General Information
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. 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.
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To be admitted to the Actor Training Program or the Musical Theatre Program, students must schedule an audition and submit additional application materials.
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To be admitted to the Performing Arts Design Program, Stage Management Program, or Theatre Teaching Program, students must schedule an interview and submit additional application materials.
- BA Theatre Studies students may declare their major at any time by meeting with a College of Fine Arts Academic Advisor.
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Application Checklist for BFA Students:
- Apply to the University of Utah
- We strongly recommend that you submit your university application by December 1. Incoming Freshmen who apply to the University of Utah by December 1 will automatically be considered for all University of Utah merit scholarships.
- 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.
- Apply to the BFA program of your choice
- Prepare your application materials for your BFA program
- Schedule your audition or interview and submit your application materials
- Keep an eye out for notifications from the U and from the Department of Theatre
- University of Utah admission notifications begin on January 15 for Early Action applicants
- Final MTP/ATP acceptances will be sent out by March 7
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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
- Apply to the University of Utah
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 freshman or a transfer student, you will need to apply for admission to the BFA program of your choice.
**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 & Deadlines
Important Dates & Deadlines
September 15
BFA Program Applications Open
BFA Program Auditions and Interviews Begin
In-Person Auditions (ATP/MTP)
November 13
Department of Theatre Virtual Meet & Greet
December 1
Early Action application deadline—recommended for all prospective Theatre students*
Application Deadline for automatic Merit Scholarship consideration
January 15
University Early Action admission notifications begin
February 1
FAFSA submission deadline for For Utah scholarship (Utah residents only)
Mid-February
Notifications begin for university scholarships (merit and need-based)
February 18
In-Person Auditions (ATP/MTP)
February 20
ATP/MTP auditions close; final day to submit application materials
March 7
Final ATP/MTP acceptances sent out
April 1
University of Utah application deadline for Fall '23 admissions
May 1
Deadline to confirm intent to enroll in BFA programs for Fall '23
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.
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:
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A current resume with contact information, including current phone number, email, and physical mailing address
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A one- to two-page letter of purpose addressing the following questions:
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Why do you want a BFA in Stage Management from the University of Utah?
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What do you think makes a great stage manager?
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A PDF sample of work including one or more of the following:
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Stage Management Work Examples: Rehearsal/Performance Notes or Reports, Staging Notation, Calling Script, etc.
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Theatrical Work Examples: Design Renderings, Photographs, Technical Drawings, etc.
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Creative or Professional Writing Examples: Formal Essay, Research Paper, Short Story, Speech, Professional Emails, etc.
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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:
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A current resume with contact information, including current phone number, email, and physical mailing address
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A one- to two-page letter of purpose addressing the following questions:
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Why do you want a BFA in Performing Arts Design from the University of Utah?
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Who has inspired you as a theatrical designer?
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A three- to five-page PDF sample of your work including one or more of the following:
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Design Work Examples: Design Rendering, Photographs, Links to any Video or Audio Work
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Technical Work Examples: Photographs, Ground Plan Drawings, Elevation Drawings, Light Plots, Sound Plots, Links to any Video or Audio Work
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Schedule your interview and submit application materials at the following link:
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:
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A current resume with contact information, including current phone number, email, and physical mailing address
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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
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2 letters of recommendation submitted directly to the Department of Theatre at
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One letter should address your academic accomplishments. This letter must be written by a teacher who can speak to your scholastic abilities and achievements.
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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.
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Schedule your interview and submit application materials at the following link:
Theatre Teaching Interview/Application