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Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA

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Program

BFA Drama

Concentration

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Ultra-Selective12-24 Students

Program

BFA Drama

Concentration

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Ultra-Selective12-24 Students

Browse programs

Concentrations

Quick Links

BFA Drama

Music Theater

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Ultra-Selective12-24 Students

Quick Links

BFA Drama

Music Theater

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Ultra-Selective12-24 Students

Quick Links

BFA Drama

Acting

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Ultra-SelectiveUnder 12 Students

Quick Links

BFA Drama

Dramaturgy

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredNo AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

Virtual Only

Program profile

Under 12 Students

Quick Links

BFA Drama

Stage & Production Management

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

Virtual Only

Program profile

Highly SelectiveUnder 12 Students

Quick Links

BFA Drama

Scenic Design

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

Virtual Only

Program profile

Highly SelectiveUnder 12 Students

Quick Links

BFA Drama

Lighting Design

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

Virtual Only

Program profile

Ultra-SelectiveUnder 12 Students

Quick Links

BFA Drama

Costume Design

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

Virtual Only

Program profile

Highly SelectiveUnder 12 Students

Quick Links

BFA Drama

Sound Design

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

Virtual Only

Program profile

Highly SelectiveUnder 12 Students

Quick Links

BFA Drama

Video & Media Design

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

Virtual Only

Program profile

Highly SelectiveUnder 12 Students

Quick Links

BFA Drama

Technical Direction

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

Virtual Only

Program profile

Highly SelectiveUnder 12 Students

Quick Links

BFA Drama

Production Technology

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

Virtual Only

Program profile

Highly SelectiveUnder 12 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 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)

Verified Recent Class Sizes

•Class of 2030: 13 students

•Class of 2029: 12 students

•Class of 2028: 11 students

School Info

Snapshot

3.89

Avg GPA

12%

Admit Rate

school-wide

94%

Grad Rate

7.3K

Enrollment

$115K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Tuition & Fees

$71,564

Before aid

Cost of Attendance

$93,614

Before aid

Average Net Price

$31,944

After aid

Official source College Scorecard

Program info updated May 27, 7:02 PM

Program Highlights

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 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)

Verified Recent Class Sizes

•Class of 2030: 13 students

•Class of 2029: 12 students

•Class of 2028: 11 students

Program Highlights

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 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)

Verified Recent Class Sizes

•Class of 2030: 13 students

•Class of 2029: 12 students

•Class of 2028: 11 students

Expert Tips

Carnegie loves a grounded, personalized Shakespeare piece from actors who use the language!

Key Info

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App

Fee

$75Waiver

Deadline

Early DecisionNov 3, 2025

Drama/Music Regular DecisionDec 1, 2025

Regular DecisionJan 5, 2026

Program AppApplication

Apply

Acceptd

Fee

Acceptd Fee

$120Waiver

Deadline

Application & PrescreenDec 1, 2025

Prescreen Requirements

Songs

TWO CONTRASTING SONGS

•One song written before 1970; uptempo or ballad is student's choice

•One song written after 1970 that contrasts the style and tempo of the first selection

•One song should be a ballad and one should be uptempo

•Each song file should be 60-90 seconds, including the slate

Accompaniment

•Sing with musical accompaniment, either live or pre-recorded

Video Format

•Film songs in landscape orientation; close-up, 3/4, or full-body framing is acceptable

•Upload each song as a separate media file; no continuous videos

•Slate at the beginning of each song with your name, song title, and show

Monologues

Requirements

•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 (required)

•Include training and experience in theater, film, music, and dance as well as academic achievements, work experience, and community service

HEADSHOT (required)

Official Source

Callback Requirements

Songs

TWO CONTRASTING SONGS

•Prepare two contrasting songs; they may be the same as prescreen submissions or new material

•One song written before 1970; uptempo or ballad is student's choice

•One song written after 1970 that contrasts the style and tempo of the first selection

•One song should be a ballad and one should be uptempo

•Each song should be 60-90 seconds

Accompaniment

•In-person auditions use a school-provided live accompanist

•Virtual auditions require the applicant's own recorded accompaniment

Repertoire Book

•Bring your entire repertoire book; you may be asked to sing additional selections

Monologues

Requirements

•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)

Official Source

Good to Know

Application Logistics

•Submit prescreen materials via Acceptd (opens September 1)

•Complete Common App for Carnegie Mellon University before submitting prescreen

•Common App and Acceptd materials due December 1

Admission Pathway

•All Music Theater applicants are automatically considered for the Acting program

•Do not submit two separate prescreens

What's The Process

Audition Process

•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

•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

School Info

Snapshot

3.89

Avg GPA

12%

Admit Rate

school-wide

94%

Grad Rate

7.3K

Enrollment

$115K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Tuition & Fees

$71,564

Before aid

Cost of Attendance

$93,614

Before aid

Average Net Price

$31,944

After aid

Official source College Scorecard

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 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)

Verified Recent Class Sizes

•Class of 2030: 13 students

•Class of 2029: 12 students

•Class of 2028: 11 students

Updated May 27, 7:02 PM