Drama Division Actor Training Program Application and Audition Requirements

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Programs and Eligibility for Acting Applicants

The Juilliard School Drama Division’s Actor Training Program offers a four-year conservatory program leading to one of the following:

• a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree (with Liberal Arts requirements) for students who have not previously completed a four-year degree;

• an undergraduate Diploma (without Liberal Arts requirements) only for students who request specific permission from the Office of Admissions (Statistics and other disclosure information for non-degree diploma programs can be found here.);

or

• a Master of Fine Arts degree for students who will have earned a four-year degree prior to enrolling at Juilliard. 

The application and audition process is identical for all applicants, regardless of degree level.   Each year, the Actor Training Program will accept a total of 18 students for all degree levels.  This group of 18 actors will be comprised of 8-10 undergraduates and 8-10 graduates, who will work through the four-year acting curriculum together as a group.  Liberal Arts and other selected courses will be taken separately by degree level.

1. All applicants should be aware that the Actor Training Program is a four-year program of study, regardless of prior study, transfer status, or degree level.
2. All applicants to the Bachelor of Fine Arts or undergraduate Diploma program must be high school graduates or possess the equivalent of a high school diploma before they can enroll at The Juilliard School.  See Secondary School Requirements for more information. 
3. All applicants to the Master of Fine Arts program must hold a bachelor's degree (or its equivalent from a foreign institution, generally including at least 24 college-level credits in liberal arts subjects) from an accredited institution of higher learning before they can enroll at The Juilliard School.
4. All applicants must submit an application for admission by December 1, and attend a live audition as scheduled.  There are no exceptions to the live audition requirement.  Applicants who reside outside of the U.S.A. and are invited to a live audition based on their pre-screening video must attend a live audition if they wish to be considered for admission.  Applicants who reside in Alaska or Hawaii have the option of submitting a pre-screening video.  All other applicants who reside in the U.S.A. may not submit a pre-screening video, and must attend a live audition in order to be considered for admission.
5. All applicants who reside outside of the U.S.A. must submit a pre-screening video with the required repertoire, as outlined here, no later than December 1 in order to be considered for an invitation to a live audition.  Applicants who reside in Alaska or Hawaii have the option of submitting a pre-screening video.  All other applicants who reside in the U.S.A. may not submit a pre-screening video, and must attend a live audition in order to be considered for admission.
6. All applicants are permitted to apply and audition no more than two times per degree level to the Drama Division’s Actor Training Program.  Only one application and one audition per applicant per admissions cycle is permitted.
7. BFA applicants who are applying as transfer undergraduates from another institution should be aware that previous credits earned in drama courses will not be accepted.  Up to 12 credits of Liberal Arts courses may be accepted at the discretion of the Office of the Registrar.

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Deadlines

IMPORTANT NOTE: All dates listed below are "RECEIVED BY" deadlines - including application fees, checks, and fee waiver requests.

• December 1, 2011: Online Application, including essay
• December 1, 2011: Application Fee or Fee Waiver Request
• December 1, 2011: Pre-Screening Video for all applicants residing outside of the U.S.A.
• Two weeks prior to audition: Letter of Recommendation
• Bring to audition: Resume and Photograph
• January – February 2012: Audition
• March 16, 2012 (only if called back):  Transcripts
• March 16, 2012 (only if called back): Proof of English Language Proficiency
• March 17 & 18, 2012: Final Callback Weekend

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Application and Essay

1. The application for admission is available here beginning September 1, 2011.
2. The deadline to submit the application is December 1, 2011.  The Juilliard School strongly prefers applications to be submitted online.  Late applications are not likely to be accepted.
3. All applicants are required to submit an essay as a component of the online application. Juilliard’s Admissions Committee uses your essay to learn more about you as an individual, and gain a sense of who you are beyond your application, transcript and audition.  Please write about why you have chosen to become an actor and your personal artistic goals.  We encourage you to write frankly and openly about your life, your connection to your art, and how you see your art connecting to the world.  Share your passion about people or politics or other art forms or about anything that speaks to you.  Essays should be 1 - 2 pages, double-spaced, in a 12 point font. You will be asked to upload your essay in the online application.
4. In the application, you will indicate your preference of audition city and date.  Applicants who reside in the U.S.A. will be emailed with a confirmation of their scheduled audition city, date, time, and location no later than December 16.  Applicants who reside outside of the U.S.A. will be emailed the results of their pre-screening video, and if invited, will be emailed with a confirmation of their scheduled audition no later than December 22.

