Northern Kentucky University
Test-Optional
Program
No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredIn-Person or VirtualUniversity App Required
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
No Audition
Interview Required
University App Required
Program Highlights
PROGRAM
•Largest theatre program in the state of Kentucky, housed in the NKU School of the Arts
•Dedicated BFA in Stage Management — one of few standalone undergraduate SM degrees in the region
•Located minutes from downtown Cincinnati — access to a major professional theatre market
•72 total credits in the major
TRAINING
•Introduction to Stage Management plus three semesters of Stage Management Practicum
•Cross-disciplinary coursework: ballet, musical skills, directing, and theatre management
•Stagecraft II and stage combat training broaden technical fluency
•Recommended elective tracks in communication (interpersonal, organizational) or design
FACILITIES & OPPORTUNITIES
•Patricia A. Corbett Theatre — 319-seat proscenium with fly system and automated orchestra pit
•Stauss Theatre for studio-scale productions
•6–8 department productions per season; required production credits build professional SM portfolios
•Proximity to Cincinnati professional companies for networking and internships
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Andrew Bacigalupo ('07) — AEA Stage Manager; Production Stage Manager for Disney's Aladdin national tour
Key Info
Program AppApplication
Apply atAcceptd
Deadlines
Live interview sign-up (Nov)Nov 16, 2025
Video submission deadline (Nov)Nov 20, 2025
Live interview sign-up (Mar)Mar 22, 2026
Video submission deadline (Mar)Mar 26, 2026
Auditions
On-CampusNov 22, 2025
On-CampusMar 27, 2026
Program Submission
DIGITAL PORTFOLIO
•Upload portfolio and supporting materials to Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, or other storage service
•Submit a document with the link via Acceptd
•Include prompt scripts, concept narratives, and any relevant work samples
PORTFOLIO VIDEO (max 10 min)
•Video of you describing the highlights of your portfolio
•Walk through your work onscreen, as a PowerPoint with audio, or similar technique
•Discuss how the work was created and what you are most proud of
ARTIST STATEMENT VIDEO (2 min)
•Talk about yourself as an artist and what goals you have
Audition Requirements
Additional Materials
PORTFOLIO PRESENTATION
•Presentation of support materials: prompt scripts, concept narratives, etc.
•Notify ahead of time if you need computer/projection equipment
•A Windows laptop, projector, and screen will be provided
INTERVIEW
•With faculty
Good to Know
•Submit portfolio and application via Acceptd
•University application also required (Common App or NKU website)
What's The Process
LIVE INTERVIEW
•Expect to spend 30-60 minutes on campus
•Portfolio presentation followed by interview
VIDEO SUBMISSION
•Submit digital portfolio link, portfolio walkthrough video, and artist statement via Acceptd
RESULTS
•Status letters posted via Acceptd within two weeks
•Successful candidates must declare intentions via Acceptd by May 1
Scholarship Info
TALENT SCHOLARSHIPS
•Handled by the Theatre & Dance Program
•Automatically considered when you audition/interview for the BFA
•Notification only if awarded
•Award letters from Fall Auditions mailed by Jan 15
ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS
•Including GSA and GSP — handled by admissions and financial aid
Program info updated Mar 23, 1:01 AM
PROGRAM
•Largest theatre program in the state of Kentucky, housed in the NKU School of the Arts
•Dedicated BFA in Stage Management — one of few standalone undergraduate SM degrees in the region
•Located minutes from downtown Cincinnati — access to a major professional theatre market
•72 total credits in the major
TRAINING
•Introduction to Stage Management plus three semesters of Stage Management Practicum
•Cross-disciplinary coursework: ballet, musical skills, directing, and theatre management
•Stagecraft II and stage combat training broaden technical fluency
•Recommended elective tracks in communication (interpersonal, organizational) or design
FACILITIES & OPPORTUNITIES
•Patricia A. Corbett Theatre — 319-seat proscenium with fly system and automated orchestra pit
•Stauss Theatre for studio-scale productions
•6–8 department productions per season; required production credits build professional SM portfolios
•Proximity to Cincinnati professional companies for networking and internships
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Andrew Bacigalupo ('07) — AEA Stage Manager; Production Stage Manager for Disney's Aladdin national tour
Updated Mar 23, 1:01 AM
Academic School Information
3.35
Avg GPA (W)
68%
Admit Rate
50%
Grad Rate
8,246
Enrollment
$50,220
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$11,088
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$21,912
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$8,191
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.
Family Income $0 - $30k$2,603
Family Income $30k - $48k$3,630
Family Income $48k - $75k$6,761
Family Income $75k - $110k$12,679
Family Income $110k+$14,522
