Nebraska Wesleyan University
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Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
Interview Required
In-Person or Virtual
University App Required
Program Highlights
CUSTOMIZABLE DEGREE
•Work with advisors to build an individualized course of study in two focus areas
•Combine areas such as acting + design, musical theatre + playwriting, or directing + arts management
•Choose from: Acting, Design and Technology, Directing, Musical Theatre, Playwriting, Arts Leadership, Arts Management
•Each focus area includes at least 17 credit hours with 6 at upper levels
TRAINING & PRODUCTIONS
•30+ productions per year providing hands-on experience across disciplines
•Experience begins first semester of freshman year
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
Key Info
Program AppApplication
Apply atAcceptd
Audition Requirements
RESUME (required)
•Theatre resume with training and performance/production experience
HEADSHOT (required for performance-focused applicants)
•Close-up photo
PORTFOLIO (required for design/directing-focused applicants)
•Work examples relevant to chosen focus areas
Good to Know
APPLICATION PROCESS
•Apply to NWU using the free online application
•Upload audition/portfolio materials via Acceptd (optional if presenting on campus)
DEGREE PROPOSAL
•Must write a proposal for your individualized course of study
•Proposal reviewed and approved by theatre faculty
•Each focus area should include at least 17 hours with 6 at upper levels (3000-4000)
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/PORTFOLIO REVIEW & INTERVIEW
•Audition or portfolio requirements depend on chosen focus areas
•Performance-focused applicants: prepare monologues and/or songs per Acting or MT guidelines
•Design/directing-focused applicants: present portfolio per D&T or Directing guidelines
•Interview is an informal conversation about your proposed individualized course of study
•Must submit a written proposal reviewed and approved by theatre faculty
SPECIAL BFA AUDITION DAYS
•December 6, 2025
•February 21, 2026
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 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
