Public school7.8K

Central Washington University

Ellensburg, WA

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Program

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

Virtual OnlyMTCP Participant

Program profile

12-24 Students

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

Virtual OnlyMTCP Participant

Program profile

12-24 Students

Browse programs

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BFA Musical Theatre

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

Virtual OnlyMTCP Participant

Program profile

12-24 Students

Quick Links

BFA Theatre Performance

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

Virtual Only

Program profile

12-24 Students

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 Students

Quick Links

BA Theatre Studies

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Quick Links

BFA Theatre Design and Production

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

12-24 Students

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BM Composition

Composition

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredInternal AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Quick Links

BM Music Education

Choral Music Specialization

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

K-12

Quick Links

BM Music Education

Instrumental Music Specialization

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

K-12

Quick Links

BM Music Performance

Vocal Specialization

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Quick Links

BM Music Performance

Keyboard Specialization

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Quick Links

BM Music Performance

Percussion/Wind/String Specialization

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Quick Links

BA Music

General Music Studies

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program Recognition

•Non-cut program with progressive evaluation — students are not cut based on annual reviews

•12-14 students admitted per class

Training

•Triple-threat training in acting, voice, and dance

•Comprehensive musical theatre curriculum with 10 levels of MT vocal training

•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

•Internship opportunities at The 5th Ave Theatre (Seattle), Disney, Steppenwolf Theatre, The Old Globe, Santa Fe Opera, and Williamstown Theatre Festival

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

School Info

Snapshot

3.20

Avg GPA (W)

91%

Admit Rate

school-wide

54%

Grad Rate

7.8K

Enrollment

$62K

Earnings

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

Official source College Scorecard

Program info updated 2d ago

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

•Non-cut program with progressive evaluation — students are not cut based on annual reviews

•12-14 students admitted per class

Training

•Triple-threat training in acting, voice, and dance

•Comprehensive musical theatre curriculum with 10 levels of MT vocal training

•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

•Internship opportunities at The 5th Ave Theatre (Seattle), Disney, Steppenwolf Theatre, The Old Globe, 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 — students are not cut based on annual reviews

•12-14 students admitted per class

Training

•Triple-threat training in acting, voice, and dance

•Comprehensive musical theatre curriculum with 10 levels of MT vocal training

•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

•Internship opportunities at The 5th Ave Theatre (Seattle), Disney, Steppenwolf Theatre, The Old Globe, Santa Fe Opera, and Williamstown Theatre Festival

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

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2026

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website

Fee

$60

Deadline

Priority (Fall)Jan 31, 2026

Regular DecisionRolling

Program AppApplication

Apply

Acceptd

Deadline

Full ConsiderationFeb 1, 2026

Final Acceptd DeadlineJun 30, 2026

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

•Optional 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

•Submit a current resume including performance experience, training, and education

BFA Application Form

•Submit the official CWU Theatre Arts BFA application form

Letter of Recommendation

•Submit a letter from a teacher or professional familiar with your theatrical work

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

Official Source

Good to Know

Application Logistics

•February 1 for full consideration for fall admission and scholarships

•Acceptd final deadline for Fall 2026 submissions is June 30, 2026

•Late applications accepted until all spaces are filled

Enrollment

•Schedule a mandatory online meeting with department advisor Grace Pearsons after submitting your application

•Contact: grace.pearsons@cwu.edu

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

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 and pronouns (optional)

•Individual performance videos do not need slating — label each with your name and piece title

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

3.20

Avg GPA (W)

91%

Admit Rate

school-wide

54%

Grad Rate

7.8K

Enrollment

$62K

Earnings

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

Official source College Scorecard

Program Recognition

•Non-cut program with progressive evaluation — students are not cut based on annual reviews

•12-14 students admitted per class

Training

•Triple-threat training in acting, voice, and dance

•Comprehensive musical theatre curriculum with 10 levels of MT vocal training

•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

•Internship opportunities at The 5th Ave Theatre (Seattle), Disney, Steppenwolf Theatre, The Old Globe, Santa Fe Opera, and Williamstown Theatre Festival

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

Updated 2d ago