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Application Fee and Fee Waiver Requests 

The application fee of $110 is nonrefundable. Payment by credit card is preferred and is only available for applications submitted online. Check or money order payments must be made payable to The Juilliard School. All checks must be drawn on a U.S. bank.  If paying by check or money order, payment must be RECEIVED BY December 1, 2011, or it will be considered “late” and may not be accepted.  Applications are not considered “complete” until payment or fee waiver documentation has been received.

Fee waivers are available only for eligible high school seniors. Eligible applicants include those who can demonstrate significant financial need by providing one of the following before December 1:

1. An official College Board fee waiver form (available through high school guidance offices) signed by a high school guidance counselor;
2. An official SAT fee waiver form signed by a high school guidance counselor;
3. A letter on school stationery from a college/guidance counselor requesting a fee waiver for the applicant; or
4. A personal letter describing the applicant’s financial situation accompanied by copies of 2010 tax forms.

Applicants who select the fee waiver option must e-mail or fax one of the above to the Office of Admissions so that it is received by December 1. The fax number is 212-769-6420; documents may be scanned and e-mailed to admissions@juilliard.edu. Fee waiver documentation that is received after the appropriate deadline will cause the application to be considered "late." The Office of Admissions reserves the right to discontinue with any application that does not provide documentation qualifying for a fee waiver by the application deadline. 

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Letter of Recommendation 

All applicants to the Drama Division must submit ONE letter of recommendation.  This letter must be received by the Juilliard Office of Admissions at least two weeks prior to your scheduled audition.

• First-time college applicants should submit a letter from a high school academic teacher, preferably in English, History, or other Language Arts course work. Juilliard continues to renew its efforts to identify and educate leaders in the profession, students who can be outstanding performers and also effective advocates, collaborators, teachers, and community partners. The impetus behind this requirement is to gain insight into the applicant’s abilities in English and should acknowledge the applicant’s speaking, reading, writing, and comprehension abilities.
• Home-schooled applicants should submit a recommendation from someone other than a parent who can address the issues listed above.
• Transfer and college graduate applicants to the Drama Division’s Actor Training Program should submit a recommendation from a major teacher who can discuss his/her work as an actor.

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Transcripts

If you are called back at your audition, you will receive a request for transcripts at that time; otherwise, they are not required.

Called-back applicants who have attended a secondary school, conservatory, college, or university prior to filing this application should send the official transcripts of school records. Official transcripts must be in a sealed envelope, or be sent directly from the issuing institution. In order for an application to be complete, a partial transcript must be on file prior to the final callback weekend (March 17 & 18, 2012). This applies to U.S. and international applicants.

• Current high school seniors and high school graduates who have not attended college should submit transcripts from all secondary schools attended.
• College transfer applicants who have completed less than 3 semesters of college-level study should submit transcripts from all secondary schools AND colleges attended.
• Applicants who have completed more than 3 semesters of college-level study (or who have graduated from an undergraduate degree program) should submit transcripts from all college programs attended.

All applicants who are offered admission must submit an official final transcript indicating their graduation date no later than July 1, 2012. This applies to both U.S. and international admits. Juilliard reserves the right to rescind admission to any applicant whose file documentation is deemed insufficient and/or incomplete. It is the applicant’s obligation to see that the completed records are filed. Report cards, grade reports, and other student records are not acceptable as final records.

For students who are graduates of foreign institutions, equivalency information and translations may be obtained through World Education Services, (212) 966-6311. Applicants who are called back must submit official school transcripts accompanied by notarized English translations (if applicable) by March 16, 2012.

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Secondary School Requirements for BFA and Diploma Applicants

The following guidelines are intended to clarify The Juilliard School’s expectations for those who are applying for admission as first-time college students:

• Graduation From High School: Candidates for the BFA or undergraduate Diploma must be either high school graduates or possess the equivalent of a high school diploma prior to enrollment at Juilliard.
• Home Schooling Documentation: The Juilliard School recognizes home schooling as a viable educational alternative; however, there are important and explicit regulations governing acceptable documentation. Home-schooled applicants must complete the Home Schooling Information section in the Application for Admission. This information includes the submission of a full outline of the curriculum by subject, including textbooks for each course; assessment procedures and grades; and evidence of official recognition by the school district and/or state department of education. Juilliard reserves the right to rescind admission to any applicant whose file documentation is deemed insufficient and/or incomplete.
• General Equivalency Diploma (G.E.D.): High school equivalency diplomas are issued by states to eligible applicants who pass the qualifying examinations. Specific age eligibility and proof thereof are required. The Juilliard School adheres to the regulations governing eligibility established by the New York State Education Department and will accept G.E.D.s from qualified applicants. Please note: While there are valid reasons for certain applicants to obtain the G.E.D., Juilliard does not recommend it as a substitute or shortcut for a traditional secondary education. In addition, the School reserves the right to rescind admission to any applicant who does not meet the appropriate state education department regulations as written.

