College - Acting - Bachelor of Fine Arts Application & Audition Requirements (2024)

About this Program

Overview

The four-year Actor Training Program provides intensive training in movement, voice, the Alexander Technique, and other core aspects of the craft, allowing students to develop a comprehensive, embodied understanding of the actor's work and to apply that understanding to a diverse dramatic repertoire in rehearsal and production.

The Drama Division typically accepts 18 students per year composed of 8-10 undergraduates and 8-10 graduateswho will work together as a group through the four-year acting curriculum.

For more detailed information about the program, please visit theDrama Divisionwebpage. You will find answers to frequently asked questions here.

The MFA in Acting program is tuition-free for all four years of study, beginning with the 2024-25 academic year. The fourth and final year of the program also includes a living stipend.

Eligibility

In order to be admitted as a Bachelor of Fine Arts student, you must have:

  • A high school diploma or its equivalent by the time you enroll
  • English language fluency

If you apply to this degree program and are denied admission, you can apply again. After four unsuccessful attempts across both the BFA and MFA degrees, you are no longer eligible to apply.

Academic Requirements

In most cases, the Juilliard School requires no specific courses, GPAs, standardized test scores, or class rankings for entry to this program.

However, we will carefully evaluate your academic record and required essay to make sure you have the scholastic competence necessary to succeed in college-level coursework.

There are specific requirements for:

  • Homeschooled applicants
  • Applicants for whom English is not their native language

Criteria for Acceptance

In auditioning and interviewing potential students, the Drama faculty looks for the following qualities:

  • A readiness to engage in challenging, intensive work
  • A body, voice, and the imaginative and emotional capacities that promisesignificant potential for growth—this is more important than yourpresent state of technical accomplishment
  • An ability to connect with a character
  • Curiosity, stamina, openness of mind, appetite for learning, and a willingness to take risks
  • A generosity of spirit essential to working within anensemble
  • A sense of humor,sense of language,sense of rhythm, and a capacity for sustained concentration
  • Aserious commitment to preparing for the demands of a career as an actor

Application Timeline

Application Timeline

Applications to the College Division open on September 1 each year for enrollment the following fall. Please note the various deadlines for individual materials below.

Application timeline for prescreened applicants:

Application Requirement (Prescreened Applicants)Received-by Deadline
Online Application with Essay(s)November 1
Application Fee ($USD) or Fee WaiverNovember 1
SAT/ACT Scores (homeschooled applicants only)December 1
Recommender InformationNovember 1
Request for ADA audition accommodationsNovember 15
Recommendation ReceivedDecember 15
Proof of English Language ProficiencyDecember 15
Official TranscriptsOnly if invited to final callback weekend

Application timeline for non-prescreened applicants:

Application RequirementReceived-by Deadline
Online Application with Essay(s)December 1
Application Fee ($USD) or Fee WaiverDecember 1
SAT/ACT Scores (homeschooled applicants only)December 1
Recommender InformationDecember 1
Recommendation ReceivedDecember 15
Proof of English Language ProficiencyDecember 15
Request for ADA audition accommodationsDecember 15
Official TranscriptsOnly if invited to final callback weekend

The followingis required only if you are invited to an in-personcallback audition:

In-Person Audition RequirementReceived-by Deadline
March 1


An audition scheduling email, which contains a link to an online registration system, will be sent to applicantsupon submission of acompleteapplication, including application fee or fee waiver documentation.You will schedule your own audition via the online system.

Auditions have limited space, and some dates will fill to capacity. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you check your schedule carefully and register for your choice of audition date as soon as possible.

All details will be available when registering for the audition.

In-Person AuditionsAudition DateTimeCapacity
New York CityThurs, Jan 118:15 a.m.FULL
New York CityFri, Jan 128:15 a.m.FULL
New York CitySat, Jan 138:15 a.m.FULL
New York CityFri, Jan 198:15 a.m.FULL
New York CitySat, Jan 208:15 a.m.FULL
New York CitySun, Jan 218:15 a.m.FULL
New York CityFri, Jan 268:15 a.m.FULL
New York CitySat, Jan 278:15 a.m.FULL
New York CitySun, Jan 288:15 a.m.FULL
ChicagoThurs, Feb 19:30 a.m.FULL
ChicagoThurs, Feb 12:30 p.m.FULL
ChicagoFri, Feb 29:30 a.m.FULL
ChicagoFri, Feb 22:30 p.m.FULL
ChicagoSat, Feb 39:30 a.m.FULL
ChicagoSat, Feb 32:30 p.m.FULL
ChicagoSun, Feb 49:30 a.m.FULL
San FranciscoTues, Feb 69:30 a.m.FULL
San FranciscoTues, Feb 62:30 p.m.FULL
San FranciscoWed, Feb 79:30 a.m.FULL
San FranciscoWed, Feb 72:30 p.m.FULL
San FranciscoThurs, Feb 89:30 a.m.FULL
San FranciscoThurs, Feb 82:30 p.m.FULL
San FranciscoFri, Feb 99:30 a.m.FULL
Callback WeekendMarch 14- 17By invitation only

Audition Results

You will receive notification of your admission status (admit, waitlist, or deny) through your application status page no later than April 1. Should you be admitted and enroll, your final official transcripts, indicating your graduation date, must be received by July 1.

