Acting

Admission to the BFA Acting program is highly competitive and based on a required audition process conducted by the Acting Faculty and a review of the student’s overall application by Admissions staff. Only exceptionally talented actors who can demonstrate talent, creativity, and commitment will be offered admission.

Application Requirements

• SUNY Application and Purchase Supplemental or Common Application

• Application Fee: $50 for either application

• Academic Transcripts

• Video Pre-Screen/Portfolio (including a $55 nonrefundable fee)

• Letter of Recommendation

Pre-Screen / Portfolio Requirements   

Mandatory Requirements

All applicants to the acting program must submit the following to be considered for an acting program in-person callback appointment.

All materials must be submitted via the Admissions Portal no later than January 1, 2026

The Process

If selected for an in-person callback, students will be notified no later than the week of January 19. We encourage students to complete the requirements as soon as possible.

Callbacks will take place in person both on campus and off campus. Please note that we will be accepting first time walk-in auditions during our dates in New York City and Chicago, as our schedule permits.

Callbacks

If you receive an invitation for a callback, please bring a hard copy of your headshot and resume with you. Please be prepared to work on two or more of your pieces with your auditors. Your callback will last approximately 15 minutes. It will be a work session, and hopefully fun!

On-Campus Callbacks

Purchase College: Saturday, February 21st, 2026
735 Anderson Hill Road
Dance Building, Upper Level
Purchase, NY 10577

Off-Campus Callbacks

New York, NY: Saturday, January 24^th, 2026 and Sunday, January 25^th, 2026
Ripley-Grier Studios
520 8th Avenue, 16th floor
New York, NY 10018

Chicago, IL: Monday, February 2^nd, 2026 and Tuesday, February 3^rd, 2026
Hyatt Regency Chicago
Gallery 5, East Tower, Skyway Level
151 E Wacker Dr
Chicago, IL 60601

More Information

Visit the Acting BFA program to get answers to the most frequently asked questions.

For additional information about the acting BFA program, visit Conservatory of Theatre Arts.

Final decisions will be granted on a rolling basis beginning in mid-March. 

Bonus Material: Audition Insight

Liam Joynt, co-chair of the Acting BFA program, spoke with Charlie Murphy, host of the Mapping the College Audition podcast, and shared insight into the program, the college, and the audition process. Listen on Spotify, Apple Music, or wherever you listen to podcasts.