Drake University
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Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
No Interview
In-Person or Virtual
Under 12 Students
University App Required
Program Highlights
PROGRAM FOCUS
•Prepares students to teach Theatre Arts at the secondary level
•Integrates coursework in Theatre Arts, Rhetoric, English, and Education
CERTIFICATION
•Graduates earn teacher certification alongside BFA degree
•Broad range of knowledge and experience in theatre combined with education training
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
•Access to same production opportunities as other BFA programs
•Approximately 20 productions per academic year
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
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
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
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
•Approved PPST (Pre-Professional Skills Test) scores required
•Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above required
•Must gain formal admission to Drake's Teacher Education Program
ENROLLMENT
•Fall enrollment only
What's The Process
AUDITION FORMAT
•No pre-screening process — submitted materials ARE your audition
•In-person auditions strongly encouraged when possible
•Virtual auditions accepted via Acceptd or Drake's free audition portal
ON-CAMPUS AUDITIONS
•Held at Harmon Fine Arts Center, Drake University
•Pre-registration required
UNIFIED AUDITIONS
•National Unified Theatre Auditions in Chicago, IL (Feb 2-5)
•Register at least 72 hours before your desired date
CONTACT
•Michael.Rothmayer@drake.edu
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