Application Fee & Waivers

Application Fee

The $110 application fee is nonrefundable and must be paid through your application status page upon submission of your application. Your application is not considered complete until the fee has been received.

Fee Waivers

The inability to pay a college application fee should not be a barrier to applying to The Juilliard School. We offer need-based fee waivers through the process described here, and in the application.

First-time College Students

Fee waiver requests are available for first-time college students who demonstrate significant financial need by uploading one of the following to the application:

  • An official SAT or ACT fee waiver form signed by a high school counselor OR
  • An official NACAC fee waiver form signed by a high school counselor OR
  • A letter on school stationery from a school counselor stating one of the following:
    • You are enrolled in or eligible to participate in the Federal Free or Reduced Price Lunch program (FRPL).
    • Your annual family income falls within the income eligibility guidelines set by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.
    • You are enrolled in a federal, state, or local program that aids students from low-income families (e.g., TRIO programs such as Upward Bound).
    • Your family receives public assistance.
    • You live in federally subsidized public housing, a foster home, or are homeless.
    • You are a ward of the state or an orphan.

If you are unable to provide one of the above documents, you may provide the following:

  • A letter from someone other than you (the applicant) that addresses your financial situation

All documentation must be in English. Original documents with translation are acceptable.

Transfer Students

Fee waiver requests are available for undergraduate transfer students who demonstrate significant financial need by uploadingof one of the following to the application:

  • If you are independent,a copy of your most recent tax form filed OR
  • A letter on school stationery from your current college's Financial Aid Office stating that you have financial need of a fee waiver

If you are unable to provide one of the above documents, you may provide the following:

  • A personal letter describing your financial situation

All documentation must be in English. Original documents with translation are acceptable.

Fee waiver requests will be evaluated after you have submitted a complete application.If you are requesting a fee waiver, please submit your application (including fee waiver documentation) but donotpay the application fee.

How to Upload

Fee waiver documentation (translated into English if not originally in that language) must be uploaded directly within the online application and submitted by the appropriate deadline. Documents must be in either .doc or .pdf format.(Convert your file to another format if you have scanned your document as a jpg.)

Fee waiver requests areprocessed on an ongoing basis. You will receive an email with the results of your request as soon as it is processed. Note that we have a heavy volume of requests to process at the deadline, so you may not receive your results until after the deadline has passed. This does not disqualify your application. Do not pay the application fee if your waiver request is still pending.

Your application status page will show an application fee payment due until your request is approved. If you are notified that your request for an application fee waiver is denied, you will be required to pay the application fee. Your application is not considered complete until the fee has been received. If your fee waiver request is processed after the deadline, and is denied, you will still have a grace period in which to pay the fee.

Your Application Materials

Your Online Application

Your application must be submitted online by the appropriate deadline. To begin, create your Juilliard Admissions Account, gather all of the required application materials, and follow the instructions to complete your application.

Start your online application

Your Essay(s)

A written essay is one of Juilliard’s application requirements. Our Admissions Committee uses your essay(s) to learn more about you as an individual, and to gain a sense of who you are beyond your application, transcript, and audition. Your essay helps the Admissions Committee understand how your past experiences have informed your life as an actor, and how Juilliard fits into your pursuit of a career in acting.

Essays are evaluated on the way you express your ideas, the written flow of your thoughts, and your use of language (including grammar and mechanics). Using outside help to write your essay—whether generative AI, including tools such as Google Bard and ChatGPT, or help from another person—undermines the ability of the Admissions Committee to evaluate your potential for success at Juilliard. Submission of your essay confirms that the writing was produced by you, with no assistance from another person or electronic resource.

Essay Requirements

  • 1–2 pages, double-spaced, 12-point font
  • written in English (not translated from another language)
  • must be your own original work
  • submitted within the online application

Tips for Writing Your Essay

  • Take time to think about what you would say to the Admissions Committee about your experiences and goals as an actor.
  • Get the ideas down in a rough draft, and then speak them out loud.
  • Edit your rough draft so that it is clear, and expresses your thoughts. Avoid bland, general statements about being an actor.
  • Have a friend read the essay to give you feedback on whether it genuinely sounds like you.
  • Review the final draft for grammatical and spelling errors. (Remember that “Juilliard” is spelled with two “I”s: JUI-LLI-ARD.)
  • Attach your essay to your application.
  • Remember that AI may be a shortcut, but in the end, it does not represent your own thoughts. If you are seeking an education at The Juilliard School, self-examination and honesty are qualities that will serve your growth.

