Admission to the Theater BFA program is by audition. The Theater BA does not require an audition.

The BFA is a highly selective, three-year program designed for students seeking intensive training in acting, voice, movement, and performance. Students enter the BFA program at the beginning of their sophomore year.

Audition Dates

Theater BFA auditions are typically offered twice each year:

  • Spring: Late May or early June
  • Fall: Shortly before the beginning of fall quarter

September Auditions

September 22, 2026 | 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Movement Studio TD-W 1507
University of California
Theater & Dance
Santa Barbara, CA 93106


Register for Audition Here

How to Audition

  1. Apply to UCSB
    Transfer students must complete the UCSB application process separately from the Theater BFA audition.
  2. Register for a Theater BFA Audition
    All students must register in advance for an audition.
  3. Prepare your audition materials
    Review the requirements below and arrive prepared to perform.
  4. Attend your audition 
    Be prepared to stay for the full audition period.

Who Can Audition?

Current UCSB Students

Incoming freshmen do not audition for the BFA before beginning at UCSB. All first-year Theater students begin in the Theater BA program.

Students may audition for the BFA at the end of their freshman year. Students accepted through the audition begin the three-year BFA program in their sophomore year.

Transfer Students

Eligible transfer students may audition for the BFA before beginning their first year at UCSB.

Transfer students may audition during the spring or fall audition period preceding their expected start quarter. Because the BFA requires three years of study, transfer students should plan their coursework accordingly.

Please note: Admission to the Theater BFA and admission to UCSB are separate processes. Students must be admitted to the university as well as accepted into the BFA program.

What to Prepare for Auditions

For all students, please provide the following:

  • A written 200 word statement as to why you want to be part of the UCSB Theater and Dance Department BFA in Acting program. 
  • An acting resume, or list of your theater related activities.
  • A headshot, or any picture that shows your face (May be from a cellphone).
  • At least one letter of recommendation from someone who is familiar with your acting.

Please submit these items to theaterdance-auditions@ucsb.edu by Wednesday, September 16th.

Two Contrasting Monologues

Prepare two contrasting monologues from contemporary plays, chosen from material appropriate to your age range.

  • Both monologues should be fully prepared and memorized.
  • The combined time limit is three minutes — approximately 90 seconds per monologue.
  • Choose contrasting pieces that showcase your range and give the faculty a sense of who you are as an actor.

Audition Day at a Glance

11–11:45 a.m. — Check-in & audition numbers given
12 p.m. — Introductions & group warm-up
After warm-up — Individual monologue auditions
Following auditions — Possible callbacks
By 5 p.m. — Audition concludes