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Central Washington University

Ellensburg, WA

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

Virtual OnlyMTCP Participant

Program profile

12-24 StudentsTransfer In Friendly

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

Virtual OnlyMTCP Participant

Program profile

12-24 StudentsTransfer In Friendly

Browse programs

Theatre

Composition & music studies

Music education

Music performance

Quick links

BFA Musical Theatre

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

Virtual OnlyMTCP Participant

Program profile

12-24 StudentsTransfer In Friendly

Program Recognition

Non-cut program with progressive evaluation

12-14 students admitted per class

Training

Triple-threat training in acting, voice, and dance

Musical theatre voice sequence runs from TH 220 Musical Theatre I through TH 422 Musical Theatre IX

Private voice lessons and specialized courses in acting the song and dancing the story

Performance & Productions

Multiple main stage and studio productions each season through Central Theatre Ensemble (CTE)

Jazz, ballet, modern, and tap dance training with audition-based placement

Professional Development

Career and portfolio preparation coursework

Students have recently completed internships with Seattle Musical Theatre, The 5th Ave Theatre (Seattle), Disneyland, and Disney World

Students have secured employment with theatres including The Old Globe, Steppenwolf Theatre, Santa Fe Opera, and Williamstown Theatre Festival

Alumni working professionally in NYC, LA, Portland, Orlando, and Seattle

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.20

Admit rate

91%

school-wide

Grad rate

54%

Enrollment

7.8K

Earnings

$62K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$9,964

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$29,289

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$29,910

Before aid

Average net price

$18,476

After aid

Cost Attendance · cwu.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Oct 5, 10:04 PM

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Non-cut program with progressive evaluation

12-14 students admitted per class

Training

Triple-threat training in acting, voice, and dance

Musical theatre voice sequence runs from TH 220 Musical Theatre I through TH 422 Musical Theatre IX

Private voice lessons and specialized courses in acting the song and dancing the story

Performance & Productions

Multiple main stage and studio productions each season through Central Theatre Ensemble (CTE)

Jazz, ballet, modern, and tap dance training with audition-based placement

Professional Development

Career and portfolio preparation coursework

Students have recently completed internships with Seattle Musical Theatre, The 5th Ave Theatre (Seattle), Disneyland, and Disney World

Students have secured employment with theatres including The Old Globe, Steppenwolf Theatre, Santa Fe Opera, and Williamstown Theatre Festival

Alumni working professionally in NYC, LA, Portland, Orlando, and Seattle

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Non-cut program with progressive evaluation

12-14 students admitted per class

Training

Triple-threat training in acting, voice, and dance

Musical theatre voice sequence runs from TH 220 Musical Theatre I through TH 422 Musical Theatre IX

Private voice lessons and specialized courses in acting the song and dancing the story

Performance & Productions

Multiple main stage and studio productions each season through Central Theatre Ensemble (CTE)

Jazz, ballet, modern, and tap dance training with audition-based placement

Professional Development

Career and portfolio preparation coursework

Students have recently completed internships with Seattle Musical Theatre, The 5th Ave Theatre (Seattle), Disneyland, and Disney World

Students have secured employment with theatres including The Old Globe, Steppenwolf Theatre, Santa Fe Opera, and Williamstown Theatre Festival

Alumni working professionally in NYC, LA, Portland, Orlando, and Seattle

Key Info

Enrollment Term

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website

Fee

$60

Application · Common App

Program AppApplication

Order

The university application must be submitted before the prescreen.

