Select Program
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Gateway Audition
No Interview
In-Person Only
University App Required
Program Highlights
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
•Only university theatre in the country producing a full season under Actors' Equity Association agreement
•Students can earn Equity points and membership while in school
•66 hours of major courses combining core theater and acting coursework
PRODUCTIONS & PERFORMANCE
•Four Mary Moody Northen Theatre (MMNT) mainstage productions per year
•Work alongside professional actors, directors, and designers
•Additional performance opportunities with Transit Theatre Troupe and Box of Chocolates Improv Troupe
GUEST ARTISTS & MENTORSHIP
•Professional Development Series with guest artists from theater, opera, film, and TV
•Faculty hold graduate degrees from NYU, Yale School of Drama, Carnegie Mellon, and UT Austin
ALUMNI SUCCESS
•Alumni have won Tony Awards, Olivier Awards, and Outer Critics Awards
•Graduates work on Broadway, in film, television, and at leading regional theaters
AUSTIN LOCATION
•Austin — "Live Music Capital of the World"
•Home to 80+ theatre companies and major events like ACL and SXSW
•Internship and professional opportunities with local companies
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atSchool Website
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 AppApplication
Audition
Scholarship Audition Weekend (SAW)Feb 20, 2026
Audition Requirements
No audition required to apply. Students audition for the program after enrolling at the university.
Optional audition for scholarship consideration — not required for program admission.
Monologues
TWO CONTRASTING MONOLOGUES, 3 min combined max
•Prepare two contrasting monologues
•Combined time must not exceed 3 minutes
ALTERNATIVE OPTION
•May instead prepare ONE MONOLOGUE + 32 BARS OF ONE SONG
•Total presentation must not exceed 3 minutes
•Accompanist provided for vocal auditions
SHEET MUSIC (if singing)
•Must be clearly marked and double-sided
•Place in a three-hole-punched binder for the accompanist
Wildcard / Special Skill
N/A
Additional Materials
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
•Must apply and be admitted to St. Edward's University first
•Any admitted student may declare Theatre Arts major
•Must major in Theatre Arts to receive theatre-specific scholarships
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
GATEWAY PROGRAM
•Students enter as BA Theatre Arts freshmen
•Audition for BFA in Acting during spring semester of first year
•SAW is NOT an audition for the BFA in Acting
SCHOLARSHIP AUDITION WEEKEND (SAW)
•February 20-21, 2026 — on campus
•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 audition 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
ADDITIONAL AWARDS
•Outstanding Theater Arts Major — faculty-selected annual award
•Citizenship Award — one-year tuition/fees award for production support
•Named scholarships available for directing, design, and management
Program info updated 2h 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
