1. Degrees Offered
  2. Acting
  3. BFA Acting Audition Day Information

BFA Acting Audition Day Information

Acting-BFA Admissions Process:

Admissions to the School of Fine Arts as a BFA Acting Major is a three-step process. 

  • Submit an Acting-BFA SlideRoom Application
    • Deadline: January 1st
  • Apply to UConn
    • Deadline: January 15th
    • However, we recommend you apply by December 1 for automatic University Merit Scholarship & Honors Program consideration. 
  • If selected, register for an In-Person Callback

Acting Callback Day:

After the committee has reviewed your SlideRoom audition materials, you will be notified if you have been offered a callback. If selected, you will be prompted to book a four-hour morning or afternoon callback in-person on the Storrs, CT campus. It is to your advantage to sign up for one of the earlier dates.                          Your callback will consist of Group Work and an Individual Audition.  Please bring a printed copy of your resume and headshot. 

Group Call

We will do a group warm-up, some improvisation work, and some cold reads of text which we will provide you on the callback day. Please wear clothes that allow you to move freely and breathe deeply, like gym clothes. You will have time after the group session to change into your callback clothes.

 

Individual Callback

Your Individual callback will consist of your introduction and two contrasting monologues, each 60–90 seconds long, all lasting no more than 3 minutes total. Monologues should be within your casting age and range and may be contemporary, classic, comic, or dramatic. Each piece must be thoroughly memorized. Do not use dialects or accents other than your own, even if the script calls for them.

As you did for SlideRoom, begin by introducing yourself and your material: tell us your name, the character's name, and the title of the piece for each selection. You may perform your pieces in any order.

Headshot and Resume: Please bring one printed copy of your resume and headshot (a photo of you alone) to your callback.  

Group work: No preparation needed. We're looking for your instincts and responsiveness.

BFA Acting Callback Dates:

Early Decision Callback:

  • Saturday, November 14, 2026

Regular Decision Callbacks:

  • Sunday, December 13, 2026
  • Sunday, January 17, 2027
  • Sunday, January 24, 2027

For questions, please contact drama@uconn.edu or call 860-486-1635.

*If you require accommodations, please contact us.

Acting BFA FAQs

    • Q: How do I apply to UConn as an Acting BFA major?
      • Please see the Undergraduate Admission Process. Applying to the Acting BFA program is a three-step process:
        • Step 1: You must first apply to UConn via either the Common Application or the Coalition App.
        • Step 2: You must submit a SlideRoom Acting BFA application and audition.
        • Step 3: If selected, attend an in-person callback.
      • Steps 1 + 2 must be completed BEFORE you receive a confirmed callback slot.  Callback slots are not guaranteed.
    • Q: When is the application deadline?
      • The SlideRoom deadline is January 1st, and the UConn general application is due on January 15th.  We encourage you to complete both by January 1st.
      • Callbacks are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, if selected. It is to your benefit to apply by Dec. 1.
      • Q: How do I sign up for an in-person callback?
        • After submitting your SlideRoom Application and Audition (Step 2), you may be prompted to schedule an in-person callback if selected. To be considered for the Acting BFA program, you must attend a callback.
      • Q: When will we receive our results?
        • UConn Admissions decision notification begins early March, which will state if you were admitted to the Acting BFA program.
        • The Department of Dramatic Arts distributes annual scholarships for talent and financial need.
        • UConn participates in the New England Regional Student Program. The New England Board of Higher Education provides New England residents with a tuition reduction when they pursue certain majors at New England public colleges and universities. Due to its unique nature, UConn’s Acting BFA is one of the approved degree programs. Students from Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont are eligible for a significant discount on out-of-state tuition when they choose Acting BFA as their major.
      • Q: What is the acceptance rate?
        • This varies greatly year to year based on the number of applicants both within the department and at UConn.
      • How can I increase the likelihood of admission to the Dramatic Arts department?
        • If you are applying to any of our BFA programs, we recommend you select Theatre Studies BA as your second choice major. It doubles your opportunity to engage with our program.

       

      SLIDEROOM APPLICATION

      • Q: How long can my SlideRoom video audition be?
        • SlideRoom videos must be no longer than 2 minutes long and should include your slate, monologue, and a song.
        • If it is easier to upload these videos as separate files, you may do so.  A maximum of 3 video files is allowed.
        • Q: What happens if I make a mistake in SlideRoom or want to update my SlideRoom after I submit?
          • You cannot make edits to your application once it is submitted. 
        • Q: I am a current UConn student. How do I become an Acting BFA major?
          • Current UConn students who wish to either change their major or add a second major of Acting-BFA must submit an online application through SlideRoom: "CURRENT UCONN STUDENT | Acting, BFA."
          • It is also important to know, you will most likely be required to stay an additional semester or more to complete your Acting BFA degree.
          • Please know that due to the competitive nature of our program, we are extremely limited in the number of major change students we can accept. Therefore, get your portfolio submitted as early as possible. Meet with your current academic advisor to select classes for the upcoming fall semester and be willing to adjust your schedule accordingly should you be approved for the major change/add.

         

        CALLBACK PROCESS

        • Q: What happens during the in-person callback?
          • Auditions consists of two contrasting monologues totaling no more than 3 minutes. A song is not required for callbacks. After you share your callback with us, we may work with you on one of your pieces. We will also take a few minutes to talk with you.
          • Additionally, before or after your callback, there will be a Group Call during the day. All students asked to a callback are required to attend in order to be considered for the program. 
        • Q: What happens during the Group Call?
          • The Group Call will take place on the day of your callback. This will be before your individual callback slot. All auditioners are required to attend. Wear clothes that allow you to move easily and breathe freely (like clothes you might wear to the gym). You will have time to change into or out of your callback clothes. The call will be about 50 minutes and will involve a group warm-up, some improvisation work, and some cold reads of text which we will provide you on the callback day.
        • Q: What are some helpful auditions tips?
          • Memorize your material.
          • Practice in front of someone else several times before the audition. 
          • Rehearse in your audition clothes and shoes so you have fewer surprises on the day of your audition.
          • If your piece is to another character in the play, choose a spot just above and to the side of the auditors to "see" the person you're talking to. In other words, don't deliver your piece directly to the auditors, unless you are performing a piece where direct address is incorporated, such as a soliloquy or another audience interactive piece.
          • Really see the imaginary person you are talking to in your mind's eye: notice their reactions, let them change you.
          • Most importantly: have fun!

         

              ABOUT THE ACTING BFA PROGRAM

              • Q: What are class sizes?
                • Class sizes are 10-15 students.
              • Q: Is an MFA required to get jobs?
                • No, an MFA is not required to get jobs. Our intensive, conservatory-style program prepares students for direct entry into the profession or for continuing study in an MFA acting program. You can see some of our notable alumni here.
              • Q: What is the London Experiential Global Learning Program?
                • BFA Acting Students study abroad at Theatre Academy London. The program is an amazing opportunity for our actors to continue their performance training and to see affordable, professional theatre in one of the theatrical centers of the world. The semester in London is a requirement of our program. UConn Experiential Global Learning has excellent resources to assist students who may need additional financial support to participate.