Topic
Please write about why you have chosen to become an actor and your personal artistic goals. We encourage you to write frankly and openly about your life, your connection to your art, and how you see your art connecting to the world. Share your passion about people,politics, other art forms or anything that speaks to you.

Additional Essay Requirements
Additional essays are required in each of the following circ*mstances:

  • Transfer Students
  • Formerly Enrolled Juilliard Students
  • Currently Enrolled Juilliard Students

Optional Essay
Should you have a personal or academic circ*mstance to sharethat you feel can provide context for a particular point on your resume – for example, agap year, unusually lowgrades in a semester or year, etc. – you have the option to submit an additional short essay.

Your Transcripts

Transcripts are an important component of the decision process. They help us determine if you have sufficient scholastic competence to succeed in coursework at the level for which you are applying.The transcript requirement will be placed on your checklist with a clear deadline at an appropriate point in the application process. DO NOT SEND YOUR TRANSCRIPT UNTIL YOU ARE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT IT.

Official versus Unofficial Transcripts

  • Anofficialtranscript is one that is sent from your school directly to Juilliard.
    • To avoid the possibility of fraudulent transcripts, we DO NOT accept transcripts sent via email.
    • An official transcript must show courses taken and grades earned.
  • Anunofficialtranscript is one that you (the applicant) send to us or upload to your application.
    • Because the transcript did not come from your school, it is insufficient for admission and does not fulfill the checklist requirement.

How Do I Send Juilliard My Official Transcript?

  • If you are submitting ahigh school transcript, ask yourschoolguidance counselorto send it to us.
  • In the U.S., many high schools use secure electronic sending services such as Naviance, Parchment,eSCRIP-SAFE, or other system.
  • Schools outside the U.S. typically send a hard copy of the official transcript to Juilliard via regular or express mail.
  • If you are ahomeschooled studentin any country,ask yourhomeschool administrator(usually your parent) to send a transcript to us. See the Additional Requirements- Homeschool Applicantssection for more information on what a homeschool transcript should contain.
  • If you are acollege student,follow the process outlined by your registrarto request that a transcript be sent to Juilliard.
  • Electronic or paper?
    • Electronic sending services must use this email address:[emailprotected].
    • A paper record of your academic progress, including grades earned, is an acceptable alternative to an electronic transcript if it is sent in asealed envelopedirectlyfrom the issuing institution(s) to the Juilliard Office of Admissions (mailing address below).

Transcript Requirements for Students Studying in the US

  • ​​​Official transcripts must be sent by thestated deadline once the requirement is added to your checklist.
  • Your official transcript(s) must show all prior and current high school coursework.
  • Report cards, grade reports, and other student records are not considered official transcripts.
  • We understand that the current academic year has not ended, and that, if you are currently enrolled, you have not yet completed your program. Please submit your transcript as is by the deadline; a final transcript will be required later, if you are admitted and choose to enroll.

Transcript Requirements for Students Studying Outside the US

  • Official transcripts must be sent by thestated deadline once the requirement is added to your checklist.
  • If your transcript is not in English, we require the transcript in its original language as well as a certified translation.
  • Your official transcript(s) must show all prior and current coursework, which must beequivalent orsimilar toa US high school curriculum.
  • You will be notified if an official evaluation of your transcript is required in order to verify your academic level.Companies such asSpanTran(use this link for a discounted evaluation:SpanTran Pathway - The Juilliard School),WES, orECEcan provide this service for a fee.
  • We understand that the current academic year has not ended, and that, if you are currently enrolled, you have not yet completed your program. Please submit your transcriptas isby the deadline; a final transcript will be required later, if you are admitted and choose to enroll.
  • You may view the status of transcripts at any time by logging into your application account.
  • Hard copies of transcripts may be mailed to:

Office of Admissions
The Juilliard School
60 Lincoln Center Plaza
New York, NY 10023

Additional Requirements

  • Homeschooled Applicants
  • Students withHigh School Equivalency
  • Transfer Students

Your Recommendations

In your application you will be required to identifytwo individuals who will provideletters of recommendation. The recommendations themselves are not due until later in theapplication timeline. Your recommenders will receive an email with a link to securely upload their letters to our application system.We will only accept recommendations received through our application system.

At least one of your recommendations should come from a teacher or theatre professional who has worked with you in a collaborative setting or seen your work on the stage and can address your work as an actor. If you are a first-time college applicant or home-schooled, the requirements for the second recommendationare as follows:

First-time College Applicants
One of yourrecommendations should come from ahigh school academic teacher, preferably in English, History, or other Language Arts course work. This will allow usto gain insight into your abilities in English and should acknowledge your speaking, reading, writing, and comprehension abilities.

