or need help with your application, please contact the Theatre School Admissions Office at (773) 325-7999 or theatreadmissions@depaul.edu.