Dramatic Art Entrance Exams 2025-2026
Exams for access to the Higher Degree in Dramatic Art, Musical Theater itinerary 2025-2026
The necessary and effective studies to become an actor or actress are those that train you in the 3 disciplines: acting, singing and dance. But how and where can we study them?
ESAEM officially hosts (from the year 2022) these Entrance Exams for Higher Studies in Dramatic Art Musical Itinerary. The tests for the academic year 2025-2026, for which we will have our own court and educational inspection, will be held at ESAEM facilities in the extraordinary call. The details for the extraordinary test will be published later, but in the meantime we tell you everything you need to know to apply for the Ordinary Entrance Exams.
We also detail the process to access with these tests to the Double Degree in Dramatic Arts and Performing Arts offered by ESAEM: what are the Official Entrance Exams and how to take them.
NOTE: “If you have passed the Ordinary Official Entrance Exams in Dramatic Arts Musical Itinerary you can now enroll in ESAEM officially (you do NOT need to present yourself again in the Extraordinary Call). If you have not passed or do not want to take the Official Entrance Exams you can enroll in the Degree in Performing Arts private degree of ESAEM”.
Official Entrance Exams to Dramatic Arts
To officially opt for the Higher Studies in Dramatic Arts, Musical Itinerary, after fulfilling the requirements, you must take the Entrance Exams. Let’s go step by step to explain in the simplest way the whole process and what the tests consist of.
What are exactly the Entrance Exams for Dramatic Arts?
These Entrance Exams are a way of selecting those students with aptitude for Higher Studies in Dramatic Art. It is evaluated that they have some academic training in the analysis of dramatic works, so they include the completion of a text commentary of a play, previously indicated in the rules. The required readings for the text commentary are communicated each year through the website of the Consejería de Educación.
If you have previously obtained a Baccalaureate Certificate or some equivalent academic certification, you have nothing to worry about when it comes to doing this text commentary and answering the questions about the play in the written exercise.
In later sections we will detail what these tests consist of, both the theoretical part and the practical exercises.
Photography: students of the Dual Degree in Dramatic and Performing Arts ESAEM
When to register for the Dramatic Arts Entrance Exams 2025-2026?
The registration period of 2025-2026 for the Entrance Exams to Dramatic Art, Musical Itinerary, for the Ordinary Call, are from May 1st to May 20th. These tests will take place at ESAD (Belabartok street s/n).
IMPORTANT: If you want to study in ESAEM you must indicate the option Higher Studies in Dramatic Arts, Musical Itinerary
Where must I submit my application to register for the entrance exams?
The application for the Entrance Exams to Dramatic Arts, Musical Itinerary, in the Ordinary Call 25/26 will be made in person at the secretary’s office of ESAD Malaga or telematically in the Virtual Secretariat of the educational centers of the Department of Educational Development and Vocational Training.
What requirements must I meet to apply for the Dramatic Art Entrance Exams?
1. I must have already turned 18 years of age (or do it so within the calendar year in which I take the tests).
2. I must have the official approved Baccalaureate certificate, or an equivalent at this level. If I do not meet these requirements, I am required to pass the university entrance exam for those who are already 25 years old. You can also provide another higher degree or a higher technical qualification.
What documents do I need to submit to register?
Depending on your case:
- Authenticated photocopy of high school diploma or equivalent, authenticated photocopy of university access for those over 25 years of age or authenticated photocopy of higher education degree or higher technical degree.
- Receipt of having paid the public fee (form 046) or of its exemption, if applicable.
- Authenticated photocopy of the DNI / NIE.
- PROPERLY COMPLETED APPLICATION, you can access it by clicking here.(If you have problems downloading it, write at coordination@esaem.com and we will send it to you) IMPORTANT! you must indicate the option of Higher Studies in Dramatic Art, Musical Intineraryto be able to study at ESAEM
- If in item 3 you have ticked box 3.2.b “Request for adaptation of access tests due to disability” we need you to attach : Medical or educational report referred to.
The following link shows the public fees to be paid (form 046):
These are the steps to follow:
– Fill in the data of the person obliged to pay.
– In the section General Data, you must indicate “Self-assessment”. Later, in the space to detail the concept of the payment, specify “Entrance exams to higher artistic education in Dramatic Art, Musical Interpretation”.
