Prospective Theatre Students
Information for anyone interested in studying theatre at Southern Utah University
On this page:
Degrees Offered
- Bachelor's Degree in Acting (B.F.A.)
- Bachelor's Degree in Musical Theatre (B.F.A.)
- Bachelor's Degree in Theatre Arts (B.A./B.S.)
- Theatre Arts Education option available
- Bachelor's Degree in Theatre Design and Production (B.F.A.)
- Arts Administration minor
- Dance minor
- Shakespeare Studies minor
- Theatre Arts minor
Theatre Admissions & Auditions
If you are interested in earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts, you must first apply and be accepted to Southern Utah University.
Audition Dates
- BFA Auditions will be virtual over Zoom and in-person for 2025-26
- Once you have submitted your Acceptd application, you will receive a link to schedule your Zoom audition time.
Zoom Auditions/Interviews
- February 7, 2026
- February 28, 2026
In-person Auditions/Interviews
- February 14, 2026 in the SUU Auditorium. Check-in starts at 9:30 a.m.
Online ONLY Audition
- Due February 28, 2026
Live Audition Format:
Performance BFA candidates will schedule an audition date through the Acceptd application, the department will contact you after you apply to schedule a time. After each individual audition time there will be a short interview session. After all students have had their private audition there will be a one hour masterclass and movement group class, please bring clothes to move in.
Design and Technical BFA candidates will schedule an interview date through the Acceptd application, the department will contact you about an interview time. During the interview you will meet with the faculty to discuss your portfolio, goals and the program in general, interviews typically last one half hour
Video Audition Format:
If you cannot attend a live audition you may upload audition material through the Acceptd application website. State your name and pieces you are performing at the beginning of your first uploaded monologue.
Record each audition piece individually and label them as “mono1,” “mono2,” and “song” (if required). Record your video in a way that we can see your face clearly, but also so we can see your physical interpretation of your monologue or song. Waist up is typically best
Audition Requirements
At this time students interested in pursuing either the BA or BS in Theatre Arts or Theatre Arts Education are not required to audition to join the program. Students should simply declare their desired program when applying to the university.
- Acceptd Application
- Resume
- One (1) Page Statement of Purpose
- Desired Audition Date and Time or Online Audition
- Admission to Southern Utah University
- Headshot
- One (1) Shakespeare VERSE monologue- no more than one (1) minute
- One (1) Contemporary monologue- no more than one (1) minute
Additional Information and Resources
Statement of Purpose
The statement of purpose required for the degree is a short, two to three paragraph, document that describes yourself, hobbies, interests as well as strengths and weaknesses both within and outside of theatre, career aspirations, why you want to pursue a BFA degree in theatre, and, if you have a reason, why SUU. Please make the document honest, do not try to write something you think we want to hear. We want an honest assessment of where you see yourself and your place so we can make sure we select the best people for the training we offer here.
- Acceptd Application
- One (1) Page Statement of Purpose
- Desired Audition Date and Time or Online Audition
- Admission to Southern Utah University
- Headshot
- One (1) Shakespeare VERSE monologue- no more than one (1) minute
- One (1) 32-Bar cut of a Musical Theatre song that shows your range- no more than one (1) minute
- One (1) Contemporary monologue- no more than one (1) minute
-
With your audition time link you will also receive a link to submit your dance video
Each applicant will need to upload thee dance videos as part of the application process. A fourth video is optional. A tutorial video is available for showing the choreography on what to include on each video. A playlist of the music is also available.
- Ballet- Required
- Battements and Pirouettes - Required
- Combination - Required
- Tap (Optional)
Additional Information and Resources
Statement of Purpose
The statement of purpose required for the degree is a short, two to three paragraph, document that describes yourself, hobbies, interests as well as strengths and weaknesses both within and outside of theatre, career aspirations, why you want to pursue a BFA degree in theatre, and, if you have a reason, why SUU. Please make the document honest, do not try to write something you think we want to hear. We want an honest assessment of where you see yourself and your place so we can make sure we select the best people for the training we offer here.
Song Tips
- Do not sing a cappella. Use tracks or a live accompanist
- Sing something that best shows your talent and range
Monologue Tips
- Do not use props, sets, dialect, or costumes
- Make sure that the pieces is age-appropriate
- Acceptd Application
- Resume
- One (1) Page Statement of Purpose
- Desired Audition Date and Time or Online Audition
- Admission to Southern Utah University
- Headshot
- One (1) portfolio of your work showing between 3-5 projects that showcase your abilities and talents
Additional Information and Resources
Statement of Purpose
The statement of purpose required for the degree is a short, two to three paragraph, document that describes yourself, hobbies, interests as well as strengths and weaknesses both within and outside of theatre, career aspirations, why you want to pursue a BFA degree in theatre, and, if you have a reason, why SUU. Please make the document honest, do not try to write something you think we want to hear. We want an honest assessment of where you see yourself and your place so we can make sure we select the best people for the training we offer here.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) is a pre-professional degree that follows a rigorous curriculum with heavy concentration in practical artistic training. Coursework is dedicated to specialized studio work, such as acting, voice, movement, or design/technology. It is designed for students who are certain of their chosen specialization and whose primary goal is to immediately enter the professional theatre industry after graduation.
The Bachelor of Arts/Science (BA/BS) is a traditional liberal arts degree which offers broader and more flexible coursework. The program provides a comprehensive foundation in theatre history, theory, and practice, but it is less intensive and specialized than a BFA, leaving ample room for electives, minors, or even a second major. It is ideal for students who value a well-rounded education and wish to explore multiple disciplines.
If you are interested in becoming a Theatre Arts major, you must first apply and be accepted to Southern Utah University. Applications for admission to SUU are available through the Admissions Office. Once admitted to the University, certain degree programs may have additional requirements. These requirements are listed below by degree:
- BA/BS Theatre Arts/Theatre Arts Education
- At this time, students interested in pursuing either the BA or BS in Theatre Arts/Theatre Arts Education are not required to audition to join the program. Students should simply declare their desired program when applying to the university.
- BFA in Acting, Musical Theatre, or Theatre Design & Production
- Students interested in pursuing any of the BFA Theatre Arts emphases are required to audition. While the department prefers in-person interviews, video submissions are also allowed. To maintain integrity and student focus within the degree, each emphasis will only admit a certain number of students each year. The department has chosen to use Acceptd as a means of organizing audition information and to host video submissions. There is also an audition fee which you will pay when you register through Acceptd. All students applying for admission to the BFA program are automatically considered for department scholarships, so a separate audition is not required. Please note: BFA Auditions for current SUU students will take place during the March season audition period.
The department offers a 6-7 show Main Stage season. The season typically contains two to three dramas/comedies, two musicals, and two dance concerts. All Theatre and Dance majors and minors can audition and participate in Main Stage shows.
Second Studio, the department's student production organization, produces a season of four shows: typically one musical and three plays. All shows are student-directed, acted, designed, and realized.
The department also funds a series of Black Box Grant Productions which allow students to apply for funding to create and produce their own show with departmental support for royalties and small production costs.
Between Main Stage, Second Studio, and Black Box Grant productions, there are typically 14-16 different shows produced within the department each year, providing numerous ways for students to become involved.
The Department of Theatre, Dance, & Arts Administration and the Utah Shakespeare Festival are not the same organization, but they do share a supportive and strong relationship as we are both part of SUU.
The SUU/USF Fellowship program guarantees ten (10) SUU student positions within the Festival's summer season. This typically breaks down to five actors and five technicians. These positions are paid and come with a scholarship to take certain summer classes.