How to Apply · School of Dramatic Arts

The deadline to apply is December 1, 2026.

The following application instructions are for:

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre

All first-year and transfer candidates for undergraduate admission must complete the following:

Submit The Common Application

You may apply to the USC School of Dramatic Arts using the Common Application, which includes some USC-specific questions. In addition to the online application, you will be asked to submit additional materials, including the USC Supplemental Application. For specific information about the items you will need to submit, please visit USC Admission’s First-Year Application Checklist.

Note: Applicants who wish to be considered for the BFA in Musical Theatre must list it as their first-choice major on the Common Application. Given the limited number of spots for this program, we encourage you to add the BA in Dramatic Arts as your second-choice major. If you have listed the BFA and BA as your major choice options, you only need to submit the BFA Supplemental via SlideRoom.

USC School of Dramatic Arts majors will only appear as an option if you are completing the Common Application for Regular Decision.

Submit an SDA SlideRoom Application

The following materials are also required in order to be considered for admission into the USC School of Dramatic Arts. Please be sure to upload all materials via SlideRoom. The supplemental application in SlideRoom will go live early September.

Current picture or headshot
Resume: Your resume should include any and all performance activities (including drama, dance and vocal performance). If you would like, you may also add any other non-performance work or volunteer experience.
Letter of Recommendation from your drama teacher/coach
Video Essay Questions: Your responses should address the prompts outlined in SlideRoom. Each video response should be no longer than 90 seconds.
Pre-Screen Audition: All applicants to the BFA in Musical Theatre will need to upload the prescreen package outlined below to their supplemental application in SlideRoom.
- - Acting
    What to Prepare: Applicants should prepare one contemporary monologue from a published play. Your piece should be no longer than 90 seconds in length and memorized.
    Picking your Material: Choose a monologue that is age-appropriate and feels authentic to your background, culture, and lived experience. Something that resonates with you personally and offers insight into who you are. We strongly encourage you to read the full play and develop a deep familiarity with your text, so you can demonstrate a clear understanding of your character and their circumstances.
    
    Filming your Monologue:Your audition video does not need to be professionally filmed, but it should provide a clear picture and audio. We understand that it may be difficult to find an ideal space to film your audition and want to reassure you that where you film will have no bearing on your candidacy to this program. Keep the following in mind when you film:
    - Make sure you are in a well-lit area with minimal background distractions and that your audio is clear and understandable.
    - Begin with a slate that includes your name, the title of the play, and the playwright’s name.
    - Please do not add an accent or dialect when performing your monologue. We are much more interested in hearing your natural voice.
    - Dress as you would for an in-person audition. Costumes are not permitted.
  - Dance
    What to Prepare: Applicants should prepare one filmed dance piece, no longer than 60 seconds, featuring only the applicant. Optional: You may submit a second dance piece in a contrasting style.
    Picking your Material: Select one style from the following: ballet, jazz, contemporary, tap, or musical theatre choreography. Your video should showcase your technique, musicality, artistry, and individual movement quality. This is your chance to have fun and show us who you are as a mover or dancer.
    
    Filming your Dances: Your video does not need to be professionally filmed, but it should provide a clear picture and clean audio. We understand it may be difficult to find an ideal space to film, and want to reassure you that filming location will have no bearing on your candidacy. When filming, please keep in mind:
    - Make sure you are in a well-lit area with minimal background distractions and that your audio is clear and understandable.
    - Your full body should be in view at all times.
    - Your videos should be current.
    - Wear appropriate dance attire and footwear representing the chosen dance style demonstrated in each video.
  - Music
    What to Prepare: Applicants should prepare two contrasting selections. Each cut should not exceed 90 seconds and must be memorized.
    - First selection: A cut from the published musical theatre canon, from any time period.
    - Second selection: A cut that contrasts in style with your first. This may also come from the musical theatre canon (Golden Age or Contemporary) or from another style that best suits you, such as pop, folk, rock, country, or standards.
    Examples of contrast include: up-tempo vs. ballad, belt vs. soprano, or patter song vs. sustained melodic singing.
    
    Picking your Material: Choose songs that comfortably fit within your vocal range, that best represent your abilities, and that resonate with you personally, giving insight into who you are. Your selections should have a clear emotional arc and an objective. Make the situation in each song specific, honest, meaningful to you and tell us a story.
    
    Choose material that you love, that shows us who you are and what you do best. Above all, we want to see you.
    
    Filming your Vocal Performances: Your vocal performance videos do not need to be professionally filmed, but they should provide a clear picture and audio. We understand that it may be difficult to find an ideal space to film your auditions and want to reassure you that where you film your pieces will have no bearing on your candidacy to this program. Keep the following in mind when you film:
    - Each vocal performance should be filmed separately.
    - Each song should begin with a slate that includes your name and the title of the song.
    - Make sure you are in a well-lit area with minimal background distractions and that your audio is clear and understandable.
    - If you don’t have access to a live pianist or a pre-recorded backing track, there are plenty of options online, YouTube being a great resource. Another route worth exploring is using an app to generate the accompaniment for you, Harmony Helper, for example, lets you photograph your sheet music, upload it, and produce a playable piano track from it.
  - ‘Who are you?’ Video: Please upload a 90-second video showcasing your personality. We kindly ask that you not submit any monologues, cover songs or dancing. This video is not considered an audition piece.
  - Non-refundable audition fee of $40
  After the Admissions Review Committee has reviewed all pre-screen submissions and decisions are made, the Office of Admissions & Student Services will email all applicants to the BFA in Musical Theatre an update on their application in mid-January. This update will indicate if an applicant has been invited to attend our Callback Weekend in mid-February. A virtual option will be available for invitees unable to attend in person.