Nebraska Wesleyan University
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Program Characteristics
Prescreen Required
No Audition
Interview Required
In-Person or Virtual
University App Required
Program Highlights
TRAINING & PRODUCTIONS
•30+ productions per year with directing opportunities as early as sophomore year
•69-credit-hour program covering Acting, Stagecraft, Playwriting, Stage Combat, Shakespeare, and advanced Directing courses
•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
•Internship or Senior Capstone options integrating cumulative knowledge
•Alumni working professionally across the country
Key Info
Program AppApplication
Apply atAcceptd
Prescreen Requirements
PORTFOLIO (required)
•Photographs, prompt-scripts, slides, and/or drawings of production work (realized or conceptual)
•Examples of related skills: painting, drawing, digital design
DIRECTORIAL CONCEPT ESSAY (optional)
•1-2 page essay describing a directorial concept for a prospective or realized production
RESUME (required)
•Theatre resume with directing and production credits
Good to Know
APPLICATION PROCESS
•Apply to NWU using the free online application
•Upload portfolio materials via Acceptd (optional if presenting on campus)
THESPIAN FESTIVAL AUDITIONS
•Treated as pre-screen only — will NOT be considered for BFA Talent Scholarships alone
SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE
•Must be accepted by Admissions and complete portfolio review/interview by June 1 to be considered for talent scholarship
What's The Process
PORTFOLIO REVIEW & INTERVIEW
•Present portfolio of work and directorial concept on campus, via Zoom, or through Acceptd
•Interview is an informal conversation to discuss mutual fit and directing interests
•For Acceptd submissions, a follow-up Zoom interview and/or additional material may be requested
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
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 portfolio review/interview by June 1 to be considered
•Financial aid packages awarded after formal admission and completion of review process
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
