University of Southern Mississippi
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Program
No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredIn-Person or VirtualUniversity App RequiredStudy Abroad
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
No Audition
Interview Required
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 across all major categories in the Southeastern U.S.
TRAINING & PRODUCTIONS
•Broad curriculum with flexible specialization — ideal for aspiring directors, stage managers, and dramaturgs
•5 mainstage productions annually plus 12+ showcases
•Visiting professional artists and resident playwright
•APO New Play Festival and one-act play series
•Southern Arena Theatre summer repertory program
STUDENT ENSEMBLES
•Skip the Script (improvisation troupe)
•Fight Club (stage combat group)
•Writers@Play (playwright ensemble)
•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
Program AppApplication
Audition
Curtain Up (Hattiesburg, MS)Feb 6, 2026
Good to Know
BFA PATHWAY
•Students admitted to BA Theatre may later apply for BFA status after completing internal requirements
-18 hours of general education
-10 hours of theatre classes
•BFA available in Acting or Design & Technology tracks
ENROLLMENT
•Fall enrollment only
•Free — no audition or interview fee
What's The Process
ADMISSION PROCESS
•No audition or prior training required
•Interview conducted at the annual Curtain Up event or by arrangement
•Attend Curtain Up for program overview, facility tour, and interview
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 — 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
THEATRE SCHOLARSHIPS
•Awarded to students who register online, attend Curtain Up Welcome Day, and complete a successful audition/interview
•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
Program info updated Mar 24, 12:37 AM
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 across all major categories in the Southeastern U.S.
TRAINING & PRODUCTIONS
•Broad curriculum with flexible specialization — ideal for aspiring directors, stage managers, and dramaturgs
•5 mainstage productions annually plus 12+ showcases
•Visiting professional artists and resident playwright
•APO New Play Festival and one-act play series
•Southern Arena Theatre summer repertory program
STUDENT ENSEMBLES
•Skip the Script (improvisation troupe)
•Fight Club (stage combat group)
•Writers@Play (playwright ensemble)
•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 Mar 24, 12:37 AM
Academic School Information
3.46
Avg GPA (W)
99%
Admit Rate
50%
Grad Rate
10,075
Enrollment
$44,140
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$9,998
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$11,998
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$21,708
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$19,867
Family Income $30k - $48k$20,432
Family Income $48k - $75k$22,756
Family Income $75k - $110k$25,812
Family Income $110k+$26,542