Transfer Applicants
One of yourrecommendationsmust come from a current or past college professor (preferably someone who taught you in English, History, or other Language Arts course work) or someone you've worked with professionally who can assess your​ability to doacademic work. This recommendation will give us insight into your suitability for the BFA degree program.

Home-schooled Applicants
One of your recommendations should come from someone other than a parent who can address your speaking, reading, writing, and comprehension abilities.In addition, this recommendation should address your social maturity and ability to integrate well with other students and colleagues.

You may view the status of recommendations at any time by logging into yourapplication account.

Your Resume

An artistic resume must be uploaded as part of the online application. The resume should be 1-2 pages and must include:

  • Your name (and any alternate name used)
  • Education (all diplomas/certificates/degrees earned or in progress)
  • Any experience related to your intended major

There is no specific layout required for the resume; however it must be uploaded in either a .pdf or .doc file format. Please do not submit program bios. The resume is used as a reference for faculty and the Admissions Committee.

Your Photograph

A photograph or headshot is required. The photograph does not need to be taken by a professional, nor is there any specific format for photographs.

Scholarship & Financial Aid Forms

To be considered for financial aid and scholarship, you are required to submit the following items by the appropriate deadline:

US Applicants
FAFSA
CSS Profile
Student Tax Forms
Parent Tax Forms
International Applicants
CSS Profile
Parent Income Documentation

More information about our awarding policies can be found on the Financial Aid section of the website.

For information about tuition, fees and expenses, please visitStudent Accounts.

Prescreening

Prescreening Requirements

Prescreening Required
Prescreening is required if you currently reside outside of the United States and Canada. This requirement does not depend on citizenship status orpermanent address and cannot be waived.If you currently reside within the continental United States, you are not required to prescreen.

Prescreening Optional
Ifyou reside in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, or Canada, you have the option to prescreen.

Prescreening Audition Scheduling
Prescreening for actors applying to enter the program in fall 2024 will take place remotely via Zoom. You must register for and attend one of the scheduled prescreening auditions. If you are required to prescreen, you will not be able to register for an in-personaudition unless you have received favorable prescreening results.

Prescreening DateTimeCapacity
Sat, Nov 118:30 a.m.FULL
Sun, Nov 128:30 a.m.FULL
Sat, Nov 188:30 a.m.FULL
Sun, Nov 198:30 a.m.FULL

Prescreening Registration

  • After submission of your application (including application fee or fee waiver), you will receive an email with instructions on how to register for your prescreening audition.
  • You will schedule your own audition via the online system.
  • All details will be available when registering for the audition.
  • Auditions are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Audition dates may fill to capacity before the application deadline.
  • We strongly recommend you submit your application and register for a prescreening audition well in advance of the application deadline.

Prescreening Notification

  • All prescreening decisions are final.
  • If you receive unfavorable prescreening results, you will not be permitted to schedule an in-personaudition.
  • If you receive favorable prescreening results, you must attend an in-personaudition in order to be considered for admission.
  • An invitation to an in-personaudition is not an offer of admission, nor is it a guarantee of a callback.

Prescreening Content

Prescreening Audition Materials

  1. Four memorized monologues (two heightened text and two contemporary), each approximately two minutes in length. In the initial audition, we will ask you to present two pieces – one heightened text and one contemporary. If we need to see additional material, we will ask you for another piece. Please be prepared to answer questions about the entire play from which your selection is chosen.

    • At least one of the heightened text selections must be from a play by Shakespeare.

    • At least one of the heightened text selections must be in verse.

    • In addition to Shakespeare, heightened selections may be drawn from any writers whose text is poetic or elevated.

    • Contemporary selections should be from writers working in the 20th and 21st centuries.

  2. You should prepare a part of a song (16 bars – twice the length of “Happy Birthday”), to sing a cappella (without accompaniment). If you are asked to sing, it is an opportunity for our faculty to find out information about your vocal range and instrument. A trained singing voice is not required for admission.

  3. Answers to frequently asked questions about monologues may be found on the Monologue FAQs page.

Orientation and Warmup

  • At the appointed time, you will connect to the online platform Zoom for a warmup and orientation.
  • You will be given a window of time during which your individual audition will take place.
  • You may use the time between the orientation/warmup and your audition for private preparation (simply by muting your audio and turning off your video).
  • We ask that you remain in the Zoom meeting until your audition time.

Audition

  • You will audition alone before a panel composed of Drama Division faculty.
  • You will be asked to present two monologues – one heightened text and one contemporary.
  • Please be mindful of the length of your monologues; we request that each monologue be limited to two minutes in length.
  • Please wear comfortable clothing that permits freedom of movement.
  • Some candidates may be asked to remain for additional work where they may be asked to do any or all of the following: repeat audition monologues, present additional monologues, and sing a cappella.

