Public school11.4K

Kean University

Union, NJ

HSITest-OptionalGreek LifeLGBTQ+

Start free

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Study AbroadTransfer In Friendly

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Study AbroadTransfer In Friendly

Browse programs

Quick links

BA Theatre

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Study AbroadTransfer In Friendly

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

Work alongside professional artists from 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

Degree Flexibility

120-credit liberal arts degree with broad elective options

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

Minor in dance available

Optional freshman research partnership with faculty

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

Work alongside professional artists from 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

Degree Flexibility

120-credit liberal arts degree with broad elective options

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

Minor in dance available

Optional freshman research partnership with faculty

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

Work alongside professional artists from 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

Degree Flexibility

120-credit liberal arts degree with broad elective options

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

Minor in dance available

Optional freshman research partnership with faculty

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

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 or portfolio review

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

Enrollment

Rolling admissions with April 30 priority deadline

Fall enrollment

Transfer Pathway

Kean publishes Hudson County Community College AA Theatre Arts to BA Theatre and Union College AA Music and Theatre Arts to BA Theatre articulation paths. Theatre transfer students still need to meet Kean Theatre's audition or portfolio review requirement.

Transfer Agreements · kean.edu

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

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

Work alongside professional artists from 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

Degree Flexibility

120-credit liberal arts degree with broad elective options

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

Minor in dance available

Optional freshman research partnership with faculty

Updated Aug 22, 6:01 PM