Current VCU Students

November 1, 2025
Deadline for priority consideration. Applications will then be considered on a space-available basis for the following majors:
Art History, Dance + Choreography, Fashion Merchandising, Music, and Theatre.

April 1, 2026, for the following majors:

Art Education, Cinema, Communication Arts, Craft/Material Studies, Dance + Choreography, Fashion Design, Fashion Merchandising, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Kinetic Imaging, Music, Painting + Printmaking, Photography + Film, Sculpture + Extended Media, and Theatre.

Visual Arts & Design majors are Art Education, Communication Arts, Craft/Material Studies, Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Kinetic Imaging, Painting + Printmaking, Photography + Film, or Sculpture + Extended Media.

Portfolio
Submit 12 to 16 works of art that you have created within the past two years that show your promise in visual art and design. Present your strongest work and demonstrate your potential to develop a diverse set of skills and ideas should you be accepted into VCUarts. We prefer to see a diverse range of 2D and 3D media. Drawing from observation is recommended, while copying anime, cartoons, graffiti, or tattoos is discouraged.

• Images may be submitted in the following formats: JPG, PNG, GIF, TIFF.
• Images can be up to 5 MB each.
• Videos may be submitted in the following formats: MPG or AVI.
• Video can be up to 250 MB each. Each video must be less than 3 minutes. The total maximum time for all moving images cannot exceed 5 minutes.

Students who have completed Art Foundation and want to change their degree-granting major to Art Education, Communication Arts, Craft/Material Studies, Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Kinetic Imaging, Painting + Printmaking, Photography + Film, or Sculpture + Extended Media must have their arts advisor submit the Change of Major form to bypass the portfolio requirement for these majors.

Students who have completed Art Foundation requesting a minor in Craft/Material Studies, Painting + Printmaking, or Sculpture + Extended Media must have their arts advisor submit the Change of Minor form to bypass the portfolio requirement for these minors.

Students with current majors outside of VCUarts may only apply for the Art Foundation program which is a prerequisite for visual arts and design programs. You must complete the Change of Major form. After you complete the Change of Major form, you will receive an invitation to the VCUarts Portfolio Portal to submit your supplemental materials.

Some majors and minors might have additional requirements. More information is available below.

GPA requirements
Some programs require a minimum cumulative GPA for acceptance.
Communication Arts: 3.0
Graphic Design: 2.5
Interior Design: 2.5

Change of Major
You must complete the Change of Major form and the following additional requirements. After you complete the Change of Major form, you will receive an invitation to the VCUarts Portfolio Portal to submit the additional requirements.

Writing Sample
Art History applicants are required to submit a research-based writing sample that makes a clear assertion about a selected topic and cites published sources to support its assertions.

The paper may focus on a work of art, an historical event, a social phenomenon, a literary text, or any topic in the humanities. The paper should be no longer than 600 words, including any citations.

You will upload this writing sample in the VCUarts Portfolio Portal.

Change of Minor
You must complete the Change of Minor form, but do not have to submit a writing sample.

Additional Information

Majoring in Art History
Prior to applying to major in Art History, students enrolled in a major outside of the School of the Arts must complete ARTH 103, 104 and one additional ARTH course.

Minoring in Art History
A minor in art history consists of 18 credits, which must include:

• 3 credits ARTH 103
• 3 credits ARTH 104
• 3 credits from courses in list #1 (details can be found by following the link below)
• 3 credits from courses in list #2 (details can be found by following the link below)
• The remaining 6 credits may be any ARTH course at the 200-300 level open to non-majors (visit the Bulletin page for a list of all ARTH courses). However, only one history of film class (270, 271, 370, or 374) can be counted toward the art history minor.

Of the total 18 credits, 9 credits must be 300-level courses. Only courses in which a student earns a grade of C or higher may be applied to the minor. A student may apply for the Art History minor after successful completion of ARTH 103 and ARTH 104.

