Pepperdine University
Faith-BasedTest-OptionalGreek Life
Program
Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredInterview RequiredIn-Person or VirtualUniversity App Required
Program Characteristics
Prescreen Required
Audition Required
Interview Required
University App Required
Program Highlights
TRAINING
•BA degree with emphasis in musical theatre within Pepperdine's Fine Arts Division
•Integrated training in singing, acting, and dance
•Music Fundamentals curriculum alongside performance training
PRODUCTIONS & VENUES
•Five major productions annually including musicals
•Smothers Theatre (450 seats), considered one of the finest theatres of its size in Los Angeles
•Raitt Recital Hall (118 seats), donated by legendary Broadway star John Raitt
STUDY ABROAD
•Edinburgh Summer Program at the International Edinburgh Fringe Festival (bi-annual, since 1985)
•Scotsman's Fringe First Award recipient
SCHOLARSHIPS
•~75% of theatre majors receive scholarships
•Automatic scholarship consideration through audition
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Tasia Jungbauer — Broadway understudy in Moulin Rouge (Satine, Arabia, La Chocolat); principal vocalist for Norwegian Cruise Lines and Universal Studios
•Dino Nicandros — John Raitt Award recipient for Les Miserables; Sundance premiere The Infiltrators (Next Audience and Next Innovator awards)
•Katharine McDonough — regional leads including Marian Paroo in The Music Man, Eliza in My Fair Lady, and Elsa in Frozen; Artistic Director of Contempo Productions
•Tim Campbell — singer with LA Opera and Los Angeles Master Chorale; narrated 450+ audiobooks; vocal credits on Star Wars IX and Venom
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
Early ActionNov 1, 2025
Early DecisionNov 1, 2025
Regular DecisionJan 15, 2026
Fee
$70Waiver
Program AppApplication
Deadlines
Fine Arts Application (Early Action)Nov 12, 2025
Fine Arts Application (Regular Decision)Jan 28, 2026
Auditions
Live Audition Day — Early Action (virtual only)Nov 1, 2025
Live Audition Day — Early Action (virtual or in-person)Nov 15, 2025
Live Audition Day — Regular Decision (virtual only)Jan 17, 2026
Live Audition Day — Regular Decision (virtual or in-person)Jan 31, 2026
Prescreen Requirements
Songs
TWO CONTRASTING SONGS
•Two selections that contrast in style, tempo, or era
•Must sing with accompaniment (no a cappella)
ACCOMPANIMENT OPTIONS
•In-person accompanist (preferred)
•High-quality piano accompanying app
•Pre-recorded accompaniment tracks
•Self-accompaniment at piano
Monologues
ONE MONOLOGUE
•One monologue selection
•All material must be memorized
Dance
DANCE VIDEO
•Submit a recorded dance video as part of your performance portfolio
Additional Materials
THEATRE RESUME (required)
•Standard theatre resume
TWO FINE ARTS LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION (required)
MUSIC FUNDAMENTALS AND SKILLS ASSESSMENT (required)
•Two-hour exam
•Can be completed prior to or immediately following live audition
Callback Requirements
Songs
SONG REPERTOIRE
•Perform a selection of your song repertoire
•Same requirements as recorded audition
•May use same selections or choose different repertoire
ACCOMPANIMENT (IN-PERSON)
•Accompanist provided
•Bring legible sheet music in a binder
•Beginnings and endings clearly marked
•Must include vocal line and piano accompaniment
ACCOMPANIMENT (ZOOM)
•In-person accompanist (preferred), piano app, pre-recorded tracks, or self-accompaniment
Monologues
MONOLOGUE
•May be asked to perform monologue during live audition
•Same requirements as recorded audition
•May use same or different selection
Good to Know
APPLICATION PROCESS
•Apply to Seaver College via Common App
•Complete Fine Arts supplemental application in your Pepperdine Application Portal
•Submit all supplementary materials by the deadline
IMPORTANT NOTES
•Live audition is mandatory (in-person or Zoom)
•Music Fundamentals and Skills Assessment is required
•Applicants experiencing hardship may contact the Fine Arts Recruitment Office for accommodations
•Virtual and in-person auditions are treated equitably
What's The Process
PRESCREEN
•Upload recorded audition materials through the Pepperdine Application Portal by the application deadline
•Submit each piece as a separate video file, unedited and uninterrupted
•Include a short video introduction with your name, recording date(s), and selections
•Full body in frame for all performance videos
LIVE AUDITION (REQUIRED)
•Must participate in a live audition, either in-person or via Zoom
•Perform a selection of your song repertoire (may be asked to perform monologue)
•Same repertoire requirements as recorded audition
•Followed by a brief interview with music faculty
IN-PERSON LOGISTICS
•Arrive 15 minutes prior to audition time
•Accompanist provided; bring legible sheet music in a binder with beginnings and endings clearly marked
•Sheet music must include vocal line and piano accompaniment
•May bring your own accompanist
•Music Fundamentals and Skills Assessment immediately following audition (2 hours)
•Practice rooms may be available
•Contact: fineartsrecruit@pepperdine.edu or 310.506.4111
Scholarship Info
FINE ARTS SCHOLARSHIPS
•Approximately 75% of all theatre majors receive theatre scholarships of varying amounts
•Automatically considered for Fine Arts scholarships by auditioning (opt-out available)
•No additional scholarship application required
Program info updated Mar 24, 12:24 AM
TRAINING
•BA degree with emphasis in musical theatre within Pepperdine's Fine Arts Division
•Integrated training in singing, acting, and dance
•Music Fundamentals curriculum alongside performance training
PRODUCTIONS & VENUES
•Five major productions annually including musicals
•Smothers Theatre (450 seats), considered one of the finest theatres of its size in Los Angeles
•Raitt Recital Hall (118 seats), donated by legendary Broadway star John Raitt
STUDY ABROAD
•Edinburgh Summer Program at the International Edinburgh Fringe Festival (bi-annual, since 1985)
•Scotsman's Fringe First Award recipient
SCHOLARSHIPS
•~75% of theatre majors receive scholarships
•Automatic scholarship consideration through audition
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Tasia Jungbauer — Broadway understudy in Moulin Rouge (Satine, Arabia, La Chocolat); principal vocalist for Norwegian Cruise Lines and Universal Studios
•Dino Nicandros — John Raitt Award recipient for Les Miserables; Sundance premiere The Infiltrators (Next Audience and Next Innovator awards)
•Katharine McDonough — regional leads including Marian Paroo in The Music Man, Eliza in My Fair Lady, and Elsa in Frozen; Artistic Director of Contempo Productions
•Tim Campbell — singer with LA Opera and Los Angeles Master Chorale; narrated 450+ audiobooks; vocal credits on Star Wars IX and Venom
Updated Mar 24, 12:24 AM
Academic School Information
3.61
Avg GPA (W)
63%
Admit Rate
84%
Grad Rate
3,553
Enrollment
$82,939
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$69,918
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$58,098
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$50,560
Family Income $30k - $48k$42,674
Family Income $48k - $75k$51,063
Family Income $75k - $110k$61,851
Family Income $110k+$65,081
