Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
No Audition
Interview Required
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 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
Interview Requirements
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 Mar 25, 2:05 PM
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
Updated Mar 25, 2:05 PM
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.
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
