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American University

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Program

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewNo PortfolioUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Moderately Selective12-24 StudentsStudy AbroadTransfer In Friendly

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewNo PortfolioUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Moderately Selective12-24 StudentsStudy AbroadTransfer In Friendly

Browse programs

Quick links

BA Musical Theatre

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewNo PortfolioUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Moderately Selective12-24 StudentsStudy AbroadTransfer In Friendly

Program Recognition

BA program grounded in a strong liberal arts tradition — the 51-credit major is designed to allow students the opportunity to double major in another area of study

Training incorporates acting, voice, and dance alongside core liberal arts coursework

Combined Bachelor's/Master's degree program available

Training

Faculty are working theatre professionals: directors, performers, designers, dramaturgs, and choreographers

Faculty hold Helen Hayes Award nominations and wins; Aaron Posner won the 2020 Off-Broadway Alliance Award for Best New Play

Recent distinguished guest artists include Rachel Chavkin (Tony-winning director of Hadestown), Paul Tazewell (costume designer for Hamilton and The Wiz Live), David Neumann (Hadestown choreographer), and Billy Magnussen

Performance & Productions

Department produces 5 mainstage theatre shows per school year, including classics, contemporary works, traditional book musicals, and new cutting-edge musicals

New Works program affords students the opportunity to participate in premiere productions of original new plays and musicals

Open casting policy — students can participate in productions regardless of major

Performances held in the Studio Theatre at the Katzen Arts Center and the Greenberg Theatre, a 296-seat proscenium theatre

Notable Alumni

Margo Seibert — Drama Desk Award-nominated actress; original Adrian in Broadway's Rocky the Musical

Caroline Aaron — actress and producer; Shirley Maisel in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

Jeff Sine — Broadway producer; three-time Tony Award winner

Location

Located in Washington, DC — students have access to over 80 working professional theatres including The Kennedy Center, Signature Theatre, Ford's Theatre, Arena Stage, and the Folger Shakespeare Library

DC area provides rare opportunities for international and multicultural performances, government arts jobs, arts education, and arts policy

Recent alumni have worked at virtually every major theatre and arts organization in the DC metro area; others have gone on to graduate school, law, education, business, and more

School Info

Snapshot

3.65

Avg GPA

62%

Admit Rate

school-wide

75%

Grad Rate

7.3K

Enrollment

$77K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Tuition & Fees

$64,652

Before aid

Cost of Attendance

$87,374

Before aid

Average Net Price

$41,943

After aid

Undergraduate First Year Students.Cfm · american.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated 13h ago

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

BA program grounded in a strong liberal arts tradition — the 51-credit major is designed to allow students the opportunity to double major in another area of study

Training incorporates acting, voice, and dance alongside core liberal arts coursework

Combined Bachelor's/Master's degree program available

Training

Faculty are working theatre professionals: directors, performers, designers, dramaturgs, and choreographers

Faculty hold Helen Hayes Award nominations and wins; Aaron Posner won the 2020 Off-Broadway Alliance Award for Best New Play

Performance & Productions

Department produces 5 mainstage theatre shows per school year, including classics, contemporary works, traditional book musicals, and new cutting-edge musicals

New Works program affords students the opportunity to participate in premiere productions of original new plays and musicals

Open casting policy — students can participate in productions regardless of major

Performances held in the Studio Theatre at the Katzen Arts Center and the Greenberg Theatre, a 296-seat proscenium theatre

Notable Alumni

Margo Seibert — Drama Desk Award-nominated actress; original Adrian in Broadway's Rocky the Musical

Caroline Aaron — actress and producer; Shirley Maisel in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

Jeff Sine — Broadway producer; three-time Tony Award winner

Location

DC area provides rare opportunities for international and multicultural performances, government arts jobs, arts education, and arts policy

Recent alumni have worked at virtually every major theatre and arts organization in the DC metro area; others have gone on to graduate school, law, education, business, and more

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

BA program grounded in a strong liberal arts tradition — the 51-credit major is designed to allow students the opportunity to double major in another area of study

Training incorporates acting, voice, and dance alongside core liberal arts coursework

Combined Bachelor's/Master's degree program available

Training

Faculty are working theatre professionals: directors, performers, designers, dramaturgs, and choreographers

Faculty hold Helen Hayes Award nominations and wins; Aaron Posner won the 2020 Off-Broadway Alliance Award for Best New Play

Performance & Productions

Department produces 5 mainstage theatre shows per school year, including classics, contemporary works, traditional book musicals, and new cutting-edge musicals

New Works program affords students the opportunity to participate in premiere productions of original new plays and musicals

Open casting policy — students can participate in productions regardless of major

Performances held in the Studio Theatre at the Katzen Arts Center and the Greenberg Theatre, a 296-seat proscenium theatre

Notable Alumni

Margo Seibert — Drama Desk Award-nominated actress; original Adrian in Broadway's Rocky the Musical

Caroline Aaron — actress and producer; Shirley Maisel in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

Jeff Sine — Broadway producer; three-time Tony Award winner

Location

DC area provides rare opportunities for international and multicultural performances, government arts jobs, arts education, and arts policy

Recent alumni have worked at virtually every major theatre and arts organization in the DC metro area; others have gone on to graduate school, law, education, business, and more

Key Info

Enrollment Term

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App

Fee

$75

Deadline

Early application deadlineNov 1, 2026

Early Decision IIRegular DecisionJan 15, 2027

Decision Plans And Deadlines.Cfm · american.edu

Program AppApplication

Order

The audition may be submitted before the university application.

