Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Scholarship Audition
No Interview
University App Required
Program Highlights
PERFORMANCE TRAINING
•Coursework in acting, voice and diction, movement, and improvisation
•Advanced acting and play direction
•Oral interpretation and readers theatre
•12 hours of foreign language required
PRODUCTION OPPORTUNITIES
•Theatre majors have preference for roles in Essential Theatre productions
•4-5 productions per season on Edmonds Stage and Davis Studio
•Senior Showcase and Directing Scenes Showcase
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Anika Noni Rose — Tony winner for Caroline, or Change; voice of Tiana in The Princess and the Frog
•T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh — In Living Color, That's So Raven
•Meshach Taylor — Emmy-nominated for Designing Women
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
Early ActionNov 1, 2025
Regular DecisionFeb 1, 2026
RollingMay 1, 2026
Fee
$30Waiver
Good to Know
•No audition required for admission — apply directly to the university
•Declare theatre as your major upon enrollment
•Contact: famuessentialtheatre@famu.edu or (850) 561-2425
Scholarship Info
THREE DEPARTMENT SCHOLARSHIPS
•Essential Theatre Scholarship — open to freshmen, transfers, and current students
•Camille Olivia Hanks Cosby Theatre Program Scholarship
•T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh Endowed Theatre Scholarship — for sophomores, juniors, and seniors
SCHOLARSHIP AUDITION
•Two contrasting monologues plus one song with piano or pre-recorded instrumental accompaniment
•Total audition not to exceed 4 minutes
•Out-of-town applicants may submit a pre-recorded video
ELIGIBILITY
•Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and full-time enrollment (12+ hours)
•Active member of Essential Theatre with demonstrated artistry
•Must maintain 3.0 GPA in major courses and 2.5 cumulative to retain
Program info updated Mar 28, 2:20 PM
PERFORMANCE TRAINING
•Coursework in acting, voice and diction, movement, and improvisation
•Advanced acting and play direction
•Oral interpretation and readers theatre
•12 hours of foreign language required
PRODUCTION OPPORTUNITIES
•Theatre majors have preference for roles in Essential Theatre productions
•4-5 productions per season on Edmonds Stage and Davis Studio
•Senior Showcase and Directing Scenes Showcase
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Anika Noni Rose — Tony winner for Caroline, or Change; voice of Tiana in The Princess and the Frog
•T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh — In Living Color, That's So Raven
•Meshach Taylor — Emmy-nominated for Designing Women
Updated Mar 28, 2:20 PM
Academic School Information
3.75
Avg GPA (W)
21%
Admit Rate
53%
Grad Rate
7,582
Enrollment
$44,349
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$5,785
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$17,725
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$13,739
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$13,299
Family Income $30k - $48k$10,921
Family Income $48k - $75k$15,269
Family Income $75k - $110k$18,325
Family Income $110k+$20,332