Callbacks

  • Callbacks will take place on the same day as your scheduled audition.
  • Callback information will be communicated periodically throughout the initial audition session.
  • If you are selected to participate in callbacks, you should plan on being available for the remainder of the initial audition session.
  • During the callbacks, you may be asked to do any or all of the following: repeat your audition monologues, present additional monologues, and sing a cappella.
  • Some individuals will be asked to stay after callbacks for an interview with faculty.
  • If you do not receive a same-day callback, you are no longer under consideration for admission.

Recommendations for Your Zoom Audition

  • Carefully consider the space in which you are auditioning; ideally, there should be enough room for you to move around.
  • Make sure your WiFi connection is as stable as it can be.
  • It may be helpful to find a location for your audition which is near your router and to ask other family members to limit their streaming, etc. during your audition time.
  • Ensure you have adequate lighting, especially from the front and side. Avoid placing yourself in front of a strong light source (for example, a window or an overhead lamp).
  • Establish at least two positions for your recording device: one in which your entire body is visible and one in which we can see your face more clearly.
  • Make sure to test your sound quality, and try to eliminate ambient noise.
  • Zoom (zoom.us) offers free accounts so you can set up a meeting for yourself in advance to check your sound settings and lighting.

Additional Requirements

English Language Proficiency

Requirement

The ability to speak, read, and understand English fluently is an important factor in admissions decisions. Youare required to show proof of English language proficiencyby theapplication deadlineif your native language is notEnglish, regardlessof citizenship. The Juilliard School defines native language as the language first spoken as a child and the primary language spoken at home.

Exemption
You may be exempt from the requirement to provide proof of English language proficiency if you meet certain criteria. Exemptions are determined by your answers to questions on the application form. To qualify for an exemption you must:

  • Have attended school(s) on a full-time basis where instruction was entirely in English for a TOTAL of SEVEN of the past TEN years. Qualifying schools include primary, secondary, and undergraduate institutions.

An exemption to provide a test score as proof of English language proficiency is granted automatically ifyou meet the aforementioned criteria.Applicants who are exempt from providing a test score also are exempt from the ELP interview requirement.

Helpful Tool

To see if you may qualify for an exemption of the requirement to submit a test score as proof of English language proficiency,ouronline formcan help you. Although this formdoes notgrant exemptions or waivers, it can help you plan ahead should the result indicate that you need to schedule an ELP test.

English Language Proficiency Assessment Criteria

We assess your English language abilities using the following criteria:

  • The results of a standardized English language proficiency test
  • An online interview with staff from our English language office
  • Your previous academic record

Note that your test score alone is not sufficient for admission; you must still meet our artistic and academic standards.

Test Scores

You must submit one of the following test types to document your current level of English language proficiency.If your score falls below the minimum scores listed here, you should carefully consider whetherto continue the application and audition process. We reserve the right to deny an audition based on scores that fall considerably below our minimum.

Test TypeMinimum Score
Cambridge EnglishB2

TOEFL and TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition

73

TOEFL ITP Plus (China)

543

IELTS Academic Test and IELTS Indicator

6
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing610
ACT24

Juilliard's CEEB code: 002340
Juilliard's ACT code: 2778

The official test results must be sent directly from the testing company and received by the Office of Admissions by the appropriate deadline. Official test results must be on file before a decision of admit or waitlist can be released.

Interview Requirement

  • Any applicantwith a test score of94 TOEFLand below(or the equivalent score for other accepted tests) is required to interview with Juilliard’s Director of ESL in order to demonstrate fluency in the English language.
  • Undergraduate applicants who areexemptfrom the test score requirement also are exempt from the interview requirement.

Transfer Applicants

Definition
You are considered a transfer applicant if:

  • You have earned a high school diploma or its equivalent
  • You have attended at least one semester of full-time college study

Transcript Requirement

  • You are required to submit a transcript showing prior and current coursework from all post-secondary institutions attended
  • You are required to submit your high school transcript if you have completed fewer than two full-time semesters of post-secondary study

Essay Requirement
You must submit an essay explaining your decision to transfer from your current institution, in addition to the other required essays.

Program Length and Transfer Credits

  • You are required to study at Juilliard for all four years of the program
  • You are required to take a minimum of 12 liberal arts credits at Juilliard
  • Additional credits from liberal arts courses taken at other accredited post-secondary institutions may be transferred at the discretion of the Registrar; courses with a grade lower than C or its equivalent are not eligible for transfer
  • AP credits are not accepted

Homeschool Applicants

Questions within the Online Application
As a homeschooled student, you will have to respond to the following questions within the online application:

  1. What factors led to your decision to home school?
  2. What relationship (formal or informal) exists between your home school and your state (or provincial) department of education?
  3. Will the state recognize you as a high school graduate?