Additional information for the Art History minor curriculum can be found on the Department of Art History website.

You must complete the Change of Major form and the following additional requirements. After you complete the Change of Major form, you will receive an invitation to the VCUarts Portfolio Portal to submit the additional requirements.

Cinema Essay
A great heist film depends on a dynamic ensemble made up of people who each contribute something unique to the team, both technically and emotionally. In 300–600 words, tell us what role you’d play in ours. What do you bring to the table as a teammate and collaborator?

This essay should be written entirely without AI assistance. Be as specific and honest as you can. We want to get to know your authentic self through your writing, including how you respond when things don’t go according to plan.

Portfolio

• 1-5 Minute Moving Image Piece (required)
• Submit one moving image piece made by you. This can be anything from a simple video shot on your phone to a more fully developed and edited short film. Any level of filmmaking experience is welcome. The piece must be primarily your own work and vision. If collaborators assisted, explain the roles clearly in the description box.

Advising Meeting with Martha Harper
To discuss the unique structure of the Cinema program, program requirements, and your potential graduation timeline, schedule an informational advising meeting with Martha Harper here.

Optional Submissions
The 1-5 Minute Moving Image Piece is the only required portfolio element. In addition, you may submit any combination of the following optional pieces to help us get a fuller picture of who you are as a storyteller:

• Pitch Video (optional)
  In 3 minutes or less, film a video of yourself pitching an idea for a movie you’d like to make one day. Clearly articulate the genre, tone, and central story of your movie. Tell us why you’re excited about this story.
• Creative Portfolio (optional)
  Submit a portfolio of your creative work. You may include up to 5 additional pieces beyond the required Moving Image Piece. You’re welcome to include a mix of mediums: short films, photography, painting, music, writing, etc.

If you include video or music, keep the total combined length of additional submissions under 5 minutes. If submitting work made in collaboration with others, please specify how you contributed to the project in the description box. If submitting writing, please do not exceed 5 pages.

What Makes a Strong Submission?
We are most excited by work that feels thoughtful, personal, and reflective of who you are. Your submission does not need to be polished or made with professional equipment. We want to see how you use the tools available to you to create a world, establish a tone, tell a story, observe the world closely, or communicate ideas through images and sound.

We encourage you to lean toward narrative, observational, poetic, multimedia, or experimental work. In general, submissions focused mainly on social-media-style content, brand promotion, advertising, or gameplay edits are less likely to represent you clearly as a narrative filmmaker.

You must complete the Change of Minor form and the following additional requirements. After you complete the Change of Minor form, you will receive an invitation to the VCUarts Portfolio Portal to submit your required materials.

Writing Sample
Submit a 2-page (maximum) writing sample that showcases your voice. This can be:

• A script (film or TV)
• A play (theatre)
• A short story (fictional prose)

Your sample can be an excerpt from a longer piece. If submitting an excerpt, please provide brief context for the sample (2-3 sentences) explaining where it falls in the larger work and why you chose this particular section to represent your writing. We want to see your unique voice in your writing!

Statement of Purpose
Answer the following questions in one page (maximum):

• Why are you drawn to screenwriting?
• What do you hope to gain from this minor?

Tell us why you love screenwriting and what this opportunity means to you.

Students who want to major, you must submit the Change of Major form. After you complete the Change of Major form, you will receive an invitation to the VCUarts Portfolio Portal to submit your required materials. The Concentration is a track for Communication Arts majors.

Students who want to minor, you must complete the Change of Minor form and the following additional requirements. After you complete the Change of Minor form, you will receive an invitation to the VCUarts Portfolio Portal to submit your required materials. The minor is for individuals not majoring in Communication Arts.

Please note accepted applicants will begin their courses in the following Spring Semester, as Spring Admits. Applicants should follow the Spring Deadlines listed above.

Personal Statement
In this brief statement, articulate your interest in Visual Effects, including a detailed anticipated application of VFX to your primary field of study.

