students acting during a class activity and being recorded with a camera

Acting for the Stage and Screen Major (BFA)

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Study Acting for the Stage and Screen at APU

BFA in Acting students at APU train in a variety of performance techniques, participating in high-level main stage productions and studio classes. They’re mentored by professors with acclaimed professional credentials—working actors, directors, designers, agents, and casting directors. BFA seniors culminate their training with an industry showcase in Los Angeles at prestigious locations such as Warner Bros. Studios. One of the key advantages is our location—our students learn their craft in the heart of the entertainment industry. The program's structure also supports interdisciplinary study, allowing students to pursue a double major.

Students in the BFA in Acting may audition for an optional musical theater emphasis.


Get Started on Your BFA in Theater and Film Acting

Theater Arts requires a secondary application and audition.

Program at a Glance

Azusa Pacific University Theater Arts offers a nationally ranked top-30 Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Acting for the Stage and Screen with an optional musical theater emphasis. APU Theater Arts students perform in main stage productions, studio shows, short films, animation voice-overs, web series, and an L.A. industry showcase.

Upcoming Events

Theater Arts Immersive Day

  • February 21, 2025

Pride and Prejudice

  • February 13-22, 2025

New Works Festival

  • April 3-12, 2025

Application Deadline

  • EXTENDED Admissions Deadline: March 7, 2025

Theater Arts requires a secondary application and audition.

Learn How to Apply

Program Information

  • Program Units: 69-77

Location

  • Azusa (Main Campus)

 

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Musical Theater Emphasis

Musical Theater Emphasis

At Azusa Pacific University, our Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Acting for the Stage and Screen with a Musical Theater Emphasis offers a comprehensive, training program designed for aspiring performers who aim to excel in both the stage and screen as well as musical theater

This specialized emphasis combines the core acting curriculum with advanced coursework in singing, dance, and musical theater techniques. From day one, students engage in a balanced regimen that hones the three pillars of musical theater performance: acting, singing, and dancing. Our program is structured to ensure that students develop proficiency in all three disciplines, fostering versatility and depth in their craft.


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BFA in Acting for the Stage and Screen Performance Opportunities

At APU, first year students can audition and perform on theater arts main stage as well as in the cinematic arts department. Opportunities include:

  • Undergraduate student film and television productions in cinematic arts
  • 4-5 mainstage productions a year, including a musical, four studios, and sketch comedy
  • A BFA episodic short film professionally directed, written, and shot

Several BFA in Acting students can also perform in local professional theaters, as well as industry commercials, films, and TV. Los Angeles is 25 minutes from APU.

Phantom of the Opera

Gain Hands-on Experience in Theater and Film Acting

  • Professional training for the stage and screen with professional actors, directors, and writers.
  • Audition techniques to meet industry standards.
  • Produce and perform in a showcase for Hollywood agents.

By the Numbers

10 :1 Student-to-faculty ratio
Top 25 BFA programs in the nation for 2019-20 by OnStage Blog
Spotlight theater sign

Each spring, APU hosts an Industry Spotlight event at legendary Warner Bros. Studios, giving graduating students in APU’s highly acclaimed cinematic arts, theater, art, animation, design, games and interactive media, and music programs an extraordinary opportunity to showcase their work in front of talent representatives, casting directors, friends, and family. The Industry Spotlight is an example of APU’s innovative approach to the arts made possible because of our industry-connected faculty and close proximity to Los Angeles.

Program Details

 

How to Apply for BFA in Acting for the Stage and Screen

You must audition to be accepted into the BFA in Acting for the Stage and Screen program.

The early application admission deadline to apply is November 14, 2025.

The standard decision admission deadline to apply is January 23, 2026.

The following application instructions are for:

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

1. How to Apply and Submit Pre-Screen Video Audition

The following materials are also required in order to be considered for admission into APU Theater Arts. Please be sure to upload all materials via Pre-Screen Video Audition Form. All first-year and transfer applicants for undergraduate admission must submit the following:

  • Current picture or headshot
  • Resume: Your resume should include a list of performance activities (including drama, dance and vocal performance). If you would like, you may also add any other non-performance work or volunteer experience.
  • Pre-Screen Video Audition Form: In the Audition Form, you will be asked to upload two filmed audition monologues.

2. Audition Requirements:

All applicants to the BFA in Acting for Stage and Screen will need to upload two separately filmed audition monologues to their supplemental application in Pre-Screen Video Audition Form.

