Undergraduate Admission & Auditions

Application Requirements and Deadlines

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Theatre

The BA in Theatre is a humanities-based, academically focused program that does not require an interview or audition for admission.

The BA in Theatre offers multiple entry terms:

Fall Quarter: Application deadline is February 1
Winter Quarter: Application deadline is November 1
Spring Quarter: Application deadline is March 1

To apply, submit either the Common Application or the Transfer Application, along with your official transcripts, test scores (optional), proof of English proficiency (required if educated outside the U.S). Within 24 hours of submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation email with access to Blue Demon Domain, your personalized application status portal.

Official School Transcript(s)
Please request an official copy of your high school transcript be sent to The Theatre School Admissions Office. (Transcripts are not considered official if sent to us by the applicant.) If you have taken college credit courses you wish to have considered for transfer credit, please have your official college transcripts sent to us as well. We strongly prefer to receive electronic/emailed transcripts (sent to theatreadmissions@depaul.edu) over mailed copies. Mailed copies should be sent to this address: "Theatre Admissions Office, 2350 N. Racine Avenue, Chicago IL 60614".
Transfer students who have completed over 30 college credits or who are 24 years or older are not required to include high school transcripts alongside their college transcripts unless requested.
For international applicants: If your official transcript is in a language other than English, you will also need to submit a word-for-word English translation of all pages.
SAT or ACT Test Scores (optional for most applicants)
Almost all applicants can choose to apply with or without ACT or SAT scores; homeschooled applicants must submit SAT or ACT scores. If you choose to submit your test scores and they are not already included on your high school transcript, request the testing agency forward a score report to DePaul. Our college code number for ACT is 1012 and for SAT is 1165. Learn more about applying test optional.
Proof of English Language Proficiency (required if educated outside of the U.S.)
Students educated outside the U.S. for secondary school (high school) are required to submit an exam score that meets our English proficiency requirement. Applicants can demonstrate proof of English proficiency by submitting one of the exams listed on this page. DePaul University does not have a preference as to which exam you choose to take; choose whichever is most accessible to you and allows you to submit official scores to us by the application deadline.

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Programs

All applicants to The Theatre School's 14 Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) programs—including transfer students—follow the same application deadlines and admission timeline. Students admitted to a BFA program begin their studies in the Fall Quarter.

The Theatre School does not offer Early Action or Early Decision for BFA applicants. All applicants receive a final admission decision by mid-March.

If you are considering transferring into The Theatre School, either from a non-theatre program at DePaul University or from another institution, please review our Transfer Student FAQ.

Start Your Application

Blue Demon Domain

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
Deadlines & Timeline

August 1	Applications 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. 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

Start Your Application

Audition & Interview Dates

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
Application Process

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

Begin by submitting your application and selecting The Theatre School and one of our BFA programs as your intended major. Applicants cannot apply to The Theatre School as undeclared or undecided and may submit only one application to DePaul University at a time.

Within 24 hours of submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation email with access to Blue Demon Domain, your personalized application status portal.

Applicants are responsible for ensuring that all required application materials are received by the stated deadline.

Start Your Application

Blue Demon Domain

Step 2: Audition or Interview

The BFA Acting program requires an audition. All other BFA programs require an interview. Select your intended major below to learn more about the audition or interview process and any major-specific application materials that must be submitted before registering.

