Home > Theatre Undergraduate Programs > BFA Actor Training Program : BFA Auditions & Admission

Auditions & Admission

Acceptance into the BFA Program is based on audition as well as a good academic record. Students will need to apply to and be accepted by the College of Liberal Arts. It is strongly suggested that you do so before your scheduled audition. Apply online or call 1.800.752.1000 to receive application materials in the mail.

Audition Requirements for Applicants

Throughout the audition process, we are looking for a particular kind of student: raw talent rather than slick polish. Passionate desire rather than “something fun to do”. Love of literature rather than dreams of fame and fortune. An appreciation of history. Curiosity. A sense of humor. A willingness to risk. A willingness to fail. We are seeking twenty actors who we believe will become artists of the American theatre and our future colleagues.

Seeing your work and your resume along with meeting you for a short discussion is the best way to find these things out. (Don’t forget to bring your photo/resume! The photo does not need to be professionally done but should look like you.) To make your audition a much better experience for both of us, please follow the following guidelines:

We ask that you prepare and present two monologues that when combined do not to exceed 3 minutes total plus a short introduction.

Select them from written, produced plays. Please do not choose material from films, television, or original and/or self-written scripts.
Rehearse them so that the total time does not exceed three minutes.
At least one should be a portrayal of a character close to you in age, temperament, and emotional experience.
Choose one from a play written over one hundred years ago. (Examples are Shakespeare, Moliere, Calderon, Ibsen, Shaw, Chekhov, and Wilde.)
Choose one from a play written within the last one hundred years. (Examples are O’Neill, Odets, Lorca, Williams; Miller, Wilson, and other living playwrights.)

In addition, please prepare a third piece not to exceed 1 ½ minutes in length. Choose something from a role that others would probably never cast you as, but that you would love to play. Think as broadly and creatively as possible – you can go beyond age and type. This is to give us an idea of where your passion lies so we can know more about who you are and how you think.

We will also be taking the time to have a short conversation with you.
This is to give us, and you, a chance to ask questions and get to know each other a bit. It will be informal. There is nothing you can do to prepare for it but to be honest and completely yourself.

Audition Checklist (PDF)
To schedule an audition: 2010 BFA Audition Request Form

2010 Audition Tour

Minneapolis - Jan 22, 23 & 24, 2010
New York - Jan 30 & 31, 2010
Chicago - Feb 1, 2 & 3, 2010
San Francisco - February 6, 2010
Los Angeles- February 7, 2010

If you have questions please don't hesitate to e-mail bfath@umn.edu or call 612.626.1251.