Public school40.9K

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI

Test-OptionalGreek LifeLGBTQ+

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Under 12 StudentsStudy Abroad

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Under 12 StudentsStudy Abroad

Browse programs

Quick links

BFA Stage Management

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Under 12 StudentsStudy Abroad

Notable Alumni

Alumni working as associate technical producers, production coordinators, and stage managers in Chicago, NYC, and beyond

Study abroad and away opportunities through the department (300+ programs at MSU)

Professional Development

BFA in Stage Management trains students for careers in both performance and business/corporate theatre

Students gain experience managing MainStage productions as well as student, dance, and opera productions

Business theatre (industrials/corporate theatre) experiential learning including high-profile arts and business events

Students have assisted as stage managers for major corporate events such as brand launch events in NYC

Students attend the Broadway Stage Managers Symposium in NYC

Partnership with Williamston Theatre, a local professional Equity theatre

Students may join the Actors' Equity Association Equity Membership Candidacy (EMC) Program

"School of Choice" approach benefits from graduate mentors in the MFA programs

Facilities

Calling station, existing prompt books, and production videos for simulating cue calling in the classroom

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.74

Admit rate

85%

school-wide

Grad rate

81%

Enrollment

40.9K

Earnings

$67K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$17,374

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$44,758

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$36,962

Before aid

Average net price

$19,680

After aid

Manage Aid · finaid.msu.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Sep 3, 7:54 PM

Program Highlights

Notable Alumni

Alumni working as associate technical producers, production coordinators, and stage managers in Chicago, NYC, and beyond

Study abroad and away opportunities through the department (300+ programs at MSU)

Professional Development

BFA in Stage Management trains students for careers in both performance and business/corporate theatre

Students gain experience managing MainStage productions as well as student, dance, and opera productions

Business theatre (industrials/corporate theatre) experiential learning including high-profile arts and business events

Students have assisted as stage managers for major corporate events such as brand launch events in NYC

Students attend the Broadway Stage Managers Symposium in NYC

Partnership with Williamston Theatre, a local professional Equity theatre

Students may join the Actors' Equity Association Equity Membership Candidacy (EMC) Program

"School of Choice" approach benefits from graduate mentors in the MFA programs

Facilities

Calling station, existing prompt books, and production videos for simulating cue calling in the classroom

Program Highlights

Notable Alumni

Alumni working as associate technical producers, production coordinators, and stage managers in Chicago, NYC, and beyond

Study abroad and away opportunities through the department (300+ programs at MSU)

Professional Development

BFA in Stage Management trains students for careers in both performance and business/corporate theatre

Students gain experience managing MainStage productions as well as student, dance, and opera productions

Business theatre (industrials/corporate theatre) experiential learning including high-profile arts and business events

Students have assisted as stage managers for major corporate events such as brand launch events in NYC

Students attend the Broadway Stage Managers Symposium in NYC

Partnership with Williamston Theatre, a local professional Equity theatre

Students may join the Actors' Equity Association Equity Membership Candidacy (EMC) Program

"School of Choice" approach benefits from graduate mentors in the MFA programs

Facilities

Calling station, existing prompt books, and production videos for simulating cue calling in the classroom

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2027

University AppApplication

Apply

School Website Common App Coalition App

Fee

$75

Deadline

Early ActionNov 1, 2026

Regular Decision PriorityFeb 1, 2027

Regular Decision FinalApr 1, 2027

Dates And Deadlines · admissions.msu.edu

Program AppApplication

Apply

Fee

$35

Deadline

Application DeadlineMar 1, 2027

Auditions

On-Campus Interviews

Nov 21, 2026Feb 20, 2027

Application portal · Acceptd

Interview Requirements

Resume (Required)

Portfolio (Required)

Portfolio content: showcase your interests through schoolwork, outside activities, or work experiences, theatre-related or not

If you have previous theatre experience, include project paperwork, sketches, or production photos

Class projects, production-work photos, digital files, PDFs, PowerPoint files, or a personal website are all acceptable

BFA Audition Requirements · theatre.msu.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Apply to MSU via the Common App, MSU application, or Coalition with Scoir

The first-year Fall 2027 MSU application is now open

BFA candidates apply, audition, or interview through Acceptd; the Department of Theatre's Fall 2027 Acceptd portal is open for submissions

The Department of Theatre's Fall 2027 Acceptd application closes March 1, 2027

Important Notes

BFA acceptance is contingent upon meeting MSU university admission standards

Applicants are considered for departmental scholarships through their audition or interview

Stage Management interview scheduling questions go to Tina Newhauser at newhause@msu.edu

What's The Process

Audition Process

BFA Stage Management uses a portfolio interview rather than a performance audition

In-person interviews for the 2027 – 2028 academic year for incoming freshmen and transfer students are held on November 21, 2026 and February 20, 2027 on MSU's campus

Interviews are by appointment — contact Tina Newhauser at newhause@msu.edu to schedule

Audition Expectations

Submit a resume and portfolio at least 24 hours before the interview session

Portfolio materials may include paperwork, sketches, photos, class projects, production work, PDFs, slides, or a personal website

Interviews last approximately one hour

Contact Tina Newhauser at newhause@msu.edu with questions

Scholarship Info

Departmental Scholarships

Several scholarships available for incoming students

Automatically considered at interview

Must apply to MSU indicating Theatre major

Requires 12+ credits/semester and 3.0 GPA for renewal

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.74

Admit rate

85%

school-wide

Grad rate

81%

Enrollment

40.9K

Earnings

$67K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$17,374

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$44,758

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$36,962

Before aid

Average net price

$19,680

After aid

Manage Aid · finaid.msu.edu College Scorecard

Notable Alumni

Alumni working as associate technical producers, production coordinators, and stage managers in Chicago, NYC, and beyond

Study abroad and away opportunities through the department (300+ programs at MSU)

Professional Development

BFA in Stage Management trains students for careers in both performance and business/corporate theatre

Students gain experience managing MainStage productions as well as student, dance, and opera productions

Business theatre (industrials/corporate theatre) experiential learning including high-profile arts and business events

Students have assisted as stage managers for major corporate events such as brand launch events in NYC

Students attend the Broadway Stage Managers Symposium in NYC

Partnership with Williamston Theatre, a local professional Equity theatre

Students may join the Actors' Equity Association Equity Membership Candidacy (EMC) Program

"School of Choice" approach benefits from graduate mentors in the MFA programs

Facilities

Calling station, existing prompt books, and production videos for simulating cue calling in the classroom

Updated Sep 3, 7:54 PM