University of Minnesota Duluth
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Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
No Audition
Interview Required
In-Person or Virtual
University App Required
Program Highlights
TRAINING
•Undergraduate-only department — no competition with graduate students for design opportunities
•Hands-on experience with fully equipped scenic and costume shops
•Computerized lighting control, digital and analogue audio playback, multi-camera TV studio
FACILITIES
•Marshall Performing Arts Center with 550-seat flexible thrust/proscenium theatre
•Black-box experimental theatre for experimental design work
PROFESSIONAL CONNECTIONS
•Alliance with Chanhassen Dinner Theatres provides professional industry connections
•USITT student chapter supports attendance at national conferences
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
Early ActionDec 1, 2025
Regular DecisionJan 15, 2026
Fee
$40
Program AppApplication
Apply atAcceptd
Auditions
UMD Campus (Duluth, MN)Feb 7, 2026
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres (Chanhassen, MN)Mar 7, 2026
Fee
$15
Acceptd scheduling fee; optional $20 to upload supplemental materials
Interview Requirements
RESUME (required)
•One-page resume with photo listing previous theatrical experience
LETTERS OF REFERENCE (required)
•Two letters from teachers, employers, and/or theatre professionals
PORTFOLIO (required)
•Examples of work including sketches, renderings, art projects, drafting, production photos
•Anything that demonstrates design and/or technical abilities
•May be assembled in physical or digital format
•Any organized collection of materials is acceptable
•All materials will be returned at the end of the interview session
Good to Know
ELIGIBILITY
•Must be accepted to UMD before interviewing for BFA
•Fall enrollment only for new BFA students
APPLICATION PORTAL
•Schedule interview via Acceptd ($15 fee)
•Optional: upload supplemental portfolio materials via Acceptd for an additional $20
What's The Process
INTERVIEW FORMAT
•30-minute interview with Design & Production faculty
•Scheduled between 2:00pm and 5:00pm on audition dates
•Faculty will discuss your background, educational goals, and potential for success
•Present your portfolio of work during the interview
VIRTUAL OPTION
•Design & Production faculty are happy to meet prospective students virtually
•Contact cphillip@d.umn.edu to arrange a virtual interview
Scholarship Info
TALENT SCHOLARSHIPS
•All BFA audition/interview candidates are considered for talent-based scholarships
•Out-of-state tuition waivers available as warranted
•BA students welcome to attend audition day for scholarship consideration
•Additional scholarships awarded each spring for continuing students
Program info updated Today
Academic School Information
89%
Admit Rate
65%
Grad Rate
7,336
Enrollment
$62,616
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$14,610
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$20,130
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$18,743
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$7,256
Family Income $30k - $48k$8,145
Family Income $48k - $75k$11,965
Family Income $75k - $110k$17,056
Family Income $110k+$24,453
