Program
Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredInterview RequiredVirtual OnlyModerately Selective12-24 StudentsUniversity App Required
Program Characteristics
Prescreen Required
Audition Required
Interview Required
Moderately Selective
12-24 Students
University App Required
Program Highlights
PROGRAM RECOGNITION
•CSU's only BFA Musical Theatre program north of Los Angeles
•Widely considered one of the most inclusive MT programs in the nation
•No audition required for program admission — students audition for shows each semester
TRAINING & CURRICULUM
•Seven semesters of private voice lessons and eight semesters of dance
•Faculty trained in Theatrical Intimacy Education and active in the Musical Theatre Educators' Alliance
•No graduate program — undergrads access all performance and technical opportunities
FACILITIES & PRODUCTIONS
•Four mainstage productions per year across three theaters
•Historic 1,200-seat Laxson Auditorium, Harlen Adams Theater, and intimate Wismer black box
•Paid positions in professional set shop, costume shop, and theatrical spaces
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
•Senior showcase and industry workshops in New York City
•Alumni working on Broadway, in regional theatre, touring companies, and television
•Notable alumni include Lauren Cipoletti (Broadway's Cursed Child) and Amanda Detmer (film)
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCal State Apply
Deadlines
InternationalMay 1, 2026
Regular DecisionJun 1, 2026
Fee
$70Waiver
Program AppApplication
Apply atAcceptd
Deadlines
University App Deadline (BFA MT)Nov 30, 2025
Acceptd AuditionWithin two weeks of university application
Auditions
Scholarship Video Submission DeadlineFeb 13, 2026
Scholarship Audition (On-Campus or Video)Feb 14, 2026
Prescreen Requirements
Songs
TWO CONTRASTING SONGS
•ONE MUSICAL THEATER SONG from any time period
•ONE SONG OF YOUR CHOICE in any style (pop, hip-hop, folk, rock, rap, soul, country, punk, etc.)
-Should contrast the style of the first selection
-Examples: fast tempo vs slow tempo, sustained melodic singing vs speech-like singing, dramatic vs comedic, belt vs head/falsetto mix
ACCOMPANIMENT
•Tracks available on YouTube or apps like Harmony Helper
•If you cannot work with a live accompanist, use a recorded track or accompaniment app
Monologues
ONE CONTEMPORARY MONOLOGUE from a published play or professional writer (typically written after 1950)
•Age-appropriate (generally within 5-10 years of your actual age)
•Should feel authentic to your culture, background, and lived experience
MATERIAL SELECTION
•Active monologues recommended — takes place in real time, focuses on what you want, direct communication with imaginary scene partner
•Avoid monologues that rely on extreme emotions as they can be hard to justify in a short piece
Dance
DANCE/MOVEMENT SAMPLE
•Show your best version of dancing or moving
•Must include at least one turn, one jump, and one kick (or suitable rotation, elevation, and extension)
•In whatever dance discipline you feel most confident
•May include jazz, ballet, tap, modern, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary, or styles beyond American and Euro-western styles
FORMAT
•Must be a solo video — can be self-choreographed
•May use recent show/competition footage if you are clearly featured alone
•Use steps and physical vocabulary you are familiar with and can execute well
Good to Know
APPLICATION PORTAL
•Submit audition materials via Acceptd
•Acceptd charges a small processing fee which can be waived for financial hardship
UNIVERSITY APPLICATION
•University application must be submitted by November 30 for BFA MT consideration
•University application is separate from the Acceptd audition submission
•Apply via Cal State Apply
IMPORTANT NOTES
•Entire audition process conducted virtually — no in-person audition required
•Fall enrollment only
What's The Process
AUDITION PROCESS
•Step 1: Audition Video (prescreen) submitted via Acceptd
•Step 2: Virtual Interview
•Step 3: Recommendation and results
TIMELINE
•Submit audition within two weeks of university application
•Entire process conducted virtually — no in-person audition required
EQUITY COMMITMENT
•Process designed to keep costs down and ensure equity and inclusion
•Acceptd processing fee can be waived for financial hardship
Scholarship Info
THEATRE SCHOLARSHIPS
•Separate scholarship audition held on the second Saturday of February
•Incoming students may audition in person or submit online video
•MT applicants should prepare two songs and a monologue
•Must complete MTAD Scholarship Audition/Interview Request Form
•Strongly encouraged to complete University Wildcat Scholarship application (Jan 2 - Feb 15)
REQUIREMENTS
•Must be full-time (12 units minimum)
•Minimum 2.0 GPA required (higher for some scholarships)
•Must participate in departmental productions both semesters
•Awards announced July–August
Program info updated Mar 24, 12:57 AM
PROGRAM RECOGNITION
•CSU's only BFA Musical Theatre program north of Los Angeles
•Widely considered one of the most inclusive MT programs in the nation
•No audition required for program admission — students audition for shows each semester
TRAINING & CURRICULUM
•Seven semesters of private voice lessons and eight semesters of dance
•Faculty trained in Theatrical Intimacy Education and active in the Musical Theatre Educators' Alliance
•No graduate program — undergrads access all performance and technical opportunities
FACILITIES & PRODUCTIONS
•Four mainstage productions per year across three theaters
•Historic 1,200-seat Laxson Auditorium, Harlen Adams Theater, and intimate Wismer black box
•Paid positions in professional set shop, costume shop, and theatrical spaces
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
•Senior showcase and industry workshops in New York City
•Alumni working on Broadway, in regional theatre, touring companies, and television
•Notable alumni include Lauren Cipoletti (Broadway's Cursed Child) and Amanda Detmer (film)
Updated Mar 24, 12:57 AM
Academic School Information
3.39
Avg GPA (W)
93%
Admit Rate
63%
Grad Rate
13,631
Enrollment
$64,172
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$8,472
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$21,072
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$14,480
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$9,902
Family Income $30k - $48k$10,099
Family Income $48k - $75k$12,961
Family Income $75k - $110k$16,506
Family Income $110k+$23,566
