Application Deadlines & Timeline
Programs
The Theatre School offers two types of undergraduate degrees: a conservatory-based Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and a humanities-based Bachelor of Arts (BA).
The school offers fourteen highly specialized BFA majors across three departments: Design and Technology, Performance, and Theatre Studies. Each BFA major is a four-year professional training program that provides students with the skills, hands-on experience, and practical training needed to prepare for careers in the theatre and entertainment industry.
The BA in Theatre is also a four-year degree program but takes a broader, interdisciplinary approach to the study of theatre. Rooted in the humanities, it emphasizes academic exploration and offers students greater flexibility in shaping their educational experience.
What Is the Difference Between a BFA and a BA?
Both the BA and BFA are four-year undergraduate degrees, but they differ in focus and structure.
A Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) is a conservatory-style program centered on intensive training in a specific area of theatre. Coursework combines classroom instruction with hands-on learning and production experience. Because most courses are within the major, BFA students typically complete fewer general education requirements. The Theatre School's fourteen BFA majors are housed within the Design and Technology, Performance, and Theatre Studies departments.
A Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Theatre emphasizes the broad, interdisciplinary, and academic study of theatre. It is ideal for students who want to explore multiple aspects of theatre before narrowing their focus or who want to explore the intersectionality between theatre and other academic areas of study. The BA requires fewer theatre-specific courses, allowing students greater flexibility to pursue coursework in other disciplines, add a second major, or customize their academic path.
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)
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
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.
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
Deadlines & Timeline
| August 1 | Applications Open |
| December 1 | Prescreen/Application Deadline (Acting and Stage Management only)
|
| February 1 | Application Deadline (all other majors) Interview/Callback Audition Registration Deadline |
| 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 |
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.
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)
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
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.)
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.
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