Visual Effects Scene Description
You must complete a 300–500-word-long visual effects scene description of an original scene, with a focus on visual effects usage. Scene descriptions will be assessed by the following rubric: plot, structure, and creativity.

Inspirational Filmmakers and/or Visual Effects Artists
You must list up to five favorite artists or filmmakers that inspire you to create visual effects, and you must explain why they inspire you.

Five Cinematic Photos or One 1- to 2-Minute Video
Upload items in the sequential order intended to convey a narrative. Work samples may be taken with any device (e.g., cell phone, digital camera, film camera). Photographic sequence/video will be assessed according to composition, lighting, story, and creativity.

You must complete the Change of Major form and the following additional requirements. After you complete the Change of Major form, you will receive an invitation to the VCUarts Portfolio Portal to submit your required materials. An audition is required.

About the Audition
The Dance + Choreography Department welcomes students with varying levels of dance experience to audition for our program. The audition consists of a warm-up, a barre, modern center work, an improvisation section, and a short interview. The department will send more information in advance of your date.

Wear proper dance attire that would be fitting for each dance style, including leotards, tights, and ballet shoes for ballet; barefoot for contemporary modern; and socks for certain other forms that may be offered that day. Style your hair in support of full body movement to not impair your dancing ability, and bring warm-up attire to keep you warm and comfortable before the audition.

Admissions Criteria

• Talent and potential as an artist in the field of dance.
• Prior training and the ability to demonstrate knowledge of modern dance and/or classical ballet techniques.
• Ability to demonstrate musicality and dynamic range.
• A healthy, physically conditioned body that is injury-free.
• Openness to new ideas and the ability to engage in creative problem solving.

If you have any questions, please contact Meagan Doan, Admissions & Administrative Coordinator for the Performing Arts, at adamsml@vcu.edu.

You must complete the Change of Minor form and the following additional requirements. No audition is required.

You may only apply for the Dance & Choreography minor after the following have been completed:

• Maintained a minimum overall GPA of 2.0 at VCU.
• Earned a minimum of six credits in Dance classes at VCU. These would be classes for non-majors and non-minors, and include Intro to Modern, Intro to Ballet, Yoga, West African, Salsa, and Improv.

If you have any questions, please contact Meagan Doan, Admissions & Administrative Coordinator for the Performing Arts, at adamsml@vcu.edu.

Students who want to major, you must submit the Change of Major form.

Students who want to minor, you must complete the Change of Minor form.

Fashion Merchandising applicants have no required supplemental materials.

Admissions Criteria

• Students from any department/major may request a minor in Fashion Merchandising, provided they have a 3.0 or higher GPA.
• Students must see an advisor upon declaration of the Fashion Merchandising minor and once a semester thereafter.

You must complete the Change of Minor form and the following additional requirements. After you complete the Change of Minor form, you will receive an invitation to the VCUarts Portfolio Portal to submit your required materials.

Portfolio
The portfolio may contain still images (digital or hand drawn, not photo), storyboards, and moving images (can be motion graphics/animation).

Personal Statement
Please communicate your experience in animation (if any), why this minor is interesting to you, and how this minor will support your goals for learning and research.

Additional Information
A minor in Animation consists of 18 credits:

• KINE 245 Animation Practices (4 credits, required course).
• ARTH 370 History of Animated Film (3 credits, required course).
• KINE 405 Animation Studio (1 credit, required course, offered spring semester).
• 10 credits from the list of elective options, which includes a variety of relevant classes from across the School of the Arts.

Please note that some courses may have prerequisites and may require an override or permission from the host department/instructor. For a full list of courses and electives, please see the Bulletin page. If a student takes 1-2 classes per semester, this minor can be completed in 1.5–3 academic years.

For questions, please email us at kineticimage@vcu.edu. Please note, admission into this minor is competitive. Consult with your academic advisor for degree progress questions before you apply.

