Program
No PrescreenScholarship AuditionNo Interview25-40 StudentsUniversity App Required
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Scholarship Audition
No Interview
University App Required
Program Highlights
DEGREE FLEXIBILITY
•BA offers flexibility to explore other subjects or double major while gaining solid foundation in musical theatre
•Both BA and BFA programs offer equal opportunities to audition for Columbia productions
TRAINING & PRODUCTIONS
•Students perform in up to 40 productions annually — new students encouraged to audition immediately
•Hands-on learning through musicals, student films, and devised work
•Faculty are working professionals with experience across Chicago, New York, and beyond
CHICAGO ADVANTAGE
•Located in heart of Chicago theatre district with connections to innovative storefront theaters
•96% of 2023 graduates employed or pursuing creative practice within one year
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Chase Infiniti '22 — feature film debut alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in One Battle After Another; appeared on Apple TV+'s Presumed Innocent
•Rob Colletti '11 — Broadway debut in The Book of Mormon; lead in School of Rock national tour
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atSchool Website
Apply atCommon App
Deadlines
PriorityMar 15, 2026
Rolling
Program AppApplication
Deadline
Portfolio SubmissionJan 15, 2026
Audition Requirements
Optional audition for scholarship consideration — not required for program admission.
Songs
VOCAL COMPONENT (optional — for Faculty Recognition Award)
OPTION 1: TWO CONTRASTING SONGS
•From the musical theatre canon
•One ballad and one up-tempo
•One pre-1970, one post-1970 (contrasting styles)
•60-90 seconds each (includes slate)
•Filmed in ¾ shot (head to knees visible)
OPTION 2: ONE SONG AND ONE MONOLOGUE
•Any musical theatre song that showcases you well
•Must sing to musical accompaniment — no a cappella
Monologues
ONE CONTEMPORARY MONOLOGUE (if choosing Option 2)
•From a play or musical (no television shows, movies, or dialects)
•Age-appropriate
•No longer than 60 seconds (includes slate)
•Filmed in close-up (head to mid-chest visible)
Dance
TWO SHORT DANCE COMBINATIONS (optional — for Faculty Recognition Award)
•2 minutes max total
OPTION 1:
•Both provided combinations from Columbia admissions page
OPTION 2:
•One provided combination
•Plus one additional combination showcasing your special style/technique
-Hip-Hop, Tap, Acrobatics, West African, African-Caribbean, Latin, Ballroom, etc.
-No barre work
Additional Materials
RESUME
•Full resume of theatrical history including name of show, role played, and venue
HEADSHOT
•Full color headshot
30-SECOND PERSONAL ARTISTIC STATEMENT VIDEO
•Address areas of interest or what makes you unique as an artist
WRITING SAMPLE
•Short personal statement outlining goals for enrollment at Columbia College Chicago
Good to Know
APPLICATION PORTAL
•Submit materials via Columbia Connect after application is processed
SCHOLARSHIP
•Portfolio submission is the only way to be considered for Faculty Recognition Award
•Priority Action Date: March 15, 2026 for full scholarship consideration
ELIGIBILITY
•Faculty Recognition Award only available to fall applicants
What's The Process
•No audition required for BA Musical Theatre admission
•Portfolio/audition submission optional but strongly encouraged
•Submission is the only way to be considered for Faculty Recognition Award
•Submit materials via Columbia Connect portal after application is processed
•Submission deadline for BA applicants: January 15, 2026
Scholarship Info
FACULTY RECOGNITION AWARD
•Columbia College Chicago's talent-based scholarship program for new, incoming students
•Awards range from $500 to full-tuition
•Up to five full-tuition awards available annually
•Renewable each year up to 120 credit hours or four years (requires full-time enrollment, 2.0 GPA, 67% completion rate)
•Applied toward tuition only
•Available only to students who submit portfolio/audition materials
Program info updated Mar 28, 2:22 PM
DEGREE FLEXIBILITY
•BA offers flexibility to explore other subjects or double major while gaining solid foundation in musical theatre
•Both BA and BFA programs offer equal opportunities to audition for Columbia productions
TRAINING & PRODUCTIONS
•Students perform in up to 40 productions annually — new students encouraged to audition immediately
•Hands-on learning through musicals, student films, and devised work
•Faculty are working professionals with experience across Chicago, New York, and beyond
CHICAGO ADVANTAGE
•Located in heart of Chicago theatre district with connections to innovative storefront theaters
•96% of 2023 graduates employed or pursuing creative practice within one year
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Chase Infiniti '22 — feature film debut alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in One Battle After Another; appeared on Apple TV+'s Presumed Innocent
•Rob Colletti '11 — Broadway debut in The Book of Mormon; lead in School of Rock national tour
Updated Mar 28, 2:22 PM
Academic School Information
3.52
Avg GPA (W)
89%
Admit Rate
50%
Grad Rate
5,368
Enrollment
$42,195
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$34,088
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$26,598
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$20,924
Family Income $30k - $48k$21,423
Family Income $48k - $75k$25,590
Family Income $75k - $110k$31,677
Family Income $110k+$36,436
