Howard University
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Program
Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewIn-Person or VirtualHighly SelectiveUnder 12 StudentsUniversity App Required
Program Characteristics
Prescreen Required
Audition Required
No Interview
Highly Selective
Under 12 Students
University App Required
Program Highlights
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
•120-hour Musical Theatre Performance program
•Produces professional artist/scholars for Broadway, Off-Broadway, touring, regional, international, cabaret, and concert stages
TRAINING PHILOSOPHY
•Intense self-discovery and exploration matched with foundational technique
•Creates passionate artists with deep respect for the craft
•Uses musical theatre to communicate about shared human condition
CURRICULUM
•Sequential course progression with specialized MT classes
•Voice for Musical Theater (8 semesters), Musical Theater Techniques (4 semesters)
•Specialized dance: Tap I & II, Jazz I & II, Dance Fundamentals I-IV
•Technical production requirements and theatre history
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Amber Iman — Tony-nominated (Lempicka), Broadway (Shuffle Along, Soul Doctor), Hamilton national tour
•Zurin Villanueva — Broadway (The Lion King, Mean Girls, Shuffle Along), Tina Turner Musical national tour
•Carroll "CVD" Dashiell Jr. — performed with Maurice Hines, Stephanie Mills, Jennifer Holliday
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Deadlines
Early DecisionNov 15, 2025
Early ActionNov 15, 2025
Regular DecisionFeb 1, 2026
Fee
$45Waiver
Program AppApplication
Deadline
Performance Majors DeadlineNov 1, 2025
Prescreen Requirements
Songs
TWO 32-BAR CUTS of contrasting musical theatre repertoire, 90 sec each max
•One ballad
•One up-tempo
•Must sing to piano, live, or instrumental track — no a cappella submissions
•Voice should be more present than accompaniment
Monologues
ONE CONTEMPORARY MONOLOGUE from a published play (1940s–present)
•90 seconds maximum
Dance
DANCE CALL CHOREOGRAPHY
•Learn choreography from provided video link
•Music: Overture/All That Jazz (Album Version) from Chicago
•Choreography link: youtu.be
FILMING
•Film in a dance room or open space without furniture
•Full body framing (head to feet)
Wildcard / Special Skill
Choose from the following (90 seconds):
•An additional dance video showing another dance style than requested
•Answer one of the following prompts:
-'Why Musical Theatre at Howard?'
-'What is something you're passionate about other than theatre?'
Additional Materials
SLATE VIDEO (Video 1)
•Record a separate slate video with:
-Your name
-Where you are from
-The name of each piece
-The show or play each is from
-The composer/lyricist or playwright
•Label each video with the info above
HEADSHOT & RESUME
•Current HEADSHOT
•RESUME (artistic and academic)
UPLOAD
•All six videos uploaded to applicant portal
Good to Know
ADMISSION
•Entry into Musical Theatre concentration is by audition and invitation only
•All six prescreen videos uploaded to applicant portal
What's The Process
PRESCREEN
•Upload all videos to applicant portal
•Six separate videos required: Slate, Song 1, Song 2, Monologue, Dance, Wild Card
•Admission by audition and invitation only
LIVE AUDITION
•Auditions at Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts (across from Founders Library)
CONTACT
•Professor Iya Ifanike Batts at iyaifanike.batts@howard.edu
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
Program info updated Mar 22, 9:27 PM
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
•120-hour Musical Theatre Performance program
•Produces professional artist/scholars for Broadway, Off-Broadway, touring, regional, international, cabaret, and concert stages
TRAINING PHILOSOPHY
•Intense self-discovery and exploration matched with foundational technique
•Creates passionate artists with deep respect for the craft
•Uses musical theatre to communicate about shared human condition
CURRICULUM
•Sequential course progression with specialized MT classes
•Voice for Musical Theater (8 semesters), Musical Theater Techniques (4 semesters)
•Specialized dance: Tap I & II, Jazz I & II, Dance Fundamentals I-IV
•Technical production requirements and theatre history
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Amber Iman — Tony-nominated (Lempicka), Broadway (Shuffle Along, Soul Doctor), Hamilton national tour
•Zurin Villanueva — Broadway (The Lion King, Mean Girls, Shuffle Along), Tina Turner Musical national tour
•Carroll "CVD" Dashiell Jr. — performed with Maurice Hines, Stephanie Mills, Jennifer Holliday
Updated Mar 22, 9:27 PM
Academic School Information
3.75
Avg GPA (W)
41%
Admit Rate
69%
Grad Rate
10,108
Enrollment
$63,066
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$35,810
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$50,539
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$46,051
Family Income $30k - $48k$47,477
Family Income $48k - $75k$50,245
Family Income $75k - $110k$52,981
Family Income $110k+$54,270