Transcript Requirements

Regardless of format, your homeschool documentation must be received by the stated deadline once the requirement is added to your checklist, and must include:

  1. All courses taken, including those in progress, and the academic year and semester in which each was taken
  2. Assessment of performance (letter grades, percentages, portfolio commentary, etc.) and an explanation of any applicable grading scales
  3. Evidence of official recognition by the school district and/or state department of education
  4. If you attended a high school for any period of time, you must submit official high school transcripts of any/all high school work
  5. If you enrolled in any college courses, you must submit official college transcripts
  6. Optional: a full outline of curriculum by subject
  7. Optional: reading lists

Standardized Tests
You are required to submit official SAT or ACT scoresby the appropriate deadline. These scores must be sent directly from the testing agency.If you are unable to provide an official SAT or ACT score due to pandemic circ*mstances, please contact [emailprotected].

Juilliard's CEEB code: 002340

Juilliard's ACT code: 2778

Applicants with High School Equivalency

Acceptable Equivalencies
In lieu of a high school diploma, you have the option to submit the following high school equivalencies:

  • GED (General Educational Development)
  • TASC (Test Assessing Secondary Completion)
  • CHSPE (California High School Proficiency Examination)
  • International High School Equivalencies (contact Juilliard Admissions)

If you do not have proof of high school equivalency by the stated deadline, you must submit one or more of the documents listed below to demonstrate your academic preparedness.

Demonstration of Academic Preparedness
While submission of high school equivalency documentation satisfies Juilliard's minimum entry requirement, the following documents can be helpful in proving your ability to undertake coursework at the postsecondary level:

  • Standardized test scores
  • Advanced Placement (AP) exams
  • High school transcripts
  • College transcripts
  • Homeschooling documentation

Formerly Enrolled Juilliard Students

Definition
You are considered a former Juilliard college student if you have not been in attendance during the previous academic year. You must submit all required application materials, in addition to the requirements below.

Essay
As a formerly enrolled Juilliard student, you are required to submit an additional essay explaining your motivation for resuming your studies or applying to another major at Juilliard. You may choose to address academic, artistic, or professional goals that you believe could be accomplished by returning.

Transcript Requirements

  • You are required to provide official transcripts from all institutions attended after Juilliard
  • Transcripts are already on file from your timeat Juilliard and do not need to be submitted

Proof of English Language Proficiency
As a formerly enrolled Juilliard student, youdo not need to submit proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, ITP Plus).

Decisions
Wereservethe right to review your Juilliard enrollment record to assistwith admissions decisions.

Currently Enrolled Juilliard Students

Online Application
You must apply if you meet one of the following criteria:

  • You are seeking to change majors
  • You are applying to a new program of study (changing your degree level)

Application Fee
As a currently enrolled student in the College Division, you are not required to submit an application fee as long as you submit your application by the appropriate deadline.

Essay
You are required to submit an additional essay explaining your motivation for continuing your studies at Juilliard. You may choose to address academic, artistic, or professional goals that you believe could be accomplished by remaining at Juilliard.

Recommendation(s)
Currently enrolled Juilliard students are also required to have recommendation(s) in support of their application. This can come from an internal faculty member or someone not affiliated with The Juilliard School.

Transcripts
As a current student, you do not need to provide your official transcripts, as they are already on file.

Prescreening Requirement
Prescreening is required only if both of the following are true:

  1. You are applying to a new major AND
  2. The major to which you are applying is prescreened

Proof of English Language Proficiency
You do not need to submit proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, ITP Plus).

Decisions
Wereservethe right to review your Juilliard enrollment record to assist with admissions decisions.

Applicants with Disabilities

The Juilliard School seeks to facilitate the full participation of applicants with disabilities in the audition process. The school makes reasonable accommodations or adjustments for qualified individuals with known disabilities in compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).

Juilliard will not make pre-admissions inquiries as to whether or not a student has a disability; however, applicants with documented disabilities who require reasonable accommodations in order to participate in the audition process must notify the Office of Academic Support and Disability Services (OASDS) in writing by the appropriate deadline.

You will be required to submit documentation of your disability to OASDS; this information will be kept strictly confidential. You must complete the following forms in order for the school to accommodate your specific needs:

  • Applicant Release of Disability Related Information Form
  • Audition Accommodation Request Form

For more information and to access theforms please visit theOffice of Academic Support and Disability Services page.

Auditioning for Juilliard

Audition Materials

  1. Four memorized monologues (two heightened text and two contemporary), each approximately two minutes in length. In the initial audition, we will ask you to present two pieces – one heightened text and one contemporary. If we need to see additional material, we will ask you for another piece. Please be prepared to answer questions about the entire play from which your selection is chosen.

    • At least one of the heightened text selections must be from a play by Shakespeare.

    • At least one of the heightened text selections must be in verse.

    • In addition to Shakespeare, heightened selections may be drawn from any writer whose text is poetic or elevated.

    • Contemporary selections should be from writers working in the 20th and 21st centuries.

