Transfer applicants who submit complete applications by the deadline will receive a decision by: Mid-December 2024 for Spring 2025 semester May 1, 2025, for Fall 2025 semester
Application steps
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.
Callbacks 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 callback date.
Friday, November 10, 2023, 12:30-5 pm (only callback date for Spring applicants)
Friday, December 1, 2023, 12:30-5 pm
Friday, January 19, 2024, 12:30-5 pm
Friday, January 26, 2024, 12:30-5 pm
Friday, February 2, 2024, 12:30-5 pm
Friday, February 9, 2024, 12:30-5 pm
Friday, March 22, 2024, 12:30-5 pm
The department will add a callback date for transfer applicants after the March 15th application deadline. Please check this page for updates.
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/interviews.
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 23284-252
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, available here.
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.
The FAFSA form is available starting December 31. To be considered, complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the priority deadline of March 1.
Additional requirements by major
Log into your application portal to select your audition 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 day
• Maintain a positive attitude, dress professionally yet comfortably, and most importantly—have fun!
• Prepare two contrasting (one comedic and one dramatic) one-minute monologues from published play scripts.
• You may substitute one monologue with a 16-bar cut song from a musical. The song should showcase understanding of story, music and range. Introduce the piece with song title and title of the musical.
• 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.
• Introduce the audition pieces by only the play’s author, title and the character’s name (background on the scene or plot is not necessary).
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.
Submit 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.
Images may be submitted in the following formats: .JPEG, .PNG, .GIF, .TIF, .TIFF, .BMP, .TGA
Videos may be submitted in the following formats: .M4V, .MOV, .MP4, .WMV, .FLV, .ASF, .MPEG, .MPG, .MKV
Your 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.
