Program
Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredInterview RequiredIn-Person or VirtualSelective25-40 StudentsUniversity App RequiredStudy Abroad
Program Characteristics
Prescreen Required
Audition Required
Interview Required
Selective
25-40 Students
University App Required
Study Abroad
Program Highlights
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
•BA Theatre Arts is a general degree offering a holistic theatre arts education with flexibility to pursue additional majors or minors
•Appropriate preparation for those planning to seek admission to a graduate program in general theatre studies
•Department maintains a cap enrollment of 130 undergraduate majors, providing small, focused classes
TRAINING & EXPERIENCE
•Courses available in specialized areas including playwriting, stage combat, tap, and acting for the camera
•Students are assigned to technical production crews and weekly workshop performances from the first week
•New students are assigned a Big — an experienced student mentor
OPPORTUNITIES
•Partnership with Film & Digital Media program
•Fine Arts Living Learning Center available
•Study abroad opportunities available
•Baylor New Play Initiative (BNPI) — bi-annual festival showcasing emerging and established playwrights, including the $15,000 Kirk New Play Prize
RECOGNITION & REACH
•Ranked among the top undergraduate theatre programs in the United States
•Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST)
•Work reaches beyond campus to New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Western Europe, and Eastern Asia
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Michael A. Jenkins ('63) — Tony Award-winning Broadway producer (Kinky Boots, Memphis, Thoroughly Modern Millie); president of Dallas Summer Musicals
•Brisa Areli Muñoz (BA '11) — Artistic Director of Musical Theatre Factory; Associate Director of the Broadway revival of 1776
•Chris Coleman (BFA) — co-founded Actor's Express in Atlanta; Artistic Director of Portland Center Stage for 17 years; now leads Denver Center Theatre Company
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atSchool Website
Apply atCommon App
Deadlines
Early DecisionNov 1, 2025
Early ActionNov 1, 2025
Regular DecisionFeb 15, 2026
Program AppApplication
Deadlines
Early Decision / Early ActionNov 1, 2025
Regular AdmissionFeb 1, 2026
Prescreen Materials DeadlineMar 15, 2026
Auditions
TX Educational Theatre Association TheatreFest (Arlington, TX)Oct 1, 2025
Texas Thespian Festival North (Grapevine, TX)Nov 19, 2025
Greater Houston Area Auditions (Houston, TX)Nov 23, 2025
National Unified Auditions (Chicago, IL)Feb 2, 2026
Prescreen Requirements
Songs
OPTIONAL — ONE SONG SELECTION, 16 bars or ~1 min
•Only include a song if singing is a strength
•A song is not required for BA Theatre Arts applicants
•Pre-recorded musical accompaniment preferred; a cappella acceptable
•Avoid "signature songs" or overdone songs
Monologues
TWO CONTRASTING MONOLOGUES, 1 min each max
•May contrast in style: classical vs. contemporary, dramatic vs. comedic
•Must be from published plays — avoid self-written works, teleplays, or screenplays
•All pieces must be memorized
•Avoid accents, telephone calls, and elaborate staging
•Place imaginary acting partner above or adjacent to the auditors/camera
Additional Materials
•SLATE VIDEO — state your name, title of audition pieces, and the character you will be portraying
•Prescreening monologue(s) and optional song uploaded to the portfolio tab of the goBAYLOR application
•resume
•Indicate intended major in Theatre on the Baylor University application
Good to Know
DUAL ADMISSION
•Must be admitted by both Baylor University AND the Department of Theatre Arts
•Admission into Baylor is highly competitive — complete your application at the earliest possible date to avoid being waitlisted
What's The Process
PRESCREEN:
•Two paths to complete prescreening:
-1. Attend a collective audition (see Audition/Interview Schedule) — those who receive a callback will be invited to campus
-2. Submit prescreening materials (monologues, resume, etc.) via the portfolio tab of the goBAYLOR application
•Materials reviewed by faculty committee
•Prescreening materials deadline: March 15, 2026
LIVE AUDITION:
•On-campus auditions are by invitation only
•May be asked to repeat monologue with adjustments after direction is given
•Interview component: faculty want to get to know you — goals, interests, past experiences
•Faculty value students who view theatre holistically — share related interests (design, construction, stage management, dance, dramatic literature)
•Opportunity to ask questions of the faculty (not required)
CONTACT:
•Lisa Denman (lisa_denman@baylor.edu) for performance program inquiries
Scholarship Info
•Kirk New Play Prize — $15,000 award presented at the Baylor New Play Initiative Festival
•Departmental Scholarships available (listed under university scholarship options)
Program info updated Mar 27, 1:23 PM
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
•BA Theatre Arts is a general degree offering a holistic theatre arts education with flexibility to pursue additional majors or minors
•Appropriate preparation for those planning to seek admission to a graduate program in general theatre studies
•Department maintains a cap enrollment of 130 undergraduate majors, providing small, focused classes
TRAINING & EXPERIENCE
•Courses available in specialized areas including playwriting, stage combat, tap, and acting for the camera
•Students are assigned to technical production crews and weekly workshop performances from the first week
•New students are assigned a Big — an experienced student mentor
OPPORTUNITIES
•Partnership with Film & Digital Media program
•Fine Arts Living Learning Center available
•Study abroad opportunities available
•Baylor New Play Initiative (BNPI) — bi-annual festival showcasing emerging and established playwrights, including the $15,000 Kirk New Play Prize
RECOGNITION & REACH
•Ranked among the top undergraduate theatre programs in the United States
•Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST)
•Work reaches beyond campus to New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Western Europe, and Eastern Asia
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Michael A. Jenkins ('63) — Tony Award-winning Broadway producer (Kinky Boots, Memphis, Thoroughly Modern Millie); president of Dallas Summer Musicals
•Brisa Areli Muñoz (BA '11) — Artistic Director of Musical Theatre Factory; Associate Director of the Broadway revival of 1776
•Chris Coleman (BFA) — co-founded Actor's Express in Atlanta; Artistic Director of Portland Center Stage for 17 years; now leads Denver Center Theatre Company
Updated Mar 27, 1:23 PM
Academic School Information
3.64
Avg GPA
51%
Admit Rate
80%
Grad Rate
14,785
Enrollment
$65,793
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$58,100
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$41,104
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$22,024
Family Income $30k - $48k$21,530
Family Income $48k - $75k$33,902
Family Income $75k - $110k$38,852
Family Income $110k+$47,895