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Proof of English Language Proficiency

If you are called back at your audition and your first language is not English, you will receive a request for proof of English language proficiency at that time; otherwise, it is not required.

The ability to speak, read, and understand English fluently is an important factor in admissions decisions. Proof of English language proficiency will be required for all applicants who receive a callback and whose first language is not English, regardless of citizenship.  Proof of English language proficiency is required no later than March 16, 2012 for applicants who have been invited to the final callback weekend.

Acceptable proof of English language proficiency is one of the following three options:

1. A Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score that meets the minimum for your degree program according to the grid below.

Minimum TOEFL score requirements:

• Visit the TOEFL Web site for more information. 
• The Juilliard School’s CEEB code is 002340. 
• Current and former Juilliard college students do not need to submit another TOEFL. 
• College transfer and graduate applicants: If you submitted a TOEFL score report to your undergraduate institution that meets our minimum requirements, you may ask that institution's Registrar to send to us directly an official photocopy of the score report in a sealed school envelope. It is important to note that not all schools will release this information and applicants who wish to pursue this option should research it well in advance so as to leave themselves time to take another TOEFL, if necessary.  

2. For BFA and Diploma applicants only, a score of 550 or higher on the Critical Reading OR Writing section of the SAT will suffice.  Applicants may submit their score from either section.

3. For MFA applicants (only) who will have studied full-time for at least six years at English-speaking institutions (prior to enrolling at Juilliard), a waiver of the TOEFL score may be requested. To apply for a waiver of the TOEFL:

• Submit a letter explaining your academic background and enclose official transcripts totaling six years of study in English* (include all college and high school transcripts as needed) by March 1, 2012. *It is acceptable for the applicant to be in the sixth year of study if currently enrolled in an English-speaking institution. Transcripts should show strong grades in academic classes.
• The letter and all transcripts must be included in the same envelope; transcripts that are received separately from the letter will not be reviewed and the waiver request will be considered incomplete.
• Incomplete or late requests will not be considered, without exception.
• Applicants who are not granted a waiver will be required to submit an official TOEFL score, as noted above.
• Applicants who are granted a waiver and admitted to the School must also take the English Language Placement Exam during Orientation at the beginning of the fall semester.

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Standardized Tests 

Juilliard does not require the SAT I, SAT II, or ACT tests. However, applicants for whom English is not the native language may submit SAT I scores in lieu of the TOEFL to demonstrate English Language Proficiency (see here for further instructions). The Juilliard School’s CEEB code is 2340.

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Other

The Admissions Office reserves the right to seek additional information from former teachers, administrators, or guidance counselors to assist with admissions decisions.

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Currently Enrolled Juilliard Students

1. Currently enrolled Juilliard students seeking to enter a new program of study must apply formally by the appropriate application deadline and must audition during published audition dates.
2. The application fee of $110 will be waived for all current students who submit their applications on or before the deadline.
3. Requests for approval of a late application must go to the Associate Dean for Admissions, and the full fee of $110 will be charged for approved late applications. 
4. Please note the specific essay requirement for current students in the Application for Admission.
5. The Admissions Office reserves the right to review a student’s enrollment record to assist with admissions decisions.

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Formerly Enrolled Juilliard Students

Former college students who have not been in attendance during the previous academic year and who plan to apply for readmission must submit an application and fee to the Office of Admissions by the appropriate deadline.

All former students applying for readmission are required to take the regular entrance auditions.

Please note the specific essay requirement for formerly enrolled students in the Application for Admission.

The Admissions Office reserves the right to review a student’s enrollment record to assist with admissions decisions.

The Juilliard School statute of limitations policy limits the amount of time allowed to elapse between a student’s original enrollment in a program of study and completion of that program.

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Applicants With Disabilities

The Juilliard School seeks to facilitate the full participation of disabled applicants in the audition process. The School makes reasonable accommodations or adjustments for qualified individuals with known disabilities in compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 (A.D.A.). Juilliard will not make pre-admissions inquiries as to whether or not a student has a disability; however, applicants with documented disabilities who require reasonable accommodations in order to participate in the audition process must notify the Office of Academic Support Services (OASS) in writing by December 15, 2011 to the address below. Applicants will be required to submit documentation of their disability to OASS, and to complete an Applicant Release of Disability Related Information Form and an Audition Accommodation Request Form. All information will be kept strictly confidential.