BFA Acting (prescreen required)
The audition for the BFA Acting program happens in two steps: a video prescreen and a live callback audition.
Applicants to the BFA Acting program will need to submit their $65 audition fee, photograph, and prescreen video (as a single video file) through the Blue Demon Domain by December 1 in order to be considered for a callback audition. Callback decisions are communicated by email, typically within two weeks of an applicant submitting their prescreen materials. If you are invited to a callback audition, you will be emailed a link to the callback registration page and prompted to register for a date/time. Callback auditions typically take place in January and February.
For more information about the video prescreen requirements and what you can expect at the callback audition, click here. For information about when and where callback auditions are happening this year, click here.
BFA Comedy Arts
Before you can register for an interview for the BFA Comedy Arts program, you will need to submit the following materials through the Blue Demon Domain:
- $65 Interview Fee
- Resume
- Writing Sample (two parts: share something that made you laugh this week and either an original example of comedic writing or analysis)
- Comedic Performance Video (3-5 minutes of original content that makes the audience laugh and think about something that is important to you)
For more information about these items and what to expect at the interview, click here. Interviews typically occur between December and early February, and we encourage you to apply and submit the above materials early in order to have the widest range of dates, times, and locations available to you. To learn more about this year's interviews or to register, visit our audition/interview page.
BFA Costume Design
Before you can register for an interview for the BFA Costume Design program, you will need to submit the following materials through the Blue Demon Domain:
$65 Interview Fee
Resume
Costume Design Portfolio
For more information about these items and what to expect at the interview, click here. Interviews typically occur between December and early February, and we encourage you to apply and submit the above materials early in order to have the widest range of dates, times, and locations available to you. To learn more about this year's interviews or to register, visit our audition/interview page.
BFA Costume Technology
Before you can register for an interview for the BFA Costume Technology program, you will need to submit the following materials through the Blue Demon Domain:
$65 Interview Fee
Resume
Costume Technology Portfolio
For more information about these items and what to expect at the interview, click here. Interviews typically occur between December and early February, and we encourage you to apply and submit the above materials early in order to have the widest range of dates, times, and locations available to you. To learn more about this year's interviews or to register, visit our audition/interview page.
BFA Dramaturgy/Criticism
Before you can register for an interview for the BFA Dramaturgy/Criticism program, you will need to submit the following materials through the Blue Demon Domain:
- $65 Interview Fee
- Resume
- Writing Sample (two parts: dramatic critique & mission statement)
For more information about these items and what to expect at the interview, click here. Interviews typically occur between December and early February, and we encourage you to apply and submit the above materials early in order to have the widest range of dates, times, and locations available to you. To learn more about this year's interviews or to register, visit our audition/interview page.
BFA Lighting Design
Before you can register for an interview for the BFA Lighting Design program, you will need to submit the following materials through the Blue Demon Domain:
- $65 Interview Fee
- Resume
- Lighting Design Portfolio
For more information about these items and what to expect at the interview, click here. Interviews typically occur between December and early February, and we encourage you to apply and submit the above materials early in order to have the widest range of dates, times, and locations available to you. To learn more about this year's interviews or to register, visit our audition/interview page.
BFA Playwriting
Before you can register for an interview for the BFA Playwriting program, you will need to submit the following materials through the Blue Demon Domain:
- $65 Interview Fee
- Resume
- Writing Sample (creative writing)
For more information about these items and what to expect at the interview, click here. Interviews typically occur between December and early February, and we encourage you to apply and submit the above materials early in order to have the widest range of dates, times, and locations available to you. To learn more about this year's interviews or to register, visit our audition/interview page.
BFA Scene Design
Before you can register for an interview for the BFA Scene Design program, you will need to submit the following materials through the Blue Demon Domain:
- $65 Interview Fee
- Resume
- Scene Design Portfolio
For more information about these items and what to expect at the interview, click here. Interviews typically occur between December and early February, and we encourage you to apply and submit the above materials early in order to have the widest range of dates, times, and locations available to you. To learn more about this year's interviews or to register, visit our audition/interview page.
BFA Sound Design
Before you can register for an interview for the BFA Sound Design program, you will need to submit the following materials through the Blue Demon Domain:
- $65 Interview Fee
- Resume
- Sound Design Portfolio
For more information about these items and what to expect at the interview, click here. Interviews typically occur between December and early February, and we encourage you to apply and submit the above materials early in order to have the widest range of dates, times, and locations available to you. To learn more about this year's interviews or to register, visit our audition/interview page.
BFA Stage Management (prescreen required)
Applicants to the BFA Stage Management program must pass a prescreen before being able to register for an interview.
In order to be prescreened and considered for an interview, applicants must have a completed application (all application materials received by the admissions office) by December 1. All prescreen decisions are sent out via email (typically by mid-December) and applicants that pass the prescreen will be prompted to register for an interview date/time through that notification email. The interview is the final step in the Stage Management application and required in order to be considered for admission to the program.
In order to have a complete application by December 1, you will need to submit the following materials:
Stage Management Specific Materials:
- $65 Interview Fee
- Resume
- Writing Sample (One page essay answering these two questions: What are the skills and qualities of a successful stage manager? What is it about managing that you most enjoy?)
- Stage Management Portfolio
Additional Application Materials:
- Official School Transcript(s)
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- SAT or ACT Scores (optional for most applicants, but required of homeschooled applicants)
- English Proficiency Exam Scores (required of most international applicants)
For more information about the stage management specific materials and what to expect for the prescreen and interview, click here. To view more information about the additional application materials listed, scroll down to the bottom of this webpage.
BFA Theatre Arts
Before you can register for an interview for the BFA Theatre Arts program, you will need to submit the following materials through the Blue Demon Domain:
- $65 Interview Fee
- Resume
- Writing Sample (respond to one of the following prompts)
1)    Describe the theater of the future.
2)    Choose a play you love and describe your ideal production of it.
3)    Write a review of a play or performance that doesn’t (yet) exist.
4)    You have to choose a play or a performance to put in a time capsule that will be opened in 100 years. What do you choose? Why this one?
For more information about these items and what to expect at the interview, click here. Interviews typically occur between December and early February, and we encourage you to apply and submit the above materials early in order to have the widest range of dates, times, and locations available to you. To learn more about this year's interviews or to register, visit our audition/interview page.
BFA Theatre Management
Before you can register for an interview for the BFA Theatre Management program, you will need to submit the following materials through the Blue Demon Domain:
- $65 Interview Fee
- Resume
- Writing Sample
For more information about these items and what to expect at the interview, click here. Interviews typically occur between December and early February, and we encourage you to apply and submit the above materials early in order to have the widest range of dates, times, and locations available to you. To learn more about this year's interviews or to register, visit our audition/interview page.
BFA Theatre Technology
Before you can register for an interview for the BFA Theatre Technology program, you will need to submit the following materials through the Blue Demon Domain:
$65 Interview Fee
Resume
Theatre Technology Portfolio
For more information about these items and what to expect at the interview, click here. Interviews typically occur between December and early February, and we encourage you to apply and submit the above materials early in order to have the widest range of dates, times, and locations available to you. To learn more about this year's interviews or to register, visit our audition/interview page.
BFA Wig and Makeup Design & Technology
Before you can register for an interview for the BFA Wig and Makeup Design & Technology program, you will need to submit the following materials through the Blue Demon Domain:
- $65 Interview Fee
- Resume
- Wig and Makeup Design & Technology Portfolio
For more information about these items and what to expect at the interview, click here. Interviews typically occur between December and early February, and we encourage you to apply and submit the above materials early in order to have the widest range of dates, times, and locations available to you. To learn more about this year's interviews or to register, visit our audition/interview page.

