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Nebraska Wesleyan University

Lincoln, NEPrivateCity
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Program Characteristics

No Prescreen
Audition Required
Interview Required
In-Person or Virtual
University App Required
MTCP Participant

Program Highlights

TRAINING & PRODUCTIONS

30+ productions per year including at least four musicals annually
Performance experience begins first semester of freshman year
Training in acting, singing, and dancing in preparation for professional musical theatre career
74-credit-hour intensive program with 8 semesters of dance and voice lessons

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 major markets including Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, and internationally
Senior Showcase, Internship, or Senior Capstone options

Key Info

University App

Apply atCommon App
Deadline
Rolling

Program App

Apply atAcceptd

Audition Requirements

Songs

TWO CONTRASTING 16-32 BAR CUTS

ONE SONG from a pre-1980 musical
ONE SONG from a contemporary musical
Must provide own accompaniment for Zoom and Chicago Unified auditions
On-campus auditions: accompanist provided, bring sheet music
Monologues

ONE MONOLOGUE, 1 min max

From a published play
Should demonstrate range and emotional depth
Dance

DANCE AUDITION VIDEO, 45-75 sec

Short dance video demonstrating movement ability
Include a link to the video with your submission
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)

MTCP

Program follows the Musical Theatre Common Prescreen criteria via Acceptd

THESPIAN FESTIVAL AUDITIONS

Treated as pre-screen auditions only
Will NOT be considered for BFA Talent Scholarships alone

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
Accompanist provided for on-campus auditions

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