  2. You should prepare a part of a song (16 bars – twice the length of “Happy Birthday”), to sing a cappella (without accompaniment). If you are asked to sing, it is an opportunity for our faculty to find out information about your vocal range and instrument. A trained singing voice is not required for admission.

  3. Answers to frequently asked questions about monologues may be found on the Monologue FAQs page.

Audition Scheduling

You must register for and attend one of the scheduled in-person auditions. If you are required to prescreen, you will not be able to register for an in-personaudition unless you have received favorable prescreening results.

NOTE:If you feel sick or have been ordered by a public health authority toquarantine or isolate, please do not enter any Juilliard facilityuntil medically cleared.Should you have COVID-19 symptoms or test positive, please followCDC guidanceand consult with a health care professional for further instructions regarding appropriate testing, isolation, treatment, andcontact tracing.If you are unable to attend an audition due to illness, please contact [emailprotected]immediately to cancel your audition.

These policies and guidelines may continue to evolve and are subject to change. The latest information will be posted on this page as we near audition dates.

Registration

  • After submission of your application (including application fee or fee waiver request), you will receive an email with instructions on how to register for your in-person audition.
  • You will schedule your own audition via the online system.
  • All details, including the exact location of the audition, will be available when registering for the audition.
  • Auditions are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Audition dates may fill to capacity before the application deadline.We strongly recommend you submit your application and register for an in-person audition well in advance of the application deadline.

Orientation and Warmup

  • Your specific audition time will be assigned at check-in.
  • As part of the audition, you are scheduled to take part in a group warm-up and orientation session.
  • These sessions provide you with an opportunity to prepare vocally, physically, and mentally for your audition as well as to ask questions about the audition process.
  • If you audition in New York, there is limited individual warmup space available.

Audition

  • You willaudition alone before a panel composed of Drama Division faculty.
  • You will be askedto present two monologues – one heightened text and one contemporary.
  • Please be mindful of the length of your monologues; we request that each monologue be limited totwo minutesin length.
  • Please wear comfortable clothing that permits freedom of movement.

New York: First Round Callbacks

  • Callbacks will take place on thesame dayas your scheduled audition.
  • First round callback information will be communicated periodically throughout the initial audition session.
  • If you are selected to participate in first round callbacks, youshould plan on being available for the remainder of the initial audition session.
  • During the callbacks, you may be askedto do any or all of the following:repeat your audition monologues, present additional monologues, and sing a cappella.
  • If you do not receive a callback, you areno longer underconsiderationfor admission.

New York: Second Round Callbacks

  • Second round callbacks will take place on thesame dayas your scheduled audition.
  • Second round callback information will be communicatedat the conclusion offirst round callbacks.
  • If you are selected to participate in second round callbacks, you should be prepared to stay all evening.
  • During the callbacks, you may be askedto do any or all of the following:repeat your audition monologues, present additional monologues,sing a cappella, do cold readings,andparticipate in group exercises and improvisations.
  • Some individuals will be asked to stay after the callbacks for an interview with faculty.
  • If you do not receive a second round callback, you areno longer underconsiderationfor admission.

Chicago & San Francisco Callbacks
In Chicago and San Francisco, callback lists are posted periodically throughout the morning and afternoon sessions. If you are called back, you may be asked to return at the end of the afternoon session for an end of day callback. On February 4 and February 9, callbacks will begin immediately following the morning session.

Callback Weekend

  • Approximately 50 individuals will be selected from second round callbacks to come to New York for four daysfor a final round callback.
  • If invited to the callback weekend, you will work intensively with facultyand have the opportunity to speak to current students and discover more about Juilliard.
  • Limited travel stipends for the callback weekendwill be available to applicants who demonstrate a high level of financial need.
  • The incoming class of18 students will be selected from this final callback session.

Decisions & Enrolling

Decisions

There are three possible outcomes to the audition process:

Admit

  1. The faculty recommends you to the Admissions Committee based on your potentialand artistry as demonstrated in the audition.
  2. The Admissions Committee evaluates your academic record and supplemental materials in order to determine your capacity to succeed at Juilliard.
  3. The Admissions Committee makes the final determination of whom to admit based on their own evaluation, faculty recommendations, and the number of available openings in your major.
  4. The Office of Admissions releases your decision letter.

Waitlist

  1. The faculty recommends you to the Admissions Committee based on your potential and artistry as demonstrated in the audition.
  2. The Admissions Committee evaluates your academic record and supplemental materials in order to determine your capacity to succeed at Juilliard.
  3. You are placed on the waitlist because, although you are found admissible to the school, we have a limited number of openings.
  4. Should a place become available, the Admissions Committee evaluates the waitlist, making offers of admission as necessary.

Deny
During the application process, there are three points at which you can be denied admission:

  1. As a result of prescreening
  2. At various points in the application and audition process
  3. Following review by the Admissions Committee

A denial at any of these stages results in notification that you are no longer under consideration for admission.

