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Acting for the Stage and Screen Major (BFA)

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Study Acting for the Stage and Screen at APU

BFA in Acting students at APU train in a variety of performance techniques, participating in high-level main stage productions and studio classes. They are mentored by professors with acclaimed professional credentials—working actors, directors, designers, agents, and casting directors. BFA seniors culminate their training with an industry showcase in Los Angeles at prestigious locations such as Warner Bros. Studios. One of the key advantages is our location—our students learn their craft in the heart of the entertainment industry. This program develops innovators and storytellers of all kinds.

Students in the BFA in Acting may audition for an optional musical theater emphasis.

Get Started

Theater Arts requires a secondary application and audition.

Program at a Glance

Azusa Pacific University Theater Arts offers a nationally ranked top-30 Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Acting for the Stage and Screen with an optional musical theater emphasis. APU Theater Arts students perform in main stage productions, studio shows, short films, animation voice-overs, web series, and an L.A. industry showcase.

Upcoming Events

APU One Day

  • October 5, 2024

The Music Man

  • October 4-26, 2024

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  • November 7-16, 2024

Pride and Prejudice

  • February 12-22, 2025

New Works Festival

  • April 3-12, 2025

Application Deadline

  • Early Admission Deadline: November 15, 2024
  • Regular Admission Deadline: January 24, 2025

Theater Arts requires a secondary application and audition.

Learn How to Apply

Program Information

  • Program Units: 69-77

Location

  • Azusa (Main Campus)

 

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Gain Hands-on Experience

  • Professional training for the stage and screen with professional actors, directors, and writers.
  • Audition techniques to meet industry standards.
  • Produce and perform in a showcase for Hollywood agents.

By the Numbers

10 :1 Student-to-faculty ratio
Top 25 BFA programs in the nation for 2019-20 by OnStage Blog
Spotlight theater sign

Each spring, APU hosts an Industry Spotlight event at legendary Warner Bros. Studios, giving graduating students in APU’s highly acclaimed cinematic arts, theater, art, animation, design, games and interactive media, and music programs an extraordinary opportunity to showcase their work in front of talent representatives, casting directors, friends, and family. The Industry Spotlight is an example of APU’s innovative approach to the arts made possible because of our industry-connected faculty and close proximity to Los Angeles.

Program Details

 

How to Apply and Submit Pre-Screen Audition

You must audition to be accepted into the BFA in Acting for the Stage and Screen program. All first-year and transfer applicants for undergraduate admission must submit the following:

  • Current picture or headshot
  • Résumé (include any and all performance activities)
  • Video audition requirements:
    • BFA in Acting for the Stage and Screen: Two contrasting one-minute monologues.
    • BFA in Acting for the Stage and Screen Musical Theater Emphasis: One one-minute monologue and 32 bars of a song

Be sure to upload all materials via the BFA in Acting for the Stage and Screen audition form.

Application Deadlines

Early admission: November 15, 2024

Regular admission: January 24, 2025

Filming Your Auditions

Pre-screen audition videos do not need to be professionally filmed, but they should provide clear picture and audio. We understand that it may be difficult to find a suitable location to film your auditions, and the location you choose will have no bearing on your candidacy for this program. Below are some things we’d like you to keep in mind when you film:

  • Ensure you are in a well-lit area with minimal background distractions and that your audio is clear and understandable.
  • Your contrasting monologues should be filmed as a close-up. The frame should be sized to include the top of your head down to your chest.
  • Each monologue should begin with a slate that includes your name, the title of the monologue, and the playwright’s name.
  • Do not add an accent or dialect when performing your monologues. We are much more interested in listening to your natural voice.
  • Dress as you would for an in-person audition. Costumes are not needed.

If you have questions about content and material, contact us at [email protected].

Invited Interview/Callbacks with Faculty

The BFA faculty panel will evaluate all pre-screen auditions. Selected candidates will be invited to attend our Callback Weekend. You may be asked to perform one or two monologues from your recorded audition submissions during your callback. In addition, you will have the opportunity to converse with the BFA faculty panel evaluators before or after presenting your monologues. This is a chance for us to get to know you better. In addition to watching your work as an artist, we want to learn about who you are as a person.

  • Early Admission Applicants: Notification about callbacks will be in late November.
  • Regular Admission Applicants: Notification about callbacks will be in late January.

Theater Arts Talent Scholarship 

The Department of Theater Arts at APU awards scholarships to students who show strong promise of making an impact in theater at APU. To be eligible for a scholarship, you must be a theater major. Submitting your audition materials automatically enters you for consideration for a theater arts talent scholarship.

