Private school10.1K

Howard University

Washington, DC

HBCUTest-OptionalGreek LifeLGBTQ+

Program

BFA Theatre Arts

Concentration

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Selective12-24 Students

Program

BFA Theatre Arts

Concentration

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Selective12-24 Students

Browse programs

Concentrations

Quick Links

BFA Theatre Arts

Acting

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Selective12-24 Students

Quick Links

BFA Theatre Arts

Musical Theatre

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Highly SelectiveUnder 12 Students

Quick Links

BFA Theatre Arts

Acting

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Selective12-24 Students

Quick Links

BFA Theatre Arts

Dance

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Selective12-24 Students

Quick Links

BFA Theatre Arts

Theatre Arts Administration

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Selective12-24 Students

Quick Links

BFA Theatre Arts

Theatre Technology

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Selective12-24 Students

Program Recognition

•Dedicated to continued growth and development of African-American theatre

•Part of the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts, named for its most celebrated alumnus

•Training competent professionals while fostering research and experimentation in performance

Training

•Three levels of training: Elementary, Intermediate, and Advanced

•Combines classroom instruction with rehearsal and performance techniques

•Jury examination required each semester for all acting students

•Laboratory hours for practical application of theoretical approach

•120-hour program includes voice for stage, movement, play analysis, diction, character/scene study, acting styles, acting for film/TV

•Satisfactory jury examination necessary for passing grade in all Acting classes

Notable Alumni

•Phylicia Rashad — Tony winner (A Raisin in the Sun), The Cosby Show

•Taraji P. Henson — Oscar-nominated (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), Empire

•Tracie Thoms — Broadway (Falsettos, Rent), film (Death Proof, Rent)

•Birgundi Baker — stars in Showtime's The Chi

Academic info

Snapshot

3.75

Avg GPA (W)

41%

Admit Rate

school-wide

69%

Grad Rate

10.1K

Enrollment

$63K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Average Annual Cost

$50,539

after typical aid

Tuition & Fees

$35,810

before aid

Average annual cost reflects the grants and scholarships most students receive.

$0-30k$46,051

$30-48k$47,477

$48-75k$50,245

$75-110k$52,981

$110k+$54,270

View full data on College Scorecard

Program info updated 2d ago

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

•Dedicated to continued growth and development of African-American theatre

•Part of the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts, named for its most celebrated alumnus

•Training competent professionals while fostering research and experimentation in performance

Training

•Three levels of training: Elementary, Intermediate, and Advanced

•Combines classroom instruction with rehearsal and performance techniques

•Jury examination required each semester for all acting students

•Laboratory hours for practical application of theoretical approach

•120-hour program includes voice for stage, movement, play analysis, diction, character/scene study, acting styles, acting for film/TV

•Satisfactory jury examination necessary for passing grade in all Acting classes

Notable Alumni

•Phylicia Rashad — Tony winner (A Raisin in the Sun), The Cosby Show

•Taraji P. Henson — Oscar-nominated (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), Empire

•Tracie Thoms — Broadway (Falsettos, Rent), film (Death Proof, Rent)

•Birgundi Baker — stars in Showtime's The Chi

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

•Dedicated to continued growth and development of African-American theatre

•Part of the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts, named for its most celebrated alumnus

•Training competent professionals while fostering research and experimentation in performance

Training

•Three levels of training: Elementary, Intermediate, and Advanced

•Combines classroom instruction with rehearsal and performance techniques

•Jury examination required each semester for all acting students

•Laboratory hours for practical application of theoretical approach

•120-hour program includes voice for stage, movement, play analysis, diction, character/scene study, acting styles, acting for film/TV

•Satisfactory jury examination necessary for passing grade in all Acting classes

Notable Alumni

•Phylicia Rashad — Tony winner (A Raisin in the Sun), The Cosby Show

•Taraji P. Henson — Oscar-nominated (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), Empire

•Tracie Thoms — Broadway (Falsettos, Rent), film (Death Proof, Rent)

