Auditions and Portfolios

Applicants are not required to submit an admissions portfolio. Instead, graphic design, and studio art and photography concentrations submit portfolios for review and evaluation after completing 21 credits in the major — this creates greater equity in the admissions process.

Only students applying for the Harold T. and Alice M. McCarthy Scholarship must submit a portfolio. The deadline to apply for this scholarship is March 1, 2027.

Submit portfolios online at salemstate.slideroom.com.

No audition is required for bachelor of arts in dance applicants. For more information about the program or to schedule a visit, please contact Professor Meghan McLyman. 

No audition is required for music applicants. For more information about the program or to schedule a visit, please contact Professor Mary-Jo Grenfell.

Bachelor of Arts vs. Bachelor of Fine Arts

There are two tracks in the theatre major to which students can apply:

• Bachelor of Arts, BA (does not require an audition or portfolio)*
  • BA Theatre Concentration Options: Musical Theatre, Performance, Technical Theatre
• Bachelor of Fine Arts, BFA (requires an audition or portfolio review as part of the application review)
  • BFA Theatre Concentration Options: Design, Directing, Performance, Playwriting, Stage Management, Technical Theatre

*If you do not initially apply to the BFA as an incoming student, you will have the opportunity to apply during your freshman year.

Fall (Slideroom Submission Deadline for Fall Early Action):

Sunday, November 15, 2026
 

Spring (On-Campus Auditions & Portfolio Reviews and Spring Slideroom Submission Deadline):

Saturday, January 23, 2027
 

Submit application materials online at salemstate.slideroom.com.