Northern Kentucky University
Test-Optional
Program
No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewIn-Person or VirtualUniversity App Required
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
No Interview
University App Required
Program Highlights
PROGRAM
•Largest theatre program in the state of Kentucky, housed in the NKU School of the Arts
•Pre-professional musical theatre training with integrated acting, singing, and dance
•Located minutes from downtown Cincinnati — access to a major professional theatre market
•78 total credits in the major
TRAINING
•Progressive musical theatre performance sequence through all four years with year-specific seminars
•Vocal techniques for the singing actor and musical skills training
•Integrated dance training: ballet, tap, jazz, and musical theatre dance
•Acting sequence through Acting III plus playscript analysis and theatre history
FACILITIES & OPPORTUNITIES
•Patricia A. Corbett Theatre — 319-seat proscenium with fly system and automated orchestra pit
•Stauss Theatre for intimate studio productions
•6–8 department productions per season including full-scale musicals (recent: Oklahoma!, Mamma Mia!, Anything Goes)
•Required production credits ensure performance experience every semester
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Kayla Pecchioni ('14) — Broadway: Paradise Square, Some Like It Hot
•John Ramsey — National tours: Jersey Boys (Tommy DeVito), The Lion King (Timon)
•Shane Ohmer — Associate Dance Captain, Broadway tour of The Phantom of the Opera
Key Info
Program AppApplication
Apply atAcceptd
Deadlines
Live audition sign-up (Nov)Nov 16, 2025
Video audition sign-up (Nov)Nov 20, 2025
Live audition sign-up (Mar)Mar 22, 2026
Video audition sign-up (Mar)Mar 26, 2026
Auditions
On-Campus (Dance & MT)Nov 21, 2025
On-CampusNov 22, 2025
On-CampusMar 27, 2026
Program Submission
Songs
ONE 32-BAR SELECTION
•Musical theatre song that reflects your strengths as an actor and singer
ONE 16-BAR SELECTION
•Song in a contrasting style
Monologues
ONE MONOLOGUE
•Not to exceed 60 seconds
•Choose material in your own age and type range
Dance
DANCE COMBINATION
•Use the combination video posted on the Acceptd page to learn the combination
•Submit a video of you performing the combination
Additional Materials
ARTIST STATEMENT VIDEO (2 min)
•Talk about yourself as an artist and what goals you have
Audition Requirements
Songs
ONE 32-BAR SELECTION
•Musical theatre song of your choice
•Faculty MAY ask you to perform an additional 16-bar selection in a contrasting style
ACCOMPANIMENT
•Professional accompanist provided
•Clean sheet music copies in the correct keys required
•No a cappella singing or recorded accompaniment permitted
Monologues
ONE MONOLOGUE
•Not to exceed 60 seconds
•Choose material in your own age and type range that best reveals your specific strengths and individuality
Dance
DANCE AUDITION
•Small group combination to be learned before or after initial audition/interview
•Dance clothes and shoes recommended
Good to Know
•Submit audition materials via Acceptd
•University application also required (Common App or NKU website)
What's The Process
LIVE AUDITION
•Expect to spend 60-120 minutes on campus
•Auditions are timed and stopped if they exceed limits
•Materials should have a strong beginning, middle, and end and not contain inappropriate content
VIDEO AUDITION
•Submit all materials via Acceptd: 32-bar song, 16-bar contrasting song, monologue, dance combo video, and artist statement
RESULTS
•Status letters posted via Acceptd within two weeks of audition date
•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
•Pre-professional musical theatre training with integrated acting, singing, and dance
•Located minutes from downtown Cincinnati — access to a major professional theatre market
•78 total credits in the major
TRAINING
•Progressive musical theatre performance sequence through all four years with year-specific seminars
•Vocal techniques for the singing actor and musical skills training
•Integrated dance training: ballet, tap, jazz, and musical theatre dance
•Acting sequence through Acting III plus playscript analysis and theatre history
FACILITIES & OPPORTUNITIES
•Patricia A. Corbett Theatre — 319-seat proscenium with fly system and automated orchestra pit
•Stauss Theatre for intimate studio productions
•6–8 department productions per season including full-scale musicals (recent: Oklahoma!, Mamma Mia!, Anything Goes)
•Required production credits ensure performance experience every semester
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Kayla Pecchioni ('14) — Broadway: Paradise Square, Some Like It Hot
•John Ramsey — National tours: Jersey Boys (Tommy DeVito), The Lion King (Timon)
•Shane Ohmer — Associate Dance Captain, Broadway tour of The Phantom of the Opera
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
