Niagara University
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Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
No Interview
In-Person Only
University App Required
Program Highlights
TRAINING PHILOSOPHY
•Conservatory-style training within a liberal arts education
•One of the oldest professional theatre training programs in the region
•Active since 1964
CURRICULUM
•Classes in acting, voice, and dance/movement every semester
•Specialized courses in commedia dell'arte, dialects, directing, physical theatre, speech, and stage combat
•73 credit hours in theatre courses
PRODUCTIONS & PERFORMANCE
•8 student productions per season at the Elizabeth Ann Clune Center for Theatre
•Hands-on practicum assignments each semester
•Senior Showcase in Buffalo and NYC
OPPORTUNITIES
•Study abroad in London (6 weeks, 12 credits), Florence, and Rome
•Powerhouse Theatre at Vassar College — full-tuition summer scholarship
•Alumni network spanning Broadway, TV, film, and radio
•M.S.Ed. Theatre Education (4+1 accelerated pathway, 100% online)
Key Info
Program AppApplication
Auditions
On-Campus Audition/Interview DayFeb 1, 2026
On-Campus Audition/Interview DayFeb 15, 2026
Audition Requirements
Monologues
ONE MONOLOGUE, 1 min (not to exceed 2 min)
•Your choice from a published play
•Prepared and memorized
Songs
ONE SONG, 32-64 bars
•Preferably from a musical
Dance
MOVEMENT ASSESSMENT
•Taught combination during audition day
•No advance preparation required
Wildcard / Special Skill
N/A
Good to Know
ENROLLMENT
•Rolling admissions — apply at any time
•No application fee
•Fall and spring enrollment available
APPLICATION PROCESS
•Apply via Common App or the Niagara University application portal
•Schedule audition separately via the NU audition portal
What's The Process
AUDITION FORMAT
•In-person audition on campus
•Three components: monologue, song, and movement assessment
•Schedule your audition via the NU audition portal
AUDITION DATES
•Spring audition days held in February
•Required for all prospective and transfer students
DECISION TIMELINE
•Admission decisions typically within 3-4 weeks
Scholarship Info
LAFALCE THEATRE STUDIES SCHOLARSHIP
•$5,000 renewable award
•Awarded based on audition/interview performance
MARY M. WILLIAMS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
•$5,000 renewable award
•Awarded to outstanding theatre students
POWERHOUSE THEATRE AT VASSAR
•Full-tuition scholarship and board
•Competitive summer intensive at Vassar College
Program info updated Yesterday
Academic School Information
3.51
Avg GPA (W)
85%
Admit Rate
71%
Grad Rate
2,713
Enrollment
$56,196
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$38,135
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$18,740
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$10,441
Family Income $30k - $48k$12,613
Family Income $48k - $75k$17,100
Family Income $75k - $110k$21,369
Family Income $110k+$23,715