You must complete the Change of Minor form and the following additional requirements. After you complete the Change of Minor form, you will receive an invitation to the VCUarts Portfolio Portal to submit your personal statement.

Personal Statement
In a brief statement (approximately 300 words), tell us about your interest in sound design, an instance of effective sound design from something you’ve seen (and heard) recently, any relevant experience in sound design, and how the minor might apply to your primary field of study.

Additional Information

• A minor in sound design consists of 18 credits, nine of which must be at the 300-400 level:
• THEA 333 Sound Technology (3 credits).
• KINE 346 Survey of Sound Design (3 credits).
• 12 credits from the list of elective options.

You must complete the Change of Major form and the following additional requirements. After you complete the Change of Major form, you will receive an invitation to the VCUarts Portfolio Portal to submit your required materials. An audition is required.

Audition
Instrument-specific requirements can be found on the Department of Music website. The Music Department will contact the applicant to schedule an audition.

You must complete the Change of Minor form and the following additional requirements. After you complete the Change of Minor form, you will receive an invitation to the VCUarts Portfolio Portal to submit your additional requirements.

Audition
Auditions take place once or twice a semester at a designated time that you will receive once your application is submitted. Please note that the music minor requires a 2.5 GPA. Audition requirements can be found below.

Music Minor Audition Requirements
Strings

• One major 3 octave scale (2 octaves for basses is acceptable)
• One minor 3 octave scale (2 octaves for basses is acceptable)
• One solo (about 2 pages in length, demonstrating ability to play in positions)

Piano

• One major and one minor scale (all forms), played hands together in a two-octave range.
• One substantial classical solo piece from the Baroque to the contemporary period that showcases technical ability as well as contrasting moods and characters.

Woodwinds

• One multiple-octave scale of the student’s choice
• One solo that demonstrates a variety of technical and musical skills

Brass

• One multiple-octave scale of the student’s choice
• One solo that demonstrates a variety of technical and musical skills

Percussion

• Three rudiments (played slow–fast–slow)
• Two two-octave scales of your choice on marimba
• One snare drum solo or one keyboard solo

Classical Guitar

• Two solo guitar pieces

Jazz

• Two major scales, two octaves
• One piece from the broader jazz canon (e.g., swing, bebop, bossa, Afro-Cuban, etc.)

Voice

• Two contrasting selections demonstrating vocal range, tone quality, flexibility, and expressive ability (perform both songs from memory). Songs may come from the broader classical canon, Broadway canon, Great American Songbook, art songs, folk songs, and traditional songs. Songs cannot come from the contemporary or commercial music canon.
• Note: a pianist will be provided during auditions.

Additional Information
The Music minor comprises:

• A minimum of 9 credits in Music at the 300 or 400 level.
• A minimum of 2 semesters of APPL 200 (1 credit, half-hour applied individual lessons).
• A minimum of 2 semesters of APPM 300-level ensemble courses. Audition information and director contact info can be found here.
• The remaining 14 credits can be fulfilled with any music courses, including additional semesters of lessons and/or ensemble participation. Courses may be chosen from APPM, APPL, MHIS, MUED, MUSC, and certain CREA courses (some have auditions or prerequisites).

Please note that APPL 200-level lessons will be marked as full in the registration system. They are not full; students need to fill out the Performing Arts override form to get access.

You must complete the Change of Major form and the following additional requirements. After you complete the Change of Major form, you will receive an invitation to the VCUarts Portfolio Portal to submit your required materials. An interview is required.

Interviews take place at the W.E Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, located at 922 Park Ave, Richmond, VA. The department will send more information in advance of your interview date.

At interviews, Bachelor of Arts applicants come on campus to learn more about our programs, interview with faculty, tour our facilities, and meet current students and faculty. Parents are welcome to attend.

The purpose of the interview is to allow faculty members to get to know more about the applicant’s interests, commitment and communication skills. This interview is an important part of the application process. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their recent theatre activities, career goals, as well as personal goals and experiences. Please bring your resume to the interview.

