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Southeast Missouri State University

Cape Girardeau, MO

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Program

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenInternal AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Under 12 StudentsTransfer In Friendly

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenInternal AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Under 12 StudentsTransfer In Friendly

Browse programs

Quick Links

BFA Acting

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenInternal AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Under 12 StudentsTransfer In Friendly

Quick Links

BFA Acting

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenInternal AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Under 12 StudentsTransfer In Friendly

Quick Links

BFA Musical Theatre

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenInternal AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or VirtualMTCP Participant

Program profile

12-24 StudentsTransfer In Friendly

Quick Links

BA Theatre

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Program profile

25-40 StudentsTransfer In Friendly

Quick Links

BA Dance

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenScholarship AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Quick Links

BFA Design & Technology

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionInternal InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Program Recognition

•One of nation's Top 30 theatre programs

•#1 undergraduate theatre program in Missouri

•Located on arts-only River Campus overlooking Mississippi River

Training

•Professional training for non-musical acting career in theatre, television, and film

•Certification in Stage Combat: 3 levels plus annual Dueling Arts International summer residency

•Individual feedback on training, academics, and career development

Notable Alumni

•Tim Nicolai (2005) — The Glass Menagerie on Broadway, Shakespeare in the Park (Othello) at The Public Theater, now Dobbins Conservatory faculty

•Andrew Tebo (2008) — Mamma Mia, A Christmas Carol, and The Fantasticks national tours

•Nick Cutelli (2006) — professional actor and comedy studio owner in Los Angeles

•Emily Wilson Reeves (2005) — Stage Manager at Cirque du Soleil (Beatles LOVE, "O")

Professional Development

•Los Angeles or NYC Showcase with Actors Connection (LA) or The CRY HAVOC Company (NYC)

•Professional auditions across the country

•Guest artists program with master classes and residencies

•World premiere productions including collaborations with Tony, Oscar, and Emmy-winners

•Lanford Wilson New American Play Festival with guest artists

•Fault Line Film Festival: act in student films as part of nationwide festival

Study Abroad

•Study abroad at NSKI University College in Oslo, Norway (only institution in Scandinavia to teach Method Acting at degree level)

•Required internship through summer intensive programs and professional employment

Verified Recent Class Sizes

•Class of 2030: 6 students

School Info

Snapshot

3.50

Avg GPA

74%

Admit Rate

school-wide

58%

Grad Rate

6.4K

Enrollment

$44K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

In-State Tuition

$10,560

Before aid

Out-of-State Tuition

$10,560

Before aid

Cost of Attendance

$23,106

Before aid

Average Net Price

$15,882

After aid

Official source College Scorecard

Program info updated 1h ago

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

•One of nation's Top 30 theatre programs

•#1 undergraduate theatre program in Missouri

•Located on arts-only River Campus overlooking Mississippi River

Training

•Professional training for non-musical acting career in theatre, television, and film

•Certification in Stage Combat: 3 levels plus annual Dueling Arts International summer residency

•Individual feedback on training, academics, and career development

Notable Alumni

•Tim Nicolai (2005) — The Glass Menagerie on Broadway, Shakespeare in the Park (Othello) at The Public Theater, now Dobbins Conservatory faculty

•Andrew Tebo (2008) — Mamma Mia, A Christmas Carol, and The Fantasticks national tours

•Nick Cutelli (2006) — professional actor and comedy studio owner in Los Angeles

•Emily Wilson Reeves (2005) — Stage Manager at Cirque du Soleil (Beatles LOVE, "O")

Professional Development

•Los Angeles or NYC Showcase with Actors Connection (LA) or The CRY HAVOC Company (NYC)

•Professional auditions across the country

•Guest artists program with master classes and residencies

•World premiere productions including collaborations with Tony, Oscar, and Emmy-winners

•Lanford Wilson New American Play Festival with guest artists

•Fault Line Film Festival: act in student films as part of nationwide festival

Study Abroad

•Study abroad at NSKI University College in Oslo, Norway (only institution in Scandinavia to teach Method Acting at degree level)

•Required internship through summer intensive programs and professional employment

Verified Recent Class Sizes

•Class of 2030: 6 students

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

•One of nation's Top 30 theatre programs

•#1 undergraduate theatre program in Missouri

•Located on arts-only River Campus overlooking Mississippi River

Training

•Professional training for non-musical acting career in theatre, television, and film

•Certification in Stage Combat: 3 levels plus annual Dueling Arts International summer residency

•Individual feedback on training, academics, and career development

Notable Alumni

•Tim Nicolai (2005) — The Glass Menagerie on Broadway, Shakespeare in the Park (Othello) at The Public Theater, now Dobbins Conservatory faculty

•Andrew Tebo (2008) — Mamma Mia, A Christmas Carol, and The Fantasticks national tours

•Nick Cutelli (2006) — professional actor and comedy studio owner in Los Angeles

•Emily Wilson Reeves (2005) — Stage Manager at Cirque du Soleil (Beatles LOVE, "O")

Professional Development

•Los Angeles or NYC Showcase with Actors Connection (LA) or The CRY HAVOC Company (NYC)

•Professional auditions across the country

•Guest artists program with master classes and residencies

•World premiere productions including collaborations with Tony, Oscar, and Emmy-winners

•Lanford Wilson New American Play Festival with guest artists

•Fault Line Film Festival: act in student films as part of nationwide festival

Study Abroad

•Study abroad at NSKI University College in Oslo, Norway (only institution in Scandinavia to teach Method Acting at degree level)

