The Theatre School > Conservatory > Undergraduate Conservatory > Scene Design > How to Apply

How to Apply

BFA Scene Design

Applying to the BFA Scene Design program is a two-step process that involves submitting all required application materials and completing an interview. All of your application materials must be received no later February 1 or two weeks prior to your interview date, whichever date is earlier.

Application Materials

The first step is to submit the online application. There is no application fee. Applicants receive a confirmation email and gain access to the DePaul application status portal (Blue Demon Domain) within 24 hours after submitting the application. This portal is used to upload application materials, check the status of your application, and, in mid-March, receive your admissions decision.
There is a $50 interview fee that must be paid before you may register for an interview.
Your resume can include both theatre experience and non-theatre experience (extracurricular activities, employment, etc.) You will need to submit a resume before you are able to register for an interview.
Your portfolio will steer the interview conversation and should demonstrate your talent and potential as a student for the program. Your portfolio should either be brought with you to your interview or uploaded to your Blue Demon Domain beforehand. Read more about the portfolio and interview.
A photograph is used for identification purposes and does not need to be an official headshot.
Have an official copy of your high school transcript sent to The Theatre School Admissions Office. 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. (Transfer students who have taken over 30 college credits or who are 24 years or older are not required to include high school transcripts alongside their college transcripts.) If you are an international applicant, you may need to provide transcript translations.
Request three letters 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 from family members or personal friends. There is no specific form required for the letter of recommendation. Your recommender may send their letter to us by mail or email, or your counselor may use the High School Counselor Recommendation Form on The Common Application.
You can choose to apply with or without ACT or SAT scores. If you choose to submit your test scores and they do not appear on your high school transcript, request the testing agency forward a score report to DePaul, if you have not already done so. Our college code number for ACT is 1012 and for SAT is 1165. Learn more about applying test optional. Homeschooled applicants cannot apply as test-optional.

International students are required to provide proof of English Language Proficiency. Please visit our international admissions page for a list of tests that can fulfill this requirement.

The Interview

An interview is required of all applicants to the BFA Scene Design program. If possible, applicants should interview in-person at one of our interview days, however custom interviews outside of these dates are also possible. You will need to submit your online application, interview fee, and resume before you can register for an interview. Read more about the BFA Scene Design interview and portfolio.

Application Status Check

Application materials can be mailed, emailed, sent electronically (via The Common Application, Naviance, etc.) or uploaded through your Blue Demon Domain. To check the status of your application materials, view the checklist on your Blue Demon Domain or call The Theatre School Admissions Office at (773) 325-7999. Please allow at least three weeks to process mailed materials. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure all materials are received before the deadline.

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