Theater
Design & Production Application Information
Deadlines
Bachelor of Fine Arts: First-Year Applicants
What is a first-year applicant?
Fall Admission Only
Rutgers University Application: December 1
Mason Gross Talent Assessment: January 15
Bachelor of Fine Arts: External Transfer Applicants
What is an external transfer applicant?
Fall Admission Only
Rutgers University Application: December 1
Mason Gross Talent Assessment: January 15
All incoming transfer students to the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), regardless of the number of credits completed elsewhere, begin the program as a part of the first-year company required to complete four years (eight semesters) of full-time study.
Bachelor of Fine Arts: Current or Former Rutgers Students
Fall Semester Deadlines
Email admissions@mgsa.rutgers.edu by February 1
Mason Gross Talent Assessment: February 15
Decision: June 30
To Apply
Students currently enrolled at another academic unit within Rutgers University (School to School Transfer) OR have taken a leave of absence (Re-Enrollment) from any Rutgers academic unit and would like to return and enroll in a BFA degree program at the Mason Gross School of the Arts must first complete the MGSA School to School Transfer/Re-Enrollment Interest Form. Learn more at Mason Gross Admissions.
Admissions Requirements
From another Rutgers–New Brunswick school:
- 12 graded degree credits, excluding remedial courses
- A Rutgers cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.000
- Expository Writing (01:355:101) or an acceptable equivalent course with a grade of “C” or better
From another Rutgers–Camden or Rutgers–Newark school:
- At least two semesters, including the current semester, as a student in your present school or college at Rutgers University, also including at least 12 graded degree credits, excluding remedial courses
- A Rutgers cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.000
- English Composition I and II (Camden 50:350:101 and 50:350:102) (Newark 21:355:101 and 21:355:102) with grades of C or better
Bachelor of Arts and Minor in Theater
Currently enrolled Rutgers School of Arts and Science students are welcome to declare the bachelor of arts in theater or the minor in theater, with no audition required. Email theater undergraduate advisor Marshall Jones for more information.
Rutgers University Application
All external applicants (never attended Rutgers before) must complete and submit the Rutgers University Application. For instructions and additional requirements please click on the following link: https://admissions.rutgers.edu/apply
Required University App Credentials
- FIRST YEAR: https://admissions.rutgers.edu/apply/first-year-applicants
- TRANSFER: https://admissions.rutgers.edu/apply/transfer-applicants
- INTERNATIONAL: https://admissions.rutgers.edu/apply/international-applicants
Optional University App Credentials
- SAT (code 2765)
- ACT (code 2592)
Mason Gross Talent Assessment
Requirements
- $40 submission fee
- Theater questionnaire
- Interview date selection
- Portfolio, outlined below
Portfolio Requirements
Costume Design, Scenic Design, Lighting Design, Costume Technology, Technical Direction
Portfolios can include designs, drafting, drawings, photographs of productions, clothing and scenic construction, paperwork, and anything else that shows your background and interest in theater. You may also include non-theatrical artwork, drawings, photography, craftwork, or construction projects that demonstrate who you are as an artist and your desired field of study.
Dramaturgy
Please submit the same essay you used on your Rutgers University application. If you are an external transfer applicant and chose not to submit an essay with your Rutgers application, please submit an artist statement describing your background and interest in dramaturgy. In addition to the essay, you are required to submit a resume and photograph.
Stage Management
We have no expectation of any particular style, format, or portfolio preparation. Please simply share any and all prompt book samples, show paperwork, examples of your work in theater (photos of productions, construction of craft projects, programs, or posters that you designed), and any other material that shows your background and interest in theater. This is a great opportunity to start our conversation.
Interview
All applicants will be scheduled to interview live or on Zoom with Design and Production faculty. During the interview applicants should expect questions about their submitted portfolio as well as their background, interest, and goals in theater. Interview dates are scheduled for:
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Saturday, February 3rd, 2024
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Sunday, February 4th, 2024