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University of Southern Mississippi

Hattiesburg, MS

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenInternal AuditionInternal InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program profile

Study Abroad

Program

Concentration

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenInternal AuditionInternal InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program profile

Study Abroad

Browse programs

Quick links

BFA Theatre

Acting

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenInternal AuditionInternal InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program profile

Study Abroad

Program Recognition

Nationally accredited by NAST (National Association of Schools of Theatre)

Students compete annually at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF)

Regional and national wins in acting, directing, playwriting, and design categories across the Southeastern U.S.

Training

5 mainstage productions annually plus directing projects and showcases

Visiting professional artists supplement faculty instruction

Playwright series with resident professional playwright

Southern Arena Theatre summer repertory program

Performance & Productions

Skip the Script (improvisation troupe)

Fight Club (stage combat group)

Harlem (inclusive performance ensemble)

Study Abroad

Five-week British Studies program with guest artists in Shakespeare and contemporary drama

Two-week London Theatre program

Edinburgh Festival performing arts program in Scotland

All programs eligible for financial aid

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.46

Admit rate

99%

school-wide

Grad rate

49%

Enrollment

10.1K

Earnings

$44K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$10,794

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$12,794

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$27,656

Before aid

Average net price

$21,708

After aid

Cost Of Attendance Future Year · usm.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated 4d ago

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Nationally accredited by NAST (National Association of Schools of Theatre)

Students compete annually at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF)

Regional and national wins in acting, directing, playwriting, and design categories across the Southeastern U.S.

Training

5 mainstage productions annually plus directing projects and showcases

Visiting professional artists supplement faculty instruction

Playwright series with resident professional playwright

Southern Arena Theatre summer repertory program

Performance & Productions

Skip the Script (improvisation troupe)

Fight Club (stage combat group)

Harlem (inclusive performance ensemble)

Study Abroad

Five-week British Studies program with guest artists in Shakespeare and contemporary drama

Two-week London Theatre program

Edinburgh Festival performing arts program in Scotland

All programs eligible for financial aid

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Nationally accredited by NAST (National Association of Schools of Theatre)

Students compete annually at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF)

Regional and national wins in acting, directing, playwriting, and design categories across the Southeastern U.S.

Training

5 mainstage productions annually plus directing projects and showcases

Visiting professional artists supplement faculty instruction

Playwright series with resident professional playwright

Southern Arena Theatre summer repertory program

Performance & Productions

Skip the Script (improvisation troupe)

Fight Club (stage combat group)

Harlem (inclusive performance ensemble)

Study Abroad

Five-week British Studies program with guest artists in Shakespeare and contemporary drama

Two-week London Theatre program

Edinburgh Festival performing arts program in Scotland

All programs eligible for financial aid

Key Info

Enrollment Term

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website

Fee

$45

Opens

First-year applicants

Fall 2027 Freshman Application OpensAug 1, 2026

Transfer applicants

Fall 2027 Transfer Application OpensSep 1, 2026

Apply · usm.edu

Program AppApplication

Audition

USM Theatre Day Scholarship Audition and InterviewNov 13, 2026

Auditions Portfolio Reviews · usm.edu

Post-Enrollment Audition and Interview Requirements

No audition and interview is required for the initial application. The optional scholarship review (audition and interview) is separate from the internal audition and interview gate students complete after enrollment.Gateway source

Songs

Optional 16-Bar Song Excerpt

Not required but may be performed if desired

Song excerpt of up to 16 bars

Monologues

One Monologue, 1 Min Max

Perform a 1-minute monologue of your choice

Auditions Portfolio Reviews · usm.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Apply to Southern Miss and enter Theatre as a BA student

BFA Gateway

Students may apply internally to the BFA Acting track after completing the required BA coursework and gateway review

What's The Process

Audition Process

All Theatre students enter as BA students; the BFA Acting track is an internal gateway after prerequisite study

USM Theatre Day provides the scholarship audition and interview, not direct BFA admission

Acting scholarship audition: one monologue, maximum 1 minute

Optional song excerpt: up to 16 bars

Contact

Theatre and Dance Building, 229-247 Ross Blvd., Hattiesburg, MS 39401

601.266.4994

Scholarship Info

Theatre Scholarships

Awarded to students who register online, attend Curtain Up Welcome Day, and complete a successful audition

Service awardees must complete 15 hours of program service per semester

Special Scholarships

$100–$8,000 range — exclusive and competitive, awarded by theatre faculty

Foundation Awards

Available after successful completion of freshman year

Apply through USM Foundation online system

Students reapply each year

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.46

Admit rate

99%

school-wide

Grad rate

49%

Enrollment

10.1K

Earnings

$44K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$10,794

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$12,794

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$27,656

Before aid

Average net price

$21,708

After aid

Cost Of Attendance Future Year · usm.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

Nationally accredited by NAST (National Association of Schools of Theatre)

Students compete annually at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF)

Regional and national wins in acting, directing, playwriting, and design categories across the Southeastern U.S.

Training

5 mainstage productions annually plus directing projects and showcases

Visiting professional artists supplement faculty instruction

Playwright series with resident professional playwright

Southern Arena Theatre summer repertory program

Performance & Productions

Skip the Script (improvisation troupe)

Fight Club (stage combat group)

Harlem (inclusive performance ensemble)

Study Abroad

Five-week British Studies program with guest artists in Shakespeare and contemporary drama

Two-week London Theatre program

Edinburgh Festival performing arts program in Scotland

All programs eligible for financial aid

Updated 4d ago

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