Public school20.9K

James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA

Test-OptionalGreek LifeLGBTQ+

Start free

Program

Concentration

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Selective40+ StudentsTransfer In Friendly

Program

Concentration

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Selective40+ StudentsTransfer In Friendly

Browse programs

Quick links

BA Theatre

General

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Selective40+ StudentsTransfer In Friendly

Program Recognition

BA degree with intensive pre-professional training

Approximately 152 Theatre majors total

Three optional concentrations: Performance, Design/Technology, Theatre Education (with Pre K-12 licensure)

Combines liberal arts education with professional arts training

Performance & Productions

Each year: 3 plays + 2 musicals on mainstage, 5-8 student-produced shows

Any JMU student can audition for productions including first-years

Value

Merit scholarships based on audition/interview strength

Verified Recent Class Sizes

Class of 2029: 41 students (all concentrations)

School Info

Snapshot

3.66

Avg GPA

72%

Admit Rate

school-wide

80%

Grad Rate

20.9K

Enrollment

$70K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

In-State Tuition

$14,768

Before aid

Out-of-State Tuition

$32,576

Before aid

Average Net Price

$23,322

After aid

Undergraduate.Shtml · jmu.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Aug 26, 2:07 PM

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

BA degree with intensive pre-professional training

Approximately 152 Theatre majors total

Three optional concentrations: Performance, Design/Technology, Theatre Education (with Pre K-12 licensure)

Combines liberal arts education with professional arts training

Performance & Productions

Each year: 3 plays + 2 musicals on mainstage, 5-8 student-produced shows

Any JMU student can audition for productions including first-years

Value

Merit scholarships based on audition/interview strength

Verified Recent Class Sizes

Class of 2029: 41 students (all concentrations)

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

BA degree with intensive pre-professional training

Approximately 152 Theatre majors total

Three optional concentrations: Performance, Design/Technology, Theatre Education (with Pre K-12 licensure)

Combines liberal arts education with professional arts training

Performance & Productions

Each year: 3 plays + 2 musicals on mainstage, 5-8 student-produced shows

Any JMU student can audition for productions including first-years

Value

Merit scholarships based on audition/interview strength

Verified Recent Class Sizes

Class of 2029: 41 students (all concentrations)

Key Info

Enrollment Term

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website

Fee

$70

Deadline

Early ActionNov 1, 2026

Regular DecisionJan 15, 2027

Transfer Application — FallMar 1, 2027

International Application — FallJun 1, 2027

Dates And Deadlines.Shtml · jmu.edu

Program AppApplication

Apply

SlideRoom

Auditions

JMU Theatre

Audition/interview day (recommended for Early Action)

Nov 7, 2026Dec 5, 2026

Audition/interview day (recommended for Regular Decision)

Jan 30, 2027Feb 6, 2027

New York Unified

AuditionsJan 23–24, 2027

OR — Recorded Video Audition

Final deadline for video-only applicants (last audition day)Feb 6, 2027

Theatre.Shtml · jmu.edu Application portal · SlideRoom

Audition Requirements

Headshot

Photo of yourself

Resume

Resume with relevant theatre or artistic experience

Unofficial Transcript

High school or transfer transcript

Form Questions

Complete the Theatre application questions in SlideRoom when the Fall 2027 portal opens

Theatregatewayrequirements.Pdf · jmu.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Apply to JMU through the Office of Admissions/Common App

Fall 2027 SlideRoom applications and audition-registration links opened August 19, 2026

Submit a separate School of Theatre and Dance application in SlideRoom; applicants to multiple performing-arts majors submit separate applications

Submit SlideRoom at least 9 days before an in-person audition/interview; video-only submissions are due by the final February audition date

JMU covers the SlideRoom fee

Program Requirements

Current Theatre areas are Performance, Design & Technology, and Theatre Education

Concentrations are optional; students may enter as general Theatre majors, apply for a concentration during admission or later, and may be admitted to multiple concentrations

Transfer Pathway

JMU states that transfer students use the same Theatre gateway process and, depending on prior coursework, can complete the Theatre major in two to three years.

FAQ.Shtml · jmu.edu

What's The Process

Audition Process

No prescreen required

In-person or asynchronous video options

Each audition/interview includes a short one-on-one interview component

Faculty look for potential, not perfection

Theatre and Musical Theatre auditions are separate; applying to both requires separate SlideRoom applications, registrations, and auditions

General Theatre applicants may choose an application format aligned with Performance (monologues), Design & Technology (visual portfolio), or Theatre Education (statement and interview)

Applicants with multiple interests may select two formats

Contact

Ingrid De Sanctis: desancie@jmu.edu

Emily Becher-McKeever: becheree@jmu.edu

540-568-6342

Scholarship Info

Arts Scholarships

Excellence in the Arts awards

Madison Recognition awards

Merit scholarships from School of Theatre and Dance

Criteria

Talent and ability based on audition/interview, portfolio review, submitted materials

Academic promise based on transcript, GPA (minimum 3.0), and test scores

Application essay and letter of recommendation also factor in

Priority Consideration

Apply JMU Early Action and submit SlideRoom before mid-January

Scholarship decisions communicated in Spring

School Info

Snapshot

3.66

Avg GPA

72%

Admit Rate

school-wide

80%

Grad Rate

20.9K

Enrollment

$70K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

In-State Tuition

$14,768

Before aid

Out-of-State Tuition

$32,576

Before aid

Average Net Price

$23,322

After aid

Undergraduate.Shtml · jmu.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

BA degree with intensive pre-professional training

Approximately 152 Theatre majors total

Three optional concentrations: Performance, Design/Technology, Theatre Education (with Pre K-12 licensure)

Combines liberal arts education with professional arts training

Performance & Productions

Each year: 3 plays + 2 musicals on mainstage, 5-8 student-produced shows

Any JMU student can audition for productions including first-years

Value

Merit scholarships based on audition/interview strength

Verified Recent Class Sizes

Class of 2029: 41 students (all concentrations)

Updated Aug 26, 2:07 PM