Public school11.4K

Kean University

Union, NJ

HSITest-OptionalGreek LifeLGBTQ+

Start free

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredPortfolio RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Study Abroad

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredPortfolio 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 Design and Technology

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredPortfolio 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

Training

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

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

30 minutes from NYC by train — access to professional design opportunities

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 2d ago

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

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

Training

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

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

30 minutes from NYC by train — access to professional design opportunities

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

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

Training

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

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

30 minutes from NYC by train — access to professional design opportunities

Key Info

Enrollment Term

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website

Fee

$75

Deadline

Regular DecisionRolling

Application · Common App

Program AppApplication

Order

The university application must be submitted before the audition.

Auditions

In-person portfolio review and interview (NJ residents and current Kean students)

Nov 21, 2026Jan 30, 2027Feb 27, 2027Apr 10, 2027May 18, 2027Jun 8, 2027

Becoming Theatre Major Kean University · kean.edu

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)

Design Samples

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

Becoming Theatre Major Kean University · kean.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

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 portfolio review

Portfolios are submitted digitally through the Kean University Application Portal/CougarApp; Common App students receive account setup instructions

Eligibility

2.5 GPA minimum required for all major courses

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

Listed in-person sessions start at 10 a.m. on Saturdays and 3 p.m. on Tuesdays

Confirmation email sent once appointment is set

Audition Expectations

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

Out-of-state applicants may submit portfolios 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

Training

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

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

30 minutes from NYC by train — access to professional design opportunities

Updated 2d ago