Portfolio Requirements By Program
AFA applicants will demonstrate their aptitude and potential for creative work through the submission of a creative portfolio. The required materials of the portfolio will be based on the discipline, and may include writing or visual samples. These submissions must include an accompanying description contextualizing the nature and purpose of the project. During the application process, students will work with their admissions counselor for guidance on acceptable formats. All creative portfolio materials must be submitted digitally. Portfolio materials will not be returned. Please review the requirements for each AFA program below.
Acting for Film Auditions
Prospective Acting for Film AFA students must include a selection of filmed monologues that show the breadth and depth of the actor’s abilities. The two contrasting audition pieces must be one dramatic monologue and one comedic monologue that are approximately 60-90 seconds in length each. The monologue requirements should include two contemporary (published after 1960) monologues.
See more on our Audition Requirements page for the Performing Arts.
Filmmaking Portfolio
Students applying for the AFA in Filmmaking can choose to submit a writing sample or a visual sample. Prospective students can select from the options for each below.
Writing Sample (choose from below)
- Excerpt: Excerpt from an original screenplay or prose fiction piece (5-10 pages)
- Original Work: Original short story, article or critical studies essay examining a literary or cinematic work (play, screenplay, television series, film, etc.) (3-7 pages)
- Treatment or Outline: Treatment or outline of a film, webisode or television series concept (3-7 pages)
Visual Sample (choose from below)
- Visual Series: Any visual or studio art, including, but not limited to: paintings, drawings, sculptures, set designs, mixed media arts, photographs (3-10 pieces), with an accompanying description contextualizing the submission
- Short Film: Live-action or animated fiction or non-fiction film/video (3-10 minutes in length). Applicants must describe what part they had in creating the project
Game Design Portfolio
To apply for the AFA in Game Design, students must submit a portfolio with one of the following options:
- Drawing Series: 3-5 drawings, paintings, cartoons, comics, conceptual illustrations, graphic renderings, storyboards, digital images, slides of 3-D models, sculptures, character designs, storyboards, 2D art and animation, 3D art and animation or other visual designs which display the applicant’s creative abilities.
- Prototypes: 3-5 Unity prototypes, game modifications, GitHub profiles, code samples, paper game prototypes, level maps, design documents, skill trees, or system diagrams.
- Business Plan and One Sheet: 1-3 Game business plans and marketing one-sheets.
Producing Portfolio
To apply for the Producing AFA, students must choose from:
- Excerpt: Excerpt from an original screenplay or prose fiction piece (5-10 pages).
- Writing Sample: Original short story, article or critical studies essay examining a literary or cinematic work (play, screenplay, television series, film, etc.) (3-7 pages).
- Treatment or Outline: Treatment or outline of a film, webisode or television series concept (3-7 pages).
Screenwriting Portfolio
To apply for the Screenwriting AFA, students must prepare a creative portfolio with one of the following materials:
- Excerpt: Excerpt from an original screenplay or prose fiction piece (5-10 pages).
- Writing Sample: Original short story, article or critical studies essay examining a literary or cinematic work (play, screenplay, television series, film, etc.) (3-7 pages).
- Treatment or Outline: Treatment or outline of a film, webisode or television series concept (3-7 pages).