•Birgundi Baker — stars in Showtime's The Chi

Key Info

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App

Fee

$45Waiver

Deadline

Early application deadlineEarly DecisionEarly ActionNov 15, 2025

Regular DecisionFeb 1, 2026

Program AppApplication

Deadline

Performance Majors DeadlineNov 1, 2025

Prescreen Requirements

Songs

ONE 16-BAR SONG, A CAPPELLA

•No more than 16 bars

•Sung a cappella with no accompaniment

•Same selection may be used for callback if invited

Monologues

TWO CONTRASTING MONOLOGUES, 2 min each max

•Classical/contemporary or drama/comedy contrasts acceptable

•Must be from published plays and fully memorized

Material Selection

•No poetry, original material, or film scripts

•Avoid monologue books; choose a sizeable chunk of text for one character from a full play

•Provide context and given circumstances

•Candidates who perform two monologues with the same delivery are generally not called back

Optional Supplement

•Third monologue of original material may be submitted as supplemental material

Additional Materials

Headshot & Resume

•Current HEADSHOT

•RESUME with best collection of material and experience

Letters of Recommendation

•Two letters: one from high school counselor, one from high school teacher

Upload

•All materials uploaded through student portal

Official Source

Callback Requirements

Songs

Requirements

•One SONG, 16 bars a cappella

•Same 16 bars prepared for prescreen

•Performed live during callback audition

Monologues

Requirements

•Monologue Portion

•Continuation of contrasting monologues from prescreen

•May be asked to perform with direction from adjudicators

Official Source

Good to Know

Admission Pathway

•Entry into Acting concentration is by audition and invitation only

•Requirements should be uploaded to your applicant portal

•Only students who have submitted a Common Application will be considered

What's The Process

Audition Process

•Initial online self-tape audition submitted through student portal

•Audition process begins in November

•Only students who have submitted a Common Application will be considered

•Must be invited to callback — by invitation only

•Consists of ensemble exercises, monologue portion, 16 bars, and short interview

•Virtual and in-person callback options available

•Callbacks held in Fall and Spring

•After interview, candidates may ask adjudicator up to two questions about the program

Audition Expectations

•Student volunteers assist during callbacks and are available for questions

•No-shows or early dismissals may not be given another chance to complete callback

•Late arrivals should contact CABCOFA Center for Student Success

•Special accommodations available — contact Admissions Office or CABCOFA Center for Student Success

Scholarship Info

Cabcofa Scholarships

•Applicants considered for First Time In College Scholarships

•SAT/ACT scores are NOT required for CABCOFA scholarship consideration

•Must apply by the designated deadline to be eligible

•Scholarships awarded at time of admission for accepted Early Action/Early Decision applicants

Academic info

Snapshot

3.75

Avg GPA (W)

41%

Admit Rate

school-wide

69%

Grad Rate

10.1K

Enrollment

$63K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Average Annual Cost

$50,539

after typical aid

Tuition & Fees

$35,810

before aid

Average annual cost reflects the grants and scholarships most students receive.

$0-30k$46,051

$30-48k$47,477

$48-75k$50,245

$75-110k$52,981

$110k+$54,270

View full data on College Scorecard

Program Recognition

•Dedicated to continued growth and development of African-American theatre

•Part of the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts, named for its most celebrated alumnus

•Training competent professionals while fostering research and experimentation in performance

Training

•Three levels of training: Elementary, Intermediate, and Advanced

•Combines classroom instruction with rehearsal and performance techniques

•Jury examination required each semester for all acting students

•Laboratory hours for practical application of theoretical approach

•120-hour program includes voice for stage, movement, play analysis, diction, character/scene study, acting styles, acting for film/TV

•Satisfactory jury examination necessary for passing grade in all Acting classes

Notable Alumni

•Phylicia Rashad — Tony winner (A Raisin in the Sun), The Cosby Show

•Taraji P. Henson — Oscar-nominated (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), Empire

•Tracie Thoms — Broadway (Falsettos, Rent), film (Death Proof, Rent)

•Birgundi Baker — stars in Showtime's The Chi

Updated 2d ago

Howard University

Browse programs

Program Highlights

Key Info

Prescreen Requirements

Callback Requirements

Good to Know

What's The Process

Scholarship Info

Academic info

Program Highlights

Program Highlights

Key Info

Prescreen Requirements

Callback Requirements

Good to Know

What's The Process

Scholarship Info

School Info