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)
Please request an official copy of your high school transcript be sent to The Theatre School Admissions Office. (Transcripts are not considered official if sent to us by the applicant.) If you have taken college credit courses you wish to have considered for transfer credit, please have your official college transcripts sent to us as well. We strongly prefer to receive electronic/emailed transcripts (sent to theatreadmissions@depaul.edu) over mailed copies. Mailed copies should be sent to this address: "Theatre Admissions Office, 2350 N. Racine Avenue, Chicago IL 60614".

Transfer students who have completed over 30 college credits or who are 24 years or older are not required to include high school transcripts alongside their college transcripts unless requested.

For international applicants: If your official transcript is in a language other than English, you will also need to submit a word-for-word English translation of all pages.
Letters of Recommendation
BFA Acting applicants must submit one letter of recommendation; all other majors must submit two letters of recommendation.

Letters must come from the person writing it and should not be sent to us by the applicant. Request your letter(s) of recommendation from individuals who are familiar with your desire to attend The Theatre School such as a teacher, director, or employer. They should not be family members or personal friends. There is no specific form required for the letter of recommendation.

Although we prefer electronic copies (via Common App or emailed to theatreadmissions@depaul.edu) we can also receive hard-copies if your recommender must mail their letter. (Mailed letters of recommendation should be addressed to "Theatre Admissions Office, 2350 N. Racine Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614").
Photograph
SAT or ACT Test Scores (optional for most applicants)
Almost all applicants can choose to apply with or without ACT or SAT scores; homeschooled applicants must submit SAT or ACT scores. If you choose to submit your test scores and they are not already included on your high school transcript, request the testing agency forward a score report to DePaul. Our college code number for ACT is 1012 and for SAT is 1165. Learn more about applying test optional.
Proof of English Language Proficiency (required if educated outside of the U.S.)
Students educated outside the U.S. for secondary school (high school) are required to submit an exam score that meets our English proficiency requirement. Applicants can demonstrate proof of English proficiency by submitting one of the exams listed on this page. DePaul University does not have a preference as to which exam you choose to take; choose whichever is most accessible to you and allows you to submit official scores to us by the application deadline.

