University of Southern Mississippi
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Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
No Audition
Interview Required
In-Person or Virtual
University App Required
Study Abroad
Program Highlights
ACCREDITATION & 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 scenic design, costume design, lighting design, and sound design
TRAINING & PRODUCTIONS
•5 mainstage productions annually — hands-on design and technical roles
•Visiting professional artists supplement faculty instruction
•Southern Arena Theatre summer repertory program
STUDENT ENSEMBLES
•Writers@Play (playwright ensemble)
•Harlem (inclusive performance ensemble)
STUDY ABROAD
•Five-week British Studies program with internationally renowned guest artists
•Two-week London Theatre program
•Edinburgh Festival performing arts program in Scotland
•All programs eligible for financial aid
Key Info
Program AppApplication
Audition
Curtain Up (Hattiesburg, MS)Feb 6, 2026
Interview Requirements
PORTFOLIO (required)
•Bring a portfolio of design and/or technical work for review
INTERVIEW (required)
•Conducted as part of the Curtain Up event
Good to Know
ADMISSION PATHWAY
•All students enter as BA Theatre candidates
•Apply internally for the BFA Design & Technology track after completing prerequisite coursework
-18 hours of general education
-10 hours of theatre classes
•Must maintain 3.0 GPA in emphasis area and 2.5 overall to remain in BFA
ENROLLMENT
•Fall enrollment only
•Free portfolio review — no fee for on-campus or virtual submission
What's The Process
PORTFOLIO REVIEW FORMAT
•Portfolio review and interview at the annual Curtain Up event
•In-person review on campus preferred
•Video/virtual option available
CURTAIN UP EVENT
•10:00 AM — Program overview and Q&A
•11:00 AM — Theatre and Dance Building tour
•12:15 PM — Lunch provided
•1:00 PM — Portfolio reviews and interviews begin
•~3:00 PM — Conclusion with optional campus tour
CONTACT
•Theatre and Dance Building, 229-247 Ross Blvd., Hattiesburg, MS 39401
•601.266.4994
Scholarship Info
SCHOLARSHIP RANGE
•$150–$3,300 annually
•Students reapply each year
•Awarded via portfolio review at Curtain Up event
Program info updated Today
Academic School Information
3.46
Avg GPA (W)
99%
Admit Rate
51%
Grad Rate
9,899
Enrollment
$44,140
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$9,618
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$11,618
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$14,224
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.
Annual Cost by Family Income
Family Income $0 - $30k$12,798
Family Income $30k - $48k$11,574
Family Income $48k - $75k$16,248
Family Income $75k - $110k$18,212
Family Income $110k+$19,561
