Sam Houston State University
Test-OptionalGreek Life
Program
No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewIn-Person or VirtualUniversity App Required
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
No Interview
University App Required
Program Highlights
PROGRAM RECOGNITION
•NAST-accredited program (National Association of Schools of Theatre)
•Nationally recognized conservatory-style training
•Active in Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF)
TRAINING FOCUS
•Deepened focus on acting and vocal performance coursework
•Integrated training in acting, voice, and dance
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
•8-10 departmental productions per academic year plus summer
•Freshmen may be cast alongside upperclassmen
•Senior Showcase for graduating students
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
•Internship programs with STAGES, A.D. Players, Classical Theatre Company, and Main Street Theater in Houston
•Guest artist workshops throughout each year
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Tracy Jai Edwards — Broadway (Legally Blonde as Serena, Hairspray as Amber Von Tussle)
•Adrian Lopez — Broadway tour of SPAMilton (lead role as Hamilton)
•Katie Clarke — professional musical theatre actress
•Alumni working across Houston professional theatre scene
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atApplyTexas
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
FallAug 1, 2026
SpringDec 15, 2026
SummerMay 15, 2027
Domestic Fee
$50
International Fee
$90
Program AppApplication
Apply atAcceptd
Auditions
On-Campus Live Audition (Huntsville, TX)Oct 24, 2025
Recorded Audition Deadline (Spring or Fall start)Nov 23, 2025
On-Campus Live Audition (Huntsville, TX)Jan 30, 2026
On-Campus Live Audition (Huntsville, TX)Mar 20, 2026
Audition Requirements
Dance
DANCE COMPONENT
•Dance component included as part of audition
Good to Know
APPLICATION PORTAL
•Submit audition materials via Acceptd
•University application via Common App, ApplyTexas, or SHSU website
ENROLLMENT
•Fall enrollment only
•Program admission is contingent on university acceptance
IMPORTANT NOTES
•Students do NOT need to be accepted to SHSU before auditioning
•Audition materials must be submitted by 5pm Monday of the audition week for live dates
•Audition also serves as scholarship audition — no separate scholarship audition required
What's The Process
AUDITION FORMAT
•In-person audition including singing, acting, and dance components
•Recorded audition option available for all applicants
•Specific requirements provided upon registration via Acceptd
AUDITION LOGISTICS
•In-person auditions run 2:00pm-6:00pm
•Non-MT students dismissed before 5:00pm
•Register and submit materials via Acceptd
SOPHOMORE GATE
•Faculty review at end of second year (first year for transfers)
•Assesses progress in acting, voice, and dance
•Determines readiness to continue in the BFA program
Scholarship Info
SCHOLARSHIPS
•Performance scholarships available for theatre and musical theatre majors
•Auditions for scholarships held each fall and spring for incoming freshmen and transfer students
•Scholarships awarded annually and are renewable but not automatically renewed
APPLICATION
•Returning students must apply via Scholarships4Kats by November 1 for priority consideration
•Student assistantships available for advanced students
Program info updated Mar 27, 2:06 AM
PROGRAM RECOGNITION
•NAST-accredited program (National Association of Schools of Theatre)
•Nationally recognized conservatory-style training
•Active in Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF)
TRAINING FOCUS
•Deepened focus on acting and vocal performance coursework
•Integrated training in acting, voice, and dance
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
•8-10 departmental productions per academic year plus summer
•Freshmen may be cast alongside upperclassmen
•Senior Showcase for graduating students
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
•Internship programs with STAGES, A.D. Players, Classical Theatre Company, and Main Street Theater in Houston
•Guest artist workshops throughout each year
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Tracy Jai Edwards — Broadway (Legally Blonde as Serena, Hairspray as Amber Von Tussle)
•Adrian Lopez — Broadway tour of SPAMilton (lead role as Hamilton)
•Katie Clarke — professional musical theatre actress
•Alumni working across Houston professional theatre scene
Updated Mar 27, 2:06 AM
Academic School Information
3.28
Avg GPA (W)
90%
Admit Rate
55%
Grad Rate
17,743
Enrollment
$54,211
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$9,228
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$19,068
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$16,404
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$12,474
Family Income $30k - $48k$13,389
Family Income $48k - $75k$15,540
Family Income $75k - $110k$21,366
Family Income $110k+$24,101
