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Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, MI

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Selective12-24 Students

Program

Concentration

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Selective12-24 Students

Browse programs

Quick links

BFA Theatre & Interpretation

Acting & Directing

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Selective12-24 Students

Training

Intensive training in acting technique, scene study, voice, movement, and directing

Study multiple acting methodologies with faculty who are working professionals

Directing opportunities in studio theatre and one-act festivals

Access to visiting guest artists — directors, actors, and choreographers from professional theatre

KCACTF participation with regular Certificates of Merit recognition

Performance & Productions

Perform in mainstage and studio productions starting first semester

Paid summer repertory theatre touring productions across Michigan

Notable Alumni

Jeff Daniels — Emmy winner (The Newsroom), Tony-nominated for To Kill a Mockingbird on Broadway, founded Purple Rose Theatre Company

Larry Joe Campbell — series regular on According to Jim (8 seasons), Wedding Crashers, Pacific Rim

Terry O'Quinn — Emmy winner for Lost, The West Wing

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.51

Admit rate

90%

school-wide

Grad rate

59%

Enrollment

10K

Earnings

$56K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$15,420

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$15,420

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$32,589

Before aid

Average net price

$17,597

After aid

Cost Of Attendance · cmich.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Aug 25, 6:54 PM

Program Highlights

Training

Intensive training in acting technique, scene study, voice, movement, and directing

Study multiple acting methodologies with faculty who are working professionals

Directing opportunities in studio theatre and one-act festivals

Access to visiting guest artists — directors, actors, and choreographers from professional theatre

KCACTF participation with regular Certificates of Merit recognition

Performance & Productions

Perform in mainstage and studio productions starting first semester

Paid summer repertory theatre touring productions across Michigan

Notable Alumni

Jeff Daniels — Emmy winner (The Newsroom), Tony-nominated for To Kill a Mockingbird on Broadway, founded Purple Rose Theatre Company

Larry Joe Campbell — series regular on According to Jim (8 seasons), Wedding Crashers, Pacific Rim

Terry O'Quinn — Emmy winner for Lost, The West Wing

Program Highlights

Training

Intensive training in acting technique, scene study, voice, movement, and directing

Study multiple acting methodologies with faculty who are working professionals

Directing opportunities in studio theatre and one-act festivals

Access to visiting guest artists — directors, actors, and choreographers from professional theatre

KCACTF participation with regular Certificates of Merit recognition

Performance & Productions

Perform in mainstage and studio productions starting first semester

Paid summer repertory theatre touring productions across Michigan

Notable Alumni

Jeff Daniels — Emmy winner (The Newsroom), Tony-nominated for To Kill a Mockingbird on Broadway, founded Purple Rose Theatre Company

Larry Joe Campbell — series regular on According to Jim (8 seasons), Wedding Crashers, Pacific Rim

Terry O'Quinn — Emmy winner for Lost, The West Wing

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2026

These Fall 2026 enrollment dates have passed — dates for the next cycle aren't available yet.

University AppApplication

Apply

School Website Common App

Fee

$40

Deadline

Regular DecisionRolling

Applyug · fireup.cmich.edu

Program AppApplication

Apply

Acceptd Acceptd

Auditions

CMU Audition Day (Mount Pleasant, MI)

Jan 17, 2026Feb 28, 2026

BFA Acting Directing Auditions · cmich.edu

Audition Requirements

These requirements are from the Fall 2026 entry cycle. Fall 2027 requirements are typically posted between August and October and usually change only slightly — confirm on the official source before submitting.

Monologues

Requirements

Two Contrasting Memorized Monologues

Keep both monologues to 3 minutes combined

Both selections must come from contemporary plays written after 1960

Contrast can come from comedy vs. drama or clearly different character types

Age-appropriate selections are recommended

No costumes or props are allowed; one chair is provided

Additional Materials

Headshot (Optional)

Bring a headshot if you have one

Resume (Required)

Include related training, performance experience, leadership or volunteer experience, and special skills

Application portal · Acceptd

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Apply to CMU by December 1 for priority consideration for university merit scholarships

Schedule audition via Acceptd — select Acting/Directing from the drop-down menu

Admission Pathway

Students not selected for BFA may audition again the following year

Students who audition for Music Theatre are automatically considered for BFA Acting

Important Notes

Automatically considered for Theatre Special Talent Scholarships

All U.S. residents pay in-state tuition regardless of home state

What's The Process

Audition Expectations

Perform two contrasting memorized monologues from contemporary plays

Interview component included

45-minute group movement workshop — dress to move and bring a change of clothes for audition pieces

One chair provided; no costumes or props allowed

Michigan residents audition in-person; out-of-state students may audition virtually through Acceptd

Scholarship Info

Automatic Consideration

Theatre Special Talent Scholarships automatically consider all BFA audition applicants

Acting & Directing Awards

Irvine N. Smith Scholarship supports freshman, sophomore, or junior students in acting and/or directing

Denny L. Bettisworth Theatre and Interpretation Award supports a junior or returning senior showing strong promise in theatre directing

John Genette and Andrea Dickey Genette Award recognizes entrepreneurial students who want to produce their own project with intent to pursue theatre professionally

General Support

First Nighters Scholarship is awarded each spring for TAI majors/minors who meet the coursework and GPA thresholds

Jean Mayhew Interdisciplinary Scholarship in Theatre and Dance supports Michigan-resident juniors or seniors with financial need and at least a 3.0 GPA

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.51

Admit rate

90%

school-wide

Grad rate

59%

Enrollment

10K

Earnings

$56K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$15,420

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$15,420

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$32,589

Before aid

Average net price

$17,597

After aid

Cost Of Attendance · cmich.edu College Scorecard

Training

Intensive training in acting technique, scene study, voice, movement, and directing

Study multiple acting methodologies with faculty who are working professionals

Directing opportunities in studio theatre and one-act festivals

Access to visiting guest artists — directors, actors, and choreographers from professional theatre

KCACTF participation with regular Certificates of Merit recognition

Performance & Productions

Perform in mainstage and studio productions starting first semester

Paid summer repertory theatre touring productions across Michigan

Notable Alumni

Jeff Daniels — Emmy winner (The Newsroom), Tony-nominated for To Kill a Mockingbird on Broadway, founded Purple Rose Theatre Company

Larry Joe Campbell — series regular on According to Jim (8 seasons), Wedding Crashers, Pacific Rim

Terry O'Quinn — Emmy winner for Lost, The West Wing

Updated Aug 25, 6:54 PM