BFA in Acting Auditions

Audition Steps

We are in the process of updating our audition process and deadlines, and will have this information updated on our website by September 30, 2023. The first 2 steps will not change.

Step 1: Apply to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for full scholarship consideration (apply early).

Step 2: Applicants for our BFA in Acting major are required to audition for acceptance and, if invited, also schedule a callback. All applicants must submit application materials and a video audition. Our application portal opens on September 30. See Audition Guidelines below.

Step 3: Register for our Scholarship Audition Weekend (SAW) on February 23-24, 2024. More information coming in September. We strongly recommend that you attend our Scholarship Audition Weekend - We will have workshops and lots of fun!

Audition Guidelines

  • You should perform two memorized monologues contrasting in mood (for example, a comedy and a drama)
  • If you wish to sing, you can sing 32 bars from a Broadway musical in addition to your two monologues
  • Monologues should be no longer than 4 minutes combined
  • Avoid dialects and pieces out of your age range
  • Wear appropriate clothing
  • We urge you to choose pieces that you feel strongly about, and show you at your best

Scholarship Audition Weekend

The Scholarship Audition Weekend (SAW) on February 23-24, 2024 is your opportunity as a prospective student to audition for the BFA in Acting major and for scholarships. Students will be evaluated for the major and scholarships based upon audition, workshop participation, engagement, academics, and program compatibility. We plan to accept 16 students into the BFA in Acting major for Fall 2024.     

The Johnny Carson School of Theatre & Film and the Nebraska Repertory Theatre allow students the opportunity to:

  • Work alongside professional actors, directors, designers, choreographers, dancers, singers and stage managers
  • Participate in Theatrix, our student-run theatre organization
  • Study abroad during the summer at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London, England
  • Collaborate with Emerging Media Arts majors, film students, and dance students in the Johnny Carson Center for Emerging Media Arts

Registration and Application Requirements

Student plus one guest

Weekend Details

  • Meet with faculty, students and staff
  • Participate in acting, improv, voice, and movement workshops
  • Facilities tour
  • Meet with student representatives from several UNL student organizations
  • Lunch and dinner with current students, faculty, and staff
  • Q&A with faculty and staff
  • Admissions information and/or campus tour
  • See a rehearsal or performance
  • Auditions

Scholarships are only available for BFA in Acting majors (theatre minors or non-majors are not eligible)

Questions? Please contact Todd at tcuddy1@unl.edu.