Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
Interview Required
University App Required
Program Highlights
TRAINING & PERFORMANCE
•Learn directly from working professionals in the field
•Hands-on experience through Act 1, the on-campus performing arts production company
•Courses include Acting for the Camera, Contemporary Theatre, and Movement for the Actor
CAREER PREPARATION
•Senior Showcase in New York City for industry professionals, agents, managers, and casting directors
•Senior Capstone requires creating a company and producing your own show
•Paid internship opportunities with the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival
INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
•Study abroad in London to experience the West End
•Full semester abroad available at the same cost as a traditional term at DeSales
FACILITIES
•State-of-the-art Labuda Center for Performing Arts
•473-seat Main Stage Theatre and 187-seat Schubert Theatre
•Home to the annual Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
PriorityDec 1, 2025
Rolling
Program AppApplication
Audition
Theatre Audition and Scholarship Day (Labuda Center)Jan 17, 2026
Audition Requirements
Monologues
TWO CONTRASTING MEMORIZED MONOLOGUES, 3 min total
•Two monologues that showcase your strengths
•Pieces should contrast each other in tone or style
•Total audition time must not exceed 3 minutes
Additional Materials
HEADSHOT (required)
•Bring to audition day
RESUME (required)
•Bring to audition day
LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION (required)
•From a theatre director or teacher
•Bring to audition day
Good to Know
APPLICATION PROCESS
•Apply to DeSales University via Common App or school website
•Register for Theatre Audition and Scholarship Day separately
•No application fee
ENROLLMENT
•Fall semester start only
•Rolling admission with December 1 priority deadline for scholarships
What's The Process
AUDITION FORMAT
•In-person audition and interview with Theatre faculty
•Perform two contrasting memorized monologues (3 min max)
•Interview with faculty follows the performance
AUDITION DAY
•Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 10:00 AM
•Location: Labuda Center for the Performing Arts
•Register after starting your application to DeSales
•Date is subject to change
IMPORTANT
•Academic acceptance does NOT guarantee artistic acceptance
•Must be accepted both academically and artistically
Scholarship Info
TALENT SCHOLARSHIPS
•Performing arts talent scholarships awarded based on audition and interview performance
•Priority deadline for scholarship consideration is December 1
•Must audition and interview with Theatre faculty to be eligible
Program info updated Mar 26, 4:25 PM
TRAINING & PERFORMANCE
•Learn directly from working professionals in the field
•Hands-on experience through Act 1, the on-campus performing arts production company
•Courses include Acting for the Camera, Contemporary Theatre, and Movement for the Actor
CAREER PREPARATION
•Senior Showcase in New York City for industry professionals, agents, managers, and casting directors
•Senior Capstone requires creating a company and producing your own show
•Paid internship opportunities with the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival
INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
•Study abroad in London to experience the West End
•Full semester abroad available at the same cost as a traditional term at DeSales
FACILITIES
•State-of-the-art Labuda Center for Performing Arts
•473-seat Main Stage Theatre and 187-seat Schubert Theatre
•Home to the annual Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival
Updated Mar 26, 4:25 PM
Academic School Information
3.41
Avg GPA (W)
77%
Admit Rate
72%
Grad Rate
2,128
Enrollment
$61,295
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$46,800
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$31,643
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$24,007
Family Income $30k - $48k$25,400
Family Income $48k - $75k$26,096
Family Income $75k - $110k$29,982
Family Income $110k+$34,878
