Circle in the Square Theatre School
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Program Characteristics
Prescreen Required
Audition Required
Interview Required
In-Person or Virtual
University App Required
MTCP ParticipantProgram Highlights
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
•Unique 2+2 joint BFA: combine a liberal arts education at Eckerd College with two years of professional conservatory training at Circle in the Square
•Two pathways: start at Eckerd and finish at Circle, or start at Circle and finish at Eckerd
•BFA in Musical Theatre degree granted by Eckerd College
CONSERVATORY TRAINING
•Only conservatory housed in a Broadway theatre in the nation
•Located in the heart of NYC's Broadway district
•Full MT curriculum: Scene Study, Singing Interpretation, Musical Theatre Scene Study, Musical Performance, Singing Technique, Music Theory, Acting Technique, On-Camera, Stage Combat, Voice & Diction, Ballet & Jazz
ECKERD COLLEGE
•Liberal arts campus on Florida's Gulf Coast
•Theatre courses at Eckerd include Acting, Directing, Stagecraft, Lighting & Sound Design, Acting for the Camera
•Faculty-directed and student-led production opportunities
•Two years at Circle counts as 63 semester hours (18 courses) at Eckerd
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Kevin Bacon, Benicio del Toro, Idina Menzel, Lady Gaga, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Viola Davis
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
Early Action (Eckerd BFA)Nov 15, 2025
Rolling Admissions
Fee
$60
Prescreen Requirements
Songs
•MTCP Song Option A:
-One song written BEFORE 1970
-One song written AFTER 1970
-Contrasting styles
-60-90 seconds each
Monologues
•MTCP Monologue Option B:
-One contemporary monologue (written after 1950)
-One classical monologue (written before 1950, heightened language)
-60-90 seconds each
Dance
•MTCP Dance Option C:
-Dance video not required
Ballet
•MTCP Ballet Option C:
-Ballet not required
Wildcard / Special Skill
N/A
Additional Materials
HEADSHOT (required)
•Recent headshot
RESUME (required)
•Performance resume
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION (required)
•TWO letters from someone familiar with your acting and/or singing abilities
Good to Know
DUAL APPLICATION REQUIRED
•Circle in the Square application via Acceptd
•Eckerd College application via Common App or Eckerd's own portal
•Admission determined by each school separately — must be accepted by both
APPLICATION OPTIONS
•Early Action or Rolling Admissions (October to July)
•Both options are non-binding — decision not required until May 1st
•Eckerd College application fees waived through December 1st
MTCP
•Prescreen requirements follow MTCP guidelines
•Song Option A: one pre-1970, one post-1970
•Monologue Option B: one contemporary, one classical (Shakespeare strongly preferred)
ELIGIBILITY
•Must hold a high school diploma or equivalent
•Students pay tuition to the institution they are currently attending
•Scholarships and financial aid awarded by each school separately and are non-transferable
What's The Process
PRESCREEN
•Submit prescreen videos via Acceptd (Circle application)
•Separate Eckerd College application required via Common App or Eckerd portal
•Auditions held two days every month
LIVE AUDITION
•Invited after prescreen review
•Includes interview as part of entrance requirements
•Available in person at Circle in the Square (Broadway, NYC) or virtually
•Both formats considered equally
ADMISSION
•Must be accepted by BOTH Circle in the Square and Eckerd College separately
•Both Early Action and Rolling options are non-binding
•Decision not required until May 1st
Scholarship Info
•Scholarships and financial aid awarded by each school separately (Circle in the Square and Eckerd College)
•Awards are non-transferable between institutions
Program info updated Today
Academic School Information
4%
Admit Rate
50
Enrollment
$39,899
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$24,085
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$29,537
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.
Annual Cost by Family Income
Family Income $0 - $30k$29,537
