Program
No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewIn-Person or VirtualUnder 12 StudentsUniversity App Required
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
No Interview
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 National Theatre Institute at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Michael Emerson ('76) — Emmy Award winner for The Practice and Lost; starred in Person of Interest and Evil
•Jeremy Piven (attended) — Golden Globe and three-time Emmy winner for Entourage
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 VOCAL SELECTIONS, 60 sec max each
•ONE BALLAD
•ONE UP-TEMPO
ACCOMPANIMENT
•Accompanist provided for on-campus auditions — bring sheet music in the correct key (preferably in a 3-ring binder)
•For virtual/track auditions, bring pre-recorded accompaniment on an MP3 player
•Must sing to accompaniment — no a cappella
Monologues
ONE MONOLOGUE, 60 sec max
•From a published play
•Something contemporary and realistic is strongly recommended
MATERIAL SELECTION
•Must be from a published play
•No film scripts, television shows, or musicals
Dance
DANCE CALL
•Dance call or video submission required
•You will have time to change into dance attire
•Some MT students may be invited for a group dance callback later in the day (in-person auditions)
Additional Materials
RESUME (required)
•Resume detailing your production and theatre experience
HEADSHOT (optional)
•Upload a current headshot photo if you have one
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
•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 by Monday prior to audition day
UNIFIED AUDITIONS
•National Unified Theatre Auditions in Chicago, IL (Feb 2-5)
•Accompanist NOT provided — bring your own accompaniment tracks
•Register at least 72 hours before your desired date
•Some MT students may receive group dance callbacks
CROSS-CONSIDERATION
•Preparing the MT audition package allows consideration for both MT and Acting programs
CONTACT
•theatre@drake.edu or 515-271-2018
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 Mar 27, 2:17 AM
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 National Theatre Institute at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Michael Emerson ('76) — Emmy Award winner for The Practice and Lost; starred in Person of Interest and Evil
•Jeremy Piven (attended) — Golden Globe and three-time Emmy winner for Entourage
Updated Mar 27, 2:17 AM
Academic School Information
3.69
Avg GPA (W)
64%
Admit Rate
76%
Grad Rate
2,543
Enrollment
$71,901
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$52,130
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$29,127
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$25,824
Family Income $30k - $48k$23,275
Family Income $48k - $75k$25,171
Family Income $75k - $110k$27,408
Family Income $110k+$33,126
