Michigan State University
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Program
No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredIn-Person or VirtualUnder 12 StudentsUniversity App RequiredStudy Abroad
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
No Audition
Interview Required
Under 12 Students
University App Required
Study Abroad
Program Highlights
TRAINING & CAREER PREP
•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
PROFESSIONAL CONNECTIONS
•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 & RESOURCES
•Calling station, existing prompt books, and production videos for simulating cue calling in the classroom
ALUMNI & STUDY AWAY
•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)
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atSchool Website
Apply atCommon App
Deadlines
Early ActionNov 1, 2025
PriorityFeb 1, 2026
RollingApr 1, 2026
Audition Requirements
•RESUME (submitted at least 24 hours before interview session)
•PORTFOLIO (submitted at least 24 hours before interview session)
-Your portfolio may include any information that showcases who you are as a student, person, creative, or manager
-Should showcase your interests and can relate to schoolwork, outside activities, work experiences, as related to theatre or not
-If you have previous theatre experience, include information from these projects in any format such as paperwork, sketches, or photos of a production
-Class projects and photos of production work are also encouraged for submission
-Feel free to choose a format or a mix of formats that is convenient for you, such as digital files, photos, sample materials in PDF or PowerPoint format, or a personal website
Good to Know
APPLICATION PROCESS
•Apply to MSU via Common App or MSU direct application — highly recommended before scheduling interview
•Submit application via Acceptd
IMPORTANT NOTES
•BFA acceptance is contingent upon meeting MSU's university admission standards
What's The Process
INTERVIEW FORMAT
•Interviews for the 2026-2027 academic year are by appointment
•Open to incoming freshmen, transfer students, and current MSU students
•RESUME and PORTFOLIO must be submitted at least 24 hours before the interview session
•Interviews last approximately one hour
SCHOLARSHIPS
•Applicants automatically considered for departmental scholarships at their interview
SCHEDULING
•To schedule an interview, contact Tina Newhauser at newhause@msu.edu
•No prescreen — everyone who wants to be seen has that opportunity
Scholarship Info
•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
Program info updated Mar 23, 11:44 PM
TRAINING & CAREER PREP
•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
PROFESSIONAL CONNECTIONS
•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 & RESOURCES
•Calling station, existing prompt books, and production videos for simulating cue calling in the classroom
ALUMNI & STUDY AWAY
•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)
Updated Mar 23, 11:44 PM
Academic School Information
3.74
Avg GPA (W)
85%
Admit Rate
81%
Grad Rate
40,922
Enrollment
$67,253
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$16,458
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$43,842
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$19,680
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$7,068
Family Income $30k - $48k$10,830
Family Income $48k - $75k$16,521
Family Income $75k - $110k$22,703
Family Income $110k+$28,546
