Drake University
Test-OptionalGreek LifeLGBTQ+ Affirming
Select Program
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
No Interview
In-Person or Virtual
Under 12 Students
University App Required
Program Highlights
TRAINING
•Comprehensive training in singing, dancing, movement, voice, piano, music theory, and various acting styles
•Dance classes include jazz, tap, ballet, modern, and musical theatre dance
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
•Approximately 20 productions per academic year
•Opportunities include experimental productions, classroom work, main stage shows, and professional work in the Des Moines community
•Students eligible to be cast from first semester
PROGRAM SIZE
•Unofficial cap of approximately 16 BFA performance majors per year (Acting, MT, Theatre Ed combined)
STUDY ABROAD
•Semester exchange available at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
Early ActionDec 1, 2025
PriorityJan 15, 2026
Regular DecisionMar 1, 2026
Program AppApplication
Apply atAcceptd
Apply atSchool Website
Deadline
Audition Material DeadlineFeb 6, 2026
Auditions
On-Campus Audition (Des Moines, IA)Nov 21, 2025
National Unified Theatre Auditions (Chicago, IL)Feb 2, 2026
On-Campus Audition (Des Moines, IA)Feb 6, 2026
Audition Requirements
Songs
TWO CONTRASTING SONGS FROM MUSICAL THEATRE REPERTOIRE
•Must sing to accompaniment — no a cappella
•Each song should be no longer than 90 seconds
TIMING
•Total of 3 minutes for the music audition
•Timing starts at the first piano note
•Song introductions do not count toward timing
Monologues
TWO CONTRASTING MONOLOGUES, 90 sec max each
•ONE CLASSICAL MONOLOGUE (pre-1900)
•ONE CONTEMPORARY MONOLOGUE (post-1900)
MATERIAL SELECTION
•Must be from published plays
•No film scripts, television shows, or musicals
TIMING
•Total of 3 minutes for both monologues
•Introduce both monologues before timing begins
•Timing starts with the first word of the first monologue
Dance
DANCE EXAMPLE, 3 min max
•May be tap, jazz, modern, ballet, hip-hop, or any combination
•Should demonstrate your range and abilities
Wildcard / Special Skill
N/A
Additional Materials
HEADSHOT (required)
•Upload a current headshot photo
resume (required)
•resume of theatre experience
Good to Know
APPLICATION PROCESS
•Must apply for admission to Drake University first
•University application and audition must both be completed for scholarship consideration
SUBMISSION OPTIONS
•Submit audition via Acceptd (fee applies)
•Free alternative available through Drake's audition registration portal
ENROLLMENT
•Fall enrollment only
What's The Process
AUDITION FORMAT
•No pre-screening process — submitted materials ARE your audition
•Three parts: acting, singing, and dancing
•Total audition package should not exceed 10 minutes
•May upload 1 continuous video or 3 separate videos
•In-person auditions strongly encouraged when possible
ON-CAMPUS AUDITIONS
•Held at Harmon Fine Arts Center, Drake University
•Accompanist provided for in-person auditions
•Pre-registration required
UNIFIED AUDITIONS
•National Unified Theatre Auditions in Chicago, IL (Feb 2-5)
•Must provide your own accompaniment tracks for Unifieds
•Some MT students may receive group dance callbacks
CONTACT
•erin.degner@drake.edu or 515-271-2897
Scholarship Info
•Fine Arts Scholarships awarded selectively to BFA Theatre majors
•Renewable for four years if criteria maintained
•Must complete both university application and audition to be considered
Program info updated Today
Academic School Information
3.69
Avg GPA (W)
64%
Admit Rate
77%
Grad Rate
2,669
Enrollment
$71,901
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$49,944
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$30,042
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.
Annual Cost by Family Income
Family Income $0 - $30k$27,372
Family Income $30k - $48k$25,335
Family Income $48k - $75k$26,358
Family Income $75k - $110k$32,215
Family Income $110k+$32,993
