Apply Undergraduate (BFA)

Undergraduate admission to the Department of Theatre requires that students are both academically eligible (based on grades, test scores, class ranking, and other criteria) and talent. This talent is determined through an audition (for actors) or a portfolio review (for designers, stage managers, or those applying for Theatre Studies). Students will also speak with faculty in their specific area of interest. The Department of Theatre admits a class of approximately 40 students each year. Graduates earn a BFA in Theatre.

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ACTING AUDITION INFO

Click here for information regarding the application and audition process

DESIGN, TECHNOLOGY, MANAGEMENT PORTFOLIO INFO

Click here for information regarding portfolios and interviews

THEATRE STUDIES: PLAYWRITING, DIRECTING, DRAMATURGY INFO

Click here for information about writing examples, portfolios, and interviews

TRANSFER STUDENT INFO

Click here for information about transferring from another college or university

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

APPLICATION DEADLINES TUITION/FEE INFO FINANCIAL AID

Details of the Application Process

Priority will be given to those applicants who are academically eligible and who interview and audition early. Early Action applicants must select either the November or December date for Early Action consideration. We encourage students to select the earliest date possible in the application process so that they can receive notifications about their admission status as soon as possible.

After the Department of Theatre faculty members review your audition and/or interview and the status of your application to the university, we will notify the Office of Admissions and Records (OAR) of our recommendation. OAR will review the full university application, the departmental recommendation based on the talent evaluation, and OAR will make the final determination about admission. OAR will post the admission decisions in the My Illini Portal.

If you are admitted, contact the Department of Theatre to reserve your place in the entering BFA class. If you do not contact the department by May 1, 2025, you will not be guaranteed a place. If special circumstances prevent you from following this process, you should contact the department.