General Information
COVID-19 and Auditions/Interviews
The University of Utah Department of Theatre closely follows university policy, city and state ordinances, and health guidelines from the CDC and local health authorities in order to prioritize the health and safety of prospective students. Here are some of the ways we plan to make your audition and interview experience as safe and rewarding as possible:
- All required interviews for BFA Programs will be conducted virtually (Performing Arts Design, Stage Management, Theatre Teaching)
- We are providing opportunities to audition either virtually or in-person on the University of Utah campus.
- In-person auditions will take place in large, well-ventilated rooms equipped with air cleaners.
- Students who plan to audition in-person are encouraged to wear high-quality masks (fitted surgical masks, KN95, N95 or equivalent) over their nose and mouth at all times when not actively auditioning. Masks may be provided on request.
- Any person who is symptomatic, in quarantine or isolation, or has tested positive for COVID-19 within 5 days prior to auditions should not audition in-person.
- For individuals who cannot attend in-person, virtual auditions are available on scheduled dates or by arrangement. If you are unable to attend our scheduled virtual audition date, contact us at to make alternate arrangements.
- As a reminder, students who attend the University of Utah are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Vaccination and boosters are the best way to protect yourself and our campus community.
- For more information about the University of Utah's COVID-19 policies and response, visit https://coronavirus.utah.edu
Before You Apply
In addition to our outstanding BA (Bachelor of Arts) degree program in Theatre Studies, we provide highly challenging, engaging, and focused BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) degree programs in Actor Training, Musical Theatre, Performing Arts Design, Stage Management, and Theatre Teaching.
Upon admission, you can declare your major by meeting with a College of Fine Arts Academic Advisor. BA Theatre Studies students may declare their major at any time. However, in order to declare a major in any of our BFA programs, you must apply and be accepted to both the university and the BFA program of your choice.
Application Checklist for BFA Students:
-
Apply to the University of Utah*
-
Prepare your application materials for your BFA program
-
Schedule your audition or interview and submit your application materials
-
Once you are accepted to both the university and your BFA program, declare your major by meeting with a College of Fine Arts Academic Advisor
Transfer Students
If you would like to transfer into one of our Theatre BFA programs, please contact us at so we can connect you with the Area Head for that program. Due to limited class capacity and the structure of our programs, transfer decisions must be handled on a case-by-case basis. Meanwhile, keep reading: whether you’re an incoming freshmen or a transfer student, you will need to apply for admission to the BFA program of your choice.
*Although you don't have to apply to the U or be accepted before you schedule your audition or interview, we strongly recommend that you apply as early as possible. Incoming Freshmen who apply to the University of Utah and submit their FAFSA prior to December 1 will automatically be considered for all University-wide scholarships and financial aid.
**If you need to have your audition fee waived for any reason, please contact us at . We do not require an explanation or proof of need to waive your fee. Although we rely on our audition fees to cover certain recruitment costs, we absolutely do not want them to present an obstacle to any potential student.
Dates and Deadlines
U of U Admission and Scholarship Dates and Deadlines
Early Action application deadline: recommended for all students, especially those applying for financial aid
Application Deadline for automatic Merit Scholarship consideration
FAFSA deadline for automatic Need-Based Scholarship consideration*
University Early Action admission notifications
Notifications begin for University-wide merit- and need-based scholarships
ATP/MTP auditions closed; final day to submit materials
Final ATP/MTP acceptances sent out
Final Deadline for Fall Semester admissions
Deadline to confirm intent to enroll in BFA programs for Fall '22
University of Utah Audition Dates
BFA program auditions and interviews are now closed for Fall 2022 consideration. We may still be able to accept video submissions (ATP/MTP) and interview requests (PADP, Theatre Teaching, Stage Management) on a limited, case-by-case basis. If interested, please contact for more information.
Dec 11, 2021: In-person and virtual auditions available
Feb 5, 2022: In-person auditions on campus (subject to change)
Feb 20, 2022: Virtual auditions only
Dec 11, 2021: In-person and virtual auditions available
Feb 19, 2022: In-person auditions on campus (subject to change)
Feb 20, 2022: Virtual auditions only
Unified Audition Dates
New York City: Jan 29-30, 2022
Chicago: February 7-10, 2022
Anaheim: February 12, 2022
If you have questions about audition options, dates, or information sessions, contact us at .
ATP/MTP Admissions
Apply Online: Actor Training Program & Musical Theatre Program
To be admitted to the Actor Training Program or the Musical Theatre Program, students must schedule an audition and submit additional application materials. Please follow the guide below to ensure that you have completed all the necessary steps.
Step 1: Before You Schedule Your Audition
Before you schedule your audition for the ATP or MTP, please prepare the following:
-
-
A current resume with contact information, including current phone number, email, and physical mailing address
-
A digital 8 x 10 headshot or photograph (JPEG or PNG preferred)
-
$30 non-refundable application fee* (to be paid online during registration)
-
Two references who can attest to your academic accomplishments and/or your talent, potential, and dedication
-
A 1-2 page letter that summarizes your reasons for pursuing a career in acting or musical theatre, as well as your career goals
**If you need to have your audition fee waived for any reason, please contact us at . We do not require an explanation or proof of need to waive your fee. Although we rely on our audition fees to cover certain recruitment costs, we absolutely do not want them to present an obstacle to any potential student.
