My USC BFA Acting Audition Experience

Hello everyone! I wanted to share this for any future applicants, because I know I searched for these before I auditioned.
I auditioned in Chicago at a hotel this week.

There was no check in, so I just sat down in a big room with everyone waiting. They gave a presentation, mostly comparing the BFA and BA programs, and the benefits of each. I was actually quite surprised that the BA is such a good option. There is a new dean who made some changes to the BFA program. In the BFA, you can’t minor, double major, or study abroad, and you are required to be in your class shows. BFA students have “blinders” that focus on acting and only acting. You don’t get any choice of classes to sign up for, and you are with the same 18-20 people for your entire time at USC. In the BA, there are BA-only shows, you can minor and double major, study abroad, and it is easier to have outside work. The faculty teaches both BA and BFA students.

Next we were divided into groups A, B, and C. The three groups rotated between prep time, the audition, and the interview (except for group B, who did the audition and interview first and then got dismissed early since they did not need prep time). My group had prep time first, and they said we could even leave or go to the Starbucks in the lobby.

I had my interview next. It was with the assistant dean of the School of Dramatic Arts. I’d say we talked for around 10 minutes. She asked me standard questions, such as my leadership skills, what I desired out of a college experience, why USC, and whether the BA or BFA program sounded right for me. She gave me her card and sent me an email (which she did for everyone).

My audition was with two auditors. I went last, and I did both monologues. They were both very friendly and smiled the entire time, and even gave me some chocolate at the end :slight_smile:

Overall, I had a very positive experience. I auditioned for UCLA as well, and the auditions had different vibes, but I preferred USC’s in general.

If you have any questions let me know!

I didn’t get any chocolate lol! But similar experience but I had a mini workshop with my second monologue. The two auditors are very nice and I liked the interview process. Hopefully I got in! We will find out in April and I’m extremely excited.

I’m glad you had a positive experience! When they said you don’t have a choice in classes, does that mean you wouldn’t be able to take any electives? Did what they said about the BA change your mind at all about which program you would choose if you got into both? What did you do to prepare for your audition? Were you nervous at all and how did you deal with that? How did you feel after you had done everything in terms of the performance you gave and how your interview went? Sorry for so many questions!

It seems the OP didn’t get into USC and committed to UW. Unlikely they will be back this way…perhaps someone else will share experience.

I have not been on CC much this summer so sorry for the late response! I didn’t end up getting into USC but I’m fully ok with that. I believe you would be able to take a small amount of electives but the classes were pretty much set for BFA students. The BA actually did appeal to me more and if I had gotten into both programs it would’ve been a tough decision. To prepare for my audition, I just really worked hard on my monologues, but since I didn’t know what questions I would be asked during the interview, it was hard to do much else. I was definitely nervous because college auditions were pretty intimidating, but the more prepared you are, the better you will feel and do. I felt very good about the interview, but there was some confusion about my time for the audition since I was still in the interview when they called my name, so I don’t think I gave the best impression… oh well, what are you gonna do? Keep in mind they only accept around 20 students for the Acting BFA, and 70 for the BA (which is not just actors) so it is EXTREMELY competitive and you cannot let the results influence how you view yourself or your talent. UW is a great school with a wonderful theatre program and I am 100% happy to be going there. It is not necessary to go to a certain school to achieve your goals, I like to think of the quote “bloom where you’re planted.” You will have abundant success and opportunities anywhere you end up. :slight_smile: any more questions, send them my way!

Seattle and UW are great, good luck @cj02523! Thanks for following up!

Thank you for sharing your experience. I love the line “bloom where you are planted” and will be using that this year!