Kean University
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Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
Interview Required
In-Person or Virtual
University App Required
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 & OPPORTUNITIES
•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)
CURRICULUM
•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
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
PriorityApr 30, 2026
Rolling
Fee
$75Waiver
Program AppApplication
Auditions
On-Campus AuditionNov 22, 2025
On-Campus AuditionJan 24, 2026
On-Campus AuditionFeb 28, 2026
On-Campus AuditionMar 21, 2026
Audition Requirements
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
Wildcard / Special Skill
N/A
Additional Materials
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
Good to Know
APPLICATION PROCESS
•Complete Kean University application via Common App or kean.edu
•Schedule and complete audition separately
ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
•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 FORMAT
•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
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 auditions 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
