The Catholic University of America
Faith-BasedTest-Optional
Program
Prescreen RequiredGateway AuditionNo InterviewIn-Person or VirtualSelective12-24 StudentsUniversity App RequiredStudy Abroad
Program Characteristics
Prescreen Required
Gateway Audition
No Interview
Selective
12-24 Students
University App Required
Study Abroad
Program Highlights
PROGRAM LEGACY
•Celebrating 40 years helping hundreds of students launch successful performing careers
•Largest departmental program with approximately 80 undergraduates
TRAINING
•Thriving fusion of music, theatre, and dance within a conservatory atmosphere
•Focus on making students into complete performers as singers, actors, and dancers
CAREER OUTCOMES
•Graduates perform in regional theatres, on and off Broadway, and with national touring companies
•Senior Showcase performances held in Washington, D.C., and New York City
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
Early ActionNov 1, 2025
Early DecisionNov 1, 2025
Transfer (Spring)Nov 15, 2025
Early Decision IIJan 15, 2026
Program AppApplication
Apply atAcceptd
Deadline
Prescreen DeadlineFeb 15, 2026
Auditions
In-PersonDec 6, 2025
In-PersonJan 17, 2026
In-PersonFeb 7, 2026
Acceptd Fee
$35Waiver
First 100 applicants get fee waived via coupon code — email cua-arts@cua.edu
Prescreen Requirements
No audition required to apply. Students audition for the program after enrolling at the university.
Songs
ONE SONG, 60-90 sec
•From a musical
•Slate: share your name, the title of song, and title of show
•Slate is included in the time limit
Monologues
ONE CONTEMPORARY MONOLOGUE, 60-90 sec
•Written during the 20th century-present, from a published play
•Slate: share your name, the title of the play, and the playwright
•Slate is included in the time limit
Additional Materials
RESUME
•Musical and dramatic experience
HEADSHOT
Callback Requirements
Songs
TWO CONTRASTING SONGS FROM MUSICALS, 2 min max each
•One must be from a musical written before 1960
•Songs must be in contrasting styles (ballad, up-tempo)
•Must be memorized
•Accompanist provided for in-person auditions
Monologues
TWO CONTEMPORARY CONTRASTING MONOLOGUES, 1 min each
•One dramatic and one comedic
•Choice must be appropriate to the candidate's age and experience
•Must be memorized
•Should be performed in the context of the play, which the candidate must be able to discuss
Dance
DANCE AUDITION
•All applicants participate in a dance audition
•Used to assess dance class placement as well as potential
•Prior dance training is desirable but not required for acceptance
ATTIRE
•Wear appropriate dance attire and shoes (jazz or character; tap shoes if you tap)
ONLINE SUBMISSIONS
•Submit a one-minute dance routine video
Additional Materials
RESUME
•Musical and dramatic experience
HEADSHOT
SHEET MUSIC
•Bring copies of your music for in-person auditions
Good to Know
DUAL ADMISSIONS
•Must pass an audition as well as apply and be accepted to Catholic University
•Audition and Common Application processed simultaneously
SUBMISSION PORTAL
•Submit prescreen materials via Acceptd
AUDITION AVAILABILITY
•Auditions open beginning August 1, 2025
What's The Process
PRESCREEN
•Submit prescreen materials at least 10 days prior to your preferred in-person audition date
•Once materials are reviewed, the panel may invite you to audition
IN-PERSON AUDITION DATES
•Saturday, December 6, 2025
•Saturday, January 17, 2026
•Saturday, February 7, 2026
ONLINE SUBMISSIONS
•Online-only audition submissions also accepted
•All auditions equally considered regardless of format
IMPORTANT
•If you show aptitude for theatrical performance but not sufficient musical ability, you may be invited to audition for the BFA in Acting
Scholarship Info
PERFORMANCE-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS
•Awarded based on talent demonstrated in the audition
•Determined by the overall needs of current programs and ensembles
•Priority consideration given to those who audition on or before the February audition date
ADDITIONAL AID
•FAFSA required for all applicants for need- and performance-based awards
•Academic-based university scholarships also available
Program info updated Mar 28, 2:28 PM
PROGRAM LEGACY
•Celebrating 40 years helping hundreds of students launch successful performing careers
•Largest departmental program with approximately 80 undergraduates
TRAINING
•Thriving fusion of music, theatre, and dance within a conservatory atmosphere
•Focus on making students into complete performers as singers, actors, and dancers
CAREER OUTCOMES
•Graduates perform in regional theatres, on and off Broadway, and with national touring companies
•Senior Showcase performances held in Washington, D.C., and New York City
Updated Mar 28, 2:28 PM
Academic School Information
3.50
Avg GPA (W)
83%
Admit Rate
80%
Grad Rate
3,154
Enrollment
$73,250
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$58,378
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$29,561
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$17,358
Family Income $30k - $48k$17,895
Family Income $48k - $75k$24,723
Family Income $75k - $110k$28,295
Family Income $110k+$37,651