These decisions will be posted to your application status pageas noted on the timeline.

Scholarship & Financial Aid

Juilliard admits without considering your ability to pay. All monies awarded require completion of the scholarship andfinancial aid forms. To learn more about the awarding process, visit our Office of Financial Aid.

For information about tuition, fees and expenses, please visitStudent Accounts.

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College - Acting - Bachelor of Fine Arts Application & Audition Requirements (2024)

FAQs

How can I apply for acting auditions? ›

How to find acting auditions
  1. Network within your professional circle. Consider looking within your current network of people in the industry, such as fellow actors, friends or acting coaches. ...
  2. Use various social media outlets. ...
  3. Look for casting calls in your area. ...
  4. Sign up to join online audition sites.
Feb 12, 2024

What do you need to apply to Juilliard acting? ›

In most cases, the Juilliard School requires no specific courses, GPAs, standardized test scores, or class rankings for entry to this program. However, we will carefully evaluate your academic record and required essay to make sure you have the scholastic competence necessary to succeed in college-level coursework.

What is a BFA degree in acting? ›

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting seeks to prepare students with fundamental training and the education necessary for an acting career. This unique four-year program combines courses in stage acting with innovative training in devised work, film and television.

What is the best college to go to for acting? ›

Juilliard School (New York, NY)

Possibly the most well-known school on this list (and for good reason), Juilliard offers an intensive four-year BFA program in actor training.

Does acting require college? ›

There are no minimum educational requirements to become an actor. However, at least a high school diploma is recommended. Classes in English and speech and participating in school theater productions are good ways to prepare for a career in acting.

Can I just audition for acting? ›

The most direct path to starting an acting career with no prior experience is to submit yourself to auditions, though you may have difficulty landing your first role without some preparation. While acting experience isn't crucial to starting an acting career, there are some steps you can take to smooth the process.

What is the easiest way to get into acting? ›

Steps to becoming an actor
  • Get into local theater. While it's never too late to start an acting career, you'll benefit from building experience over time. ...
  • Take acting classes. ...
  • Prepare a headshot, résumé, and demo reel. ...
  • Audition for professional acting roles. ...
  • Keep updating your résumé and demo reel. ...
  • Get an agent.
Feb 27, 2024

How do actors get paid? ›

Generally speaking, screen actors are paid a day rate and stage actors a weekly rate. If screen actors are needed for more than five days, however, they will be paid a weekly rate. Rates vary if actors are needed for the entirety of the film shoot or the entirety of a television season.

What GPA is required for Juilliard? ›

Undergraduate students must maintain a semester and cumulative 1.70 GPA during their first year of study, and a 2.00 GPA for subsequent years. Graduate students must maintain a minimum 2.70 GPA throughout their entire program.

Is Juilliard acting free? ›

New York, NY— Today, Juilliard announced that the Drama Division's Master of Fine Arts in Acting will join the school's growing list of tuition-free programs starting in the 2024-25 academic year, becoming funded through scholarships in perpetuity.

What is the age limit for Juilliard? ›

All applicants must be a minimum of 16 years of age upon matriculation to Juilliard. The school does not set a maximum age limit for BFA applicants to the Dance Division.

Is getting a BFA worth it? ›

The BFA affords instructors, classes, and a wealth of training that can hone your technique. You will also have access to prestigious guest artists and learn skills that can give you an advantage when you start to audition. On the other hand, you may have little time outside of classes and rehearsals.

Do you need a BFA to be an actor? ›

As a high school senior, a BFA program seemed like the end-all be-all way to a life as a professional actor. I didn't go to a performing arts high school and I came to acting in the 12th grade so truthfully, I wasn't fully aware of what a conservatory even was.

Do theater majors make money? ›

Starting pay can be:

Production assistant: $9.86 ($20,500) Prop maker: $13.65 per hour ($26,220) Scenic artist: $18 per hour ($37,328 per year) Stagehand: $14.79 per hour ($28,396 per year)

Can you get into acting with no experience? ›

The most direct path to starting an acting career with no prior experience is to submit yourself to auditions, though you may have difficulty landing your first role without some preparation. While acting experience isn't crucial to starting an acting career, there are some steps you can take to smooth the process.

Is it hard to become an actor? ›

Acting is one of the most sought-after careers in the world, which means it takes a great deal of talent, hard work and luck to be successful in this career path. If you're wondering how to become an actor, it's important to know that most successful actors begin their careers with training and study.

What is a good age to start acting? ›

Age 8 – 11

This is one of the best ages for getting started in acting as kids this age tend to be that little bit better at reading their lines and more disciplined with practice.

Is there an age limit for acting? ›

I've taught actors who start at sixteen years-old as well as sixty who went on to have flourishing careers in commercial, theater, television, and film. There is no age limit or threshold to becoming an actor. In fact, the only wrong time spent on the question are the minutes, hours and years wasted asking.

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