– The date of payment (which must be during the registration period, i.e. from May 1 to May 20).
– The amount to be paid is 36.76 €.
– Territorial Code: ED2915 (ESAD MÁLAGA).
– Payment Concept: TJ50 (For academic services).
Once everything is filled in, click on the VALIDATE tab. 3 pdf sheets will be generated: you can make the payment online or print the 3 sheets, go to the bank and make the payment.
Attach the payment receipt together with the application form and the required documentation through the virtual secretary’s office or at ESAD.
Once you have all this documentation you have to present it in person at ESAD Malaga’s secretary’s office or telematically at the Virtual Secretary’s office of the educational centers of the Department of Educational Development and Vocational Training. The deadline is 23:59 on May 19.
Photography: shooting by students of the Dual Degree in Dramatic Art and Performing Arts ESAEM.
Once I have successfully registered, where do I have to go to take these Entrance Exams and when?
After this period of submission of applications, on May 28th a list will be published on the notice board of ESAD Malaga or through the Virtual Secretary with the provisional list of Admitted and Excluded Students.
Against this list, allegations may be presented on May 29 and 30 in person at the ESAD Malaga secretariat or telematically at the Virtual Secretariat of the educational centers of the Department of Educational Development and Vocational Training.
On June 3, the definitive lists of Admitted and Excluded students for the entrance exam will be published.
The tests in the ordinary callwhich will take place at ESAD mÁLAGA, will be from June 16 to 23 (both inclusive). During this time the tests will be held on different days, the results, lists of admitted students, time for claims and final admitted students will be made public.
If I pass this test I can only have access to these courses in the academic year for which they have been organized, and yes, they are valid for any of the approved higher schools in Spain where this degree is officially taught, with the only condition that there are vacancies.
The student applicant may submit only one application for each line of teaching in the Ordinary Call, being authorized to request the specific test only for one specialty.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Official Entrance Exams to Dramatic Arts
Can I take this test anywhere in Spain, even if my goal is to study in Malaga and ESAEM?
Yes, as long as the center where you take the entrance exam has the Musical Itinerary specialty and you take it for that itinerary.If I pass the test in Malaga (in ESAD or ESAEM), will it allow me to access studies in any city in Spain?
Yes, as long as the center where you want to go has the specialty you do here, which is Musical Itinerary.Once I have passed the test, will it be valid for other years if I do not start my studies the same year?
No, the test is only for the academic year in which you take the entrance exam (in fact, if you enroll and then drop out before the end of the academic year, the test is no longer valid. To resume the same studies you must take the entrance exam again).What are the Dramatic Art Exams, Musical Theatre specialty?
– Exercise 1: June 16. Theoretical part (text commentary) For all registered students.
– Exercise 2: Date to be confirmed. Practical part (monologue, poem, song and choreography).
The following are the details of the contents of the ordinary exams for the 2025-2026 academic year that will be held at ESAD.
EXERCISE 1. DRAMATIC TEXT ANALYSIS
First of all, you will have to analyze one of the classics of Spanish dramaturgy. Afterwards, you may be asked questions about this play, which you must have read before taking the tests. These are the 3 dramatic works that you will have to read before taking the Entrance Exams, since one of them will be chosen by draw on the day of the test:
“La Piedra Oscura“ by Alberto Conejero
“The Crunch of the Earth“ by Elena Bolaños
“La Estanquera de Vallecas” by Jose Luis Alonso de Santos
As a tip to pass it successfully, focus your skills on the points that the court will evaluate through this exercise: your maturity and knowledge, your ability to understand concepts, your linguistic level and your ability to relate and synthesize. One of these will be the work chosen to carry out the commentary and to propose the questions. This exercise will have to be passed by students taking the exams in all the specialties of these teachings.
An important point to be evaluated is the level of analysis you make of the text from a theatrical perspective that considers historical, social and artistic aspects of the play. You can prepare this point specifically not only by reading the work but also by looking for authors who have contextualized it in relation to these aspects. We advise you to choose important authors, academically endorsed, do not prepare the contextualization of the work with any document you find on Internet.
EXERCISE 2. PRACTICAL PART
MONOLOGUE
This test consists of the interpretation of a dramatic monologue where your expressive skills will be assessed. You cannot choose the monologue, it will be determined by the official call for entries. To choose between male and female.
