Skip to main content
St. Edward's University logo

St. Edward's University

Austin, TXPrivateCity
Faith-BasedTest-Optional

Select Program

Program Characteristics

No Prescreen
Scholarship Audition
Interview Required
In-Person Only
University App Required

Program Highlights

DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY TRAINING

28 hours core theater courses + 37 hours Design/Technology specialization
Master skills in costumes, set pieces, lighting, and sound at professional caliber
Portfolio-based assessment and mentorship

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Only university theatre in the country producing a full season under Actors' Equity Association agreement
Work alongside professional designers in MMNT productions
Students present and exhibit annually with USITT (United States Institute for Theater Technology)
Opportunities with local Austin professional companies

GUEST ARTISTS & FACULTY

Professional Development Series with guest artists from theater, opera, film, and TV
Faculty from NYU, Yale School of Drama, Carnegie Mellon, and UT Austin

ALUMNI SUCCESS

Graduates include MFA in Design from Yale University
Alumni work at Cirque du Soleil, Disney World, and Broadway production houses

Key Info

University App

Apply atCommon App
Deadlines
First Review DeadlineNov 1, 2025
Early Application DeadlineDec 1, 2025
Early Application Deadline IIJan 1, 2026
Priority Application DeadlineFeb 1, 2026
Fee
$50Waiver
Waived if applied by January 1

Program App

Audition
Scholarship Audition Weekend (SAW)Feb 20, 2026

Audition Requirements

Optional audition for scholarship consideration — not required for program admission.

PORTFOLIO (required)

Present a portfolio highlighting your design/tech work and experience
Presentation should be no longer than 5 minutes
Allow time for faculty and staff questions

MONOLOGUE (optional)

May present one monologue if desired — not required

HEADSHOT (required)

Recent headshot or photo

RESUME (required)

Theatrical resume

STATEMENT OF ARTISTIC GOALS (required)

One-page statement of artistic goals

LETTER OF SUPPORT (optional)

From a theater teacher

Good to Know

ELIGIBILITY

Any student admitted to St. Edward's University may declare Theatre Arts major
Students choose specialization after freshman year

APPLICATION PROCESS

Apply via Common App or school website
Application fee: $50 (waived if applied by January 1)
SAW participation required for scholarship consideration

What's The Process

SCHOLARSHIP AUDITION WEEKEND (SAW)

February 20-21, 2026 — on campus
Portfolio presentation instead of performance audition
Must be admitted to St. Edward's University before registering
All admission materials must be received by February 1
SAW registration deadline: February 13
Email scholarshipauditionweekend@stedwards.edu for registration link

SAW FORMAT

Immersive weekend: classes, campus tour, workshops, performances
Two required faculty-led workshops
Individual portfolio presentation times scheduled after registration
Scholarship decisions notified by mid-March

Scholarship Info

SCHOLARSHIP AUDITION WEEKEND (SAW)

February 20-21, 2026 on campus
Must be admitted to St. Edward's to participate
SAW participation required for departmental scholarship consideration
Scholarship notification by mid-March
Program info updated 3h ago

Academic School Information

3.43
Avg GPA (W)
81%
Admit Rate
63%
Grad Rate
2,493
Enrollment
$58,826
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$51,384
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$25,578
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$20,799
Family Income $30k - $48k$20,136
Family Income $48k - $75k$22,944
Family Income $75k - $110k$26,687
Family Income $110k+$38,389