Design and Technical Production BFA
1. Apply to the University of Memphis
All students should apply to the University of Memphis. Admission to the department of Theatre and Dance is contingent upon successful admission to the University and generally we do not make a final decision on a student's application until they have been accepted to the University. Therefore, we encourage students to apply as early as possible. The online application can be found HERE.
2. Apply to the Department of Theatre and Dance
Upon admission to the University of Memphis you will receive a link to a supplemental application for the Theatre and Dance Department, where you will be able to select how you will interview (in-person or video) and on what date. As part of the application you will be asked to provide information about yourself and your history as a theatrical artist. In order to successfully complete the application you should be ready to:
- Provide biographical information about yourself and your family
- Provide information about your academic background include GPA and test scores
- Provide contact information including email for at least one reference who will be willing to submit a recommendation on your behalf
- Upload a resume including any past work in theatre
- Upload a short essay on your general background, theatrical interests and hopes, and why you are interest in study within the Department of Theatre & Dance.
- The application is due no later than one week before your chosen interview date.
3. Interview Appointments
As part of the department application, you will have to make an appointment for one of our on-campus interview dates.
Students are automatically considered for all scholarship opportunities as part of their application and interview provided they complete the in-person or phone/video interview by the last scholarship date (March 29, 2026 for students beginning Fall 2026).
The 2026 on-campus audition/interview dates for admission and full scholarship consideration for the 2026 Fall semester are:
- December 6: Audition Day #1
- Feburary 21: Audition Day #2
- February 28: Audition Day #3
- March 21: Audition Day #4
The 2026 on-campus audition/interview date for entrance consideration ONLY for the
2026 Fall semester, no scholarship consideration is:
TBD
A Design and Technology interview portfolio can include show paperwork, prompt books, production photos, plots, drafting, sketches, renderings, research pages, and other samples of your work. The Design and Technology faculty are interested in learning more about your process, so please be prepared to discuss your role(s) on productions, how you collaborate, and what you're interested in exploring as part of your BFA experience.
For any further questions about the BFA interview be contact Anthony Pellecchia, Head of Design.
In person auditions are required for all students who live within a 150 mile radius of Memphis. Students who are unable to travel to campus should apply online and will receive instructions about how to submit their electronic audition after they submit the departmental application. Interviews must be completed no later than March 16, 2024 for scholarship consideration.
At this time we anticipate participation (either in-person or virtually) in the following regional auditions:
South Eastern Theatre Conference (SETC)
Tennessee Thespian Festival
Students wishing to audition at one of these sites should complete the departmental application and indicate their audition preference on the form. They will then need to register separately for the event with the event's organization directly.
At an on-campus interview you will also be given a tour of our department's facilities (various theatre spaces, rehearsal halls, etc.) and will have an opportunity to take a campus tour. Additionally, you will meet with current students and professors, who will lead the tours and answer any questions about our program and the university.
4. Decisions
Students can expect to hear about their application status approximately two weeks after their interview has been completed. Scholarship decisions are generally made during the first week of April. All students are automatically considered for scholarships provided they complete their in-person (or phone) interview by March 29, 2025.