Program
No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewIn-Person or VirtualModerately Selective12-24 StudentsUniversity App RequiredStudy Abroad
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
No Interview
Moderately Selective
12-24 Students
University App Required
Study Abroad
Program Highlights
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
•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
FACULTY & GUEST ARTISTS
•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
PRODUCTIONS & PERFORMANCE
•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 & OUTCOMES
•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
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Deadlines
Spring EnrollmentOct 1, 2025
Early ActionNov 1, 2025
Early DecisionNov 1, 2025
Early Decision IIJan 15, 2026
Fee
$75Waiver
Program AppApplication
Apply atSlideRoom
Auditions
Early Action, Early Decision, TransferNov 15, 2025
Regular DecisionFeb 7–8, 2026
Audition Requirements
Songs
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
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
•Dance video is optional and not required or expected from non-dancers
•If you are a dancer and wish to share your work, you may upload a brief dance video to SlideRoom
Additional Materials
RESUME
•PDF acting resume required — uploaded via SlideRoom
•If no theatrical resume, a brief bio about theatrical experience is acceptable
HEADSHOT
•Optional but highly encouraged — uploaded via SlideRoom
•If no professional headshot, any clear photo that looks like you is acceptable
REFERENCES
•1-5 letters of recommendation (not required but highly encouraged)
•Choose a reference who can speak to your growth and development as an artist
•Letters should be sent no later than your audition date
DANCE VIDEO (optional)
•Dancers may upload a brief dance video to SlideRoom
•Not required or expected from non-dancers
GOOD TO KNOW
•Students enter this program with all levels of theatrical experience — no professional materials required
Good to Know
APPLICATION PORTAL
•Submit performing arts supplement via SlideRoom
•University application via Common App
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
•Common App ID required to access SlideRoom (full Common App can be completed later)
What's The Process
AUDITION FORMAT:
•In-person at Katzen Arts Center or virtually on Zoom — choose whichever works best
•No disadvantage to auditioning remotely
•Recorded video auditions may be submitted via SlideRoom if unable to attend live
AUDITION DATES:
•Fall: November 15, 2025 (Early Action, Early Decision, transfer, and current AU students)
•Spring: February 7–8, 2026 (all students planning to begin study in fall 2026)
•Additional Zoom dates may be provided
WHAT TO EXPECT:
•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
REGISTRATION:
•Sign up via SlideRoom
•Assigned time and info sent within 1–2 weeks after submission
•Questions: theatreauditions@american.edu
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
Program info updated Mar 24, 1:01 AM
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
•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
FACULTY & GUEST ARTISTS
•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
PRODUCTIONS & PERFORMANCE
•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 & OUTCOMES
•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
Updated Mar 24, 1:01 AM
Academic School Information
3.65
Avg GPA
62%
Admit Rate
77%
Grad Rate
7,266
Enrollment
$77,370
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$58,771
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$41,943
after typical aid
Average annual cost is often lower than tuition because it accounts for grants and scholarships most students receive. It includes tuition, room & board, books, and supplies.
Family Income $0 - $30k$23,233
Family Income $30k - $48k$20,444
Family Income $48k - $75k$26,035
Family Income $75k - $110k$30,063
Family Income $110k+$53,673
