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Carnegie Mellon University

Test-Optional

Program

BFA Drama

Concentration

Program snapshot

Admissions
Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required
Audition format
In-Person or Virtual
Program profile
Ultra-Selective12-24 Students

Program Recognition
First degree-granting drama program in the U.S. (1914) — music theater track established 1969
Alumni have won 66+ Tony Awards; CMU consistently ranked #1 for music theater 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 theater 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 GadThe 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)
Verified Recent Class Sizes
Class of 2030: 13 students
Class of 2029: 12 students
Class of 2028: 11 students

Updated 2d ago