Admission Requirements - Theatre

Applicants are admitted to Kean University on the basis of academic and personal qualifications. Applicants are carefully considered in light of their secondary-school record (both academic and personal), their performance on a scholastic aptitude test, and the university's estimation of their potential as a student. In addition to the requirements for admission to Kean University, the Theatre Conservatory requires a review, which is described below.

Instructions for applying to Theatre:

Apply to Kean University www.kean.edu. New Jersey Residents should contact the Theatre Conservatory at 908-737-4420 or theatre@kean.edu to arrange an appointment for an audition OR a portfolio review. All theatre degree programs require one or the other. Out of state applicants will be directed to Slide Room for an audition or portoflio upload. See below for more information.

AUDITION and PORTFOLIO requirements:

Your application asks that you select an intended major, the major you hope to pursue at Kean. Though you may indicate an interest in a particular degree program in theatre, you are not admitted to that major until your application, audition/portfolio has been successfully reviewed. It is possible you will be admitted to a different degree program in theatre or recommended for selection of another major. Once reviewed by the theatre faculty and Kean admissions staff, you will receive notification.

For BA and BFA Actors - Prepare two contrasting monologues or a monologue and contrasting song not exceeding a total of four minutes. 

For BA and BFA Designers/Technicians/Stage Managers/Generalists - Prepare a portfolio with samples of art work, design projects, production photos, etc. Include labels and be ready to provide commentary regarding the significance of each item.

For BA Theatre Educators, those seeking the  P-12 theatre teacher certification, select either an audition or a portfolio to present to the faculty at the department interview.

Interview Questions:

After your audition or portfolio review date has been confirmed, you will receive an email with questions for you to prepare as part of an interview process.  The interview is generally about 5-6 minutes long, and follows your audition or portfolio review. We want to get to know you.

Writing Sample, Drawing Sample:

Prior to your audition, you will be given a writing assignment, to be completed in the 15 minutes or so available. A rubric with the criteria for the evaluation of the writing will be sent to you ahead of time for your review. The writing sample is to assist us in determining your readiness for college level research and writing in theatre. In addition to the writing sample, the design and technology applicants will be asked to complete drawing samples.

Out of State Students:

Those who live outside New Jersey will be directed to a pre-screening program called Slide Room, where you will be instructed to upload your video audition or portfolio and recorded answers to the interview questions.

Current Kean Students:

Current Kean students seeking to change their major to Theatre must audition in person. 

For audition dates and times, please call 908-737-4420.