Kean University
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Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
No Audition
Interview Required
In-Person or Virtual
University App Required
Program Highlights
PROGRAM RECOGNITION
•NAST-accredited (National Association of Schools of Theatre) since 1995
TRAINING & OPPORTUNITIES
•Comprehensive design curriculum: scenic, lighting, and costume design
•Hands-on production experience through Theatre Lab (6 semesters)
•Work with Premiere Stages, Kean's AEA company in residence
•Equity Through Design mentorship program connects students with professional designers
CURRICULUM
•120-credit BFA with 66 credits in the major
•Courses in drafting, rendering, stage management, and scenic painting
•Portfolio preparation capstone course
•Study abroad option in London
LOCATION & ACCESS
•30 minutes from NYC by train — access to professional design opportunities
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
PriorityApr 30, 2026
Rolling
Fee
$75Waiver
Program AppApplication
Auditions
On-Campus Portfolio ReviewNov 22, 2025
On-Campus Portfolio ReviewJan 24, 2026
On-Campus Portfolio ReviewFeb 28, 2026
On-Campus Portfolio ReviewMar 21, 2026
Interview Requirements
PORTFOLIO (required)
•Collect samples of your work based on your area of design or technical theatre
•Place samples in a binder, portfolio, or digital presentation (Google Slides, PowerPoint)
•Scene designers: sketches, renderings, models, photos
•Lighting designers: light plots, cue sheets, photos
•Costume designers: sketches, renderings with swatches, photos of completed costumes
•Stage managers: prompt book
•Any visual art, sculpture, cosplay, or craftsmanship work is welcome
•You are not expected to have a full portfolio of theatrical work as a high school senior
WRITING SAMPLE (required)
•Completed on-site in approximately 15 minutes
•Rubric with evaluation criteria sent in advance
DRAWING SAMPLE (required)
•Completed on-site during the review session
•Specific to D&T applicants only
RESUME (recommended)
•Include design/technical experience, budgets, show titles, directors and designers you worked with
Good to Know
APPLICATION PROCESS
•Complete Kean University application via Common App or kean.edu
•Schedule and complete portfolio review separately
ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
•2.5 GPA minimum required for all major courses
ENROLLMENT
•Rolling admissions with April 30 priority deadline
•Fall enrollment
What's The Process
PORTFOLIO REVIEW FORMAT
•Three components: portfolio presentation, interview, and writing/drawing samples
•Present your portfolio at the table and describe each segment
•Highlight what best represents your talents and skills
•Be prepared for questions about your work and process
•Interview is approximately 5-6 minutes
SCHEDULING
•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
VIRTUAL OPTION
•Out-of-state applicants may submit portfolios virtually
•NJ residents and current Kean students attend in person
Program info updated Today
Academic School Information
3.20
Avg GPA (W)
76%
Admit Rate
45%
Grad Rate
11,433
Enrollment
$57,237
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$14,299
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$22,446
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$12,447
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.
Annual Cost by Family Income
Family Income $0 - $30k$7,374
Family Income $30k - $48k$7,859
Family Income $48k - $75k$12,136
Family Income $75k - $110k$20,146
Family Income $110k+$20,110
