Public school11.4K

Kean University

Union, NJ

HSITest-OptionalGreek LifeLGBTQ+

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Study Abroad

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Study Abroad

Browse programs

Theatre

Music education

Composition & music studies

Quick links

BFA Theatre Performance

General

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Study Abroad

Program Recognition

NAST-accredited (National Association of Schools of Theatre) since 1995

Recognized by Backstage as one of New Jersey's top acting programs

Training

Intensive conservatory-style performance training within a university setting

Work with Premiere Stages, Kean's AEA company in residence

30 minutes from NYC by train — access to world-class professional theatre

Master classes with Broadway artists including Patti LuPone and Billy Porter

Private voice studio lessons included (4 semesters)

120-credit BFA with 70 credits in the major

Comprehensive acting sequence: Stanislavski through contemporary techniques, camera acting, dialects

Study abroad option in London (Globe Theatre, West End)

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.20

Admit rate

76%

school-wide

Grad rate

47%

Enrollment

11.4K

Earnings

$57K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$15,300

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$24,018

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$39,592

Before aid

Average net price

$12,447

After aid

Cost Attendance · kean.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Aug 22, 6:01 PM

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

NAST-accredited (National Association of Schools of Theatre) since 1995

Recognized by Backstage as one of New Jersey's top acting programs

Training

Intensive conservatory-style performance training within a university setting

Work with Premiere Stages, Kean's AEA company in residence

30 minutes from NYC by train — access to world-class professional theatre

Master classes with Broadway artists including Patti LuPone and Billy Porter

Private voice studio lessons included (4 semesters)

120-credit BFA with 70 credits in the major

Comprehensive acting sequence: Stanislavski through contemporary techniques, camera acting, dialects

Study abroad option in London (Globe Theatre, West End)

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

NAST-accredited (National Association of Schools of Theatre) since 1995

Recognized by Backstage as one of New Jersey's top acting programs

Training

Intensive conservatory-style performance training within a university setting

Work with Premiere Stages, Kean's AEA company in residence

30 minutes from NYC by train — access to world-class professional theatre

Master classes with Broadway artists including Patti LuPone and Billy Porter

Private voice studio lessons included (4 semesters)

120-credit BFA with 70 credits in the major

Comprehensive acting sequence: Stanislavski through contemporary techniques, camera acting, dialects

Study abroad option in London (Globe Theatre, West End)

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2026

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website

Fee

$75

Deadline

Regular DecisionRolling

Application · Common App

Program AppApplication

Audition

OR — Recorded Video Audition

Recorded audition submission (out-of-state applicants)Rolling

Becoming Theatre Major Kean University · kean.edu

Audition Requirements

These requirements are from the Fall 2026 entry cycle. Fall 2027 requirements are typically posted between August and October and usually change only slightly — confirm on the official source before submitting.

Monologues

Two Contrasting Monologues, No More Than 2 Min Each

One comedy and one drama, or one classical and one contemporary

Choose age-appropriate material that shows your strengths and range

Material should be from published plays — original monologues or online-only pieces are not recommended

Avoid overly vulgar or shock-value material

Material Selection

Choose characters you might actually play

Monologues should present a journey with an arc — something different at the end than at the beginning

Check lists of currently overdone monologues and avoid them

Alternative Option

You may substitute one monologue with a contrasting song

Total audition time should not exceed 4 minutes

If singing, bring your own recorded accompaniment — no accompanist provided

Additional Materials

Essay Writing Sample Required

Completed on-site in approximately 15 minutes

Rubric with evaluation criteria sent in advance

Assesses readiness for college-level research and writing in theatre

Resume Recommended

Include theatre experience, training, and education

Becoming Theatre Major Kean University · kean.edu

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Complete the Kean University application via Common App or kean.edu

After Admissions review, applicants receive an invitation to schedule the Theatre Conservatory audition

Out-of-state virtual auditions are submitted through the Kean University Application Portal/CougarApp; Common App students receive account setup instructions

Eligibility

2.7 GPA minimum required for all major courses

Capstone course requires B- or better

Enrollment

Rolling admissions with April 30 priority deadline

Fall enrollment

What's The Process

Audition Process

Call 908-737-4420 or email theatre@kean.edu to schedule

A specific time will be assigned after scheduling

Confirmation email sent once appointment is set

Audition Expectations

Three components: audition performance, interview, and writing sample

Audition followed immediately by a 5-6 minute interview

Interview questions sent in advance to allow preparation

Writing sample completed on-site before or after audition

Out-of-state applicants may submit auditions virtually

NJ residents and current Kean students attend in person

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.20

Admit rate

76%

school-wide

Grad rate

47%

Enrollment

11.4K

Earnings

$57K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$15,300

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$24,018

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$39,592

Before aid

Average net price

$12,447

After aid

Cost Attendance · kean.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

NAST-accredited (National Association of Schools of Theatre) since 1995

Recognized by Backstage as one of New Jersey's top acting programs

Training

Intensive conservatory-style performance training within a university setting

Work with Premiere Stages, Kean's AEA company in residence

30 minutes from NYC by train — access to world-class professional theatre

Master classes with Broadway artists including Patti LuPone and Billy Porter

Private voice studio lessons included (4 semesters)

120-credit BFA with 70 credits in the major

Comprehensive acting sequence: Stanislavski through contemporary techniques, camera acting, dialects

Study abroad option in London (Globe Theatre, West End)

Updated Aug 22, 6:01 PM

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