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Sam Houston State University

Huntsville, TX

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenInternal AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program

Concentration

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenInternal AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

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BFA Theatre

Acting and Directing Emphasis

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenInternal AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program Recognition

NAST-accredited program (National Association of Schools of Theatre)

Active in Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF)

Productions regularly invited to KCACTF Regional Festival

Training

Advanced acting coursework in modern, classical, and camera techniques

Meisner Technique, improvisation, commedia dell'arte, and stage combat

Directing I and II coursework with practical scene work

Performance & Productions

8-10 departmental productions per academic year

Freshmen may be cast alongside upperclassmen

Advanced students may direct departmental productions

Notable Alumni

Tracy Jai Edwards — Broadway (Legally Blonde as Serena, Hairspray as Amber Von Tussle)

Nkruma Gatling — Broadway and national tour of Hair

Peter Ton — filmmaker, short film selected for Cannes Film Festival Short Film Corner

Jen Lucy — professional actress at Texas Repertory Theatre, Main Street Theatre

Professional Development

Internship programs with Houston professional theatres

Guest artist workshops in acting, directing, and related disciplines

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.28

Admit rate

90%

school-wide

Grad rate

55%

Enrollment

17.7K

Earnings

$54K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$11,370

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$23,810

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$28,966

Before aid

Average net price

$16,404

After aid

Cost Attendance · shsu.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Aug 22, 7:47 PM

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

NAST-accredited program (National Association of Schools of Theatre)

Active in Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF)

Productions regularly invited to KCACTF Regional Festival

Training

Advanced acting coursework in modern, classical, and camera techniques

Meisner Technique, improvisation, commedia dell'arte, and stage combat

Directing I and II coursework with practical scene work

Performance & Productions

8-10 departmental productions per academic year

Freshmen may be cast alongside upperclassmen

Advanced students may direct departmental productions

Notable Alumni

Tracy Jai Edwards — Broadway (Legally Blonde as Serena, Hairspray as Amber Von Tussle)

Nkruma Gatling — Broadway and national tour of Hair

Peter Ton — filmmaker, short film selected for Cannes Film Festival Short Film Corner

Jen Lucy — professional actress at Texas Repertory Theatre, Main Street Theatre

Professional Development

Internship programs with Houston professional theatres

Guest artist workshops in acting, directing, and related disciplines

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

NAST-accredited program (National Association of Schools of Theatre)

Active in Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF)

Productions regularly invited to KCACTF Regional Festival

Training

Advanced acting coursework in modern, classical, and camera techniques

Meisner Technique, improvisation, commedia dell'arte, and stage combat

Directing I and II coursework with practical scene work

Performance & Productions

8-10 departmental productions per academic year

Freshmen may be cast alongside upperclassmen

Advanced students may direct departmental productions

Notable Alumni

Tracy Jai Edwards — Broadway (Legally Blonde as Serena, Hairspray as Amber Von Tussle)

Nkruma Gatling — Broadway and national tour of Hair

Peter Ton — filmmaker, short film selected for Cannes Film Festival Short Film Corner

Jen Lucy — professional actress at Texas Repertory Theatre, Main Street Theatre

Professional Development

Internship programs with Houston professional theatres

Guest artist workshops in acting, directing, and related disciplines

Key Info

Enrollment Term

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App ApplyTexas School Website

Fees

Domestic Fee

$50

International Fee

$90

Deadline

SummerMay 15, 2027

Official page · shsu.edu

Program AppApplication

Order

The university application must be submitted before the audition.

Apply

School Website Acceptd

Public · app.geckoform.com

Audition Requirements

These requirements are from the Fall 2026 entry cycle. Fall 2027 requirements are typically posted between August and October and usually change only slightly — confirm on the official source before submitting.

This program has a required admission audition and a separate internal audition gate after enrollment. The gateway source documents the post-enrollment gate; admission requirement details may be separate.Gateway source

Monologues

Two Contrasting Monologues

Prepare two contrasting memorized monologues

Each monologue should be 60-90 seconds

Total monologue package must be no longer than 3 minutes

At least one monologue must be from a contemporary script

Wildcard Video

Required for performance video submissions

Showcase your personality and authenticity

Suggested topics include why you want to perform professionally, what you enjoy outside performing, or how you express your true essence in daily life

Additional Materials

Headshot

Submit a headshot

Resume

Submit a theatrical resume

Statement

Submit a written or video personal statement

Prompt: tell us who you are, what you enjoy doing, and what excites you about being a Theatre or Musical Theatre major

Letters of Recommendation (Two Required Before the Audition or Virtual Review)

Public · app.geckoform.com

Good to Know

Application Logistics

SHSU's Acceptd page posts the Theatre and Musical Theatre audition overview and season deadlines

University application via Common App, ApplyTexas, or SHSU website

Live audition/interview materials are due by 5:00pm on Monday of the audition week

Late materials roll to the next in-person audition/interview date when available

Enrollment

Fall enrollment only

Program admission is contingent on university acceptance

Students do not need to be accepted to SHSU before auditioning or interviewing

Important Notes

Audition or interview also serves as scholarship consideration

Complete Scholarships4Kats to accept or match university scholarships

What's The Process

Audition Process

Recorded or virtual audition review is available for applicants who cannot attend an in-person date

Audition Expectations

In-person performance auditions run 2:00pm-6:00pm at University Theatre Center

Acting and Directing applicants who are not auditioning for Musical Theatre may expect to finish around 5:00pm

Perform two contrasting memorized monologues

All audition days include an informational session with Theatre and Musical Theatre faculty

Post-Enrollment

Acting and Directing students have regular juries and a sophomore gate; students in probationary status may be asked to leave the major

Scholarship Info

Scholarships

Theatre and musical theatre scholarships are available for incoming and continuing students

The audition/interview also serves as scholarship consideration for incoming applicants

No separate scholarship audition is required

Application

Complete Scholarships4Kats for university and College of Arts and Media scholarship matching

Contact the department for specific theatre and musical theatre scholarship requirements

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.28

Admit rate

90%

school-wide

Grad rate

55%

Enrollment

17.7K

Earnings

$54K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$11,370

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$23,810

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$28,966

Before aid

Average net price

$16,404

After aid

Cost Attendance · shsu.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

NAST-accredited program (National Association of Schools of Theatre)

Active in Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF)

Productions regularly invited to KCACTF Regional Festival

Training

Advanced acting coursework in modern, classical, and camera techniques

Meisner Technique, improvisation, commedia dell'arte, and stage combat

Directing I and II coursework with practical scene work

Performance & Productions

8-10 departmental productions per academic year

Freshmen may be cast alongside upperclassmen

Advanced students may direct departmental productions

Notable Alumni

Tracy Jai Edwards — Broadway (Legally Blonde as Serena, Hairspray as Amber Von Tussle)

Nkruma Gatling — Broadway and national tour of Hair

Peter Ton — filmmaker, short film selected for Cannes Film Festival Short Film Corner

Jen Lucy — professional actress at Texas Repertory Theatre, Main Street Theatre

Professional Development

Internship programs with Houston professional theatres

Guest artist workshops in acting, directing, and related disciplines

Updated Aug 22, 7:47 PM

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