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)
TRAINING
•Foundational and intimate knowledge of the theatrical process
•Coursework in directing theory, acting, design, and production
•Apply skills to studio projects and fully mounted productions
•Senior Capstone Project: direct a fully mounted one-act play
STUDY ABROAD
•Gaiety School of Acting, Dublin; Royal Holloway, University of London; Wesley Institute, Sydney
•Enrichment typically during junior year
STUDENT LIFE
•Alpha Psi Omega — National Theatre Honor Society chapter
•Rogue Theatre Festival (student-run) each spring
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
Monologues
ONE CONTEMPORARY MONOLOGUE, 90 sec max
•From a contemporary play
•Must be memorized
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 theatre
•Indicate interest in the directing emphasis
WRITTEN COMPONENT (required)
•Choose one of the following options:
-Option 1: 500-word director's concept statement for a realized or unrealized production
-Option 2: 500-word response to a director's choices in a production you recently attended
•Must be submitted 10 business days before scheduled portfolio review
PHOTO (required)
•Recent photo — professional headshot not required
RESUME (required)
•Should include your work in theatre
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
•Perform one contemporary monologue, present written component, and interview with department faculty
•All applicants must audition for and interview with the department's 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)
TRAINING
•Foundational and intimate knowledge of the theatrical process
•Coursework in directing theory, acting, design, and production
•Apply skills to studio projects and fully mounted productions
•Senior Capstone Project: direct a fully mounted one-act play
STUDY ABROAD
•Gaiety School of Acting, Dublin; Royal Holloway, University of London; Wesley Institute, Sydney
•Enrichment typically during junior year
STUDENT LIFE
•Alpha Psi Omega — National Theatre Honor Society chapter
•Rogue Theatre Festival (student-run) each spring
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
