Program
Prescreen RequiredNo AuditionInterview RequiredVirtual OnlyHighly SelectiveUnder 12 StudentsUniversity App Required
Program Characteristics
Prescreen Required
No Audition
Interview Required
Highly Selective
Under 12 Students
University App Required
Program Highlights
PROGRAM RECOGNITION
•First degree-granting drama program in the U.S. (1914), consistently ranked among the best
•Students study both stage management and production management — dual training is uncommon at the BFA level
TRAINING
•Production framework modeled after regional and commercial theatres
•Faculty work professionally in the field and bring current industry practice to the classroom
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Crystal Manich ('04) — Emmy-nominated director and artistic director of Cirque du Soleil's Crystal
•Ben King (BFA '18) — production manager with Aurora Productions; Broadway credits include To Kill a Mockingbird and Carousel
PERFORMANCE & PRODUCTIONS
•Ambitious production season offers multiple hands-on management opportunities each semester
•Three performance spaces in the Purnell Center provide varied production contexts
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
•Annual travel to New York and LA to meet alumni networks and tour studios
•NYC and LA showcases for graduating seniors across all disciplines
•Tight-knit alumni community spanning Broadway, regional theatre, and entertainment nationwide
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Deadlines
Early DecisionNov 3, 2025
Drama/Music Regular DecisionDec 1, 2025
Regular DecisionJan 5, 2026
Prescreen Requirements
•PORTFOLIO: Submit about 15 items of work in several media and techniques that demonstrate creative process, not just finished product. Examples include:
-Use of color
-Line drawing
-Painting, drafting, mechanical drawing, photography (including photographs of your productions)
-Models, costume pieces, masks
-Sculpture or installation art, sound cues or recordings containing original recordings or music (no more than five and no more than one minute in length each)
-Video or media files containing original work (no more than five and no more than two minutes in length each)
-Plots, ground plans, elevations and other production paperwork
-Organizational paperwork developed for production such as schedules, reports, budgets, estimates, photos of work
•resume or CV
Good to Know
APPLICATION PORTAL
•Submit portfolio via Acceptd
•Complete Common App for Carnegie Mellon University before submitting portfolio
DEADLINE
•Common App and Acceptd materials due December 1
INTERVIEW
•Virtual interview schedule available after portfolio submission
•Held on Fridays and Saturdays in January and February
What's The Process
PORTFOLIO REVIEW:
•Interviews held virtually for Fall 2026 admission
•On Fridays and Saturdays in January and February
•Specific dates posted in mid-December
REGISTRATION:
•Dates and appointment times through Acceptd portal
•Appointments by invitation only following portfolio submission on first-come, first-serve basis
Program info updated 4d ago
PROGRAM RECOGNITION
•First degree-granting drama program in the U.S. (1914), consistently ranked among the best
•Students study both stage management and production management — dual training is uncommon at the BFA level
TRAINING
•Production framework modeled after regional and commercial theatres
•Faculty work professionally in the field and bring current industry practice to the classroom
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Crystal Manich ('04) — Emmy-nominated director and artistic director of Cirque du Soleil's Crystal
•Ben King (BFA '18) — production manager with Aurora Productions; Broadway credits include To Kill a Mockingbird and Carousel
PERFORMANCE & PRODUCTIONS
•Ambitious production season offers multiple hands-on management opportunities each semester
•Three performance spaces in the Purnell Center provide varied production contexts
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
•Annual travel to New York and LA to meet alumni networks and tour studios
•NYC and LA showcases for graduating seniors across all disciplines
•Tight-knit alumni community spanning Broadway, regional theatre, and entertainment nationwide
Updated 4d 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
