CONTACT
Ashley Rivera
Senior Undergraduate Admissions Coordinator
512-232-2741
Overview
The Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Dance allows students to explore multiple disciplines within the department. The B.A. program includes required coursework tailored to a student’s specific emphasis and concentration while leaving an ample number of elective classes that allows each student to forge their own path.
The department produces an annual season of six to eight main stage productions encompassing a wide variety of performance experiences that range from classical to contemporary plays, musical theatre and original scripts. In addition, there are more than 20 performance opportunities each year for students majoring in theatre. Many productions are student-produced, providing opportunities to develop new skills as directors, writers, production managers, designers and dramaturgs.
Graduates of the B.A. program leave The University of Texas at Austin with deep knowledge of themselves as artists and scholars and the foundational skills and experience to pursue work in their chosen career.
Application Requirements
First-Year (Freshman) Application Procedures
1. SUBMIT THE COMMON APP APPLICATION
Available: August 1, 2025
Deadline: December 1, 2025
All applicants must submit a freshman university application via Common App. This university application will include:
- Application
- Fee
- Essay
- Short answers
- Transcript(s)
- Other required optional materials, if applicable
- Scholarship interest form
For a full list of application requirements, please visit the Office of Admissions website.
2. SUBMIT THEATRE AND DANCE APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Available: September 1, 2025
Deadline: December 10, 2025
Emphasis in Theatre
Applicants will be required to submit the prescreen materials listed below. Select applicants may be invited to attend an in-person or virtual callback interview/audition.
- College of Fine Arts application
- Headshot - this does not have to be a professional headshot. It can be a clear image taken on your mobile device.
- Work samples – Upload samples of your theatrical work that you feel represents your artistry and creativity. This may include one or more of the following:
- Portfolio of up to 10 images or files showcasing your work in theatrical production or research. Examples may include:
- Notes, blocking notations, scene breakdowns, call-sheets, script with cues, cue list, rehearsal notes;
- Research, sketches, mood boards, renderings, models, light plots, draftings, production photos, audio design clips and samples of sewing, tailoring, woodworking, drawing and painting;
- Playwriting samples, actor packets, program notes, timelines, cultural or historical context analysis;
- Playbills/posters you have designed, marketing materials, fundraising plans, budgets.
- Video monologue, approximately 1-minute in length. A contemporary monologue (within last 20 years) is recommended, though not required.
- Portfolio of up to 10 images or files showcasing your work in theatrical production or research. Examples may include:
Emphasis in Dance
Applicants will be required to submit the prescreen materials listed below. Select applicants may be invited to attend an in-person or virtual callback interview/audition.
- College of Fine Arts application
- Headshot – this does not have to be a professional headshot. It can be a clear image taken on your mobile device.
- Video 1 – Movement Samples and Creative Assignment: Learn and perform the three movement phrases and complete the creative assignment using the prompt outlined in the video provided (video and further details will be available starting September 1).
- Video 2 – Personal Introduction and Reflection video: This is an opportunity for us to "meet you." The video should begin with your name and hometown, then answer the following reflection question: What were two challenges you experienced in the process of learning and/or performing these audition materials? This video should be approximately 1-minute in length.
The portal to submit a Theatre and Dance application will be accessible via the applicant’s MyStatus portal after submitting the Common Application.
APPLICATION DEADLINES FOR FIRST-YEAR APPLICANTS
| Common App application for admittance in Fall 2026 opens. | August 1, 2025 |
| Department of Theatre and Dance application opens. | September 1, 2025 |
| Common App application deadline. | December 1, 2025 |
| Deadline for students to submit all additional application items, including Theatre and Dance application. | December 10, 2025 |
View a full list of important application dates and deadlines.
External Transfer Application Procedures
1. SUBMIT THE COMMON APP APPLICATION
Available: August 1, 2025
Deadline: March 1, 2026
All applicants must submit a transfer university application via Common App. This university application will include:
- Application
- Fee
- Essay
- Short answers
- Transcript(s)
- Other required optional materials, if applicable
- Scholarship interest form
For a full list of application requirements, please visit the Office of Admissions website.
2. SUBMIT THEATRE AND DANCE APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Available: September 1, 2025
Deadline: March 10, 2026
Emphasis in Theatre
Applicants will be required to submit the prescreen materials listed below. Select applicants may be invited to attend an in-person or virtual callback interview/audition.
- College of Fine Arts application
- Headshot - this does not have to be a professional headshot. It can be a clear image taken on your mobile device.
- Work samples – Upload samples of your theatrical work that you feel represents your artistry and creativity. This may include one or more of the following:
- Portfolio of up to 10 images or files showcasing your work in theatrical production or research. Examples may include:
- Notes, blocking notations, scene breakdowns, call-sheets, script with cues, cue list, rehearsal notes;
- Research, sketches, mood boards, renderings, models, light plots, draftings, production photos, audio design clips and samples of sewing, tailoring, woodworking, drawing and painting;
- Playwriting samples, actor packets, program notes, timelines, cultural or historical context analysis;
- Playbills/posters you have designed, marketing materials, fundraising plans, budgets.
- Video monologue, approximately 1-minute in length. A contemporary monologue (within last 20 years) is recommended, though not required.
- Portfolio of up to 10 images or files showcasing your work in theatrical production or research. Examples may include:
Emphasis in Dance
Applicants will be required to submit the prescreen materials listed below. Select applicants may be invited to attend an in-person or virtual callback interview/audition.
- College of Fine Arts application
- Headshot – this does not have to be a professional headshot. It can be a clear image taken on your mobile device.
- Video 1 – Movement Samples and Creative Assignment: Learn and perform the three movement phrases and complete the creative assignment using the prompt outlined in the video provided (video and further details will be available starting September 1).
- Video 2 – Personal Introduction and Reflection video: This is an opportunity for us to "meet you". The video should begin with your name and hometown, then answer the following reflection question: What were two challenges you experienced in the process of learning and/or performing these audition materials? This video should be approximately 1-minute in length.
The portal to submit a Theatre and Dance application will be accessible via the applicant’s MyStatus portal after submitting the Common Application.
APPLICATION DEADLINES FOR EXTERNAL TRANSFER APPLICANTS
| Common App application for admittance in Fall 2026 opens. | August 1, 2025 |
| Department of Theatre and Dance application for external transfers opens. | September 1, 2025 |
| Common App application deadline. | March 1, 2026 |
| Deadline for students to submit all additional application items, including Theatre and Dance application. | March 10, 2026 |
View a full list of important application dates and deadlines.
Internal Transfer (Change or Add Major) Application Procedures
1. COMPLETE THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN INTERNAL TRANSFER APPLICATION
Available: February 1, 2026
Deadline: May 1, 2026
Applicants will be required to submit a list of prescreen materials provided in the application portal. Select applicants may be invited to attend a virtual interview and/or audition. Further information about Theatre and Dance application requirements will be available in January, 2026.
For more information regarding the internal transfer process, please visit the Office of Admissions Internal Transfer website.
APPLICATION DEADLINES FOR INTERNAL APPLICANTS (CHANGE OR ADD MAJOR)
| Application for internal transfers (change of major) opens. | February 1, 2026 |
| Deadline to submit all application requirements. | May 1, 2026 |
View a full list of important application dates and deadlines.