•Required internship through summer intensive programs and professional employment

Verified Recent Class Sizes

•Class of 2030: 6 students

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2027

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App

Deadline

PriorityFeb 1, 2027

Regular DecisionRolling

Official Source

Program AppApplication

Apply

Acceptd

Auditions

Pittsburgh Unified AuditionsOct 9, 2026

College Audition Project (St. Louis)Texas Thespians Festival (Grapevine)Nov 13, 2026

On-Campus Audition

Nov 21, 2026Jan 23, 2027Feb 27, 2027

Chicago Unified AuditionsFeb 1, 2027

Official Source

Program Submission

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 Contemporary Monologues, 60 Seconds Each

•From published plays written between 1900 and the present

•Each monologue filmed and uploaded as a separate piece

•No continuous videos

•60-second time limit includes the slate at beginning and is strictly adhered to

Framing

•Film from just above the top of the head to mid-chest

Optional Wild Card Video

•Highlight a special skill, interesting story, passion speech, musical instrument, or anything that helps faculty know what makes you unique

•Ideally no longer than 60-90 seconds

Additional Materials

Headshot

•Upload a recent headshot (need not be professional, so long as it is a good photo of you)

Resume

•Include roles played, formal training, awards, and recognitions

Official Source

Audition Requirements

Monologues

Two Contrasting Contemporary Monologues

•60 seconds each

•From published plays written between 1900 and the present

Official Source

Good to Know

Application Logistics

•Must apply academically to SEMO via Common App or university portal before applying to the BFA program

•Register for the BFA Acting audition via Acceptd after the university application; spring/fall 2027 submissions open August 1, 2026

•Applications must be submitted at least five days before the requested in-person audition date

•Dual Consideration option on Acceptd lets applicants audition for both BFA Acting and BFA Musical Theatre

Admission Pathway

•Students declaring BFA Theatre first enter as pre-theatre BFA majors; formal BFA admittance requires the BFA Admittance Audition

•Incoming freshmen and transfer students may audition before their first semester at Southeast; otherwise, they audition during their first year

Transfer Pathway

SEMO publishes a St. Charles Community College AA-to-BFA Theatre: Acting Option articulation plan. Students should follow the official plan and still meet the BFA Acting audition/admittance requirements.

Official Source

What's The Process

Audition Expectations

•In-person or video submission — both carry equal weight

•Video submissions are NOT prescreens — they represent your full audition

•Each monologue filmed and uploaded as separate media via Acceptd

•Two 60-second contrasting contemporary monologues from published plays

•Opportunity to tour facilities, take a masterclass, and speak with faculty

•Faculty may contact video applicants for a virtual interview or to work material

•Applications must be submitted at least 5 days before requested in-person audition

•Auditioning automatically considers you for conservatory scholarships

•State your name, title of the play, and playwright at the beginning of each piece

•60-second time limit includes the slate

Decisions

•Early Decision applicants notified in mid-December

•Regular Decision applicants notified by mid-March

Scholarship Info

Scholarship Details

•Theatre and Dance Scholarships valued at $500, $1,000, or $1,500

•Renewable with acceptable progress

•Automatic consideration when auditioning for BFA programs

Eligibility

•Enhanced ACT composite score of at least 21 or SAT composite score of at least 1080

•Cumulative high school GPA of 3.0

Renewal Requirements

•Maintain 2.5 cumulative SEMO GPA

•Maintain 3.0 cumulative Theatre and Dance GPA

•Earn no lower than 'B' in all Rehearsal and Production classes

School Info

Snapshot

3.50

Avg GPA

74%

Admit Rate

school-wide

58%

Grad Rate

6.4K

Enrollment

$44K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

In-State Tuition

$10,560

Before aid

Out-of-State Tuition

$10,560

Before aid

Cost of Attendance

$23,106

Before aid

Average Net Price

$15,882

After aid

Official source College Scorecard

Program Recognition

•One of nation's Top 30 theatre programs

•#1 undergraduate theatre program in Missouri

•Located on arts-only River Campus overlooking Mississippi River

Training

•Professional training for non-musical acting career in theatre, television, and film

•Certification in Stage Combat: 3 levels plus annual Dueling Arts International summer residency

•Individual feedback on training, academics, and career development

Notable Alumni

•Tim Nicolai (2005) — The Glass Menagerie on Broadway, Shakespeare in the Park (Othello) at The Public Theater, now Dobbins Conservatory faculty

•Andrew Tebo (2008) — Mamma Mia, A Christmas Carol, and The Fantasticks national tours

•Nick Cutelli (2006) — professional actor and comedy studio owner in Los Angeles

•Emily Wilson Reeves (2005) — Stage Manager at Cirque du Soleil (Beatles LOVE, "O")

Professional Development

•Los Angeles or NYC Showcase with Actors Connection (LA) or The CRY HAVOC Company (NYC)

•Professional auditions across the country

•Guest artists program with master classes and residencies

•World premiere productions including collaborations with Tony, Oscar, and Emmy-winners

•Lanford Wilson New American Play Festival with guest artists

•Fault Line Film Festival: act in student films as part of nationwide festival

Study Abroad

•Study abroad at NSKI University College in Oslo, Norway (only institution in Scandinavia to teach Method Acting at degree level)

•Required internship through summer intensive programs and professional employment

Verified Recent Class Sizes

•Class of 2030: 6 students

Updated 1h ago