Office of Academic Support Services
The Juilliard School, 60 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023
(212) 799-5000 Ext. 213

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Pre-Screening

Please note: you must submit your online application for admission BEFORE you submit a pre-screening video.

All applicants who reside outside of the U.S.A. must submit a pre-screening video by December 1, 2011 in order to be considered for an invitation to a live audition.  Applicants who reside in Alaska or Hawaii have the option of submitting a pre-screening video, but it is not required.  If invited based on the pre-screening video, applicants must attend a live audition in the U.S.A. in order to be considered for admission to the School.  An invitation to a live audition is not an offer of admission, nor is it a guarantee of a callback.  This process is designed to limit the unnecessary expenditure of time, money, and energy for applicants who must travel great distances to a live audition site. 

Pre-screening videos must be RECEIVED BY December 1, 2011.  Incomplete or insufficient pre-screening materials may affect consideration for an invitation to a live audition.  Applicants who fail to provide required pre-screening materials by the deadline will not be considered for an invitation to a live audition, and their application will be discontinued.

Applicants will be notified via e-mail of their pre-screening results no later than December 22, 2011.  Audition information will be included for those applicants who pass pre-screening.

We strongly prefer videos to be uploaded here.  You will need to create an online account before uploading your video, but there is no charge to submit your video online.  As an alternative, you may mail a DVD to this address.

Pre-screening videos should contain the following material, in the order listed:

1. A brief introduction of the applicant, filmed from the shoulders up.  In the introduction, please clearly state:

• Your first and last name as it appears on your application, as well as any other names you may use
• Your current city and country of residence
• What degree level you are applying for (BFA, Diploma, or MFA)
• What pieces you will be performing (character, title of play, and playwright)

After the introduction, please film one of your monologues so that your entire body is visible. For the remaining monologue(s), you may choose whether to film full-body, close-up, or a combination of the two.

2. One contemporary monologue, no more than two minutes in length.  Contemporary monologues may be taken from works spanning the time of Anton Chekhov to present day.

3. One classical monologue in verse or blank verse (NOT prose), no more than two minutes in length.  Possible classical selections include: Greek plays in verse translation, Lope de Vega, William Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe, John Webster, John Ford, Racine in verse translation, William Congreve, and Richard Brinsley Sheridan.

4. If your first language is not English, please present one additional monologue in your native language, no more than two minutes in length.

5. You will also be asked to upload your resume as part of your pre-screening submission.  If you opt to mail a DVD instead of using the online system, please enclose one hard copy of your resume with your DVD.

Please carefully consider the space in which you are filming: What is in the background (furniture, people, pets, signs, etc.)?  Does your clothing contrast with the background color so that you are clearly visible?  Is there an echo?  Is there enough light?  While we do not require professional video quality, it is to your benefit to create the best possible conditions for filming.  Please also review your video before submitting it to be sure that you can be clearly seen and heard throughout the duration of the video.

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Resume and Photograph

Applicants are required to bring one copy of their resume to the audition.  The resume should include the applicant’s name (and any alternate name used), current city of residence, education, and any experience related to the theater and performing arts.  There is no specific required format for the resume, nor are there any expectations about an applicant’s level of experience or training.  The resume is used as a reference for faculty, and is by no means a critical element in the admissions decision. 

Applicants are also welcome to bring one photograph or headshot to the audition.  Photographs are optional.  There is no penalty for not providing a photograph.  The photograph or headshot does not need to be taken by a professional, nor is there any specific format for photographs.  However, it is helpful if photographs are no larger than 8.5”x11”, so that they can fit into a standard file folder. 

Resumes and photographs will not be returned to applicants, so please do not submit more than one copy of each at your audition.  Also, please do not mail or e-mail your resume or photograph in advance of the audition.

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Audition Dates

Applicants are required to appear for a live audition on one of the dates listed below in order to be considered for admission to the School. Once a complete application has been received, applicants are scheduled for an audition on a first-come-first-served basis. Please note that audition slots are limited.

Applicants will indicate their preference of audition city and date in the application.  Confirmation of the applicant’s scheduled audition and all details concerning the exact time and location of the audition will be e-mailed to applicants.

