Program
No PrescreenScholarship AuditionNo InterviewIn-Person or VirtualUniversity App RequiredStudy Abroad
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Scholarship Audition
No Interview
University App Required
Study Abroad
Program Highlights
TRAINING & PRODUCTIONS
•5 annual mainstage theatre & dance productions plus student showcases
•Perform, design, direct, and collaborate with faculty artists
•Two performance spaces: Harvey M. Powers Theatre and Tustin Studio Theatre
•Work with guest artists-in-residence
NOTABLE ALUMNI OUTCOMES
•Graduates at Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center, Roundabout, and Oregon Shakespeare
•National tours: Fiddler on the Roof, Legally Blonde, Mamma Mia
•TV credits: Homeland, Law and Order: SVU, Orange is the New Black
•Advanced study at Yale (MFA Directing), Tisch, Actors Studio, and more
STUDY ABROAD
•Immersive experiences in China, India, and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atCoalition App
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
Early DecisionNov 1, 2025
Early Decision IIJan 10, 2026
Regular DecisionJan 10, 2026
Fee
$50Waiver
Waived for campus visitors
Program AppApplication
Audition
Arts Merit WeekendFeb 13, 2026
Audition Requirements
Optional audition for scholarship consideration — not required for program admission.
Monologues
TWO CONTRASTING MONOLOGUES, ~1 min each
•Each monologue approximately one minute in length
•Contrasting in style and tone
Additional Materials
RESUME
•Required
•Highlights depth and dimension of experience in theatre (acting, directing, design and technology)
RECOMMENDATIONS
•Two required, from theatre teachers, directors, coaches, or mentors
•Must discuss creative abilities, training, and potential
ESSAY
•Required, up to 300 words
•Prompt: Why are you interested in a liberal arts program in theatre?
PORTFOLIO — DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY CANDIDATES
•Original artwork, drawings, paintings, technical drawings, or stage management books
•Production work via slides or photographs
Good to Know
SUBMISSION PORTAL
•Submit all materials through the admissions application portal under the Portfolio tab
•Materials can only be submitted after your application to Bucknell is submitted
ELIGIBILITY
•Performance scholars must major in theatre
•Design & technology scholars must major or minor in design & technology
What's The Process
ADMISSION
•No audition required for admission — acceptance is through the university application process
SCHOLARSHIP AUDITION
•Performance candidates present 2 contrasting monologues (~1 min each)
-Optional: 16-bar song with your own recorded accompaniment
•Participation in movement, voice, and improvisation workshops
•Design & technology candidates present portfolio and interview with faculty
SCHEDULING
•Early Decision candidates contact faculty liaison to schedule audition before application deadline
•Regular Decision finalists attend Arts Merit Weekend
•Virtual auditions arranged for candidates unable to attend in person
Scholarship Info
ARTS MERIT SCHOLARSHIP
•$2,500 to $20,000 annually, renewable
•Financial need is not a requirement
•Performance scholars must major in theatre
•Design & technology scholars must major or minor in design & technology
•Recipients must audition for every mainstage production and actively participate each semester
Program info updated 2h ago
TRAINING & PRODUCTIONS
•5 annual mainstage theatre & dance productions plus student showcases
•Perform, design, direct, and collaborate with faculty artists
•Two performance spaces: Harvey M. Powers Theatre and Tustin Studio Theatre
•Work with guest artists-in-residence
NOTABLE ALUMNI OUTCOMES
•Graduates at Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center, Roundabout, and Oregon Shakespeare
•National tours: Fiddler on the Roof, Legally Blonde, Mamma Mia
•TV credits: Homeland, Law and Order: SVU, Orange is the New Black
•Advanced study at Yale (MFA Directing), Tisch, Actors Studio, and more
STUDY ABROAD
•Immersive experiences in China, India, and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Updated 2h ago
Academic School Information
3.62
Avg GPA (W)
29%
Admit Rate
86%
Grad Rate
3,876
Enrollment
$93,807
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$67,812
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$40,766
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$20,980
Family Income $30k - $48k$12,276
Family Income $48k - $75k$23,679
Family Income $75k - $110k$28,165
Family Income $110k+$55,724