Apply

Acceptd

Deadline

Final Acceptd DeadlineSep 13, 2027

Application portal · Acceptd

Prescreen Requirements

Songs

MTCP Song Option C

Applicant chooses Option A or B:

Option A: One pre-1970 + one post-1970 song (contrasting styles)

Option B: One MT song + one contrasting song (any style)

60-90 seconds each

Monologues

MTCP Monologue Option A

One monologue from a published play or professional writer

60-90 seconds

Dance

MTCP Dance Option B

Dance/movement video required

Show your best version of dancing/moving

No specific technical requirements

60-90 seconds

Ballet

MTCP Ballet Option C

Ballet not required

Optional Wild Card Video

Video showcasing a special skill or talent not demonstrated in other submissions

Follow the MTCP Wild Card guidelines for format and length

Label the video with your name and "Wild Card"

Additional Materials

Headshot

Submit a current headshot

Resume

Resume of your work in theater

Letter of Recommendation

A letter of recommendation from a teacher or other professional who is familiar with your theatrical work, specific to your potential as a student and theatre artist

Enter the recommender's name and email in Acceptd so the system can send instructions

Video Specifications

MTCP Video Standards

Each piece filmed/uploaded as a SEPARATE video (no continuous takes)

Songs & monologues: waist up framing

Dance & ballet: full body (top of head to floor)

Landscape (horizontal) orientation recommended

Solid-colored or non-distracting background

Slate video: name and pronouns, under 10 seconds, separate from performances

Label: "Title - Musical/Show - First & Last Name"

Application portal · Acceptd

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

Application Logistics

February 1 for full consideration for fall admission and scholarships

Enrollment

Schedule a mandatory online meeting with department advisor Grace Pearsons

Contact: grace.pearsons@cwu.edu, or Callum Morris, callum.morris@cwu.edu, for details or to set up a meeting

Admission Pathway

Must first be admitted to CWU through the Office of Admissions

CWU admission application should be complete by January 1 for merit and talent award consideration

Fall enrollment only

Nearly one-third of admitted BFA students began at CWU the year prior to acceptance

Transfer Pathway

Nearly one-third of students admitted to CWU's BFA programs began at CWU the year prior to acceptance, and transfer or continuing students apply through the same departmental review. BFA admission still requires the program's artistic screening.

Application portal · Acceptd

What's The Process

Audition Process

CWU participates in the Musical Theater Common Prescreen (MTCP)

Song: Option C

Monologue: Option A

Dance: Option B

Ballet: Option C (no ballet required)

Optional Wild Card video accepted

Applications reviewed on a rolling basis

Expect results within three weeks of submission

Late applications accepted until all program spaces are filled

Audition Expectations

Record one introduction "slate" video stating your name. If you would like to include your pronouns, state them as well. Please speak loudly (project your voice) and clearly (articulate) directly at the camera.

There is no need to slate your individual performance videos & pieces. Instead, clearly label each video with your name and the title of the piece you are performing

Scholarship Info

Theatre Scholarships

Department scholarships available — separate scholarship application required (PDF form)

CWU admission application must be complete by January 1 for merit and talent award consideration

Submit FAFSA application for financial aid eligibility

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.20

Admit rate

91%

school-wide

Grad rate

54%

Enrollment

7.8K

Earnings

$62K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$9,964

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$29,289

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$29,910

Before aid

Average net price

$18,476

After aid

Cost Attendance · cwu.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

Non-cut program with progressive evaluation

12-14 students admitted per class

Training

Triple-threat training in acting, voice, and dance

Musical theatre voice sequence runs from TH 220 Musical Theatre I through TH 422 Musical Theatre IX

Private voice lessons and specialized courses in acting the song and dancing the story

Performance & Productions

Multiple main stage and studio productions each season through Central Theatre Ensemble (CTE)

Jazz, ballet, modern, and tap dance training with audition-based placement

Professional Development

Career and portfolio preparation coursework

Students have recently completed internships with Seattle Musical Theatre, The 5th Ave Theatre (Seattle), Disneyland, and Disney World

Students have secured employment with theatres including The Old Globe, Steppenwolf Theatre, Santa Fe Opera, and Williamstown Theatre Festival

Alumni working professionally in NYC, LA, Portland, Orlando, and Seattle

Updated Oct 5, 10:04 PM