Private school2.3K

Messiah University

Mechanicsburg, PA

Faith-BasedTest-Optional

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Study Abroad

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Study Abroad

Browse programs

Quick links

BFA Musical Theatre

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Study Abroad

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

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

Professional Development

Community of Messiah theatre graduates in New York City

Opportunity to audition for touring companies, summer stock, and major city productions

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

School info

Snapshot

Admit rate

79%

school-wide

Grad rate

75%

Enrollment

2.3K

Earnings

$54K

10yr after

Costs & aid

Tuition & fees

$44,905

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$63,336

Before aid

Average net price

$26,502

After aid

2026 2027 Policies · messiah.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Sep 8, 1:15 AM

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

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

Professional Development

Community of Messiah theatre graduates in New York City

Opportunity to audition for touring companies, summer stock, and major city productions

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

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

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

Professional Development

Community of Messiah theatre graduates in New York City

Opportunity to audition for touring companies, summer stock, and major city productions

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

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2027

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website

Fees

Direct Application Fee

$50

Common App Fee

$50

Deadline

Regular DecisionRolling

Application Process And Criteria · messiah.edu

Program AppApplication

Apply

Auditions

Fall Campus Audition

Oct 30, 2026Nov 20, 2026

Spring Campus Audition

Jan 30, 2027Feb 15 & 27, 2027

Application Process · messiah.edu

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

Bring clearly marked sheet music for your selections to the audition; if a pianist cannot be provided for an alternate audition date, bring recorded accompaniment

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

Sheet Music (Required)

Bring clearly marked sheet music for both song selections to the audition

Submission

Materials due 10 business days before your audition date

Submit as PDF or JPG files via email

Application Process · messiah.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

Application Logistics

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 Process

Contact Deb Hawkins at dhawkins@messiah.edu or 717-796-5045

Individual auditions may be arranged outside formal audition dates

Audition Expectations

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

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

School info

Snapshot

Admit rate

79%

school-wide

Grad rate

75%

Enrollment

2.3K

Earnings

$54K

10yr after

Costs & aid

Tuition & fees

$44,905

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$63,336

Before aid

Average net price

$26,502

After aid

2026 2027 Policies · messiah.edu College Scorecard

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

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

Professional Development

Community of Messiah theatre graduates in New York City

Opportunity to audition for touring companies, summer stock, and major city productions

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

Updated Sep 8, 1:15 AM

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