Audition & Portfolio Requirements

■ Department of Fine Arts — Portfolio Review

Applicants to BFA programs in Painting, Sculpture, Printmaking, Photography, and Illustration must submit a digital portfolio through the ACAPA Application Portal. No in-person portfolio review is required for initial evaluation, though finalists may be invited to an on-campus interview.

Portfolio Specifications

• Number of works: 12–20 images. Fewer than 12 will result in an incomplete application.
• Format: JPEG or PNG, minimum 1200px on the longest side, maximum 5 MB per file.
• Labeling: Each image must include title, medium, dimensions, and year of creation.
• Range: Portfolio should demonstrate range across media and subject matter. Include at least 3 drawings from direct observation.
• Original work only: Copies of photographs, other artists' works, or images generated by AI will not be considered. All work must be the applicant's own.
• Artist's statement: A 200–400 word statement describing your practice, influences, and goals is required.
• 3D work: Sculptors may submit up to 3 short video walkarounds (60 seconds max each) in lieu of or in addition to still images.

Optional Supplement

• Applicants may submit a sketchbook or process documentation as a supplementary PDF (up to 20 pages). This is viewed favorably but not required.

Full Fine Arts Portfolio Requirements ›  |  Fine Arts Department ›

■ Department of Theater — Audition

Applicants to the BFA in Acting, BFA in Directing, and BA in Theater Arts must complete a live or recorded audition. ACAPA participates in regional unified auditions in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles in addition to on-campus audition days.

Acting Audition: Required Materials

• Two contrasting monologues from published, produced plays. Monologues should contrast in tone, period, or style — for example, one contemporary piece and one classical or pre-1960 text, or one comedic and one dramatic. Combined running time should not exceed 4 minutes; each piece should be approximately 90 seconds to 2 minutes.
• All material must be fully memorized. Do not use scripts or notes during the audition.
• Do not use material from film or television screenplays, original writing, or poetry.
• Avoid material requiring props, costume pieces, or furniture. A single chair may be requested.
• Headshot and résumé: Current headshot (8×10 or digital equivalent) and a one-page theatrical résumé listing training, productions, and skills.
• Directing applicants must also submit a 2–4 page directorial concept for a play of their choice, along with a list of 3 works they would most like to direct and why.

Pre-Screen Option

Applicants who cannot attend a live or regional audition may submit a pre-screen video. Film each monologue as a separate file. Use a full-body or three-quarter shot (from the knees up), in a clean, uncluttered space with good lighting. Slate your name and the title/author of each piece before performing it.

Full Theater Audition Requirements ›  |  Theater Department ›

■ Conservatory of Music — Audition

All applicants to performance programs (BM in Instrumental Performance, BM in Vocal Performance, BM in Composition, BM in Jazz Studies) must complete a formal audition. Auditions may be live (on-campus or regional) or submitted as a recorded video, as specified below by instrument/voice area. A pre-screen is required for select programs before a live audition invitation is issued.

General Requirements (All Music Applicants)

• Artistic résumé listing ensembles, private instruction, competitions, and significant performances.
• Two letters of recommendation from music instructors or conductors.
• Sight-reading may be requested at the live audition.
• Theory placement examination administered during or following the audition (does not affect admissions decision; used for placement only).

By Instrument / Area

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■ Department of Dance — Audition

Applicants to the BFA in Dance (Contemporary Performance, Ballet, or Commercial Dance) must complete a two-stage audition process: (1) an initial video pre-screen, and (2) an in-person or live-virtual callback audition for invited applicants. Callbacks are held on the ACAPA campus in Eastbridge in January and February, and via Zoom on select dates.

Stage 1: Video Pre-Screen (Required of All Dance Applicants)

• Solo performance: One solo of 60–90 seconds in the technique area you consider your strongest. May be a repertory piece, competition solo, or original choreography. Film in a full-body shot with the entire body visible at all times throughout the video.
• Technique class footage: If available, submit 2–5 minutes of unedited class footage (ballet barre and/or center, modern floor work, or jazz combination). Not required but strongly encouraged.
• Introduction: A 60-second spoken introduction stating your name, where you are from, your primary training background, and what you hope to study at ACAPA.
• Submit all video materials through the ACAPA Applicant Portal. YouTube, Google Drive, and Dropbox links are not accepted; upload original files only.

Stage 2: Callback Audition (By Invitation)

• Invited applicants will participate in two technique classes (one ballet, one modern or jazz) led by ACAPA dance faculty.
• Each applicant will present a solo of up to 90 seconds. The solo may be the same as the pre-screen solo or a new piece.
• A 15-minute individual interview with a panel of two faculty members follows the class audition.
• Dress appropriately for a professional dance audition. Bring your own music on a device; a Bluetooth speaker will be provided for solo performances.

Full Dance Audition Requirements ›  |  Dance Department ›

■ Department of Film & Media Arts — Portfolio Review

Applicants to the BFA in Film Production, BFA in Screenwriting, and BA in Cinema Studies must submit a creative portfolio. The portfolio may consist of written work, visual/moving image work, or a combination of both, depending on the concentration. No live audition is required; however, finalists for merit scholarships may be invited for a video interview with the department.

Film Production Portfolio

• Short film or video work: Submit 1–3 short films, video projects, or edited reels totaling no more than 20 minutes. Include a brief note on your role in each project (director, editor, cinematographer, etc.).
• Written component: A 2–5 page treatment or short screenplay for an original project you would like to develop.
• Statement of intent: 300–500 words describing your filmmaking influences, what you hope to create, and why you are applying to ACAPA.

Screenwriting Portfolio

• Submit a short screenplay (10–30 pages) in standard industry format (Courier 12pt, proper scene headings and action lines).
• Optionally, include a second sample of a different genre or format (e.g., a TV pilot first act, a short documentary treatment, or a feature outline).
• Statement of intent: 300–500 words.

Cinema Studies (BA) Portfolio

• Two analytical writing samples, each 3–8 pages, demonstrating close reading and critical thinking. High school or undergraduate course papers are acceptable.
• A list of 10 films that have most influenced your thinking about cinema, with a brief (2–3 sentence) note on each.

Full Film Portfolio Requirements ›  |  Film & Media Arts Department ›