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Coastal Carolina University

Conway, SC

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person OnlyMTCP Participant

Program profile

Highly Selective12-24 StudentsStudy Abroad

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person OnlyMTCP Participant

Program profile

Highly Selective12-24 StudentsStudy Abroad

Browse programs

Quick links

BFA Theatre Arts

Musical Theatre

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person OnlyMTCP Participant

Program profile

Highly Selective12-24 StudentsStudy Abroad

Program Recognition

Ranked No. 25 nationally in OnStage Blog's Top 25 BFA Musical Theatre Programs for 2018-19

Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST)

Training

Intensive, studio-based training in acting, vocal technique, musicianship, and dance

Study of the musical theatre repertoire through print and recordings

Prepares students to function as actor-singers in professional theatre

Notable Alumni

Bailey Hanks — won MTV's Legally Blonde: The Musical search and starred as Elle Woods on Broadway (2008)

Adam Roberts — Broadway debut in Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark (2007 graduate)

James Wells — Equity actor at Theatre By the Sea; featured in Hairspray, Man of La Mancha, and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Professional Development

Extensive network of alumni and agents

Senior showcase in New York City for casting agents and industry professionals

Verified Recent Class Sizes

Class of 2030: 17 students

Class of 2029: 13 students

Class of 2028: 15 students

Class of 2027: 12 students

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.80

Admit rate

75%

school-wide

Grad rate

48%

Enrollment

10.4K

Earnings

$47K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$11,640

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$31,302

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$30,074

Before aid

Average net price

$13,966

After aid

2026 2027costofattendance · coastal.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated 2d ago

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Ranked No. 25 nationally in OnStage Blog's Top 25 BFA Musical Theatre Programs for 2018-19

Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST)

Training

Intensive, studio-based training in acting, vocal technique, musicianship, and dance

Study of the musical theatre repertoire through print and recordings

Prepares students to function as actor-singers in professional theatre

Notable Alumni

Bailey Hanks — won MTV's Legally Blonde: The Musical search and starred as Elle Woods on Broadway (2008)

Adam Roberts — Broadway debut in Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark (2007 graduate)

James Wells — Equity actor at Theatre By the Sea; featured in Hairspray, Man of La Mancha, and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Professional Development

Extensive network of alumni and agents

Senior showcase in New York City for casting agents and industry professionals

Verified Recent Class Sizes

Class of 2030: 17 students

Class of 2029: 13 students

Class of 2028: 15 students

Class of 2027: 12 students

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Ranked No. 25 nationally in OnStage Blog's Top 25 BFA Musical Theatre Programs for 2018-19

Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST)

Training

Intensive, studio-based training in acting, vocal technique, musicianship, and dance

Study of the musical theatre repertoire through print and recordings

Prepares students to function as actor-singers in professional theatre

Notable Alumni

Bailey Hanks — won MTV's Legally Blonde: The Musical search and starred as Elle Woods on Broadway (2008)

Adam Roberts — Broadway debut in Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark (2007 graduate)

James Wells — Equity actor at Theatre By the Sea; featured in Hairspray, Man of La Mancha, and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Professional Development

Extensive network of alumni and agents

Senior showcase in New York City for casting agents and industry professionals

Verified Recent Class Sizes

Class of 2030: 17 students

Class of 2029: 13 students

Class of 2028: 15 students

Class of 2027: 12 students

Expert Tips

Applicants are not required to submit the Common App until they have passed the prescreen. Money saved!

Key Info

Enrollment Term

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website

Fee

$60

Deadline

Early DecisionOct 15, 2026

Early ActionNov 15, 2026

Regular DecisionFeb 1, 2027

Enroll · coastal.edu

Program AppApplication

Order

You can get your prescreen result before applying to the university. A final offer still requires university admission.

Apply

Acceptd

Deadline

Fall 2027 prescreen deadlineDec 31, 2026

Auditions

On-campus final audition/interview (half-day session)

Oct 24, 2026Nov 15, 2026Feb 13, 2027

On-campus final audition/interview (full-day session)Jan 16–17, 2027

Application portal · Acceptd Auditions · coastal.edu

Prescreen Requirements

Songs

MTCP Song Option B

Two Songs, 60-90 Seconds Each

Prepare one musical theatre song from any time period

Prepare one contrasting song from any time period and in any style that best suits you

Film each song waist-up so your face is clearly visible

Monologues

MTCP Monologue Option A

One Monologue, 60-90 Seconds

Choose a monologue from a published play or by a professional writer whose plays have been produced

Film waist-up so your face is clearly visible

Dance

MTCP Dance Option A

Submit one dance video, 60-90 seconds in length

Show your best dancing or movement

Include at least one turn, one jump, and one kick, or a suitable rotation, elevation, and extension for your body

Choreography should connect to the music with a clear sense of purpose

Any dance discipline is acceptable, including styles beyond American and Euro-western traditions

The video must be a solo performance of you

Film full body with the top of your head to the floor visible

Ballet

MTCP Ballet Option B

Ballet is optional

Wildcard / Special SkillOptional

Recommended length is 60-90 seconds

Use the wildcard to share your personality, a special skill, an interesting story, a passion, an instrument you play, or anything else you want the reviewers to know

Additional Materials

Headshot (Required)

Resume (Required)

Slate Video (Required)

State your name and pronouns, if you would like

Speak loudly and clearly directly to the camera

Do not slate individual performance videos; label each file with your name and the title of the piece

Video Specifications

Framing

Songs and monologues: waist-up so face is clearly visible

Dance: full body — top of head to floor visible

Watch video back before submission to ensure you stayed in frame

Slating

Record one separate introduction "slate" video stating your name (and pronouns if desired)

Speak loudly and clearly directly at the camera

No need to slate individual performance videos — label each video file instead

Labeling

Songs: Title of Song – Musical/Show – Your First & Last Name

Monologues: Title of Play – Playwright – Your First & Last Name

Bio

250 words

In the "Bio" text box, please tell us something about yourself and your point of view as it relates to the art of theatre and training as a young theatre artist.