FEMALE MONOLOGUE (“The Salem Witches“. Libretto by Arthur Miller)
ABIGAIL:
Well… you taught me goodness, therefore you are good. It was a fire you led me through, and in it all my ignorance burned. It was fire, John, flames that engulfed us. And since that night no woman dares to call me evil, for I know how to answer her. I used to weep for my sins, every EDUCATIVE time the wind lifted my skirts; and I blushed with shame because some Rebecca called me lost. But then you came and burned my ignorance, And I could see them all, naked as trees in winter… going to church like saints, running to feed the sick, but hypocrites at heart! And God gave me strength to call them liars, and God made men listen to me, and, by God, by His love I will sweep this world clean! Oh, John, what a wife I will be to you when the world is clean again! (She kisses his hand with great emotion.) You will be astonished to see me every day as a light from heaven in your house, a…. (He stands up and recoils in fright, astonished.) Why is it COLD?
MALE MONOLOGUE (“The Salem Witches“. Libretto by Arthur Miller)
PROCTOR:
(his voice on the verge of cracking, great his embarrassment): In the right place… where my animals lie down. On the night that put an end to my joy, about eight months ago. She then served me, sir, at home. (She has to grit her teeth to keep from crying.) A man may believe that God sleeps, but God sees all, now I know. I beseech you, sir, I beseech you…, see her as she is. My wife, my good and beloved wife, soon after took this girl and cast her out into the street. And being as she is, a clod of vanity, sir…. (He is overwhelmed.) Forgive me, Excellency, forgive me. (Angry with himself, he turns his back on the Commissioner for a moment. Then, as if shouting were the only means of expression left to him, he pretends to jump with me on my wife’s grave! And I might as well, since I was soft on her. God help me, I obeyed the flesh, and in those sweats a promise is made. But it is the vengeance of a harlot, and so you must see it; I put myself entirely in your hands. I know that now you must see it.
MOTION TEST
(maximum duration 3 minutes)
You will have to perform a dance exercise that you must have prepared in advance. At the time of the test you must bring a CD and pen-drive (we recommend both media in case one fails) with the music you are going to use to perform your exercise.
We recommend that you come with a clear mind, as the tribunal may propose body exercises to demonstrate your expressive abilities, your sense of rhythm, coordination and flexibility.
VOICE TEST
Optional (if the Tribunal deems it appropriate):
a) TEXT IN DRAMATIZED VERSE. You will have to present the board a text in dramatized verse, with a minimum of 8 verses and a maximum of 14.
b) TEXT READ AT FIRST SIGHT. To be provided by the board
c) BREATHING EXERCISES
d) RHYTHM AND INTONATION EXERCISES PROPOSED BY THE TRIBUNAL
e) EXERCISE OF VOICE PROJECTION INTO SPACE
Mandatory:
f) SINGING EXERCISE. You will have to prepare and perform by heart a song of your choice that is part of the theatrical musical repertoire (musical theatre, operetta, zarzuela, cabaret, music-hall, etc.).
g) DANCE OR MOVEMENT EXERCISE: You can add a short choreography or movement to accompany the song chosen in the singing exercise or free choice (maximum 3 minutes).
For the tests, it is important that the applicant brings the music prepared to connect it to a stereo system via flash drive, bluetooth or minijack.
During the performance of these practical tests, the examining board may interrupt or finish the exercises whenever they consider appropriate. As a tip to pass the practical part successfully, concentrate on the points that will be evaluated, such as vocal, interpretative and body skills.
Photography: students of the Dual Degree in Dramatic and Performing Arts ESAEM
Evaluation Criteria
The publication of the evaluation criteria depends on each board and each call for applications.
At the September Extraordinary Convocation of 2024 they were as follows:
- EXERCISE 1
*The grade will be between 0 and 10 with two decimal places.
*All submitted sheets must be signed by the student and stamped by the centre.
*For the correction, the criteria established by the University Entrance Examinations Management Commission will be followed. Aspects such as the correct use of written language, the adequate use of specific vocabulary and the concreteness and synthesis in the exposition of ideas will be taken into account. In addition, 0.1 will be deducted for each spelling mistake. For each mistake related to punctuation, as well as for incorrect or inadequate expressions and for poor presentation or handwriting, the final grade will also be lowered. A maximum of 2 points may be deducted.
