Nebraska Wesleyan University
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Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
Interview Required
In-Person or Virtual
University App Required
Program Highlights
TRAINING & PRODUCTIONS
•30+ productions per year providing extensive performance opportunities
•Performance experience begins first semester of freshman year
•Training in Acting, Voice for the Stage, Stage Combat, Movement, Playing Shakespeare, and Acting for the Camera
•Work alongside guest professional artists
PROGRAM RECOGNITION
•Recipient of the Mayor's Arts Award for Artistic Achievement in the Performing Arts
FACILITIES
•Elder Theatre Center housing McDonald and Miller Theatres
CAREER PREPARATION
•Alumni working in Chicago, Minneapolis, Los Angeles, Seattle, Phoenix, New York, and internationally
•Senior Showcase capstone connects students with industry professionals
•69-credit-hour intensive program
Key Info
Program AppApplication
Apply atAcceptd
Audition Requirements
Monologues
TWO TO THREE CONTRASTING MONOLOGUES, 1 min each
•TWO CONTRASTING MONOLOGUES from contemporary or classic plays
-Full audition should total 2.5 to 3.5 minutes
•ONE SHAKESPEARE MONOLOGUE (optional but appreciated)
-20-30 lines of verse monologue or soliloquy
-May substitute any classic monologue (pre-1900)
Wildcard / Special Skill
N/A
Additional Materials
RESUME (required)
•Theatre resume with training and performance experience
HEADSHOT (required)
•Close-up photo
Good to Know
APPLICATION PROCESS
•Apply to NWU using the free online application
•Upload audition materials via Acceptd (optional if auditioning on campus)
•Follow up with Prof. Ryan Kathman to schedule campus visit or ask questions
THESPIAN FESTIVAL AUDITIONS
•Treated as pre-screen auditions only
•Will NOT be considered for BFA Talent Scholarships alone
•Acceptd submissions and the three other audition options are considered for scholarships
SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE
•Must be accepted by Admissions and complete audition/interview by June 1 to be considered for talent scholarship
What's The Process
AUDITION FORMAT
•On-campus auditions individually scheduled September through April
•Zoom auditions available upon request
•May also include improvisation and movement if conducted in person
SPECIAL BFA AUDITION DAYS
•December 6, 2025
•February 21, 2026
•BFA candidates highly encouraged to attend one of these dates
CHICAGO UNIFIED AUDITIONS
•February 2-4, 2026 at Palmer House Hilton
•Must provide own accompaniment at Unifieds
NOTIFICATION
•Admission decisions begin December 2025
•Decisions continue once or twice monthly through May 2026
CONTACT
•Ryan Kathman, Director of Recruitment: rkathman@nebrwesleyan.edu
•Theatre Department: theatre@nebrwesleyan.edu | (402) 465-2395
Scholarship Info
•Theatre scholarships based on talent, academic record, and leadership potential
•Need-based grants and loans also available
•Must complete audition/interview by June 1 to be considered
•Financial aid packages awarded after formal admission and audition completion
Program info updated Today
Academic School Information
3.63
Avg GPA (W)
84%
Admit Rate
64%
Grad Rate
1,514
Enrollment
$56,405
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$41,658
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$23,140
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.
Annual Cost by Family Income
Family Income $0 - $30k$20,377
Family Income $30k - $48k$18,737
Family Income $48k - $75k$19,482
Family Income $75k - $110k$24,859
Family Income $110k+$27,670
