My roadmap

Colleges for theater: auditions, pre-screens & deadlines 2026–27

Acting and musical-theatre BFAs add a pre-screen video and an audition to the application — and their dates often come weeks before the regular deadline. Here’s every step, from each program’s official page.

4 programs

Sorted by next upcoming step · today Nov 5, 2026
Emerson College BFA in Acting · BFA in Musical Theatre
Pre-screen (MT)AuditionEarly Action
Early Action round
ApplicationNov 7 · 2d Early Action deadline for performing arts applicants
Musical Theatre pre-screenNov 8 · 3d Musical Theatre applicants only
AuditionNov 14–Dec 6 · 9d Boston Nov 14, 21 or Dec 5; virtual Nov 15, 22 or Dec 6 — book on Acceptd
Performing Arts application (Acceptd)Nov 15 · 10d Separate from the college application
Remaining materialsNov 20 · 15d Materials deadline for the Early Action round

Source: emerson.edu · checked Nov 5, 2026

University of Michigan BFA in Musical Theatre · BFA in Theatre Performance · SMTD
Pre-screen (MT)AuditionBFA
Fall 2027
SMTD application + Common AppDec 1 · 26d Dec 1 for all Fall 2027 SMTD programs — earlier than U-M’s Feb 1
AuditionWinter By invitation, in person or virtual; register after you’re invited

Source: smtd.umich.edu · checked Nov 5, 2026

Carnegie Mellon University BFA in Acting · BFA in Music Theatre · School of Drama
Pre-screenAuditionBFA
Regular
Common App + Drama application and pre-screenDec 1 · 26d Drama application and pre-screen through Acceptd
AuditionWinter Scheduled only if you’re selected after the pre-screen

Source: cmu.edu · checked Nov 5, 2026

University of Southern California BFA in Acting for Stage and Screen · School of Dramatic Arts
Video monologuesCallbackBFA
Regular Decision only
Common App + SlideRoom (video monologues)Dec 1 · 26d Final deadline; monologues are uploaded as filmed videos
Pre-screen resultsMid-January Update sent in mid-January
Callback WeekendMid-February By invitation; a virtual option is offered

Source: dramaticarts.usc.edu · checked Nov 5, 2026

Theater applications, explained

Related interests

TH Theater Auditions FI Film Portfolios MB Marching band Tryouts JO Journalism Early dates