There are two program tracks in the Theatre Arts major to which students can apply:

1. Bachelor of Arts (BA): Does not require an audition or portfolio review. If a student is academically admissible to Salem State University, they can be a BA Theatre Arts Major. 

BA Theatre Concentration Options:

• Musical Theatre

• Performance

• Technical Theatre

2. Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA): Requires an audition or portfolio review as part of the application process.* 

*If a student does not initially apply to the BFA, they will also have the opportunity to audition during their first year.

BFA Theatre Concentration Options:

• Design

• Directing

• Performance

• Playwrighting

• Stage Management 

• Technical Theatre

BFA THEATRE AUDITION & PORTFOLIO REVIEW DATES FOR FALL 2027 ADMISSION

On-Campus Auditions and Portfolio Reviews will be held in person on the following dates:

• Saturday, October 17, 2026

• Saturday, January 23, 2027

Online Audition and Portfolio Slideroom Submission Deadlines: 

• Sunday, November 15, 2026

• Saturday, January 23, 2027

AUDITION & PORTFOLIO REVIEW REQUIREMENTS:

Audition Requirements for the BFA Performance Program:

• Prepare two monologues. The monologues should be contrasting styles, and each monologue should be about one minute long, for a combined time of two minutes total.

• Provide your theatre resume.

• Provide your headshot or a recent photograph.

Portfolio Review/Interview Requirements for the BFA Directing,  Stage Management, Technical Theatre, Theatre Design:

• Prepare a four-minute portfolio presentation. Your portfolio can include any relevant paperwork, photos, renderings, or production books you have from previous shows.

• Provide your theatre resume.

Play Review Requirements for the BFA Playwriting program:

• Submit a PDF of an original 10-page one-act play OR a 10-page writing sample from an original full-length play through Slideroom. The playwrighting sample must demonstrate an ability to employ effective structure, develop dramatic characters, utilize effective language, and convey dramatic action.

• Provide your theatre resume.

Please contact Ashley O'Toole, the Theatre Coordinator, at aotoole@salemstate.edu or 978-542-4312 to schedule your on campus BFA Audition or Portfolio Review.  

Complimentary tickets are also available to prospective students and their families for any Theatre Department production.  To inquire about tickets for upcoming performances, schedule a tour of the theatre, or arrange a shadow day in the Theatre Department, please email Ashley O’Toole at aotoole@salemstate.edu.

By Sarah Ruhl
Directed by Julie Kiernan

PERFORMANCES:
Friday, October 16 at 7:30pm
Saturday, October 17 at 7:30pm
Sunday, October 18 at 2:00pm
Friday, October 23 at 7:30pm
Saturday, October 24 at 7:30pm
Sunday, October 25 at 2:00pm

VENUE:
Sophia Gordon Center- Mainstage Theatre
356 Lafayette Street, Salem, MA 01970

TICKETS:
Admission is FREE for current Salem State students, faculty and staff with university ID.
$15 general/$10 seniors/free for all students with student ID and under 18.

“Becky Nurse of Salem” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com 

By Lorraine Hansberry
Directed by Esme Allen

PERFORMANCES:
Friday, February 26 at 7:30pm
Saturday, February 27 at 7:30pm
Sunday, February 28 at 2:00pm
Friday, March 5 at 7:30pm
Saturday, March 6 at 7:30pm
Sunday, March 7 at 2:00pm

VENUE:
Callan Studio Theatre
Sullivan Building Room #013
356 Lafayette Street, Salem, MA 01970

TICKETS:
Admission is FREE for current Salem State students, faculty and staff with university ID.
$15 general/$10 seniors/free for all students with student ID and under 18.

“The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com