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

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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

Browse programs

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BA Dance

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Study Abroad

Training

Breadth of experiences in ballet, jazz, modern, tap, pedagogy, choreography, dance ministry, and dance history

Professional dancer faculty from Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, University of Utah, University of Arizona, and Sight and Sound Theatre

Three full-mounted dance concerts per year

Performance & Productions

Dance ministry groups: GiViM, Acclamation, and Footprintz

Perform in chapels, on-stage musicals, recitals, and on/off campus ministry opportunities

Facilities

Grace Pollock Dance Studio with sprung Marley dance surface, mirrors, bars, blackout curtains, and stage lighting

Athletic training support with weekly physical therapy and athletic training sessions

Study Abroad

Semester programs in the U.S. and abroad

Degree Flexibility

Option to double major with art, theatre, humanities, or business administration

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

Training

Breadth of experiences in ballet, jazz, modern, tap, pedagogy, choreography, dance ministry, and dance history

Professional dancer faculty from Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, University of Utah, University of Arizona, and Sight and Sound Theatre

Three full-mounted dance concerts per year

Performance & Productions

Dance ministry groups: GiViM, Acclamation, and Footprintz

Perform in chapels, on-stage musicals, recitals, and on/off campus ministry opportunities

Facilities

Grace Pollock Dance Studio with sprung Marley dance surface, mirrors, bars, blackout curtains, and stage lighting

Athletic training support with weekly physical therapy and athletic training sessions

Study Abroad

Semester programs in the U.S. and abroad

Degree Flexibility

Option to double major with art, theatre, humanities, or business administration

Program Highlights

Training

Breadth of experiences in ballet, jazz, modern, tap, pedagogy, choreography, dance ministry, and dance history

Professional dancer faculty from Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, University of Utah, University of Arizona, and Sight and Sound Theatre

Three full-mounted dance concerts per year

Performance & Productions

Dance ministry groups: GiViM, Acclamation, and Footprintz

Perform in chapels, on-stage musicals, recitals, and on/off campus ministry opportunities

Facilities

Grace Pollock Dance Studio with sprung Marley dance surface, mirrors, bars, blackout curtains, and stage lighting

Athletic training support with weekly physical therapy and athletic training sessions

Study Abroad

Semester programs in the U.S. and abroad

Degree Flexibility

Option to double major with art, theatre, humanities, or business administration

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

Dance

Two-Part Audition

Group Session

Warm-up session for instructors to meet prospective students

Held prior to individual audition

Individual Audition

Prepare a 2-3 minute variation or dance style of your choice

Bring electronic recording of your music if needed

Notify department of your music format before arriving on campus

Video Audition (If Unable to Attend in Person)

Brief informal introduction of yourself with explanation of dance choices

Two dance videos of varying styles, no more than 5 minutes each

Cite the choreographer for each piece

Perform a turned-out single or double pirouette to the right and left

Additional Materials

Artist's Statement (Required)

350-word statement introducing you as a theatre artist

Include: your work ethic, unique qualities, what inspires you, why you want to study dance

Photos (Required)

Recent headshot — professional headshot not required

Full body shot (required for dance applicants)

Resume (Required)

Should include your work in dance

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

Two parts: group dance session followed by individual audition and faculty interview

All applicants must audition for 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

Training

Breadth of experiences in ballet, jazz, modern, tap, pedagogy, choreography, dance ministry, and dance history

Professional dancer faculty from Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, University of Utah, University of Arizona, and Sight and Sound Theatre

Three full-mounted dance concerts per year

Performance & Productions

Dance ministry groups: GiViM, Acclamation, and Footprintz

Perform in chapels, on-stage musicals, recitals, and on/off campus ministry opportunities

Facilities

Grace Pollock Dance Studio with sprung Marley dance surface, mirrors, bars, blackout curtains, and stage lighting

Athletic training support with weekly physical therapy and athletic training sessions

Study Abroad

Semester programs in the U.S. and abroad

Degree Flexibility

Option to double major with art, theatre, humanities, or business administration

Updated Sep 8, 1:15 AM