Skip to main content

Kean University

Apply
Visit

Language selection

Becoming a Theatre Major

Learn how to apply to our programs.

KEAN Theatre Department 2025 Season

An audition or portfolio presentation is required of all students interested in being part of the BA or BFA degrees in the Department of Theatre.

2025 - 2026 In-Person AUDITION/INTERVIEW/PORTFOLIO REVIEW DATES/TIMES FOR NJ RESIDENTS and CURRENT KEAN STUDENTS. Out of state applicants can submit their auditions/portfolios virtually if desired, or attend an in person audition.
Saturday, November 22 at 10:00am
Saturday, January 24 at 10:00am
Saturday, February 28 at 10:00am
Saturday, March 21 at 10:00am
Saturday, April 11 at 10:00am
Tuesday, May 19 at 3:00pm
Tuesday, June 9 at 3:00pm

  1. Complete the Kean University Application by clicking Apply Now.
  2. Schedule and successfully complete an audition or portfolio review to demonstrate college level performance ability. To schedule, please call 908-737-4420 or email theatre@kean.edu. A time will be assigned. 
  3. Once your audition or portfolio review is scheduled, you will receive  an email to confirm your appointment.
  4. Your admission review for theatre will include the audition or portfolio review, an interview, a writing assignment, and, for BFA design/tech applicants only, a drawing assignment.

NOTE: If you are a singer, when you schedule the audition, please let us know if you will be bringing your own accompanist or if you will instead be bringing a recorded accompaniment for your musical selection.  An accompanist will not be provided.

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

For BFA Musical Theatre - Prepare two contrasting songs, a monologue, and a dance (choreography will be sent by department prior to your audition).

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.

Interview Questions:

After your audition or portfolio review date has been confirmed, you will receive an email with the questions we will ask you, to allow you to prepare for the short interview.  The interview is generally about 5-6 minutes long, and follows your audition or portfolio review. We want to get to know you, and give you an opportunity to ask us questions you might have about studying theatre at Kean.

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.