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Rockford University

Rockford, IL

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Program

Concentration

ProgramOfficial Program Page

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Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Study Abroad

Program

Concentration

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Study Abroad

Browse programs

Concentrations

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BFA Theatre

Musical Theatre Performance

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Study Abroad

Quick Links

BFA Theatre

Musical Theatre Performance

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Study Abroad

Quick Links

BFA Theatre

Acting/Directing

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Study Abroad

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BFA Theatre

Theatre Management

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Study Abroad

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BFA Theatre

Design and Production

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Study Abroad

Quick Links

BA/BS Theatre Arts

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenScholarship AuditionScholarship InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Study Abroad

Training

•Integrated studies in music, dance, and theatre

•Required to audition for every main-stage production

•Encouraged to audition for Three-Penny and Artists' Ensemble Theatre productions

•Annual season includes two musicals, two plays, student-directed productions, and Artists' Ensemble shows

Professional Development

•Artists' Ensemble Theatre — professional Equity company in residence

•Frequent trips to professional productions in Chicago, Madison, and Milwaukee

•Graduates pursue professional performance careers in Chicago and New York

•Attend leading graduate programs nationwide

Study Abroad

•Optional semester at Regent's University in London

School Info

Snapshot

3.25

Avg GPA (W)

93%

Admit Rate

school-wide

47%

Grad Rate

972

Enrollment

$55K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Tuition & Fees

$40,370

Before aid

Cost of Attendance

$60,160

Before aid

Average Net Price

$22,436

After aid

Official source College Scorecard

Program info updated Jun 27, 5:06 AM

Program Highlights

Training

•Integrated studies in music, dance, and theatre

•Required to audition for every main-stage production

•Encouraged to audition for Three-Penny and Artists' Ensemble Theatre productions

•Annual season includes two musicals, two plays, student-directed productions, and Artists' Ensemble shows

Professional Development

•Artists' Ensemble Theatre — professional Equity company in residence

•Frequent trips to professional productions in Chicago, Madison, and Milwaukee

•Graduates pursue professional performance careers in Chicago and New York

•Attend leading graduate programs nationwide

Study Abroad

•Optional semester at Regent's University in London

Program Highlights

Training

•Integrated studies in music, dance, and theatre

•Required to audition for every main-stage production

•Encouraged to audition for Three-Penny and Artists' Ensemble Theatre productions

•Annual season includes two musicals, two plays, student-directed productions, and Artists' Ensemble shows

Professional Development

•Artists' Ensemble Theatre — professional Equity company in residence

•Frequent trips to professional productions in Chicago, Madison, and Milwaukee

•Graduates pursue professional performance careers in Chicago and New York

•Attend leading graduate programs nationwide

Study Abroad

•Optional semester at Regent's University in London

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2027

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website

Deadline

Regular DecisionRolling

Program AppApplication

Auditions

On-Campus / Virtual AuditionOct 2, 2026

On-Campus / Virtual AuditionNov 20, 2026

Chicago Unified AuditionsFeb 2, 2027

On-Campus / Virtual AuditionFeb 19, 2027

On-Campus / Virtual AuditionMar 26, 2027

On-Campus / Virtual AuditionApr 23, 2027

Audition Requirements

Songs

Two Contrasting Songs

•32 bars (1 minute) each maximum

•Have sheet music clearly marked for the accompanist (in-person)

•For virtual auditions, have accompaniment track ready — no a cappella

Monologues

Two Contrasting Monologues, Combined Not to Exceed 2.5 Min

•Two contrasting monologues

•Combined time should not exceed 2 1/2 minutes

Dance

In-Person Dance Audition

•Bring a change of clothes that you can move in

•Jazz shoes preferred

Virtual Dance Video

•Share a 1-3 minute dance video in advance of virtual audition

•Genre of your choice (jazz, tap, musical theater, ballet, etc.)

•Can be movement from a past show or a self-choreographed solo

Additional Materials

Resume (Required)

•Submit a performing arts resume

Letter of Recommendation (Required)

•One letter of recommendation

Sheet Music (Required for in-Person)

•Bring sheet music clearly marked for the accompanist

Official Source

Good to Know

•Admission by audition only — must coincide with university acceptance

•Transfer students welcome

What's The Process

Audition Expectations

•Three parts: singing, monologues, and dance

•Followed by a short interview with faculty

•Decision typically communicated within 10-14 days

•Campus tour begins at 11 AM

•Lunch with students and faculty at noon

•Audition begins at 1:00 PM

•School-provided accompanist available

•Audition times between 10 AM - 12 PM (Central)

•Dance video must be shared in advance of virtual audition

•Use recorded accompaniment — no a cappella

•Student-hosted "Green Room" available for Q&A

Contact

•Timm Adams — TAdams@rockford.edu

Scholarship Info

Performing Arts Scholarship

•$64,000 - $80,000 over four years, based on talent and potential

•Amount depends on GPA and ACT/SAT score

•Replaces Academic Scholarship if PA Scholarship is higher

•Scholarships awarded in July, November, and March

Competitive Scholarships

•Colman Scholarship — full tuition for all four years

•Trustee Scholarship — 75% of tuition for all four years

•Outside scholarships accepted without reducing RU scholarships

School Info

Snapshot

3.25

Avg GPA (W)

93%

Admit Rate

school-wide

47%

Grad Rate

972

Enrollment

$55K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Tuition & Fees

$40,370

Before aid

Cost of Attendance

$60,160

Before aid

Average Net Price

$22,436

After aid

Official source College Scorecard

Training

•Integrated studies in music, dance, and theatre

•Required to audition for every main-stage production

•Encouraged to audition for Three-Penny and Artists' Ensemble Theatre productions

•Annual season includes two musicals, two plays, student-directed productions, and Artists' Ensemble shows

Professional Development

•Artists' Ensemble Theatre — professional Equity company in residence

•Frequent trips to professional productions in Chicago, Madison, and Milwaukee

•Graduates pursue professional performance careers in Chicago and New York

•Attend leading graduate programs nationwide

Study Abroad

•Optional semester at Regent's University in London

Updated Jun 27, 5:06 AM

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