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Kent State University

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Program Characteristics

No Prescreen
Audition Required
No Interview
In-Person or Virtual
University App Required

Program Highlights

PROGRAM RECOGNITION

Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST)
Intensive interdisciplinary study of music, theatre, and dance

PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

Center for the Performing Arts houses three theatres and rehearsal spaces
Porthouse Theatre — professional outdoor summer venue
Annual New York City Musical Theatre Showcase for seniors

ALUMNI SUCCESS

Alumni working on Broadway, London's West End, film, and television
Graduates working in New York, Chicago, California, and internationally
Alumni performing with Disney Cruise Lines and other major venues

FACULTY

Program coordinated by Terri Kent, Producing Artistic Director of Porthouse Theatre
Faculty from Actor's Equity Association, SAG/AFTRA, and choreographers union

Key Info

University App

Apply atCommon App
Deadlines
PriorityNov 1, 2025
Rolling
Domestic Fee
$50Waiver
International Fee
$70

Program App

Apply atAcceptd
Deadline
Acceptd Application DeadlineApr 15, 2026
Auditions
In-Person Audition (Kent Campus)Feb 27–28, 2026
Final Audition (Kent Campus)Mar 6, 2026

Audition Requirements

Songs

TWO CONTRASTING SONGS FROM STANDARD MUSICAL THEATRE REPERTORY

One up-tempo and one ballad
Selections should not exceed 32 bars (approximately one minute each)
Both must be memorized

ACCOMPANIMENT

Vocal selections must be sung with accompaniment
A cappella singing is not permitted
For in-person auditions, an accompanist is provided
For virtual auditions, use a recorded accompaniment track
Monologues

ONE CONTEMPORARY MONOLOGUE FROM A PUBLISHED PLAY

Must be memorized
For virtual auditions: not to exceed one minute
For in-person auditions: combined with vocal selections, total should not exceed three minutes
Dance

IN-PERSON DANCE CALL

Group dance/movement call at 5:00 PM on audition day
Candidates must demonstrate potential in dance

VIRTUAL DANCE SUBMISSION

Submit a video demonstrating basic dance skills:
-Skill #1: Clean double pirouette on right and left sides (turned in or turned out)
-Skill #2: Grand jeté on right and left sides (straight leg or through développé)
-Skill #3: Pas de bourrée on right and left sides
-Skill #4: Battement on right and left sides
Dance reel encouraged if available

ATTIRE

Dance attire required
Bring ballet slippers and/or jazz shoes if available
Wildcard / Special Skill
N/A
Additional Materials

APPLICATION MATERIALS

Contact information
Education history (including SAT/ACT scores and GPA)
Vocal and dance training histories
Vocal and monologue selections for audition
Previous theatre experience
Two letters of recommendation

Good to Know

APPLICATION PORTAL

Register for audition via Acceptd
Apply for university admission separately

REGISTRATION DEADLINES

In-person audition registration: at least one week prior to audition date
Last day to apply for in-person audition: March 1, 2026
Virtual submission deadline: March 5, 2026
Acceptd application deadline: April 15, 2026

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Students admitted directly into the major in first semester
Biannual BFA evaluations required to remain in program
Minimum 2.5 major GPA required

What's The Process

AUDITION FORMAT

Choose either in-person or virtual audition
In-person: three parts — acting, singing, and dance call
Virtual: upload video submissions via Acceptd
Selective admission — must demonstrate potential in acting, voice, and dance

IN-PERSON SCHEDULE

Individual auditions: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Meet and greet: 4:00 PM
Dance call: 5:00 PM
Combined monologue and vocal selections must not exceed three minutes total

VIRTUAL AUDITION

Video submissions accepted on a rolling basis through March 5, 2026
Results posted after the final audition date of March 6, 2026

FINAL AUDITION

Final auditions for Fall 2026 entry: March 6, 2026
Notifications sent approximately two weeks after last audition

CONTACT

Musical Theatre Coordinator: Terri Kent — tkent@kent.edu
Audition registration: theatre@kent.edu
Re-audition inquiries: Donna Miller — dmille13@kent.edu, 330-672-0106

Scholarship Info

SCHOLARSHIPS

Merit-based scholarships available through the School of Theatre and Dance
Roe Green Scholars — artistic merit-based scholarships funded by $1 million gift
Scholarship information provided at time of admission
Program info updated Yesterday

Academic School Information

87%
Admit Rate
65%
Grad Rate
19,134
Enrollment
$45,388
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$12,846
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$22,316
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$19,614
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$14,912
Family Income $30k - $48k$15,386
Family Income $48k - $75k$16,772
Family Income $75k - $110k$21,202
Family Income $110k+$25,263