Apply

SlideRoom

Opens

Sep 1, 2026

Auditions

Early application deadlineNov 7, 2026

In-person performance auditionLive Zoom performance auditionFeb 6–7, 2027

OR — Recorded Video Audition

Early Action, Early Decision, and transfer recorded-video deadlineNov 7, 2026

Recorded-video audition deadlineFeb 6–7, 2027

Application portal · SlideRoom Degree Auditions.Cfm · american.edu

Audition Requirements

Songs

Requirements

Two Brief Contrasting Song Cuts (no more than 32 bars each)

Contrast can be comic/dramatic, up-tempo/ballad, Golden Age/contemporary, or anything that contrasts in energy, style, or vocal quality

Choose material with which you strongly connect; choose characters close to you in age and energy

Total time for all pieces (monologue + songs) should be less than five minutes

Accompaniment

In-person: accompanist provided — bring sheet music clearly marked and in the correct key

Zoom: use recorded accompaniment (or your own accompanist); voice should be prominent; ensure Original Sound for Musicians is on

Monologues

Requirements

One Contemporary Monologue

Total time for all pieces (monologue + songs) should be less than five minutes

Choose material with which you strongly connect; choose characters close to you in age and energy

Know your material well — you do not need to be perfect, but be well prepared

Dance

Optional Dance Video

Dancers who wish to share their work may upload a brief dance video to SlideRoom

Additional Materials

Resume

Required PDF acting resume; upload via SlideRoom

If no theatrical resume, a brief bio about theatrical experience is acceptable

Headshot

Upload an optional headshot via SlideRoom

If no professional headshot is available, any clear photo that looks like you is acceptable

Letters of Recommendation

Optional but highly encouraged; up to 5 references may be submitted

Choose references who can speak to your growth and development as an artist

Letters should be sent no later than your audition date

Sheet Music

In-person auditions: an accompanist is provided — bring sheet music clearly marked and in the correct key

Video

Optional dance video may be uploaded to SlideRoom

Degree Auditions.Cfm · american.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Submit the performing arts supplement via AU SlideRoom when program applications are available

University application via Common App

Common App ID required to access SlideRoom; the full Common App can be completed later

Eligibility

Formal admission requires demonstrated talent through an audition

Audition preferably arranged prior to beginning studies

Students may enter as intended majors and audition once matriculated

Important Notes

Students enter this program with all levels of theatrical experience; no professional materials required

The performing arts supplement is open on AU SlideRoom for Fall 2027 admission; AU's theatre audition page lists posted dates and requirements

Transfer Pathway

AU includes transfer students in the theatre/musical theatre fall audition window, and eligible community-college transfers can use American Transfer Advantage credit evaluation and advising. BA Musical Theatre still requires department audition approval, so transfer credit does not replace artistic admission.

American Transfer Advantage.Cfm · american.edu

What's The Process

Audition Process

AU's current theatre audition page lists a November 7, 2026 performer audition for Early Action, Early Decision, transfer, and current AU students

Spring performer auditions are listed for February 6-7, 2027, with additional Zoom dates possible

Recorded video auditions are submitted through SlideRoom no later than the live/Zoom audition dates

Questions: theatreauditions@american.edu

Audition Expectations

In-person and Zoom audition options are offered, with no disadvantage for remote auditions

Recorded video auditions are available if live or Zoom attendance is not possible

Approximately 15 minutes total per auditioner

Usually two AU professors present

After presenting materials, time to chat and receive coaching or perspective

One auditor may coach you on one of your pieces

Scholarship Info

Available Awards

Barnee Breeskin Scholarship: outstanding Musical Theatre student selected by audition for independent auditors

Greenberg Scholarship: outstanding Theatre/Musical Theatre students selected by faculty vote

Annual Merit Awards: currently enrolled students distinguished in class work, performance, design and production, management, and service

Senior Awards

Eligibility

All students who audition for the faculty panel are automatically considered

Details

Awards range from $100 to several thousand dollars depending on funding availability and program needs

Notifications made throughout the spring, usually no later than late April

School Info

Snapshot

3.65

Avg GPA

62%

Admit Rate

school-wide

75%

Grad Rate

7.3K

Enrollment

$77K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Tuition & Fees

$64,652

Before aid

Cost of Attendance

$87,374

Before aid

Average Net Price

$41,943

After aid

Undergraduate First Year Students.Cfm · american.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

BA program grounded in a strong liberal arts tradition — the 51-credit major is designed to allow students the opportunity to double major in another area of study

Training incorporates acting, voice, and dance alongside core liberal arts coursework

Combined Bachelor's/Master's degree program available

Training

Faculty are working theatre professionals: directors, performers, designers, dramaturgs, and choreographers

Faculty hold Helen Hayes Award nominations and wins; Aaron Posner won the 2020 Off-Broadway Alliance Award for Best New Play

Performance & Productions

Department produces 5 mainstage theatre shows per school year, including classics, contemporary works, traditional book musicals, and new cutting-edge musicals

New Works program affords students the opportunity to participate in premiere productions of original new plays and musicals

Open casting policy — students can participate in productions regardless of major

Performances held in the Studio Theatre at the Katzen Arts Center and the Greenberg Theatre, a 296-seat proscenium theatre

Notable Alumni

Margo Seibert — Drama Desk Award-nominated actress; original Adrian in Broadway's Rocky the Musical

Caroline Aaron — actress and producer; Shirley Maisel in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

Jeff Sine — Broadway producer; three-time Tony Award winner

Location

DC area provides rare opportunities for international and multicultural performances, government arts jobs, arts education, and arts policy

Recent alumni have worked at virtually every major theatre and arts organization in the DC metro area; others have gone on to graduate school, law, education, business, and more

Updated 13h ago