Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Dance
The Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Dance allows students to explore multiple disciplines within the department, in addition to providing a solid liberal arts foundation. Students design a curriculum from departmental course offerings that can be tailored to pursue a focus in any of the following areas:
Directing
Dance
Design
Playwriting
Musical Theatre
Theatre History, Performance Studies, Dramaturgy, Literature and Criticism (Performance as Public Practice)
Theatre Technology (costume, lighting, scene, and stage management)
Theatre for Young Audiences (Drama and Theatre for Youth and Communities)
Students wishing to pursue musical theatre should apply for admission into the B.A. in Theatre and Dance degree. Musical theatre focused applicants are strongly encouraged to audition. For additional information about musical theatre training, please contact faculty member Lyn Koenning at 512-471-3721.
The degree also includes elective hours toward interests outside of the department, such as music, pre-med, UT's Plan II Honors Program, etc., making it an ideal degree for students intending to pursue multiple majors at UT Austin.
Beginning in fall of 2013, the Department of Theatre and Dance is introducing an exciting new undergraduate Actor Training Program. Learn more about the Actor Training Program and see if it’s the right fit for you!
Auditions for the Actor Training Program
The department strongly recommends an audition for students applying for placement into the Actor Training Program.
In addition to an audition, students must apply for admission to the university by December 1. The Department of Theatre and Dance gives preference to applicants who select a Theatre and Dance major as their first-choice major.
Students interested in other areas of study are encouraged to schedule an interview with the Director of Undergraduate Admissions.
Where can I audition?
The Department of Theatre and Dance will attend audition events across Texas to identify prospective students who demonstrate great talent.
The following is a a sampling of the 2012 auditions. Dates and locations for the 2013 auditions will be available August 1.
Texas Area Auditions*
Nov. 15-16, 2012: North Texas Drama Auditions
Nov. 18, 2012: Greater Houston Area Auditions
Nov. 19, 2012: Greater San Antonio Auditions
Nov. 29 – Dec. 1, 2012: Texas Thespians State Festival (Houston)
Jan. 24 – 27, 2012: TETA Conference/TheatreFest (Houston)
On-Campus Private Auditions *
The department will offer private auditions at UT Austin on the following dates:
Nov. 3, 2012: UT Dept. of Theatre and Dance (UT Austin campus)
Dec. 8, 2012: UT Dept. of Theatre and Dance (UT Austin campus) - This audition is now full. Contact Barbara Pope for additional information.
Callback Audition (from Texas Area Auditions only)*
Jan. 19, 2012: UT Dept. of Theatre and Dance (UT Austin campus)
*Dates, times and locations are tentative and subject to change.
How can I register to audition?
Please contact Barbara Pope to let us know you plan to attend a Texas Area Audition, or to schedule an on-campus private audition. Note, only candidates called back from Texas Area Auditions will be invited to the callback audition on January 19. Regardless of when or where you plan to audition, please apply for admission by December 1.
On-Campus Private Audition Preparation
Applicants should prepare two contemporary, contrasting monologues. These pieces, together, should total two minutes in length. Audition requirements will be provided to applicants following completion of the online registration form. Please also bring a resumé and photo (professional headshot is not required).
Looking for more helpful hints on preparation? Read invaluable insight on audition preparation from faculty James Daniels!
Auditions for Dance Applicants
Students applying for the B.A. in Theatre and Dance interested in focusing on dance are not required to audition for admission into the program. Once admitted into the university, students are required to attend a Placement Audition at the beginning of each semester. Learn more about this audition process.
Visit Campus
You can learn more about the Department of Theatre and Dance at an Information Session and Tour, designed for prospective and transfer students.
You can also delve deeper by
- Learning about our nationally-renowned faculty
- Viewing our theatres and other facilities
- Seeing a performance
- Meeting Theatre and Dance students
- And reviewing the B.A. in Theatre and Dance degree guidelines and sample four-year plan
We welcome you to become part of this dynamic community of students and faculty. Start your application today!
For more information, please contact:
Barbara Pope, Director of Undergraduate Admissions
512-232-4436
barbarapope@austin.utexas.edu
