Program
Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewIn-Person or VirtualUltra-SelectiveUnder 12 StudentsUniversity App Required
Program Characteristics
Prescreen Required
Audition Required
No Interview
Ultra-Selective
Under 12 Students
University App Required
Program Highlights
PROGRAM RECOGNITION
•First degree-granting drama program in the U.S. (1914) — music theatre track established 1969
•Alumni have won 66+ Tony Awards; CMU consistently ranked #1 for musical theatre training
TRAINING
•Holistic conservatory approach — acting and MT students share core classes in acting, voice/speech, and movement
•MT-specific training in advanced singing, music theatre styles, and dance techniques
•Four-year integrated curriculum cultivating autonomous creative thinkers
PERFORMANCE & PRODUCTIONS
•14-18 mainstage productions per season plus 15-25 lab productions each semester
•Production opportunities begin junior year in the Purnell Center's three performance spaces
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Leslie Odom Jr. — Tony winner, Hamilton; Academy Award nominee
•Sutton Foster — 2-time Tony winner (Thoroughly Modern Millie, Anything Goes)
•Billy Porter — Tony winner (Kinky Boots); Emmy winner (Pose)
•Patina Miller — Tony winner (Pippin); Hunger Games franchise
•Christian Borle — 2-time Tony winner (Something Rotten!, Peter and the Starcatcher)
•Renée Elise Goldsberry — Tony winner (Hamilton)
•Josh Gad — The Book of Mormon, voice of Olaf in Frozen
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
•Annual NYC and LA showcases presenting graduating seniors to industry professionals
•John-Michael Tebelak created Godspell as his MFA thesis at CMU (1971)
Expert Tips
Carnegie loves a grounded, personalized Shakespeare piece from actors who use the language!
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Deadlines
Early DecisionNov 3, 2025
Drama/Music Regular DecisionDec 1, 2025
Regular DecisionJan 5, 2026
Prescreen Requirements
Songs
TWO CONTRASTING SONGS:
•One song written before 1970 (uptempo or ballad, student's choice)
•One song written after 1970, contrasting style & tempo of first selection
•One song should be a ballad and one should be uptempo
•Each song 60-90 seconds (including slate)
•Sing to musical accompaniment (live or pre-recorded)
•LANDSCAPE ORIENTATION framing (close-up, ¾, or full-body acceptable)
•Each piece filmed/uploaded as SEPARATE media — no continuous videos
•SLATE at beginning of each piece: your name, song title, and show
Monologues
TWO CONTRASTING MONOLOGUES:
•One classical monologue from published play with heightened language (preferably Shakespeare)
•One contemporary monologue from published play
•Monologues should be from published plays, not musicals
•Each monologue 60-90 seconds
•One monologue framed with ½ BODY SHOT (head to waist)
•Other monologue framed with ¾ BODY SHOT (head to knees) or FULL BODY SHOT
•Each piece filmed/uploaded as SEPARATE media — no continuous videos
•SLATE at beginning of each piece: your name, title of play, and playwright
Additional Materials
•resume (training, experience in theater/film/music/dance, academics, work, community service)
•HEADSHOT
Callback Requirements
Songs
TWO CONTRASTING SONGS (same as prescreen or new material):
•One song written before 1970 (uptempo or ballad, student's choice)
•One song written after 1970, contrasting style & tempo of first selection
•One should be a ballad and one should be uptempo
•Each song 60-90 seconds
ACCOMPANIMENT:
•Live accompanist provided for in-person auditions
•Virtual auditions must have own recorded accompaniment
•BRING ENTIRE REPERTOIRE BOOK — may be asked to sing additional selections
Monologues
TWO CONTRASTING MONOLOGUES (same as prescreen or different):
•One classical monologue from published play with heightened language (preferably Shakespeare)
•One contemporary monologue from published play
•Each monologue 60-90 seconds
PREPARATION:
•Read entire play to demonstrate understanding of character and situation
•BE PREPARED TO PERFORM A THIRD MONOLOGUE IF ASKED
•Choose monologues within natural age range (teens and 20s)
Good to Know
APPLICATION PORTAL
•Submit prescreen materials via Acceptd (opens September 1)
•Complete Common App for Carnegie Mellon University before submitting prescreen
DUAL CONSIDERATION
•All Music Theater applicants are automatically considered for the Acting program
•Do not submit two separate prescreens
DEADLINE
•Common App and Acceptd materials due December 1
What's The Process
PRESCREEN:
•Prescreens accepted September 1 through December 1
•Reviewed as received — expect decision within 3-6 weeks
•All MT applicants automatically considered for Acting program — do not submit two prescreens
INVITED AUDITION:
•Live auditions by invitation only — no walk-ins
•In-person locations: Pittsburgh, New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles
•Virtual option also available
•Register through Acceptd portal
•Held in January and February
Program info updated 18h ago
PROGRAM RECOGNITION
•First degree-granting drama program in the U.S. (1914) — music theatre track established 1969
•Alumni have won 66+ Tony Awards; CMU consistently ranked #1 for musical theatre training
TRAINING
•Holistic conservatory approach — acting and MT students share core classes in acting, voice/speech, and movement
•MT-specific training in advanced singing, music theatre styles, and dance techniques
•Four-year integrated curriculum cultivating autonomous creative thinkers
PERFORMANCE & PRODUCTIONS
•14-18 mainstage productions per season plus 15-25 lab productions each semester
•Production opportunities begin junior year in the Purnell Center's three performance spaces
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Leslie Odom Jr. — Tony winner, Hamilton; Academy Award nominee
•Sutton Foster — 2-time Tony winner (Thoroughly Modern Millie, Anything Goes)
•Billy Porter — Tony winner (Kinky Boots); Emmy winner (Pose)
•Patina Miller — Tony winner (Pippin); Hunger Games franchise
•Christian Borle — 2-time Tony winner (Something Rotten!, Peter and the Starcatcher)
•Renée Elise Goldsberry — Tony winner (Hamilton)
•Josh Gad — The Book of Mormon, voice of Olaf in Frozen
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
•Annual NYC and LA showcases presenting graduating seniors to industry professionals
•John-Michael Tebelak created Godspell as his MFA thesis at CMU (1971)
Updated 18h ago
Academic School Information
3.89
Avg GPA
12%
Admit Rate
93%
Grad Rate
7,304
Enrollment
$114,862
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$66,246
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$31,944
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$9,097
Family Income $30k - $48k$6,994
Family Income $48k - $75k$14,468
Family Income $75k - $110k$24,865
Family Income $110k+$51,480