- EXERCISE 2
Interpretation
We will value the expressive and interpretative skills and the capacity of each applicant to make the text their own. Physical construction, characterization, internalization, organicity, rhythm, conflict, background, understanding of the text…
Body
We will value the expressive and corporal capacities as well as the sense of rhythm, flexibility and coordination of each applicant. The fluidity of movement, the control of space, psychomotor skills and the necessary impulse that every movement generates.
Voice
We will assess vocal, musical and interpretative skills as well as the basic concepts of breathing reflected in both the spoken and sung voice. Intonation, articulation, rhythm and vocal projection.
*The grade will be between 0 and 10 with two decimal places.
*A “No Show” in any of the tests will result in the board not being able to make an average mark between the different parts of the exercise.
Photo: Rosalía and Antonio Banderas at the 2019 ESAEM Antonio Banderas Performing Arts Awards Gala.
What to do after passing the Tests?
Once you have passed the entrance exams for the higher degree in Dramatic Art Musical Theatre itinerary, you can enroll in the school of Dramatic Art or Performing Arts of your choice. In ESAEM we offer you the option of studying AD + AE (Dramatic Art + Performing Arts) in a Dual Degree.
ESAEM’ s academic program combines official subjects of the official degree of Dramatic Art with other complementary subjects relevant to the training of any actor or actress, which will also be certified with their own diploma and are not usually found in other teaching programs. Audiovisual interpretation or other types of dance other than classical ballet, are some of the subjects that expand the academic offerings of ESAEM, in order that students can address any type of format in the professional field. For example, playing a character in a fiction film, television or digital platform.
At ESAEM, Málaga Higher School of Performing Arts, you will be trained not only to obtain your degree, but also to be prepared to work in musical theatre as well as in the best audiovisual productions.
In order to make this dual degree possible, the Dramatic Arts teaching staff has been enlarged with teachers who combine their work in the classroom with professional activity in first level productions in the theatre, dance or audiovisual sector. ESAEM has a teaching staff who are working professionals, who do not only share knowledge with students, but the most qualified ones can give them their first opportunity at a professional level. At ESAEM, Dramatic Arts subjects are complemented with other different and innovative Performing Arts subjects that delight students, and encourage the best performance in class in all disciplines. The dual degree of AD + AE allows students to have an accredited higher degree and at the same time training connected to the professional world, so that production companies, television and top level companies count on our students for their projects.
In addition ESAEM, through its department of cultural management, establishes agreements with major producers of series, films, theatre, or the Film Academy so that students can enjoy professional offers in first level productions.
After passing the Entrance Exams in Dramatic Arts specializing in Musical Theatre you can enroll in ESAEM. Since the demand to study at ESAEM is very high and places are quickly sold out, in order for you to arrive in time to enroll, we will give you the opportunity to reserve your place in advance.
ESAEM offers three lines of Higher Education in Dramatic Art, Musical Itinerary, with a total of 100 places.
If you wish to enroll in ESAEM, once you have completed the tests and obtained the grades, you simply have to send the grades obtained (via screenshot) to the email coordinacion@esaem.com or secretaria@esaem.com.
Extraordinary Call for ESAEM
In the case of not passing this Ordinary Call you already know that ESAEM has been granted a second one. Convocatoria Extraordinaria to be held in our ESAEM facilities, from September 10th to 20th. The deadline for this application will open on August 1st (we will inform you later of specific dates, content, etc).
What can I do if I do not pass the Tests?
If the candidate does not pass the entrance exam to the Higher Artistic Studies of Dramatic Art, he/she can always remain in Malaga with ESAEM by taking the private degree “Degree in Performing Arts”, a private course that includes all the subjects of Dramatic Art plus those of Performing Arts (dance, singing and acting). In this way, with all the training acquired during the first year, the student who begins his or her studies in the Performing Arts Degree will have a much easier time passing this test the following year.
If for any reason you do not pass the official entrance exams, ESAEM can offer you a place to enroll in the private line. It also gives you advice to inform you about the possibilities of accessing the next course to the teaching line of the official degree. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us, we will be happy to assist you and offer you the help you need in your academic and professional career.
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