Program
No PrescreenScholarship AuditionScholarship InterviewIn-Person or VirtualUniversity App RequiredStudy Abroad
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Scholarship Audition
Scholarship Interview
University App Required
Study Abroad
Program Highlights
TRAINING & FLEXIBILITY
•Broadest exposure to all aspects of theatre training and education
•Foundation for secondary education certification
•Works well in combination with other majors and minors
•Prepares for careers in talent agency, casting, performance, production, film, television, and academia
PRODUCTIONS
•Numerous performance opportunities in department productions
•Two musicals, two mainstage plays, student-directed productions, and Artists' Ensemble shows annually
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
•Artists' Ensemble Theatre — professional Equity company in residence
STUDY ABROAD
•Optional semester at Regent's University in London or other study abroad destinations
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
Good to Know
ELIGIBILITY
•Audition/interview encouraged but not required for admission
•Audition required for Performing Arts Scholarship consideration
•Transfer students welcome
What's The Process
AUDITION/INTERVIEW (ENCOURAGED)
•Encouraged to audition or interview before or during first semester
•Interview with performing arts faculty
•Students with acting interest: prepare two contrasting monologues (combined not to exceed 2.5 min, one from plays of American realism)
•Students with design/tech interest: bring portfolio or evidence of previous work
•Decision typically communicated within 10-14 days
IN-PERSON
•Campus tour begins at 11 AM
•Lunch with students and faculty at noon
•Audition begins at 1:00 PM
VIRTUAL (ZOOM)
•Audition 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 7h ago
TRAINING & FLEXIBILITY
•Broadest exposure to all aspects of theatre training and education
•Foundation for secondary education certification
•Works well in combination with other majors and minors
•Prepares for careers in talent agency, casting, performance, production, film, television, and academia
PRODUCTIONS
•Numerous performance opportunities in department productions
•Two musicals, two mainstage plays, student-directed productions, and Artists' Ensemble shows annually
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
•Artists' Ensemble Theatre — professional Equity company in residence
STUDY ABROAD
•Optional semester at Regent's University in London or other study abroad destinations
Updated 7h 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