What to Prepare

Applicants should prepare two contrasting monologues. You can either prepare either 

  • One Shakespeare monologue and one contemporary monologue 
  • One dramatic monologue and one comedic

Each piece should be no longer than 90 seconds in length, memorized and performed.

Picking your Material

Choose a material that resonates with you and reveals something meaningful about who you are. Your monologues should correspond to characters suitable to your natural age range. To find audition monologues, you may use acting monologues from backstage.com.

Filming your Auditions:

Your audition 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. Below are some things we’d like you to keep in mind when you film:

  • Make sure that you are in a well-lit area with minimal background distractions and that your audio is clear and understandable.
  • Your contemporary or dramatic monologue should be filmed as a “close-up”.  The frame should be sized to include the top of your head down to your chest.
  • Your Shakespeare or comedic monologue should be filmed as a “full body” shot where the frame includes the entirety of your body.
  • Each monologue should 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 monologues. We are much more interested in listening to your natural voice.

Theater Arts Talent Scholarship

The Department of Theater Arts at Azusa Pacific University recognizes exceptional talent and potential in prospective BFA in Acting students through our Theater Arts Talent Scholarships. These awards are designed to support dedicated theater majors who demonstrate a strong aptitude and promise to significantly contribute to the vibrant theatrical community at APU. Importantly, all students who submit their audition materials for program admission are automatically considered for these talent-based scholarships, streamlining the process and ensuring that your artistic abilities are recognized and potentially rewarded.

Invited Interview/Callbacks with Faculty

After the Admissions Review Committee has reviewed all pre-screen submissions and decisions are made, the Theater Arts Admissions Office will email all BFA in Acting applicants an update on their application within two weeks of auditioning. 

  • This update will indicate if an applicant has been invited to attend a virtual or in-person Callback. A virtual option will be available for invitees unable to attend in person.
  • ​​Early Admission Applicants: Notification about callbacks will be in late November.
  • Regular Admission Applicants: Notification about callbacks will be in late January.

The following dates are only for those who have successfully completed the pre screening process and have been invited to audition on campus. Followed by a complimentary ticket to an APU Theater Arts performance.

Saturday, October 25, 2025

Performance: Anastasia The Musical

Saturday, November 15, 2025

Performance: Babette’s Feast

Saturday, February 21, 2026

Performance: Midsummer Night’s Dream

Saturday, March 21, 2026

Performance: Steel Magnolias

APU Undergraduate Application

General Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Select an option below:

Theater Arts Exclusive Tours

Join us for an exclusive look at our theater arts program! Our tours include:

  • A special theater arts tour
  • A reception with faculty
  • Lunch with BFA in Acting students
  • The opportunity to audit a class

Parents and students are welcome to participate and discover more about APU theater arts. Each session is hosted by a member of our admissions team, who will introduce you to our unique program. We look forward to meeting you!

Theater Arts In-person Immersive Day

On February 21, 2025, spend the day with theater arts faculty and students. Join us for a university tour and department tour, connect with faculty, audit a class, have lunch with theater students, and see a production.

APU Theater Arts One-day In-person Campus Tours, Spring 2025 Dates

  • Saturday, January 18, 2025
  • Saturday, February 8, 2025
  • Friday, March 28, 2025
  • Friday, May 9, 2025
  • Saturday, June 21, 2025
  • Saturday, July 19, 2025

Theater Arts Talent Scholarship

The Department of Theater Arts at Azusa Pacific University recognizes exceptional talent and potential in prospective BFA in Acting students through our Theater Arts Talent Scholarships. These awards are designed to support dedicated theater majors who demonstrate a strong aptitude and promise to significantly contribute to the vibrant theatrical community at APU. Importantly, all students who submit their audition materials for program admission are automatically considered for these talent-based scholarships, streamlining the process and ensuring that your artistic abilities are recognized and potentially rewarded.

The Theater Arts Theater Scholarship is a talent-based scholarship available to select incoming undergraduate students enrolled in the:

 

You might think that a private college education is beyond your reach, but there are many financial resources available to help make an Azusa Pacific education a reality. APU students may take advantage of three basic types of financial aid: scholarships and grants, education loans, and student employment.

Scholarships and Grants

Scholarships and grants are considered “gift aid” and do not require repayment. They can come from federal, state, or private sources. Scholarships are typically merit-based, meaning they are awarded depending on demonstrated academic ability or other specific talents.