Submit in Acceptd.

Application portal · Acceptd

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Audition Requirements

Additional Materials

Full-Day Callback

Be prepared to participate in workshops throughout the full-day event

Workshops assess training, ability to take direction, and ensemble fit

Bring appropriate clothing for freedom of movement

Specific callback requirements will be provided upon invitation

Application portal · Acceptd

University Essays

Prescreen essays are listed with the requirements.

Why Coastal Carolina

250 words

Why are you interested in Coastal Carolina University?

Applicants who apply with the Common Application.

Extracurricular activity or work experienceOptional

250 words

Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences.

Applicants who apply with the Common Application.

Test-optional essay or personal statementOptional

500 words · Choose 1 of 2 prompts

You can share an essay/personal statement on any topic of your choice
Please share information about your background, identity, an interest, or a talent that you believe should be considered in the review of your application.

Required if you apply test optional with a high school GPA below 3.5; encouraged for other test-optional applicants. The upload form accepts PDF or Microsoft Word files.

Honors essayOptional

The school shows this prompt only after you sign in to CCU online application.

The Honors page calls it a short essay and gives no length. Only if you apply to the Honors Program on the CCU online application.

Application · Common App Testopt · coastal.edu Applicationprocess · coastal.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Submit the prescreen through Acceptd — the portal is open for the Fall 2027 cycle

Complete a separate Acceptd application for each BFA concentration you want to be considered for

University application is not required before prescreen, but CCU recommends applying before the final audition and by Early Action when possible

Regional prescreen sites include FAC College Day, South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities, Douglas Anderson School for the Arts, Pittsburgh Unified Auditions, South Carolina Theatre Association Conference, and CAP United

Regional final audition site: Unifieds - Chicago, IL

Important Notes

As of August 2026, Acceptd is accepting applications with a Fall 2027 prescreen deadline of December 31, 2026

Final on-campus audition/interview dates for the Fall 2027 cycle are published (invited candidates only): October 24 and November 15, 2026 (half-day), January 16-17, 2027 (full-day), and February 13, 2027 (half-day)

What's The Process

Audition Process

Submit a digital prescreen through Acceptd — the portal is open for the Fall 2027 cycle with a prescreen deadline of December 31, 2026

Acceptd publishes the 2026-27 MTCP requirements for Musical Theatre

Audition Expectations

Invited candidates attend a half-day or full-day on-campus audition/interview

On-campus day includes workshops, campus tour, open forum with current students, lunch, and possible invitation to attend a season production

Workshops assess training, ability to take direction, and ensemble fit

Decisions

Offers cannot be made until the applicant has been accepted to the university

Theatre Department notification timing depends on university admission timing and completion of the two-step audition process

Scholarship Info

Robin Edwards-Russell Theatre Endowed Scholarship

Available to new or continuing full-time students majoring in the Department of Theatre

Minimum GPA: 3.0 high school GPA for new students or 3.0 CCU GPA for continuing students

2026-2027 application includes a video no longer than 3 minutes explaining why the scholarship would benefit the applicant and why they are pursuing theatre

Past recipients may reapply

Robert Lukey and John Covington Endowed Theatre Scholarship

Annual $5,000 award for new or continuing full-time Department of Theatre majors who are South Carolina residents

Students also pursuing a Dance Minor receive priority consideration

Welcomes applicants who are members of, or active supporters of, the LGBTQ+ community and contribute to an inclusive departmental environment

2026-2027 application includes a video no longer than 3 minutes explaining why the scholarship would benefit the applicant and why they are pursuing theatre

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.80

Admit rate

75%

school-wide

Grad rate

48%

Enrollment

10.4K

Earnings

$47K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$11,640

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$31,302

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$30,074

Before aid

Average net price

$13,966

After aid

2026 2027costofattendance · coastal.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

Ranked No. 25 nationally in OnStage Blog's Top 25 BFA Musical Theatre Programs for 2018-19

Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST)

Training

Intensive, studio-based training in acting, vocal technique, musicianship, and dance

Study of the musical theatre repertoire through print and recordings

Prepares students to function as actor-singers in professional theatre

Notable Alumni

Bailey Hanks — won MTV's Legally Blonde: The Musical search and starred as Elle Woods on Broadway (2008)

Adam Roberts — Broadway debut in Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark (2007 graduate)

James Wells — Equity actor at Theatre By the Sea; featured in Hairspray, Man of La Mancha, and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Professional Development

Extensive network of alumni and agents

Senior showcase in New York City for casting agents and industry professionals

Verified Recent Class Sizes

Class of 2030: 17 students

Class of 2029: 13 students

Class of 2028: 15 students

Class of 2027: 12 students

Updated 2d ago