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University of Cincinnati College - Conservatory of Music

Cincinnati, OH

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Program

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Highly Selective12-24 StudentsStudy Abroad

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Highly Selective12-24 StudentsStudy Abroad

Browse programs

Quick links

BFA Acting

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Highly Selective12-24 StudentsStudy Abroad

Program Recognition

Praised by Backstage Magazine as a "first-rate BFA program in acting"

Part of CCM's prestigious Theatre Arts, Production and Arts Administration (TAPAA) division

Featured in The Hollywood Reporter for pioneering "microdramas" — short vertical video content for digital platforms

Training

Acting progression from Viewpoints and Suzuki through Meisner and Stanislavski to Michael Chekhov Technique and styles work

Specialized voice training: IPA, Alba Emoting, dialect studies, verse and scansion, voice-over

Movement sequence includes Laban, Mask, Clowning, LeCoq and full-time SAFD-certified Fight Master on faculty

Dedicated acting-for-camera curriculum plus annual CCM 48-Hour Film Festival

Performance & Productions

Four full-length plays per year plus TRANSMIGRATION — an annual festival of student-created new works

Senior Showcase performed for agents, managers and casting directors in Cincinnati, New York and Los Angeles

Students frequently cast in professional film and commercial projects while in school; union membership in AEA and SAG-AFTRA encouraged

Notable Alumni

Diana Maria Riva — Dead to Me (Netflix), Seinfeld, Young Sheldon

Cooper Thornton — recurring role on Parks and Recreation, Justified, NCIS

Spencer Lackey — 6M+ followers on TikTok/Instagram for short-form horror content

Study Abroad

RADA Shakespeare Intensive (London), Edinburgh International Fringe Festival, Gaiety School (Dublin), Theatre MITU (Bangalore, India)

Verified Recent Class Sizes

Class of 2024: 15 students

School Info

Snapshot

3.69

Avg GPA (W)

85%

Admit Rate

school-wide

75%

Grad Rate

29.9K

Enrollment

$55K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

In-State Tuition

$16,748

Before aid

Out-of-State Tuition

$32,082

Before aid

Average Net Price

$25,648

After aid

Fast Facts · ccm.uc.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Aug 25, 9:29 PM

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Praised by Backstage Magazine as a "first-rate BFA program in acting"

Part of CCM's prestigious Theatre Arts, Production and Arts Administration (TAPAA) division

Featured in The Hollywood Reporter for pioneering "microdramas" — short vertical video content for digital platforms

Training

Acting progression from Viewpoints and Suzuki through Meisner and Stanislavski to Michael Chekhov Technique and styles work

Specialized voice training: IPA, Alba Emoting, dialect studies, verse and scansion, voice-over

Movement sequence includes Laban, Mask, Clowning, LeCoq and full-time SAFD-certified Fight Master on faculty

Dedicated acting-for-camera curriculum plus annual CCM 48-Hour Film Festival

Performance & Productions

Four full-length plays per year plus TRANSMIGRATION — an annual festival of student-created new works

Senior Showcase performed for agents, managers and casting directors in Cincinnati, New York and Los Angeles

Students frequently cast in professional film and commercial projects while in school; union membership in AEA and SAG-AFTRA encouraged

Notable Alumni

Diana Maria Riva — Dead to Me (Netflix), Seinfeld, Young Sheldon

Cooper Thornton — recurring role on Parks and Recreation, Justified, NCIS

Spencer Lackey — 6M+ followers on TikTok/Instagram for short-form horror content

Study Abroad

RADA Shakespeare Intensive (London), Edinburgh International Fringe Festival, Gaiety School (Dublin), Theatre MITU (Bangalore, India)

Verified Recent Class Sizes

Class of 2024: 15 students

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Praised by Backstage Magazine as a "first-rate BFA program in acting"

Part of CCM's prestigious Theatre Arts, Production and Arts Administration (TAPAA) division

Featured in The Hollywood Reporter for pioneering "microdramas" — short vertical video content for digital platforms

Training

Acting progression from Viewpoints and Suzuki through Meisner and Stanislavski to Michael Chekhov Technique and styles work

Specialized voice training: IPA, Alba Emoting, dialect studies, verse and scansion, voice-over

Movement sequence includes Laban, Mask, Clowning, LeCoq and full-time SAFD-certified Fight Master on faculty

Dedicated acting-for-camera curriculum plus annual CCM 48-Hour Film Festival

Performance & Productions

Four full-length plays per year plus TRANSMIGRATION — an annual festival of student-created new works

Senior Showcase performed for agents, managers and casting directors in Cincinnati, New York and Los Angeles

Students frequently cast in professional film and commercial projects while in school; union membership in AEA and SAG-AFTRA encouraged

Notable Alumni

Diana Maria Riva — Dead to Me (Netflix), Seinfeld, Young Sheldon

Cooper Thornton — recurring role on Parks and Recreation, Justified, NCIS

Spencer Lackey — 6M+ followers on TikTok/Instagram for short-form horror content

Study Abroad

RADA Shakespeare Intensive (London), Edinburgh International Fringe Festival, Gaiety School (Dublin), Theatre MITU (Bangalore, India)

Verified Recent Class Sizes

Class of 2024: 15 students

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2027

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App

Fee

$50

Opens

Aug 1, 2026

Deadline

Regular DecisionUC Scholarship DeadlineDec 1, 2026

Admissions · ccm.uc.edu

Program AppApplication

Order

The university application must be submitted before the prescreen.

