Transfer Applicants

November 1, 2025
Deadline to submit the transfer application.

March 15, 2026
Deadline to submit the transfer application.

Decision notification:
Applicants who submit their applications and all necessary application materials by March 15 are guaranteed a decision by May 1, 2026.

Programs that accept for this semester:
Art Education, Art Foundation, Art History, Cinema, Communication Arts, Craft/Material Studies, Dance, Fashion Design, Fashion Merchandising, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Kinetic Imaging, Music, Painting + Printmaking, Photography + Film, Sculpture + Extended Media, and Theatre 

Please ensure that your address stays active for at least one year, as we will use it to communicate with you throughout the application process. Use the same email address for all VCU business. Check your email frequently for updates on the status of your application.

Transfer applicants must use VCU’s application for admission. Applicants may only submit one application to one major. Admitted students can request additional major/minor(s) during their first semester.

If your program requires arts-specific materials, you will receive an email with instructions after submitting the transfer application. You’ll also find a link to upload materials in your applicant portal. See the program-specific requirements below for more details.

Transfer applicants must submit an official transcript from each previously attended college or university, including summer schools. If less than 30 semester (45 quarter) hours have been completed, applicants also must submit high school transcripts. Official transcripts must be delivered to the Office of Admissions unopened and sealed in their original envelope.

Transcripts should be sent to:
VCU Office of Admissions
Box 842526
Richmond, VA 23284-2526

VCU does not require SAT or ACT scores for admission. However, submission of test scores remains a requirement for all Guaranteed Admission Programs, offered through the Honors College.

Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency. To learn more about how language proficiency will be determined, please visit this page.

VCU does not require applicants to submit recommendations. If you choose to submit recommendations, please send them to arts@vcu.edu.

Applicants should review VCU’s Student Financial Services’ financial aid checklist.

Applicants are encouraged to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Completing the FAFSA form allows you to be considered for federal student aid. States and colleges also use FAFSA information to award grants, scholarships and loans.

Art Foundation applicants are required to submit a portfolio of artwork that presents 12 to 16 pieces of art you have created within the past two years and demonstrate your artistic commitment, skill, curiosity, and creativity.

Your portfolio will be uploaded to the application portal. This video contains helpful information regarding the upload process.

Your work may consist of a diverse range of 2D, 3D, and 4D media, or an investigation of one media type. We look for experimentation, a range of technical skills and subject matter, and evidence of critical thinking and creative problem-solving. Your work should indicate your potential to succeed in VCUarts’ rigorous programs.

Drawing from direct observation (people, places, or objects from life) is encouraged but optional. Copying work or using character designs from another artist or media property is discouraged.

Additionally, you must include the medium and/or software used to create the work, including any use of artificial intelligence (neural network) software that creates images.

When uploading your portfolio, we strongly recommend including information such as the title, medium (required), dimensions, and a brief description of each piece.

You can schedule a one-on-one meeting with a VCUarts representative virtually or meet with us at a National Portfolio Day for individualized feedback on your portfolio.

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 your assertion. 

The paper may focus on a work of art, an historical event, a sociological phenomenon, a literary text, or other humanities topic. Your writing sample should be no longer than 600 words, including any citations. You will be prompted to submit your research paper as part of the Common Application.

Overview
Do you ever rewatch a scene over and over just to figure out how it was filmed? Has a movie or TV show ever resonated so deeply that it made you want to create something that moves people too? If this sounds like you, you might be a perfect fit for the VCUarts Cinema program.

Applying to a film program can feel intimidating — especially if you’ve never picked up a camera or don’t have a portfolio yet. That’s okay! When reviewing applications, we’re looking for curiosity and a willingness to learn. Most of all, we value team players who are open to feedback, eager to grow, and ready to be challenged. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to take your passion further, there’s a place for you here.

Cinema essay
In 300–600 words, tell us how you approach creative responsibility and collaboration.

What does it mean to be a thoughtful, creative partner? How do you handle feedback or contribute to a team? You may also reflect on the artist’s role in the world. Do storytellers have a responsibility to their audience or community? What kinds of stories matter to you — and why?

Portfolio
Submit a portfolio of your creative work. You’re welcome to include a mix of mediums — short films, photography, painting, music, etc. Choose work that shows us who you are as a creator and best reflects your voice and point of view!

Submit up to 5 total pieces. If you’re including video or music, keep the total combined length under 10 minutes.

If you don’t have a full portfolio yet, that’s okay! You can instead send a 60-second video of yourself pitching an idea for a movie you’d like to make one day.

Transfer applicants are required to meet with advisor Martha Harper for an informational advising session. This meeting will help you understand the unique structure of the Cinema program, how your existing credits may transfer, and your potential graduation timeline.

Though not required, Transfer applicants are encouraged to include a letter of recommendation.

Dance applicants are required to audition in person or virtually and interview with faculty.  

On-campus audition

• Friday, November 21, 2025, from 9:30 am – 3 pm (only date for Spring applicants)
• Friday, January 30, 2026, from 9:30 am – 3 pm
• Friday, February 20, 2026, from 9:30 am – 3 pm

Auditions take place at the VCU Dance Center, located at 10 N. Brunswick St., Richmond, VA. The department will send more information in advance of your audition date.

On-campus auditions will consist of a warm-up, a ballet barre, modern center work, and an improvisation section as part of a class, followed by a short interview.

Virtual audition and interview

If you are auditioning virtually, please use the the application portal to submit your audition video. Below you will find the link to access the videos as well as a description to what each file is.

