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Pennsylvania State University

University Park, PA

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program profile

Ultra-Selective12-24 Students

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program profile

Ultra-Selective12-24 Students

Browse programs

Quick links

BFA Musical Theatre

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program profile

Ultra-Selective12-24 Students

Program Recognition

Recognized as one of the finest MT training programs in the nation

Ranked No. 7 by Playbill for most Broadway actors (2023-24 season)

Faculty ratio: 13 faculty to 49 students — highly individualized training

Training

New Musicals Initiative commissions writers to create for students

Musical Theatre Wellness Center (mental, physical, vocal, nutritional health)

Penn State Centre Stage casting opportunities

Pre-1970 song requirement — they value traditional and contemporary vocalism

Notable Alumni

Caroline Bowman — Elphaba in Wicked on Broadway

Talia Suskauer — Elphaba in Wicked on Broadway

Keely Beirne — Aladdin on Broadway

Audrey Cardwell — Shucked on Broadway

Kevin Clay — The Book of Mormon on Broadway

Laurie Veldheer — original Broadway cast of Newsies

Nathan Lucrezio — Aladdin, Cinderella on Broadway

Carly Hughes — The Book of Mormon, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, and Kinky Boots on Broadway

Verified Recent Class Sizes

Class of 2030: 12 students

Class of 2029: 11 students

Class of 2028: 14 students

Class of 2027: 13 students

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.84

Admit rate

61%

school-wide

Grad rate

86%

Enrollment

42.3K

Earnings

$63K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$21,518

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$45,214

Before aid

Average net price

$32,875

After aid

Rates Effective 2026 Fall Semester · tuition.psu.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Aug 29, 11:50 PM

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Recognized as one of the finest MT training programs in the nation

Ranked No. 7 by Playbill for most Broadway actors (2023-24 season)

Faculty ratio: 13 faculty to 49 students — highly individualized training

Training

New Musicals Initiative commissions writers to create for students

Musical Theatre Wellness Center (mental, physical, vocal, nutritional health)

Penn State Centre Stage casting opportunities

Pre-1970 song requirement — they value traditional and contemporary vocalism

Notable Alumni

Caroline Bowman — Elphaba in Wicked on Broadway

Talia Suskauer — Elphaba in Wicked on Broadway

Keely Beirne — Aladdin on Broadway

Audrey Cardwell — Shucked on Broadway

Kevin Clay — The Book of Mormon on Broadway

Laurie Veldheer — original Broadway cast of Newsies

Nathan Lucrezio — Aladdin, Cinderella on Broadway

Carly Hughes — The Book of Mormon, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, and Kinky Boots on Broadway

Verified Recent Class Sizes

Class of 2030: 12 students

Class of 2029: 11 students

Class of 2028: 14 students

Class of 2027: 13 students

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Recognized as one of the finest MT training programs in the nation

Ranked No. 7 by Playbill for most Broadway actors (2023-24 season)

Faculty ratio: 13 faculty to 49 students — highly individualized training

Training

New Musicals Initiative commissions writers to create for students

Musical Theatre Wellness Center (mental, physical, vocal, nutritional health)

Penn State Centre Stage casting opportunities

Pre-1970 song requirement — they value traditional and contemporary vocalism

Notable Alumni

Caroline Bowman — Elphaba in Wicked on Broadway

Talia Suskauer — Elphaba in Wicked on Broadway

Keely Beirne — Aladdin on Broadway

Audrey Cardwell — Shucked on Broadway

Kevin Clay — The Book of Mormon on Broadway

Laurie Veldheer — original Broadway cast of Newsies

Nathan Lucrezio — Aladdin, Cinderella on Broadway

Carly Hughes — The Book of Mormon, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, and Kinky Boots on Broadway

Verified Recent Class Sizes

Class of 2030: 12 students

Class of 2029: 11 students

Class of 2028: 14 students

Class of 2027: 13 students

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2027

University AppApplication

Apply

School Website Common App

Fees

Domestic Fee

$65

International Fee

$75

Opens

Aug 1, 2026

Deadline

Priority academic application — complete before prescreen reviewNov 30, 2026

Final academic application and prescreenDec 31, 2026

Musical Theatre Admission Information · arts.psu.edu

Program AppApplication

Order

The university application must be submitted before the prescreen.

