Theater
Acting Application Information
Deadlines
Bachelor of Fine Arts: First-Year Applicants
What is a first-year applicant?
Fall Admission Only
Rutgers University Application: December 1
Mason Gross Talent Assessment: January 15
Bachelor of Fine Arts: External Transfer Applicants
What is an external transfer applicant?
Fall Admission Only
Rutgers University Application: December 1
Mason Gross Talent Assessment: January 15
All incoming transfer students to the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), regardless of the number of credits completed elsewhere, begin the program as a part of the first-year company and are required to complete four years (eight semesters) of full-time study.
Bachelor of Fine Arts: Current or Former Rutgers Students
Fall Semester Deadlines
Complete the MGSA School to School Transfer/Re-Enrollment Interest Form by January 1
Mason Gross Talent Assessment: January 15
Decision: June 30
To Apply
Students currently enrolled at another academic unit within Rutgers University (School to School Transfer) OR have taken a leave of absence (Re-Enrollment) from any Rutgers academic unit and would like to return and enroll in a BFA degree program at the Mason Gross School of the Arts must first complete the MGSA School to School Transfer/Re-Enrollment Interest Form. You will receive a personalized link to the Talent Assessment one to three business days after submitting the form. Learn more at Mason Gross Admissions.
Admissions Requirements
From another Rutgers–New Brunswick school:
- 12 graded degree credits, excluding remedial courses
- A Rutgers cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.000
- Expository Writing (01:355:101) or an acceptable equivalent course with a grade of C or better
From another Rutgers–Camden or Rutgers–Newark school:
- At least two semesters, including the current semester, as a student in your present school or college at Rutgers University, also including at least 12 graded degree credits, excluding remedial courses
- A Rutgers cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.000
- English Composition I and II (Camden 50:350:101 and 50:350:102) (Newark 21:355:101 and 21:355:102) with grades of C or better
Bachelor of Arts and Minor in Theater
Currently enrolled Rutgers School of Arts and Science students are welcome to declare the bachelor of arts in theater or the minor in theater, with no audition required. Email theater undergraduate advisor Marshall Jones for more information.
Rutgers University Application
All external applicants (never attended Rutgers before) must complete and submit the Rutgers University Application or apply to Rutgers University on the Common Application. For instructions and additional requirements please click on the following link: https://admissions.rutgers.edu/apply
Required University App Credentials
- FIRST YEAR: https://admissions.rutgers.edu/apply/first-year-applicants
- TRANSFER: https://admissions.rutgers.edu/apply/transfer-applicants
- INTERNATIONAL: https://admissions.rutgers.edu/apply/international-applicants
Optional University App Credentials
- SAT (code 2765)
- ACT (code 2592)
Mason Gross Talent Assessment
All applicants to the acting program will be required to submit the following applicants to the acting program will be required to submit the following:
- $45 audition fee (waived for students who qualify for a need-based university fee waiver)
- Acting questionnaire
- Resume
- Photograph (this does not have to be a professional headshot)
- Audition selection date
A unique link and a temporary pin to complete the Talent Assessment will be emailed to you upon submission of your Rutgers application or Common App.
Audition & Interview Requirements
Applicants should be prepared to present two 1 to 2-minute contrasting monologues. Applicants can choose to present one contemporary piece and one classical piece OR two contemporary pieces (contemporary pieces should be from plays written after the year 2005, nothing prior). The monologue selections should come from published plays (not television episodes, films, books, unpublished texts or personal writings). Please come prepared with at least two additional pieces, as they may be requested during the audition. The audition will also include a short interview. The entire process will last approximately 10 minutes.
Acting Questionnaire
Answer all three prompts. These prompts can be answered as a written essay of 650 words or less, OR a spoken as a video essay of maximum 2 minutes.
- What do you intend to use your career as an artist to do? What impact do you intend to have on your community, the world?
- Imagine you are performing a one-person performance. What would your show be about? Who would be your target audience?
- A “beloved community” as defined by Jonathan Holloway, the 21st University President of Rutgers, is committed to working together to embody, reflect, and respect the complexities of all our parts. In its simplest terms it’s a university culture where every action, intention, event, and communication is grounded in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Please share how you, or your artistry, creativity and/or talent reflect this value.
Audition Dates
All applicants to the acting program will be scheduled for a live, in-person audition or a scheduled Zoom audition. We do not prescreen. On the Talent Assessment, applicants will select their preferred audition. Audition dates fill on a first-come, first-served basis.
ON CAMPUS – New Brunswick, NJ
- Saturday, December 7, 2024
- Saturday, January 18, 2025
- Sunday, January 19, 2025
REGIONAL – New York City – Ripley Grier Studios
- Friday, January 24, 2025
- Saturday, January 25, 2025
- Sunday, January 26, 2025
REGIONAL – Chicago – Hyatt Regency Chicago
- Monday, February 3, 2025
- Tuesday, February 4, 2025
VIRTUAL – on a virtual platform like Zoom
- Monday, December 9, 2024
- Saturday, February 8, 2025
- Sunday, February 9, 2025