• Audition video
  • All aspects of the audition material can be danced safely in a 10 x 10 foot space. Auditionees are strongly encouraged to access a studio environment to learn material and record audition footage. We understand that this may not be an option for all. We ask that all auditionees locate themselves in an open space with as few obstacles and distractions (i.e. furniture and pets) as possible.
  • Please choose two modalities in which you wish to be evaluated for your virtual audition. Although there are four movement modalities that you can choose from, you only need to submit two movement sections to best represent you in your audition. Please only upload the sections which you feel comfortable and confident in representing you and your talents.
  • Please use this link to access the audition video and music files.
  • Auditionees will learn choose two of the brief movement experiences to represent themselves in the audition process:
    • Traditional
    • Contemporary
    • Rhythm (choose either the slow or fast version)
    • Improvisation
• Video file
  • The video file is meant to resemble the entire length and sequence of events for the video submission. This video is designed for you to follow along if needed.

• Creation of video audition
  • All material should be filmed in one continuous shot only pausing to change shoes and take a breath.
    • Traditional, Contemporary and Rhythm section (choose either the regular or up tempo versions) audition. You may follow along with the video if preferred.
    • One-minute improvisation open for interpretation prompted by the audio sound file embedded in the video. You can view movement examples provided by 2 students in the video. All material should be filmed in one continuous shot only pausing to change shoes and take a breath.
  • Please use the provided sound from the video while completing the improvisation and movement phrases.
  • Please make sure the volume is loud enough for the camera to pick up the music. The video should not exceed the sound on the video.

A virtual interview will be scheduled at a later date after your virtual audition has been submitted.

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.

Acceptance into the program is based on evaluating the applicant’s extracurricular activities, community service, letter of recommendation, application essay, and a preferred minimum GPA of 3.0.

Music applicants are required to audition in person or submit a pre-recorded video. For instrument-specific audition requirements, please visit this page.

In-person auditions
Select your audition date in the application portal.

Audition dates:

• Sunday, December 7, 2025 (only date for Spring applicants)
• Saturday, January 31, 2026
• Friday, February 6, 2026
• Saturday, February 21, 2026

Pre-recorded audition

VCUarts believes that auditioning in-person is the best way for students to demonstrate their talents, but we also acknowledge that it isn’t always practical for every student. We invite students who prefer to submit a pre-recorded audition to do so, and we want to share the following tips to help you record the best audition possible. 

• Minimize background noise by turning off fans and appliances, closing doors and windows, etc.

• Set up your device on a stable surface and make sure the microphone is not obstructed.

• Make sure we can see your face and you playing an instrument. We cannot accept audio files of auditions, or recordings where we cannot see that you are the one playing the instrument. 

• Do some test recordings and experiment with the placement of your device to see what will give you the best sound. Listen to the recording on more than one device if you can.

• Record your video in a well-lit space.

IMPORTANT: Please be sure that you record two separate videos of your contrasting pieces and upload them as two separate files. That helps our faculty quickly locate the performance they need to view.

If you are auditioning for the Media Scoring program, you will need to upload 2 contrasting audition pieces as well as up to two original compositions. 

After you choose the recorded audition, you will be directed to your VCUarts Materials Uploader, where you can view specific instructions for your instrument.  

For priority consideration, please be sure to complete your application, including any auditions and required transcripts, by February 15, 2025.

In-person audition/interview dates:

• Friday, November 14, 2025, from 12:30 – 5 pm (only date for Spring applicants)
• Friday, November 21, 2025, from 12:30 – 5 pm
• Friday, December 5, 2025, from 12:30 – 5 pm
• Friday, January 16, 2026, from 12:30 – 5 pm
• Friday, January 23, 2026, from 12:30 – 5 pm
• Friday, February 13, 2026, from 12:30 – 5 pm

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

Applicants can expect to:

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

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.

Performance

Log into your application portal to select your audition/interview date and upload your headshot or photo and theatrical resume.

• Your headshot or photo should be a well-lit photo that focuses on your face and resembles what you currently look like.
• Your theatrical resume should be a one-page resume that highlights your theatrical experience and training. Please include any relevant school courses, vocal coaching, and dance classes under training.

On your audition/interview day

• Maintain a positive attitude, dress professionally yet comfortably, and most importantly — have fun!
• Prepare and memorize two contrasting (one comedic and one dramatic) monologues from published play scripts. You will have two minutes to perform both pieces. Introduce your audition pieces with the play’s author, title, and the character’s name
• You may substitute one monologue with a 16-bar cut song from a musical. The song should showcase understanding of story, music and range. You may sing a cappella or play a pre-cut track from your phone or speaker system. Please note there will be no accompaniment or speakers provided. If you do decide to sing, it’s recommended you begin with the song.
• There will also be an interview portion. Be prepared to articulate your specific interests in the VCU program and to ask questions.

Keep in mind the following as you prepare:

• Dos
  • It is to your advantage to choose material you connect with at your current age.
  • Read the entirety of the play so you are prepared to discuss the context of the role if asked.
  • Please time your material.

• Don’ts
  • No dialects/accents.
  • Please do not utilize the following playwrights: Joseph Arnone, Mamet, O’Neill, Pinter, Shakespeare, Shepard, and Williams.

You do not need to upload an introductory or audition video.

Costume Design, Lighting Design, or Scenic Design

Log into your application portal to select your interview date and upload your theatrical resume and portfolio.

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

Stage Management

Log into your application portal to select your interview date and upload your theatrical resume and example of stage management paperwork.

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

Bachelor of Arts in Theatre

Log into your application portal to select your interview date and upload your theatrical resume and statement of intent.

• Your theatrical resume should be a one-page resume that highlights your relevant experience and training.
• Your statement of intent should be a paragraph or two, please tell us why you are interested in pursuing a BA degree in theatre. What are your goals? What do you hope to achieve?