Introduction to the BFA Acting Program
The Theatre Arts, Acting Concentration, B.F.A. is for students who desire a pre-professional education in acting. Visit the university catalogue for more information
The Bachelor of Fine Arts prepares students for a professional career in theatre both in plays and musicals, and television and film. The program seeks students who exhibit exceptional talent, motivation and commitment, and combines rigorous coursework with ample opportunity to apply the training in performance.
Thank you for your interest in California State University Fullerton. CSUF is recognized nationally as #3 most innovative regional university in the west (U.S News and World report 2021-22), and the nationally recognized Department of Theatre and Dance Program now offers a four-year BFA in Acting program.
Program Overview
Do you want to be a professional actor?
The BFA in Acting prepares students for a professional career in theatre both in plays, musicals, and television and film. The program seeks students who exhibit exceptional talent, motivation, and commitment, and combines rigorous coursework with ample opportunity to apply their training into performance.
We celebrate student authenticity and help guide students towards their professional goals as an artist. We practice inclusivity, compassion, grit, and work ethic and embrace diversity, collaboration, and creativity.
Reach out if you’d like to sit in on class and see what we are about. Contact BFA Acting Area Coordinator: Professor Maria Cominis.
Application Deadline is Nov. 30th. How to Apply
Faculty/Student Ratio
BFA Acting students can expect a 16:1 student/teacher ratio in performance classes.
Performance Opportunities
Production opportunities are a significant component of the BFA Acting curricular arc and an opportunity for students to apply their training to performance.
First year students will present a class project both semesters and are eligible to audition for the mainstage season second semester of the first year.
Second Year students will perform with their cohort in a Studio Series ensemble play directed by faculty or guest director.
Third- and Fourth-year students are eligible to audition for main stage productions.
Alumni Success
To see what students and former students are up to, follow us
on social media.
National Distinction
- Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Region VIII
- Excellence is education
- Irene Ryan Winners and finalists
- National representation in Washington, D.C.
- National Endowment of the Arts Grant 2023
Freshman Auditions
BFA Acting (Freshman) • Audition Requirements
AUDITION INFORMATION
The first step in the audition process is to apply to the University itself.*
BFA AUDITIONS FOR ACTING, DEVISED PERFORMANCE/PHYSICAL THEATRE, & MUSICAL THEATRE:
October 1-November 30, 2024:
Application to
Cal State Apply
as well as
video submissions
Feb. 1-2, 2025: In Person call backs.
Feb. 8-9, 2025: In Person call backs.
Dates TBD: Second BFA Auditions on campus
August TBD: Week before school starts
Video submissions
All BFA programs require a video prescreen audition (for first years and transfers). Information regarding audition requirements, deadlines, and submission protocols can be found on the Cal State Fullerton
Accept’d
page.**
To view the protocols for all BFA programs: Under "Start an Application" select "Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Theatre" > Guidelines (in the navigation above).
Any questions about the submission process can be directed here.
For information about our program please visit the navigation links above.
Acceptance into the Acting program is contingent on acceptance into the University.
* There is a $70 application fee for CSUF. Students in need of financial assistance are encouraged to apply for a fee waiver.
** There is a $30 application fee for Accept’d. Students in financial need are encouraged to apply for a fee waiver.
Transfer Student Auditions
BFA Acting (Transfer Students) • Audition Requirements
AUDITION INFORMATION
The first step in the audition process is to apply to the University itself.*
BFA AUDITIONS FOR ACTING, DEVISED PERFORMANCE/PHYSICAL THEATRE, & MUSICAL THEATRE:
October 1-November 30, 2024:
Application to
Cal State Apply
as well as
video submissions
Feb. 1-2, 2025: Virtual Call Backs
Feb. 8-9, 2025: In Person call backs.
Dates TBD: Second BFA Auditions on campus
August TBD: Week before school starts
VIDEO SUBMISSIONS
All BFA programs require a video prescreen audition (for first years and transfers). Information regarding audition requirements, deadlines, and submission protocols can be found on the Cal State Fullerton
Accept’d
page.**
To view the protocols for all BFA programs: Under "Start an Application" select "Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Theatre" > Guidelines (in the navigation above).
Any questions about the submission process can be directed here.
For information about our program please visit the navigation links above.
Acceptance into the Acting program is contingent on acceptance into the University.
* There is a $70 application fee for CSUF. Students in need of financial assistance are encouraged to apply for a fee waiver.
** There is a $30 application fee for Accept’d. Students in financial need are encouraged to apply for a fee waiver.
Crew Duties
Students must participate in 3 units of 278B/478B Production crew, which provides the opportunity for students to develop technical knowledge and observe the production process through participation in the technical development of a departmental production.
