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Carnegie Mellon University

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Program

BFA Drama

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

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

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

Avg GPA

3.89

Admit rate

12%

school-wide

Grad rate

94%

Enrollment

7.3K

Earnings

$115K

10yr after

Costs & aid

Tuition & fees

$71,564

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$93,614

Before aid

Average net price

$31,944

After aid

Index · cmu.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Aug 30, 1:18 AM

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

Enrollment Term

Fall 2027

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App

Fee

$75

Deadline

Common Application required before the Drama artistic applicationDec 1, 2026

Undergraduate Admission · drama.cmu.edu

Program AppApplication

Order

The university application must be submitted before the prescreen.

Apply

Acceptd

Fee

Acceptd Fee

$120

Opens

Sep 1, 2026

Deadline

Application & PrescreenDec 1, 2026

Undergraduate Admission · drama.cmu.edu

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)

Undergraduate Admission · drama.cmu.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Audition 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)

Additional Materials

Sheet music for the live accompanist

Your own pre-recorded accompaniment

Entire repertoire book

Undergraduate Admission · drama.cmu.edu

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

Prescreens are reviewed as received; expect a decision within 3–6 weeks

Live in-person or virtual auditions are by invitation only; no walk-ins

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA

3.89

Admit rate

12%

school-wide

Grad rate

94%

Enrollment

7.3K

Earnings

$115K

10yr after

Costs & aid

Tuition & fees

$71,564

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$93,614

Before aid

Average net price

$31,944

After aid

Index · cmu.edu 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 Aug 30, 1:18 AM