Program
No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredIn-Person or VirtualUniversity App RequiredStudy Abroad
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
No Audition
Interview Required
University App Required
Study Abroad
Program Highlights
TRAINING & PRODUCTIONS
•Balanced combination of coursework and practical application in scenic, lighting, costume design, or stage management
•Advanced courses include scene painting, costume history, CAD, and directing
•Two musicals, two mainstage plays, up to four student-directed productions, and four Artists' Ensemble productions annually
•Two state-of-the-art theatres
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
•Artists' Ensemble Theatre — professional Equity company in residence
•Internship opportunities in theatre management with professional organizations
•Frequent trips to professional productions in Chicago and surrounding areas
STUDY ABROAD
•Optional semester at Regent's University in London
CURRICULUM
•Courses in text analysis, acting, technical theatre, production, stage management, drawing, art history, and theatre history
Key Info
Program AppApplication
Auditions
On-Campus / Virtual AuditionOct 4, 2025
On-Campus / Virtual AuditionNov 22, 2025
On-Campus / Virtual AuditionJan 31, 2026
Chicago Unified AuditionsFeb 3, 2026
Interview Requirements
PORTFOLIO (required)
•Bring portfolio or evidence of previous work
•Be prepared to discuss prior experience and career aspirations
RESUME (required)
•Submit a performing arts resume
LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION (required)
•One letter of recommendation
Good to Know
•Admission by interview only — must coincide with university acceptance
•Transfer students welcome
What's The Process
INTERVIEW FORMAT
•Portfolio review and interview with faculty
•Discuss prior experience, skills, and career aspirations
•Decision typically communicated within 10-14 days
IN-PERSON INTERVIEW
•Campus tour begins at 11 AM
•Lunch with students and faculty at noon
•Interview begins at 1:00 PM
VIRTUAL INTERVIEW (ZOOM)
•Interview times between 10 AM - 12 PM (Central)
•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
Program info updated 8h ago
TRAINING & PRODUCTIONS
•Balanced combination of coursework and practical application in scenic, lighting, costume design, or stage management
•Advanced courses include scene painting, costume history, CAD, and directing
•Two musicals, two mainstage plays, up to four student-directed productions, and four Artists' Ensemble productions annually
•Two state-of-the-art theatres
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
•Artists' Ensemble Theatre — professional Equity company in residence
•Internship opportunities in theatre management with professional organizations
•Frequent trips to professional productions in Chicago and surrounding areas
STUDY ABROAD
•Optional semester at Regent's University in London
CURRICULUM
•Courses in text analysis, acting, technical theatre, production, stage management, drawing, art history, and theatre history
Updated 8h ago
Academic School Information
3.25
Avg GPA (W)
93%
Admit Rate
43%
Grad Rate
972
Enrollment
$54,794
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$37,780
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$22,436
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$20,877
Family Income $30k - $48k$20,841
Family Income $48k - $75k$22,987
Family Income $75k - $110k$21,229
Family Income $110k+$27,097
