Undergraduate Admissions to the Department of Theatre & Dance
1. Apply to the University
Complete and submit the University application for undergraduate admission. After submitting the Belmont University application for undergraduate admission, applicants will receive an email to register for a video audition or submit an online portfolio.
2. Register for an Audition
The BFA* programs in the Department of Theatre require an audition or portfolio submission. The audition or portfolio submission determine admissibility into the Department of Theatre, which is separate from the University admission decision. Once the student applies to the University, he or she will receive a video audition/online portfolio registration e-mail.
*Applicants pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre, Theatre Minor, and Dance Minor are not required to audition.
In response to COVID-19, and out of an abundance of caution and care, Belmont will only be offering auditions via video submission for the 2020-2021 audition cycle. While we are disappointed that we cannot hold auditions in person, we will be offering several virtual opportunities to connect, with invitations forthcoming. Regular weekday visits to campus are encouraged for you to visit and learn more about Belmont and the School of Music. To learn more about our weekday visit program, visit here.
Video Audition and Portfolio Information
Video auditions and portfolios are submitted via an online platform for auditions called Acceptd. Specific instructions for the video audition or portfolio submission will be sent to the applicant's email address (as provided on the application) once the student applies to Belmont.
All video auditions must include audio and video.
Video Audition Deadlines
Video auditions are accepted on a rolling basis for admission to the Department of Theatre & Dance.
To be considered for Department of Theatre & Dance scholarship, please submit a video audition before March 1, 2021.
What to Prepare
Candidates for the BFA participate in three important processes during the audition for the Department of Theatre and Dance:
- Performance Audition or Portfolio Review (dependent upon emphasis area of choice)
- Resume
- Opportunity to Meet with a Faculty Member
- Performance Audition
- Performance Audition submission should consist of two contrasting monologues, not to exceed 3 minutes in the total time of presentation, prepared in advance by the candidate. You are required to perform the monologues from memory.
- The audition is your time to demonstrate your ability and understanding of the craft of acting. Belmont theatre faculty observe your audition monologues and make careful assessments about your current level of skill as well as your ability to take direction and adapt your performance. We encourage you to take great care in choosing your two monologues for your audition. Choose monologues that best represent your talents and abilities.
- Portfolio Review
- Portfolio Review submission for Production Design should include representative work of design, and/or technical experience. Your portfolio should contain any combination of drawings, renderings, drafting examples, CAD drawings, light plots and/or photographs.
- Portfolio Review submission for Directing should include any theatre work especially anything related to directing, assistant directing, stage management or production management. Your portfolio should contain any combination of directing books, research, prompt books, directing or management paperwork, designs, drawings, production photos or any other theatre-related materials.
- Portfolio Review submission for Theatre Education should include any theatre work especially anything related to education, directing, assistant directing, design, stage management or production management. Your portfolio should contain any combination of education curriculum packages, directing books, research, prompt books, directing or management paperwork, designs, drawings, production photos or any other theatre-related materials.
- Resume
- Meet with a Faculty Member
Performance Auditions are required for candidates for admission to the BFA in Theatre with an emphasis in Performance.
*Applicants pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre are not required to audition.
Portfolio Reviews are required for candidates for admission to the BFA in Theatre with an emphasis in Production Design, Directing and Theatre Education.
In addition to submitting a Performance or Portfilio, please submit a resume. All BFA candidates’ resumes should include all previous entertainment experience including, but not limited to: pertinent theatrical experience from high school, community theatre, and/or professional theatre, experience in film and/or television and other arts-related work.
Please include a headshot or photo.
BFA candidates will have the opportunity to meet with a faculty member in the chosen area of emphasis after submitting audition materials and resume. This conversation focuses on your previous experience, your expectations for your college education and your goals for the future.
This interview can be conducted by telephone or Zoom.
3. Receive the Admissions Decision
Applicants will be mailed a decision letter 3-4 weeks after the audition/portfolio submission (dependent on acceptance to the University).
4. Accept the Offer of Admission
When you have made the decision to attend Belmont, pay the Enrollment Deposit by the May 1 National Reply Date (December 1 for Spring applicants).
Information about the Enrollment Deposit is included in the University admissions acceptance letter.
5. Register for New Student Orientation
Create your MyBelmont account and register for Summer Orientation.