Apply

Acceptd

Opens

Aug 1, 2026

Deadline

PriorityNov 30, 2026

FinalPrescreenDec 31, 2026

Auditions

On-Campus (University Park, PA)

Dec 5, 2026Jan 30, 2027Feb 6, 13 & 20, 2027

New York, NYJan 23–24, 2027

Chicago, ILFeb 1–5, 2027

Musical Theatre Admission Information · arts.psu.edu

Prescreen Requirements

Songs

Two Vocal Selections

Prepare 2 selections, 60-90 seconds each

Choose 1 uptempo selection and 1 ballad

One selection must be written before 1970

Framing

Film one selection in a full or waist-up frame and one in close-up

You may choose which song uses which frame

Accompaniment

Use live or recorded accompaniment

Do not sing a cappella

Monologues

One Contemporary Monologue, 60-90 Sec

From a published play written after 1950

Film in CLOSE-UP (top of head to chest visible)

Dance

Dance Video, 30-60 Sec

Dance in your strongest discipline

Jazz, ballet, tap, modern, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary, or cultural styles

No barre work

Prescreen

No more than 60 seconds

Anything you want to share about who you are as a person

Penn State loves getting to know you!

Additional Materials

Headshot/Photo

Upload a current headshot or photo

Resume

Upload a current resume

Application portal · Acceptd

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Audition Requirements

Songs

Two Vocal Selections

Same two songs from prescreen

Accompanist provided at all locations — bring sheet music

Monologues

One Monologue

Same monologue from prescreen

Dance

Group Dance Call

Taught a combination, then performed in groups of 3-4

Attire

Wear comfortable dance/athletic clothing

Footwear

Bring multiple shoe options (character shoes, jazz sneakers)

Additional Materials

Sheet Music

Bring sheet music for both songs; accompanist provided

Headshot / Photo

Bring one hard copy of your headshot to the audition

Resume

Bring one hard copy of your resume to the audition

Application portal · Acceptd

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Apply to Penn State through the Common App or MyPennState

Penn State application must be complete before the prescreen can be reviewed

Check MyPennState for application status

Important Notes

Priority consideration for first-year admission to University Park is November 30

Final application and prescreen deadline is December 31

Transfer students with 34+ credits should contact Shannon Ritter before applying

What's The Process

Audition Process

Submitted between August 1 and September 30: decision sent October 12, 2026

Submitted between October 1 and October 31: decision sent November 16, 2026

Submitted between November 1 and December 31: decision sent January 11, 2027

Audition Expectations

Individual appointment includes two songs, one monologue, and a brief conversation

Dance call: group combination taught on site and performed in small groups

School provides an accompanist for vocal selections

Do not prepare a slate for the live audition

Contact

Shannon Ritter, Admissions and Recruitment Coordinator: shannon@psu.edu

Scholarship Info

College Scholarships

Incoming students are automatically considered for available College of Arts & Architecture scholarships

No separate scholarship audition required

Complete academic application by November 30 for maximum financial aid consideration

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.84

Admit rate

61%

school-wide

Grad rate

86%

Enrollment

42.3K

Earnings

$63K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$21,518

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$45,214

Before aid

Average net price

$32,875

After aid

Rates Effective 2026 Fall Semester · tuition.psu.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

Recognized as one of the finest MT training programs in the nation

Ranked No. 7 by Playbill for most Broadway actors (2023-24 season)

Faculty ratio: 13 faculty to 49 students — highly individualized training

Training

New Musicals Initiative commissions writers to create for students

Musical Theatre Wellness Center (mental, physical, vocal, nutritional health)

Penn State Centre Stage casting opportunities

Pre-1970 song requirement — they value traditional and contemporary vocalism

Notable Alumni

Caroline Bowman — Elphaba in Wicked on Broadway

Talia Suskauer — Elphaba in Wicked on Broadway

Keely Beirne — Aladdin on Broadway

Audrey Cardwell — Shucked on Broadway

Kevin Clay — The Book of Mormon on Broadway

Laurie Veldheer — original Broadway cast of Newsies

Nathan Lucrezio — Aladdin, Cinderella on Broadway

Carly Hughes — The Book of Mormon, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, and Kinky Boots on Broadway

Verified Recent Class Sizes

Class of 2030: 12 students

Class of 2029: 11 students

Class of 2028: 14 students

Class of 2027: 13 students

Updated Aug 29, 11:50 PM