Cornish College of the Arts
Test-OptionalFaith-Based
Select Program
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
Interview Required
In-Person or Virtual
12-24 Students
University App Required
Program Highlights
TRAINING
•Comprehensive training in acting, voice, movement, dramatic writing, and devising original works
•Average class size of 15 students with personalized faculty mentorship
•Faculty of working professionals across acting, directing, playwriting, and stage combat
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
•Main stage productions, student films with Cornish Film majors, and voiceover for Animation and Game Arts projects
•Campus located in the heart of Seattle's professional theatre scene
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
•Students intern with professional theatres including ACT Theater, The 5th Avenue Theatre, and Seattle Children's Theater
•Career management and audition technique training
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Brendan Fraser (Academy Award winner)
•Jinkx Monsoon (Broadway — Oh Mary, Chicago; RuPaul's Drag Race All-Stars winner)
•Don Darryl Rivera (Broadway — Aladdin; Only Murders in the Building)
•Sara Porkalob (Broadway actor and theatre educator)
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
Early ActionNov 15, 2025
Regular DecisionJan 15, 2026
Rolling
Fee
$60Waiver
Program AppApplication
Auditions
National Unified Auditions (New York City)Jan 24, 2026
On-Campus AuditionJan 31, 2026
National Unified Auditions (Chicago)Feb 5, 2026
National Unified Auditions (Los Angeles, Day 1)Feb 7, 2026
Audition Requirements
Monologues
TWO CONTRASTING CONTEMPORARY MONOLOGUES, 2 min max each
•First monologue: recommended from Cornish prescribed pieces
-Fool for Love by Sam Shepard
-Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller
-May choose a familiar contemporary piece if time is a constraint
•Second monologue: contrasting piece from a contemporary play
-Must differ in mood, style, and intention from the first
-Should have a strong objective with dynamic actions and tactics
MATERIAL SELECTION
•Avoid "story" monologues — choose pieces where the character actively pursues a goal
•Look for strong character objectives that connect with another character present in the scene
•By the end, someone should be changed (understanding, emotion, or decision)
•Select pieces you genuinely enjoy performing
Wildcard / Special Skill (Optional)
Upload a video showcasing additional skills and interests not part of the standard audition (e.g., directing excerpts, original writing, spoken word, devised solo performance, instruments, tap, tumbling, flexibility)
Submission Specifications
SHOT SETUP
•Introduction: full-body shot
•Monologues: filmed however works best for the material
-If one is close-up, film the second in 3/4 shot
SPACE & LIGHTING
•Neutral open space with bare walls (cover with fabric if needed)
•Good acoustics with no strong echo
•Sufficient front-facing light — face and body fully visible
WARDROBE
•No costumes or character makeup
•Dress in an elevated version of your personal style
EFFECTS
•No background sound effects or virtual backgrounds
Additional Materials
ARTIST STATEMENT (required)
•Submit via Redhawk Admissions Portal
ARTS RECOMMENDATION (required)
•One recommendation from a teacher who can speak to your artistic or performing talents
-Separate from the general teacher and counselor recommendations required by Seattle University
Good to Know
AUDITION SUBMISSION
•All recorded materials uploaded to Redhawk Admissions Portal "Portfolio" section
•Portal credentials sent within a few days of Common App submission
•Submit Portfolio Certification Form when materials are complete — portfolio will not be reviewed without it
UNIFIED AUDITIONS
•Program participates in National Unified Auditions (NYC, Chicago, Los Angeles)
ENROLLMENT
•Fall and January start dates available
What's The Process
AUDITION OPTIONS
•Live in-person on campus or at National Unified Auditions
•Live virtual via Zoom
•Recorded audition uploaded to Redhawk Admissions Portal
RECORDED AUDITION FORMAT
•Introduce yourself with name, age, and place of residence
•Briefly discuss your goals and experience
•Present two contrasting monologues
•Answer three required interview questions on video
LIVE AUDITION FORMAT
•Perform two contrasting monologues
•Short interview with faculty about career goals and educational priorities
TIMELINES
•Early Action: submit recorded audition before November 20
•Regular Decision: applications due January 15
•After January 15: rolling admission pending space availability
CONTACT
•Andre Williams: awilliams@cornish.edu
Scholarship Info
CORNISH SCHOLARSHIPS
•Admitted students are automatically considered — no separate application required
•Both merit-based and need-based aid available
•Cornish awards over $3.5 million in scholarships annually
•98% of admitted students receive funding assistance
•Both U.S. citizens and international students are eligible
Program info updated Today
Academic School Information
70%
Admit Rate
52%
Grad Rate
480
Enrollment
$33,696
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$39,913
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$39,060
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.
Annual Cost by Family Income
Family Income $0 - $30k$28,155
Family Income $30k - $48k$30,948
Family Income $48k - $75k$36,693
Family Income $75k - $110k$40,853
Family Income $110k+$44,405