Step 2: Scheduling Your Audition
University of Utah Audition Dates
Dec 11, 2021: In-person and virtual auditions available
Feb 5, 2022: In-person auditions on campus (subject to change)
Feb 20, 2022: Virtual auditions only
Dec 11, 2021: In-person and virtual auditions available
Feb 19, 2022: In-person auditions on campus (subject to change)
Feb 20, 2022: Virtual auditions only
Unified Audition Dates
New York City: Jan 29-30, 2022
Chicago: February 7-10, 2022
Anaheim: February 12, 2022
When you are ready to schedule an audition, go through the following steps:
-
Make sure you have your resume, headshot, references, and letter ready to upload
-
Pay your audition fee using UMarket: https://umarket.utah.edu/um2/theatre_audition/
-
Once your payment is complete you will receive an email from with links and instructions for scheduling your audition time and submitting your audition application and required documents.
Step 3: Preparing For Your Audition
Please prepare the following for your audition, depending on your intended area of emphasis:
Actor Training Program Audition Requirements:
-
-
Please prepare two contrasting monologues. Monologues should be memorized and selected from produced plays (no monologues from film, television, or original/self-written work, please)
-
-
Each monologue should be under 90 seconds in length.
-
One monologue should be a character that is close to your age, personality and life experience.
-
One monologue can be Shakespeare, but this is not required.
Musical Theatre Program Audition Requirements:
-
-
Be prepared to perform two 32-bar selections: one from the pre-1960 musical theatre repertoire, and one from the contemporary musical theatre repertoire
-
-
If you audition in-person on the University of Utah campus, an accompanist will be provided.
-
If you are auditioning in another location, please bring a backing track and a speaker.
-
Please bring your book of audition material (monologues and songs), as we may ask to hear other options.
-
Learn a short dance sequence and submit a dance audition video
-
-
For instructions, teaching videos, and an accompaniment track, see step 4 below.
-
Your dance video must be submitted at least 48 hours prior to your scheduled audition.
Step 4: Submit Audition Videos
Musical Theatre Program Dance Audition
Please learn the following sequence, then create and submit a dance audition video.
This video must be submitted at least 48 hours prior to your audition.
MTP Dance Audition Instructions Download Accompaniment File Here
Video #1: Full Dance Sequence
Video #2: First 16 Counts for the Beginning Dancer
Video #3: Learning the Sequence from Behind
Video #4: Teaching Video
Submit Your Video
Stage Management Admissions
Apply Online: Stage Management Program
To be admitted to the Stage Management Program, students must schedule an interview and submit additional application materials.
Before you schedule your interview, please prepare the following:
-
-
A current resume with contact information, including current phone number, email, and physical mailing address
-
A one- to two-page letter of purpose addressing the following questions:
-
A two- to five-page PDF sample of work including one or more of the following:
-
Stage Management Work Examples: Rehearsal/Performance Notes or Reports, Staging Notation, Calling Script, etc.
-
Theatrical Work Examples: Design Renderings, Photographs, Technical Drawings, etc.
-
Creative or Professional Writing Examples: Formal Essay, Research Paper, Short Story, Speech, Professional Emails, etc.
Schedule your interview and submit application materials at the following link:
Stage Management Interview/Application
PADP Admissions
Apply Online: Performing Arts Design Program
To be admitted to the Performing Arts Design Program, students must schedule an interview and submit additional application materials.
Before you schedule your interview, please prepare the following:
-
-
A current resume with contact information, including current phone number, email, and physical mailing address
-
A one- to two-page letter of purpose addressing the following questions:
-
A three- to five-page PDF sample of your work including one or more of the following:
-
-
Design Work Examples: Design Rendering, Photographs, Links to any Video or Audio Work
-
Technical Work Examples: Photographs, Ground Plan Drawings, Elevation Drawings, Light Plots, Sound Plots, Links to any Video or Audio Work
Schedule your interview and submit application materials at the following link:
PADP Interview/Application
Theatre Teaching Admissions
Apply Online: Theatre Teaching Program
To be admitted to the Theatre Teaching Program, students must schedule an interview and submit additional application materials.
Before you schedule your interview, please prepare the following:
-
-
A current resume with contact information, including current phone number, email, and physical mailing address
-
A 1-2 page letter of purpose summarizing your reasons for wanting to pursue a career in theatre education (K-12) and your career goals
-
2 letters of recommendation submitted directly to the Department of Theatre at
-
-
One letter should address your academic accomplishments. This letter must be written by a teacher who can speak to your scholastic abilities and achievements.
-
One letter should focus on teaching and working with youth. This letter should be written by a professional educator, theatre teacher, or director who has supervised and/or observed you while you interacted with school-aged children, (grades K-12) in an afterschool program, summer camp, artistic or academic setting.
Schedule your interview and submit application materials at the following link:
Theatre Teaching Interview/Application