Pennsylvania State University
Test-OptionalGreek Life
Program
Prescreen RequiredGateway AuditionNo InterviewIn-Person OnlyUltra-SelectiveUnder 12 StudentsUniversity App Required
Program Characteristics
Prescreen Required
Gateway Audition
No Interview
Ultra-Selective
Under 12 Students
University App Required
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 & OPPORTUNITIES
•New Musicals Initiative commissions writers to create for students
•Musical Theatre Wellness Center (mental, physical, vocal, nutritional health)
•Penn State Centre Stage casting opportunities
PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY
•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
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
Early ActionNov 1, 2025
PriorityDec 1, 2025
Rolling
Domestic Fee
$65Waiver
International Fee
$75Waiver
Program AppApplication
Apply atAcceptd
Deadlines
PriorityNov 30, 2025
FinalDec 31, 2025
PrescreenDec 31, 2025
Auditions
On-Campus (University Park, PA)Jan 17, 2026
New York, NYJan 24–25, 2026
On-Campus (University Park, PA)Jan 31, 2026
Chicago UnifiedsFeb 2–6, 2026
Prescreen Requirements
No audition required to apply. Students audition for the program after enrolling at the university.
Songs
TWO VOCAL SELECTIONS, 60-90 sec each
•One UPTEMPO, one BALLAD
•One song MUST be written BEFORE 1970
•One filmed FULL/WAIST-UP, one filmed CLOSE-UP (your choice which)
•Use live or recorded accompaniment (no 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
Wildcard / Special Skill (Optional)
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
•resume
Callback 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 for both songs (accompanist provided)
•HEADSHOT and resume (bring copies to audition)
Good to Know
•Academic application due November 30 for priority consideration; final deadline December 31
•Your Penn State application must be COMPLETE before prescreen can be reviewed—check MyPennState portal
What's The Process
PRESCREEN DECISION SCHEDULE
•Submitted Aug 1 - Sep 30 → Decision October 13, 2025
•Submitted Oct 1 - Oct 31 → Decision November 17, 2025
•Submitted Nov 1 - Dec 31 → Decision January 12, 2026
LIVE AUDITION FORMAT
•Individual appointment: 2 songs + 1 monologue + brief conversation
•Dance call: Group combination taught on site
•Arrive 15 minutes early — bring headshot and resume
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
Program info updated 5d ago
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 & OPPORTUNITIES
•New Musicals Initiative commissions writers to create for students
•Musical Theatre Wellness Center (mental, physical, vocal, nutritional health)
•Penn State Centre Stage casting opportunities
PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY
•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
Updated 5d ago
Academic School Information
3.84
Avg GPA (W)
61%
Admit Rate
86%
Grad Rate
42,284
Enrollment
$63,435
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$20,644
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$41,790
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$32,875
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$19,845
Family Income $30k - $48k$20,049
Family Income $48k - $75k$25,667
Family Income $75k - $110k$31,834
Family Income $110k+$37,831
