Program
No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredIn-Person or VirtualUniversity App RequiredStudy Abroad
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
Interview Required
University App Required
Study Abroad
Program Highlights
PROGRAM RECOGNITION
•NAST accredited (National Association of Schools of Theatre)
•One of the first BFA Musical Theatre programs in the CCCU (Council of Christian Colleges & Universities)
TRAINING & PRODUCTIONS
•Extensive training in acting, dancing, and singing
•Courses in directing, tap, ballet, modern dance, jazz, choreography, music theory, voice, and ear training
•Minimum of three on-campus production opportunities
•Senior project with audition showcase for invited theatre professionals
FACILITIES
•Calvin and Janet High Center for Worship and Performing Arts
•State-of-the-art dance studio and black box space
STUDY ABROAD
•Option to study at the Gaiety School of Acting in Dublin, Ireland
CAREER CONNECTIONS
•Community of Messiah theatre graduates in New York City
•Opportunity to audition for touring companies, summer stock, and major city productions
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atSchool Website
Deadline
Rolling
Direct Application Fee
$50Waiver
Waived automatically through Nov. 15
Common App Fee
$50Waiver
Use code FALL for waiver through Nov. 15 (domestic students)
Program AppApplication
Apply atEmail
Auditions
Fall Campus AuditionOct 30, 2026
Fall Campus AuditionNov 20, 2026
Spring Campus AuditionJan 30, 2027
Spring Campus AuditionFeb 15, 2027
Audition Requirements
Songs
TWO MUSICAL THEATRE SONGS, 32 bar cuts
•Two songs with contrasting styles
ACCOMPANIMENT
•May bring your own accompanist, request a pianist, or use recorded music
•Sheet music must be submitted two weeks prior to the audition date
•If attending virtually, bring recorded music
Monologues
ONE MONOLOGUE, 60 sec max
•Select a role you feel particularly suited for that demonstrates your strengths
•Must be memorized
Dance
GROUP DANCE SESSION
•Group warm-up session for dance instructors to meet and audition prospective students
•Held prior to individual audition and interview
Additional Materials
ARTIST'S STATEMENT (required)
•350-word statement introducing you as a theatre artist
•Include: your work ethic, unique qualities as an artist, what inspires you to create, why you want to study musical theatre
PHOTO (required)
•Recent photo — professional headshot not required
RESUME (required)
•Should include your work in theatre or dance
SUBMISSION
•Materials due 10 business days before your audition date
•Submit as PDF or JPG files via email
Good to Know
APPLICATION PROCESS
•Apply to Messiah University via Common App or direct application
•Application materials due 10 business days before audition date
•Campus auditions are preferred
What's The Process
AUDITION FORMAT
•Three parts: group dance session, prepared songs and monologue, and faculty interview
•All applicants must audition and interview with department faculty
•Acceptance by the University does not guarantee acceptance into the Department
SCHEDULING
•Contact Deb Hawkins at dhawkins@messiah.edu or 717-796-5045
•Individual auditions may be arranged outside formal audition dates
VIDEO AUDITION
•Available for students unable to attend in person due to travel distance or hardship
•Submit video link along with artist's statement, resume, and photos
•A phone or Zoom interview will be scheduled following submission
Program info updated 6h ago
PROGRAM RECOGNITION
•NAST accredited (National Association of Schools of Theatre)
•One of the first BFA Musical Theatre programs in the CCCU (Council of Christian Colleges & Universities)
TRAINING & PRODUCTIONS
•Extensive training in acting, dancing, and singing
•Courses in directing, tap, ballet, modern dance, jazz, choreography, music theory, voice, and ear training
•Minimum of three on-campus production opportunities
•Senior project with audition showcase for invited theatre professionals
FACILITIES
•Calvin and Janet High Center for Worship and Performing Arts
•State-of-the-art dance studio and black box space
STUDY ABROAD
•Option to study at the Gaiety School of Acting in Dublin, Ireland
CAREER CONNECTIONS
•Community of Messiah theatre graduates in New York City
•Opportunity to audition for touring companies, summer stock, and major city productions
Updated 6h ago
Academic School Information
79%
Admit Rate
77%
Grad Rate
2,259
Enrollment
$54,064
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$42,240
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$26,502
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.
Family Income $0 - $30k$19,393
Family Income $30k - $48k$20,317
Family Income $48k - $75k$20,916
Family Income $75k - $110k$23,574
Family Income $110k+$31,847