Step 4: Admissions Decisions and Next Steps for Admitted Students

The Theatre School does not offer Early Action or Early Decision.

BFA Acting applicants who submit a prescreen by December 1 will receive either an admission decision (denial) or an invitation to schedule a callback audition. Notifications are sent via email on a rolling basis, approximately two weeks after submission.
BFA Stage Management applicants who submit a complete application by December 1 will receive either an admission decision (denial) or an invitation to interview no later than January 1.

BFA Acting and Stage Management applicants who are denied at the prescreen stage are encouraged to reapply to another program at The Theatre School or elsewhere at DePaul University by completing the Reconsideration Request Form available in their Blue Demon Domain account.

Following callback auditions and interviews, all applicants to the BFA programs will receive a final admission decision by mid-March. Admission decisions are sent directly to applicants via email. There are three possible outcomes: deny, waitlist, or admit.

If You Are Denied

Students who are denied admission are encouraged to complete the Reconsideration Request Form in their Blue Demon Domain account. The Theatre School offers 14 BFA programs, and DePaul University offers more than 130 undergraduate programs. Reconsideration requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may require additional materials or admission processes. In some cases, consideration may be possible for select BFA programs that have not yet reached capacity. Please refer to the Reconsideration Request Form for a current list of available programs.

If You Are Waitlisted

Students must accept or decline their waitlist position by April 1. Please see our Waitlist FAQ for additional information.

Students who wish to be considered for another major while remaining on the waitlist may complete the Reconsideration Request Form in their Blue Demon Domain account. Submitting a reconsideration request will not affect waitlist status but may expedite admission to another major if admission from the waitlist is not ultimately offered.

If You Are Admitted

Students must accept or decline their offer of admission by May 1 and complete all next steps outlined in their admission materials to secure enrollment.

Undergraduate (BFA) Admitted Student Portal

Getting Started: BlueKey/Campus Connect
Shortly after being admitted, you received a two-part email with instructions on setting up your BlueKey/Campus Connect account. You will need this to complete your "next steps". Once you are enrolled at DePaul, you will use Campus Connect for all of your university business. If you did not receive this email or if you have forgotten your Campus Connect password, contact DePaul's Information Services Help Desk at (312) 362-8765. Be sure to mention that you are an admitted student.
Once your log-in has been set up, you can use that username and password to access the portal you used during your application process too! Your application portal's checklist now lists everything you need to do to enroll at The Theatre School at DePaul!
Reply to DePaul's Offer of Admission
Tell us where you're heading this fall by logging into the Blue Demon Domain and submitting the Intent to Enroll form. Be sure to submit your response form by the date listed on your acceptance letter!
There is a non-refundable $500 tuition deposit to secure your seat as a new student at The Theatre School. This deposit will be applied toward your account and will be deducted from your bill for the fall quarter. It is easiest to pay your tuition deposit online, but if you choose to mail a check, please make it payable to "DePaul University", include your full name and student ID in the memo space, and mail it to:
DePaul University
Office of Undergraduate Admission
1 E. Jackson Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60604
Housing & Meal Plan Options
On-campus housing is generally available to any new undergraduate student who submits their on-campus housing agreement and $400 prepayment by June 1. You can do this through the Blue Demon Domain. You are not required to live on-campus. About 70% of DePaul's first-year undergraduate students choose to live on-campus and the rest commute in from neighborhoods all over the city or from nearby suburbs. (Getting around Chicago is easy - read below for more information about your UPass!) The most popular neighborhoods for off-campus living tend to the ones closest to the campus: Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Ravenswood, Uptown, etc. Most of DePaul's on-campus housing is located on the Lincoln Park Campus (the same campus as The Theatre School building) but there is also on-campus housing on the Loop Campus if you wish to live downtown. All new students who live on-campus will have a roommate and be required to be on a meal-plan; students who live off-campus can opt into a meal plan if they would like to. You can learn more about on-campus housing and meal plan options through the DePaul Housing website. If you have questions, you can contact DePaul Housing at (773) 325-7196 or housing@depaul.edu.
Undergraduate Students: Whether you live on-campus or off-campus, you can use your Ventra U-Pass which provides unlimited rides on CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) buses and trains during the fall, winter, spring and summer quarters. Students must complete the U-Pass opt-in form before each term that they would like to activate the U-Pass. Visit the U-Pass @ DePaul site for more information and to opt-in. Your U-Pass will get you all over the city, including connections to Amtrak Stations and both O'Hare and Midway. Read more about the U-Pass and getting around Chicago here.
Placement Tests
Before you can register for orientation, you will need to complete DePaul's online placement tests for writing and math. You can access the placement tests in the Blue Demon Domain. Registration for orientation is first come, first served, so we recommend that you complete your placements as early as possible.
Need more information? Visit this page to learn more about the placement process, or you can contact dpcl@depaul.edu or (312) 362-8610 with questions.
AP, IB, CLEP, or A & A/S Level Scores
Orientation & Registering for Classes
Undergraduate Students:
Summer orientation sessions help new students learn about DePaul and are where you formally register for your fall quarter classes. Due to the nature of conservatory training (BFA degrees) seats in all of your required BFA classes are already pre-reserved for you! (You will not miss out on taking a class needed to start your BFA major's course sequence!)