If you have any questions, please contact Meagan Doan, Admissions & Administrative Coordinator for the Performing Arts, at adamsml@vcu.edu.

You must complete the Change of Major form and the following additional requirements. After you complete the Change of Major form, you will receive an invitation to the VCUarts Portfolio Portal to submit your required materials. An audition is required.

Audition
For priority consideration, Performance concentration applicants should audition by February 1.

At auditions, applicants can expect to:

• Interview with faculty in their area of interest.
• Present their portfolio or appropriate audition pieces (details dependent on intended major).
• Tour theatre facilities.
• Talk with current students.
• All students participate in a group general info and Q+A session.
• Performers participate in group warm-ups.
• Parents are encouraged to attend, too. We continue with a parent Q+A session after applicants head off to auditions.

Auditions take place at the W.E Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, located at 922 Park Ave, Richmond, VA. The department will send more information in advance of your audition date.

If you have any questions, please contact Meagan Doan, Admissions & Administrative Coordinator for the Performing Arts, at adamsml@vcu.edu.

You must complete the Change of Major form and the following additional requirements. After you complete the Change of Major form, you will receive an invitation to the VCUarts Portfolio Portal to submit your required materials. An interview is required.

Portfolio
Your portfolio should consist of 12 to 16 images that show your promise as a Theatre student. Present your strongest work and demonstrate your potential to develop a diverse set of skills and ideas. We prefer to see a diverse range of 2D and 3D media. This can include photographs of productions you have worked on, pieces you have built such as props or costumes as well as other works of 2D and 3D art. For more information about acceptable file types, please see the information in the application portal.

Theatrical Resume
Your theatrical resume should be a one-page resume that highlights your relevant experience and training.

If you have any questions, please contact Meagan Doan, Admissions & Administrative Coordinator for the Performing Arts, at adamsml@vcu.edu.

You must complete the Change of Major form and the following additional requirements. After you complete the Change of Major form, you will receive an invitation to the VCUarts Portfolio Portal to submit your required materials. An interview is required.

Stage Management Paperwork
Stage Management applicants, your stage management paperwork should demonstrate your organizational and management skills and might include things like prompt book pages, blocking notes, call sheets, rehearsal notes, communications, etc., to help demonstrate your stage management process.

Theatrical Resume
Your theatrical resume should be a one-page resume that highlights your relevant experience and training.

If you have any questions, please contact Meagan Doan, Admissions & Administrative Coordinator for the Performing Arts, at adamsml@vcu.edu.

You must complete the Change of Minor form and the following additional requirements. After you complete the Change of Minor form, you will receive an invitation to the VCUarts Portfolio Portal to submit your required materials. Please note students must earn a minimum of six credits in Theatre classes at VCU before applying for the minor.

Audition
Prepare two contrasting (one comedic and one dramatic) one-minute monologues from published play scripts. Choose something in an appropriate age range that does not contain a dialect. Secure assistance in the preparation of audition materials. Each monologue must be no more than 1-minute in length. You will be prompted to select an audition date.

Statement of Intent
Your statement of intent should be a paragraph or two, please tell us why you are interested in pursuing a minor in Musical Theatre. What are your goals? What do you hope to achieve?

Theatrical Resume
Your theatrical resume should be a one-page resume that highlights your relevant experience and training.

You must complete the Change of Minor form and the following additional requirements. After you complete the Change of Minor form, you will receive an invitation to the VCUarts Portfolio Portal to submit your required materials. Please note students must earn a minimum of six credits in Theatre classes at VCU before applying for the minor.

Statement of Intent
Your statement of intent should be a paragraph or two, please tell us why you are interested in pursuing a minor in Theatre. What are your goals? What do you hope to achieve?

Theatrical Resume
Your theatrical resume should be a one-page resume that highlights your relevant experience and training.