banner image

Acting for the Stage and Screen Major (BFA)

Study Acting for the Stage and Screen at Azusa Pacific University

We’ll help you graduate ready for professional excellence in on-camera and stage acting. You’ll create a professional reel, gain on-camera credits, and participate in an industry film and live performance at Warner Bros. Studios. APU is just 20 miles from Los Angeles, the entertainment capital of the world. When you study here, you’ll open the door to real-world industry connections.

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 and Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Theater Arts. APU Theater Arts students perform in main stage productions, studio shows, short films, animation voice-overs, webseries, and an L.A. industry showcase.

Upcoming Events

APU One Day

  • March 8, 2024

Silent Sky

  • April 11-20, 2024

Application Deadline

  • March 15, 2024: FINAL EXTENDED decision admissions deadline.

College of the Arts requires a secondary application.

Learn How to Apply

Program Units
63

Location

  • Azusa (Main Campus)

 

Yellow ribbon icon

Yellow Ribbon and Military Friendly School

Phantom of the Opera

Gain Hands-on Experience

  • Professional training in theater, film, and television
  • Audition techniques to meet industry standards
  • Produce and perform in a showcase for Hollywood agents

By the Numbers

13 :1 Student-to-faculty ratio
Top 25 BFA programs in the nation for 2019-2020 by OnStage Blog

 

Get Started

College of the Arts requires a secondary application.

Jollyfisher smiling

Jollyfisher Ekpye ’24 loves that APU is training him in acting for both the stage and screen, since he plans to land roles in both.

Program Details

Looking to act on the stage and screen? APU Theater Arts students perform in main-stage productions, studio shows, short films, an annual webseries, and an L.A. industry showcase. They’re 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 locations such as Warner Bros. Studios.

Browse the tabs below—if you have any questions, email Theater Arts at [email protected] and we’ll make sure you get the info you need.

How to Apply and Audition

The FINAL extended decision admission deadline to apply is March 15, 2024. All applicants must audition.

The following application instructions are for:

  • Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting for the Stage and Screen

All first-year and transfer applicants for undergraduate admission must complete the following:

Submit Your Recorded Pre-Screen Audition

Please be sure to upload all materials via BFA in Acting Recorded Pre-Screen Audition form. The audition form will go live early September. There are no live auditions.

  • Current picture or headshot
  • Resume: Your resume should include any and all performance activities.
  • Two contrasting monologues OR 1 monologue and 16 bars of a song (1-2 minutes per monologue).
  • All about me video: Please upload a video where you share who you are with us.

Guidelines and Recommendations for Recorded Pre-Screen Audition

All applicants to the BFA in Acting for the Stage and Screen will need to upload two separately filmed audition monologues OR one monologue and 16 bars of a song to their supplemental application Recorded Pre-Screen Audition form.

What to Prepare

Applicants should prepare two contrasting monologues. Each piece should be no longer than 2 minutes. If you are a singer, you can replace one monologue for 16 bars of a song.

Filming Your Auditions

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

  • Each monologue should be filmed separately.
  • 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.
  • Please 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.

Invited Interview/Callbacks with Faculty

After submitting your Recorded Pre-Screen Audition, the BFA faculty panel evaluates 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 for your callback. In addition, you will have an 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 a little bit more; in addition to watching your work as an artist, we want to learn about who you are as a person. Early admission applicants will be notified about callbacks mid-November and standard admission applicants will be notified about callbacks late-January.

College of the Arts Talent Scholarships Form

The theater department at APU awards scholarships to students who show strong promise to make an impact in theater at APU. Applicants need to be a theater major in order to receive COTA scholarship funds. To apply, students need to audition and to fill out the above Recorded Pre-screen Audition Form and submit two contrasting monologues or one monologue and 16 bars of a song.

COTA Talent Scholarship Form

How to Apply

General Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Select an option below:

Theater Arts Exclusive Tours 

APU Theater Arts In-Person Campus Tours include an exclusive Theater Arts tour, reception with faculty, lunch with BFA in Acting students, and an audit of a class. Parents and students are invited to participate to find out more about APU Theater Arts. The sessions will be hosted by a member of our admissions team, who will introduce you to our unique program. We look forward to meeting you!

APU Theater Arts One-Day In-Person Campus Tours Spring 2024 Dates

  • March 8
  • April 19

College of the Arts Theater Scholarship

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

 

Although a private college education may seem out of reach for many, recent research from Kiplinger reveals that the actual value of some private universities may prove this assumption wrong. In 2010, Kiplinger selected Azusa Pacific University for its Top 100 Best Values in Private Colleges rankings. Read more about APU’s ranking in Kiplinger’s Best Values in Private Colleges.

APU students may take advantage of three 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:

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

Allison headshot
 
Ashley headshot
 
Bailey headshot
 
Brian headshot
 
Carolyn Wasson
 
Charlie headshot
 
Eliana headshot
 
Emily headshot
 
Enrike headshot
 
Gabriel headshot
 
Jack headshot
 
Jackson headshot
 
Jadon headshot
 
Jollyfisher headshot
 
Kira headshot
 
Kristin headshot
 
Maddie headshot
 
Michael headshot
 
Myles headshot
 
Nicholas headshot
 
North headshot
 
Robert headshot
 
Taina headshot
 

Azusa Pacific University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

Featured Faculty

Monica Ganas

Monica Ganas

Professor, Department of 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

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

APU’s College of the Arts (COTA) 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 2023-24 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

Explore APU

APU’s life-changing education develops you into a disciple and scholar, equipping you to succeed in your field and make a difference in the world.

Schedule a Visit
Request Information
Apply Now