Apply and Audition

Apply to the university. Your application to the university must be on file prior to your audition. We strongly encourage you to apply to the university by November 1 to receive maximum scholarship consideration, including merit and talent-based scholarships. The regular decision application deadline is February 1, and the transfer application priority deadline is March 1.

Audition deadlines:

All freshman early action CVPA auditions must be scheduled by November 7.

All freshman regular decision auditions must be scheduled by February 7.

Program Audition, Portfolio Requirements

• All applicants interview with a faculty panel in order to become a Theater Major. Auditions, Portfolio Reviews and Interviews may be conducted either in person by appointment or by online submission at any time.  
• All applicants submit a theater résumé, in PDF format, limited to one page. The résumé should list the applicant’s theater experience, training, and any special skills. 
• Applicants applying to the BA with a concentration in Theater Studies perform a prepared monologue not to exceed 90 seconds, or submit a dramatic writing sample or portfolio, or respond to the essay prompt “Why do you wish to study Theater at Mason?”  
• Applicants for the BA Theater Education concentration audition with one prepared monologue not to exceed 90 seconds, or submit a portfolio for review. Applicants also submit a two-page Teaching Philosophy Statement. 
• Applicants for the BA and BFA Performance Concentration audition for the program, with two prepared contrasting monologues, each not to exceed 90 seconds.  
• Applicants for the BA Design and Technical Theater Concentration respond to the essay prompt “Why do you wish to study theater at Mason?” or submit a portfolio. Applicants for the BFA Design for Stage and Screen Concentration submit a portfolio which includes evidence of relevant work on at least one production.  
• Applicants for the BFA Musical Theater Concentration audition for the program with two prepared contrasting monologues, each not to exceed 90 seconds, and two prepared songs not to exceed three minutes in total.  

In-person interviews will immediately follow in-person auditions or portfolio reviews, and online interviews will be scheduled shortly after receipt of online submissions.

Students must open an account on SlideRoom in order to submit materials, upload digital or video content, or to schedule their interview or in-person session. Instructions will be sent after your application to Mason Admissions is received.

See details on the College of Visual & Performing Arts Admissions page. You will receive an email confirmation of receipt of submission, and your program audition or review date, if applicable.

We are looking for:

• Appropriate level of craft and artistry
• Commitment to the work as demonstrated by preparation for the interview, audition, and/or portfolio review, or as articulated in a submitted two-page statement
• Willingness to accept direction, criticism and mentoring
• Willingness and ability to collaborate with students, faculty, and staff

Current Mason students must:

• open an account on SlideRoom and upload audition or portfolio requirements
• Have a 2.5 GPA or higher
• if accepted, a change of major form will be required

If you have any questions, please contact the theater office.