Scholarships are often available from sources outside of APU. You can search for these scholarships through websites such as finaid.org or fastweb.com. The Student Services Center is sometimes notified of scholarships available through APU departments or local organizations, and can provide information about any available scholarships on request.

Education Loans

Education loans are usually repaid after graduation, may be deferred until after graduate school, and often have very low interest rates.

Military Benefits

Military members—and in some cases their spouses and dependents—qualify for financial assistance covering tuition, housing, and books. Azusa Pacific is a Yellow Ribbon University and Military Friendly School, so you can be confident that you’ll receive the benefits and flexibility you need to complete your education.

Student Employment

On-campus student employment is available for students needing additional income to pay for education-related expenses. APU students also find work off campus in the surrounding community.

Net Price Calculator

We’re committed to helping families understand early in the college search process the value of the APU experience and options for affordable financing of a top-tier Christian university education.

Now that you’re familiar with the financial aid opportunities available to APU students, it’s time to estimate what your true cost may be to attend Azusa Pacific. Remember, estimations are only as accurate as the information you provide. Click on the Net Price Calculator button below to begin.

Net Price Calculator

To view specific requirements and coursework information, visit the current academic catalog:

Each spring, APU hosts an Industry Spotlight event at an acclaimed Los Angeles industry affiliated location giving graduating theater arts students in APU’s highly acclaimed program, an extraordinary opportunity to showcase their work on stage and film in front of talent representatives, and casting directors. The Industry Spotlight is an example of APU’s innovative approach to the arts—made possible because of our industry-connected faculty and close proximity to Los Angeles.

BFA Senior Showcase

Take a Look at the Class of 2025

Aidan's headshot
 
Arianna's headshot
 
Braeden's headshot
 
Brooklyn's headshot
 
Carlos' headshot
 
Dylan's headshot
 
Dylan Smith's headshot
 
Honor's headshot
 
Jacob's headshot
 
Kathlynn's headshot
 
Logan's headshot
 
Mia's headshot
 
Nathanael's headshot
 
Sadie's headshot
 
Sylvia's headshot
 

Azusa Pacific University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

Los Angeles Talent Rep Perspectives on Program and Showcase

I really enjoyed the showcase. The work was creative, thoughtful, and fun to watch. The students followed up with professionalism and heart, which says a lot about the kind of training they’re getting at APU’s Theater Arts program. I ended up signing one of them and will definitely be keeping an eye on future grads.
-Janelle Polk, The Green Room

APU has done an excellent job blending media with monologues. Beautiful venue aside, the actors I met were charming and personable. After attending the 2025 showcase, I definitely made some referrals to talent representation whom I trust.
-Robert Terry, Zak Barnett Studios

Azusa Pacific’s Theater Arts program deserves to be discovered by talent reps, casting directors, producers and others. The school’s annual showcase shows the grads’ talents, both in person and on film. APU should be on your radar!
-Mark Scroggs, Vice President of LB Talent

theater arts students smile outside Shakespeare's globe theater

APU Theater Arts Studies Abroad in England and Scotland

Students in APU’s acclaimed Theater Arts program have the incredible opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich theatrical history of the United Kingdom. This immersive experience allows students to explore renowned and historical theater sites, such as Shakespeare’s Globe Theater, the Tower of London, and the Oxford Playhouse. Beyond sightseeing, students actively engage with the culture through Shakespeare-focused classes, participation in performances at the Oxford Playhouse, and the excitement of experiencing live previews at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. This study abroad program provides invaluable hands-on learning and cultural enrichment.


Featured Working Alumni

Sam Bixby Headshot

 Sam Bixby is an actor with an appearance in the Apple TV+ series Shrinking and a Domino's Super Bowl commercial.

Amanda Dayhoff Headshot

Amanda Dayhoff toured nationally with the musical 1776 and is an active professional in the theater industry.

Jaeda Lavonne Headshot

Jaeda Lavonne is an actress who understudied the role of Kiyana in Steppenwolf's production of Chlorine Sky.

Ricky Staub Headshot

Ricky Staub is a writer known for John Wick: Chapter 4 and the director of Netflix's Concrete Cowboy.

Career Outlooks and Outcomes

Meet the Faculty

The Department of Theater Arts brings a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience to inspire and support your performance journey.

 

Note: This information is current for the 2024-25 academic year; however, all stated academic information is subject to change. Refer to the current Academic Catalog for more information.

 

Related Programs

Cinematic Arts Major

  • Azusa

Available Concentrations:

Entertainment Executive, Production and Post, Screen Studies