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Audition Materials 

1. Four memorized monologues (two classical and two contemporary), each approximately two minutes in length. One of the classical selections must be from a play by Shakespeare. In the initial audition, we will ask each auditioner to present two monologues – one classical and one contemporary – of contrasting natures. The remaining two monologues are in reserve, in the event we need to see additional material. Please note: Do not select monologues from monologue books and please be prepared to answer questions about the entire play from which your selection is chosen.
   • Classical material must be in verse or blank verse — NOT PROSE. Possible classical selections include: Greek plays in verse translation, Lope de Vega, William Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe, John Webster, John Ford, Racine in verse translation, William Congreve, and Richard Brinsley Sheridan.
   • Contemporary selections may be from Anton Chekhov to present day.
2. Applicants should prepare 16 bars of any song (to be sung a cappella). If an applicant is asked to sing, it is an opportunity for our faculty to find out information about an applicant’s vocal range and instrument. Please note: Not all applicants will be asked to sing during the audition process and a trained singing voice is not required for admission.
3. Applicants are required to bring one copy of their resume to the audition. Applicants are also welcome to bring one photograph or headshot to the audition.  Photographs are optional.  Please refer here for more information on resumes and photographs. Please do not mail or e-mail resumes or photos before your audition.

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Audition and Callback Process

Initial Audition
Applicants are scheduled to participate in an audition session that includes an orientation and group warm-up prior to their audition. The orientation and warm-up session provides the applicants an opportunity to ask questions about the audition process as well as prepare themselves vocally, physically, and mentally for their audition. There is also limited individual warm-up space available in New York only for the applicants during the audition day. 

After the orientation and warm-up session, applicants are assigned a specific audition time. Applicants will audition alone before a faculty panel comprised of instructors from the acting, voice/speech, and movement disciplines. Applicants are asked to wear comfortable clothing that permits freedom of movement.  In the initial audition, we will ask each auditioner to present two monologues – one classical and one contemporary – of contrasting natures.

First Round Callbacks
All first round callbacks take place on the same day as the scheduled audition. Those individuals selected to participate in this initial callback process should plan on being available for the remainder of the day and evening. Please note: If an applicant does not receive a first round callback, he/she is not being considered for admission.

Applicants selected for first round callbacks may be asked to do any or all of the following: participate in group exercises, repeat their audition monologues, present additional monologues, do improvisations and cold readings, and sing a cappella. Some individuals will be asked to stay after the callbacks for an interview with faculty.

At auditions in New York, a callback list is posted at the conclusion of the audition session, usually between 1:00-2:00pm.  The callback session usually begins around 3:00pm and lasts well into the evening.  Please be prepared to stay all evening, in the event you are called back. 

In Chicago and San Francisco, callback lists are posted at the conclusion of each audition hour both in the morning and afternoon sessions.  All called-back actors from both sessions will be asked to return at 6:00pm for the callback session, which lasts into the evening.

Final Round Callback Weekend
Approximately 40 individuals will be selected from the first round callbacks to come to New York for two days the weekend of March 17 and 18, 2012 for a final callback round. During this process, candidates for admission will work intensively with faculty, and have the opportunity to speak to current students and discover more about The Juilliard School. The incoming class of approximately 18 students will be selected from this final callback session. Limited travel stipends for the final callbacks only will be available to applicants who demonstrate a high level of financial need.

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Criteria for Acceptance

In auditioning and interviewing potential students, the Drama faculty looks especially for the following qualities:

• A serious commitment to an acting career in the professional theater
• A potential for meeting the technical standards of Juilliard’s professional training program
• A potential for vital, individualistic, trainable growth—regarded as more important than the applicant’s present state of technical accomplishment
• Energy, openness of mind, enthusiasm, and a readiness to take risks
• A body, voice, and imaginative/emotional powers promising significant dramatic development
• A potential for identification with the thought process of a text
• A generosity of spirit essential to ensemble playing
• A sense of humor, a sense of language, a sense of rhythm, and a capacity for sustained concentration
• A readiness for hard, rigorous work
• All applicants must be completely fluent in written and spoken English.

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Mailing Instructions

With the exception of official transcripts and TOEFL scores, which should be mailed directly from the issuing institution to The Juilliard School only if you are called back at your audition, all application materials may be submitted online.  However, hard-copy letters of recommendation are acceptable if the teacher cannot access the online system, and pre-screening DVDs are permissable.  DVDs should be sent using mailing systems that can be tracked (i.e. FedEx, UPS, or registered mail) so that you can confirm they were received by Juilliard by the appropriate deadline.  Please remember to label your DVD with your full name, as it appears on your application.

All application materials that need to be sent via post (including application fees paid by check) should be mailed to:

The Juilliard School - Office of Admissions
Attn: ACTING application
60 Lincoln Center Plaza
New York, NY 10023

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