Southern Methodist University
Test-OptionalGreek Life
Program
Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredInterview RequiredIn-Person or VirtualSelective12-24 StudentsUniversity App Required
Program Characteristics
Prescreen Required
Audition Required
Interview Required
Selective
12-24 Students
University App Required
Program Highlights
PROGRAM RECOGNITION
•Home of the Sexton Institute for Musical Theatre, founded with a $15M gift from Broadway producer G. Marlyne Sexton
•First cohort recruiting for Fall 2026 under inaugural Music Director Kimberly Grigsby (Broadway: Spring Awakening, To Kill a Mockingbird, Camelot)
TRAINING
•Conservatory-style BFA blending acting, voice, movement, and musicianship within a liberal arts university
•Integrated acting-for-musical-theatre and movement-for-musical-theatre sequences starting sophomore year
•Regular masterclasses and residencies with Broadway performers and industry leaders
PERFORMANCE & PRODUCTIONS
•Mainstage casting begins junior year; cabarets, workshops, and class projects available earlier
•Three performance venues in the Owen Arts Center: Bob Hope Theatre, Greer Garson Theatre, and Margo Jones black box
•Collaboration with Dallas's professional companies including Tony Award-winning Dallas Theater Center and Theatre Three
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
•Senior digital showcase marketed to agents and casting directors across major markets
•Faculty with active Broadway and regional theatre careers
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
Early DecisionNov 1, 2025
Early ActionNov 1, 2025
Early Decision IIJan 15, 2026
Regular DecisionJan 15, 2026
Fee
$60Waiver
Program AppApplication
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
Prescreen (Nov/Dec auditions)Nov 1, 2025
Prescreen (Jan/Feb auditions)Dec 15, 2025
Auditions
On-CampusNov 22, 2025
On-CampusDec 6, 2025
Virtual (Zoom)Jan 17, 2026
Unified Auditions (New York, NY)Jan 24, 2026
Prescreen Requirements
Songs
TWO FULL MUSICAL THEATRE SONGS
•Upload to YouTube or Vimeo and link in Meadows Portfolio tab
Monologues
ONE CONTEMPORARY MONOLOGUE
Additional Materials
•SLATE VIDEO: Introduce yourself and the pieces you will be performing
•HEADSHOT and resume (uploaded to application)
Callback Requirements
Songs
THREE FULL MUSICAL THEATRE SONGS
•Bring properly marked sheet music for on-campus auditions
•Use recorded tracks for virtual and Unified auditions
•Required to perform one song — prepare other two in case requested
Monologues
TWO CONTRASTING MONOLOGUES FROM CONTEMPORARY PLAYS
Dance
90-MINUTE DANCE CALL
•On-campus: Morning dance call (9:30am–11:00am CT), then free until scheduled audition time
•Virtual/Unified: Submit recorded dance combination by day before scheduled audition
-Upload to YouTube or Vimeo and link in Meadows Portfolio tab
Additional Materials
•HEADSHOT and resume (physical copy for in-person auditions)
•Properly marked sheet music (on-campus auditions)
•SLATE: Introduce yourself and the pieces you will be performing
Good to Know
APPLICATION PROCESS
•Must apply separately to SMU and to Meadows School of the Arts Division of Theatre
•Submit Meadows Theatre Application and audition registration
TRANSFER STUDENTS
•Must audition during regular audition season
•All new Theatre students begin courses in the fall semester
What's The Process
PRESCREEN
•Submit pre-screen video through Meadows Theatre Application
•Nov/Dec audition applicants: submit by November 1
•Jan/Feb audition applicants: submit by December 15
•Results typically sent mid-November and mid-December respectively
LIVE AUDITION
•By invitation only after passing prescreen
•All auditions will be recorded
•Faculty may request additional songs or different monologue approach
ON-CAMPUS
•Morning dance call (9:30am–11:00am CT), then free until scheduled audition time
VIRTUAL
•Auditions last about 10 minutes per applicant
•Must submit recorded dance combination by day before audition
Scholarship Info
ARTISTIC MERIT SCHOLARSHIP
•Meadows awards over $8 million in scholarships and grants annually
•Scholarship based on audition performance and departmental need
•No separate scholarship application required
•97% of incoming Dually Admitted students receive scholarship or financial aid
ACADEMIC MERIT
•SMU academic merit scholarships available separately
•Presidents' Scholar and Hunt Leadership Scholar applicants must audition in fall semester
Program info updated Mar 24, 12:58 AM
PROGRAM RECOGNITION
•Home of the Sexton Institute for Musical Theatre, founded with a $15M gift from Broadway producer G. Marlyne Sexton
•First cohort recruiting for Fall 2026 under inaugural Music Director Kimberly Grigsby (Broadway: Spring Awakening, To Kill a Mockingbird, Camelot)
TRAINING
•Conservatory-style BFA blending acting, voice, movement, and musicianship within a liberal arts university
•Integrated acting-for-musical-theatre and movement-for-musical-theatre sequences starting sophomore year
•Regular masterclasses and residencies with Broadway performers and industry leaders
PERFORMANCE & PRODUCTIONS
•Mainstage casting begins junior year; cabarets, workshops, and class projects available earlier
•Three performance venues in the Owen Arts Center: Bob Hope Theatre, Greer Garson Theatre, and Margo Jones black box
•Collaboration with Dallas's professional companies including Tony Award-winning Dallas Theater Center and Theatre Three
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
•Senior digital showcase marketed to agents and casting directors across major markets
•Faculty with active Broadway and regional theatre careers
Updated Mar 24, 12:58 AM
Academic School Information
3.67
Avg GPA (W)
63%
Admit Rate
84%
Grad Rate
7,277
Enrollment
$78,354
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$67,040
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$40,892
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$23,544
Family Income $30k - $48k$20,038
Family Income $48k - $75k$24,152
Family Income $75k - $110k$33,477
Family Income $110k+$58,213