APU Undergraduate Application

General Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Select an option below:

Theater Arts Exclusive Tours 

Join us for an exclusive look at our theater arts program! Our tours include:

  • A special theater arts tour
  • A reception with faculty
  • Lunch with BFA in Acting students
  • The opportunity to audit a class

Parents and students are welcome to participate and discover more about APU theater arts. Each session is hosted by a member of our admissions team, who will introduce you to our unique program. We look forward to meeting you!

Theater Arts In-person Immersive Day

On November 15, 2024, spend the day with theater arts faculty and students. Join us for a university tour and department tour, connect with faculty, audit a class, have lunch with theater students, and see a production.

APU Theater Arts One-day In-person Campus Tours, Fall 2024 Dates

  • September 20, 2024
  • October 25, 2024
  • December 6, 2024

Theater Arts Talent Scholarship

The Theater Arts Theater Scholarship is a talent-based scholarship available to select incoming undergraduate students enrolled in the:

 

You might think that a private college education is beyond your reach, but there are many financial resources available to help make an Azusa Pacific education a reality. APU students may take advantage of three basic types of financial aid: scholarships and grants, education loans, and student employment.

Scholarships and Grants

Scholarships and grants are considered “gift aid” and do not require repayment. They can come from federal, state, or private sources. Scholarships are typically merit-based, meaning they are awarded depending on demonstrated academic ability or other specific talents.

Scholarships are often available from sources outside of APU. You can search for these scholarships through websites such as finaid.org or fastweb.com. The Student Services Center is sometimes notified of scholarships available through APU departments or local organizations, and can provide information about any available scholarships on request.

Education Loans

Education loans are usually repaid after graduation, may be deferred until after graduate school, and often have very low interest rates.

Military Benefits

Military members—and in some cases their spouses and dependents—qualify for financial assistance covering tuition, housing, and books. Azusa Pacific is a Yellow Ribbon University and Military Friendly School, so you can be confident that you’ll receive the benefits and flexibility you need to complete your education.

Student Employment

On-campus student employment is available for students needing additional income to pay for education-related expenses. APU students also find work off campus in the surrounding community.

Net Price Calculator

We’re committed to helping families understand early in the college search process the value of the APU experience and options for affordable financing of a top-tier Christian university education.

Now that you’re familiar with the financial aid opportunities available to APU students, it’s time to estimate what your true cost may be to attend Azusa Pacific. Remember, estimations are only as accurate as the information you provide. Click on the Net Price Calculator button below to begin.

Net Price Calculator

To view specific requirements and coursework information, visit the current academic catalog:

All BFA in Acting for the Stage and Screen students in the musical theater emphasis take the same core classes, as well as advanced classes in singing, a variety of dance techniques, and music theater styles and skills. By senior year, students are introduced to a broad range of projects on the stage and screen. Students perform in larger roles on the main stages and gain exposure to on-camera work for film and television in sketch comedy episodes and a senior Industry Spotlight web series. Students also take classes that prepare them for the business aspects of the profession. A BFA Showcase in the Industry Spotlight provides all students with the opportunity to perform before industry professionals in Los Angeles.

All application deadlines and admission requirements for the musical theater emphasis are the same as those of the regular BFA, with one exception: The video audition requirements include one one-minute monologue and 32 bars of a song (as opposed to two contrasting one-minute monologues).

The 2022 BFA Senior Showcase, featuring our graduating senior class, took place in Los Angeles in May. Watch the highlights below!

BFA Senior Showcase 2022

Take a Look at the Class of 2024

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Ashley headshot
 
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Carolyn Wasson
 
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Eliana headshot
 
Emily headshot
 
Enrike headshot
 
Gabriel headshot
 
Jack headshot
 
Jackson headshot
 
Jadon headshot
 
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Kira headshot
 
Kristin headshot
 
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Michael headshot
 
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Azusa Pacific University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

Featured Faculty

Jill Brennan-Lincoln

Jill Brennan-Lincoln

Chair, Department of Theater Arts; Associate Professor, Theater Arts

Christopher Keene

Christopher Keene

Associate Professor of Technical Theater, Department of Theater Arts

Kirsten Lundin Humer

Kirsten Lundin Humer

Program Director, BFA in Acting for the Stage and Screen; Associate Professor, Department of Theater Arts

Career Outlooks and Outcomes

Spotlight theater sign

School of the Arts Hosts Industry Spotlight at Warner Bros. Studios

APU’s School of the Arts hosted the 2023 Industry Spotlight on May 4 at the legendary Warner Bros. Studios, giving students a chance to showcase their work in front of industry talent representatives and casting directors.

Note: This information is current for the 2024-25 academic year; however, all stated academic information is subject to change. Refer to the current Academic Catalog for more information.

 

Related Programs

Cinematic Arts Major

  • Azusa

Available Concentrations:

Entertainment Executive, Production and Post, Screen Studies