You will need to begin with the pre-orientation online module first. Traditional first-time college students will then register for Premiere DePaul; transfer students will register for Transition DePaul. If you have any questions about orientation, you can contact the New Student and Family Engagement team at orientation@depaul.edu or (773) 325-7360.

Orientation continues with immersion week, which takes place just before fall classes begin. Immersion week is part of the Discover Chicago class and all new Theatre School students take a theatre-specific version of "Discover Chicago". The theatre-version of Discover Chicago is designed to support students as they move through their first academic term at DePaul University, develop a support system, and learn about the theatre scene in Chicago. The course is team-taught by a faculty member, staff member, and current student from The Theatre School. Read more about the Chicago Quarter class.
Final Transcript (Official Copy)
Before you can settle into life at The Theatre School, we will need your most up-to-date academic records.
For BFA students coming to us from high school, this means a final transcript that lists final grades and a date of graduation; for BFA students coming from another college or university, this means up-to-date college transcripts for coursework completed prior to starting at DePaul.
A transcript must come from the school that issued it in order to be considered official. If we do not have an official final transcript on-file, you may not be able to register for classes! Official transcripts can be sent directly to The Theatre School electronically (theatreadmissions@depaul.edu) or by mail:
ATTN: Theatre Admissions
2350 N Racine Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
Enrollment is contingent upon satisfactory academic performance, which includes the coursework you take after learning of your acceptance to DePaul. Students who have fallen significantly below the academic standards on which their admission was based may have their admission revoked.
Health Insurance and Proof of Immunization
All new DePaul students are automatically added to the Academic HealthPlans (AHP) website portal where they need to waive or enroll in the UnitedHealthcare plan. Students who already have comparable active insurance coverage may opt out by submitting a waiver.
DePaul University complies with Illinois state law, which requires all students attending a campus location to provide proof of immunization. Please review the immunization requirements for more details. To submit an electronic copy of your immunization records, use your BlueKey information to log in to the Student Homepage in Campus Connect » Student Resources » Immunization Status. Here, you will also be able to view your immunization status grid. If you experience trouble uploading these documents, please contact DePaul Central at (312) 362-8610 or dpcl@depaul.edu.

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! 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.

Undergraduate Admission

Application Requirements and Deadlines

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Theatre

Official School Transcript(s)

SAT or ACT Test Scores (optional for most applicants)

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

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Programs

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)Deadlines & Timeline

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)Application Process

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

Step 2: Audition or Interview

BFA Acting (prescreen required)

BFA Comedy Arts

BFA Costume Design

BFA Costume Technology

BFA Dramaturgy/Criticism

BFA Lighting 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

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.)

Step 4: Admissions Decisions and Next Steps for Admitted Students

If You Are Denied

If You Are Waitlisted

If You Are Admitted

Getting Started: BlueKey/Campus Connect

Reply to DePaul's Offer of Admission

Housing & Meal Plan Options

Placement Tests

AP, IB, CLEP, or A & A/S Level Scores

Orientation & Registering for Classes

Final Transcript (Official Copy)

Health Insurance and Proof of Immunization

The Theatre School

Admission

Administration

Resources

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
Deadlines & Timeline

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
Application Process