Apply

Acceptd

Fee

Pre-Screening Fee

$95

Deadline

Prescreen DeadlineDec 3, 2026

Auditions

Virtual auditionJan 16, 2027

New York UnifiedsJan 23, 2027

Chicago UnifiedsFeb 1, 2027

On CampusFeb 6 & 13, 2027

OR — Recorded Video Audition

Recorded Audition Submission DeadlineFeb 1, 2027

Auditions · ccm.uc.edu

Prescreen Requirements

Monologues

Requirements

Two Contrasting Monologues from full-length plays, up to 2.5 min each

Contemporary or classical in any combination

Each monologue memorized

Framing

One video in CLOSE-UP (head and shoulders)

One video in full body

Slate

State your name, character, play, and playwright at beginning of each

Each monologue uploaded as a separate file

Material Selection

Choose material from plays — not on-screen content

Ensure choices and preparation demonstrate your point of view and connection to the material

Avoid monologues about eating disorders or self-harm

Avoid monologues about auditioning

Avoid monologues from plays by Neil LaBute

Wildcard / Special Skill

A 60-90 second video sharing anything you want – a special skill, an interesting story about yourself, a passion speech, an instrument you play, or the answer to the question: 'Why do you want to pursue a career in acting?' This will help us learn what makes you unique and what you want us to know about you.

Additional Materials

Headshot

Required

Resume

Required

Application portal · Acceptd

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Audition Requirements

Monologues

Requirements

Two Contrasting monologues, up to 2 min each

Contemporary or classical in any combination

May be same as prescreen choices or new/different material

Within your natural age range — read entire play

Hand props allowed

May be asked to perform an additional monologue

Material Selection

Choose material from plays — not on-screen content

Avoid monologues about eating disorders or self-harm

Avoid monologues about auditioning

Avoid monologues from plays by Neil LaBute

Application portal · Acceptd

Good to Know

Important Notes

Separate prescreen submissions required if applying to both Acting and Musical Theatre

MT materials will not be considered for the Acting program

What's The Process

Audition Process

Submit materials via Acceptd after completing the University of Cincinnati application

Prescreen submission deadline listed by CCM: December 3, 2026, unless otherwise noted for the major

Separate submissions required if applying to both Acting and Musical Theatre

You will only be considered for the program(s) for which you submit prescreening materials

Audition Expectations

Prescreen results will be released to applicants by December

Students invited for an audition/interview will be notified of their specific date, time, and location in December

Live audition monologues may be the same as prescreen or different choices

May be asked to perform an additional monologue

Contact

CCM Admissions: ccmadmis@ucmail.uc.edu

Scholarship Info

Scholarships are available to qualified students

Admissions application materials must be received by December 1, 2026 for scholarship consideration

School Info

Snapshot

3.69

Avg GPA (W)

85%

Admit Rate

school-wide

75%

Grad Rate

29.9K

Enrollment

$55K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

In-State Tuition

$16,748

Before aid

Out-of-State Tuition

$32,082

Before aid

Average Net Price

$25,648

After aid

Fast Facts · ccm.uc.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

Praised by Backstage Magazine as a "first-rate BFA program in acting"

Part of CCM's prestigious Theatre Arts, Production and Arts Administration (TAPAA) division

Featured in The Hollywood Reporter for pioneering "microdramas" — short vertical video content for digital platforms

Training

Acting progression from Viewpoints and Suzuki through Meisner and Stanislavski to Michael Chekhov Technique and styles work

Specialized voice training: IPA, Alba Emoting, dialect studies, verse and scansion, voice-over

Movement sequence includes Laban, Mask, Clowning, LeCoq and full-time SAFD-certified Fight Master on faculty

Dedicated acting-for-camera curriculum plus annual CCM 48-Hour Film Festival

Performance & Productions

Four full-length plays per year plus TRANSMIGRATION — an annual festival of student-created new works

Senior Showcase performed for agents, managers and casting directors in Cincinnati, New York and Los Angeles

Students frequently cast in professional film and commercial projects while in school; union membership in AEA and SAG-AFTRA encouraged

Notable Alumni

Diana Maria Riva — Dead to Me (Netflix), Seinfeld, Young Sheldon

Cooper Thornton — recurring role on Parks and Recreation, Justified, NCIS

Spencer Lackey — 6M+ followers on TikTok/Instagram for short-form horror content

Study Abroad

RADA Shakespeare Intensive (London), Edinburgh International Fringe Festival, Gaiety School (Dublin), Theatre MITU (Bangalore, India)

Verified Recent Class Sizes

Class of 2024: 15 students

Updated Aug 25, 9:29 PM