Southwestern University
Test-OptionalGreek LifeLGBTQ+
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
No Audition
No Interview
University App Required
Program Highlights
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
•BA degree with comprehensive training in all areas of theatre: history, dramatic literature, performance, design, management, and technical theatre
•No audition required for admission — any admitted student can declare the theatre major
•Part of the Sarofim School of Fine Arts at Texas's oldest university (founded 1840)
FACILITIES
•Alma Thomas Theater — 750-seat proscenium theatre
•Jesse H. and Mary Gibbs Jones Theater — 325-seat thrust theatre
•Heather Jean McGaughey Black Box — 50-seat flexible performance space
•Costume shop, scene shop, and computer design studio
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
•Multiple mainstage productions each season across three performance venues
•Student directors given opportunities to direct fully produced productions in the black box
•Opera Theatre open to all students by audition
ACADEMIC APPROACH
•11:1 student-to-faculty ratio with award-winning faculty mentors
•Liberal arts context allows double majors and interdisciplinary study
•Strong preparation for graduate schools, advanced training programs, and professional theatre
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
Early DecisionNov 4, 2025
Early ActionDec 2, 2025
Regular DecisionFeb 3, 2026
Good to Know
HOW TO APPLY
•Apply to Southwestern University via Common App or ApplyTexas
•No application fee
•No audition or portfolio required for admission to the theatre major
DEADLINES
•Early Decision: November 4
•Early Action: December 2
•Regular Decision: February 3
SCHOLARSHIP AUDITION (optional)
•Submit audition video or portfolio online via Admissions Slate portal
•Deadline: February 15, 2026 (late submissions considered case-by-case)
•Contact: FineArtsAdmissions@southwestern.edu or 512-863-1504
Scholarship Info
SAROFIM SCHOLARSHIP IN THEATRE
•Competitive scholarship awarded by audition video or portfolio submission
•Submit materials online through the Admissions Slate portal by February 15, 2026
•Open to both performance and design/tech students
•Late submissions considered on a case-by-case basis
AUDITION FORMAT (for scholarship only — not required for admission)
•Acting candidates: prepare one two-minute monologue and optionally a song (16 bars from a musical)
•No piano accompanist provided — sing a cappella or to tracks from your phone
•Design/tech candidates: submit a portfolio
SCHOLARSHIP CELEBRATION DAY
•March 1, 2026 on campus — invitation sent after receiving scholarship offer
•Attend workshops, lectures, and meet faculty for chance at additional scholarship funds
RENEWAL & ADDITIONAL AID
•Awards are renewable annually for up to eight semesters
•Recipients may also be eligible for academic scholarships and need-based aid
Program info updated Mar 24, 12:39 AM
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
•BA degree with comprehensive training in all areas of theatre: history, dramatic literature, performance, design, management, and technical theatre
•No audition required for admission — any admitted student can declare the theatre major
•Part of the Sarofim School of Fine Arts at Texas's oldest university (founded 1840)
FACILITIES
•Alma Thomas Theater — 750-seat proscenium theatre
•Jesse H. and Mary Gibbs Jones Theater — 325-seat thrust theatre
•Heather Jean McGaughey Black Box — 50-seat flexible performance space
•Costume shop, scene shop, and computer design studio
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
•Multiple mainstage productions each season across three performance venues
•Student directors given opportunities to direct fully produced productions in the black box
•Opera Theatre open to all students by audition
ACADEMIC APPROACH
•11:1 student-to-faculty ratio with award-winning faculty mentors
•Liberal arts context allows double majors and interdisciplinary study
•Strong preparation for graduate schools, advanced training programs, and professional theatre
Updated Mar 24, 12:39 AM
Academic School Information
3.53
Avg GPA (W)
43%
Admit Rate
71%
Grad Rate
1,440
Enrollment
$56,878
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$53,813
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$29,224
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.
Family Income $0 - $30k$22,478
Family Income $30k - $48k$19,096
Family Income $48k - $75k$28,175
Family Income $75k - $110k$30,387
Family Income $110k+$36,332
