Private school20.4K

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA

Test-OptionalGreek LifeLGBTQ+

Start free

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program profile

Highly Selective12-24 Students

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program profile

Highly Selective12-24 Students

Browse programs

Quick links

BFA Musical Theatre

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program profile

Highly Selective12-24 Students

Program Recognition

Top-ranked USC School of Dramatic Arts

Conservatory environment within major research university

Close-knit, supportive community with small cohort sizes

Training

Triple-threat training in acting, singing, and dance

Access to professional experience initiatives and industry showcases

First drama school with dedicated Professional Development Center

Location

Located in Los Angeles — direct pipeline to Broadway and film/TV industry

Verified Recent Class Sizes

Class of 2030: 15 students

Class of 2029: 16 students

Class of 2027: 17 students

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.86

Admit rate

10%

school-wide

Grad rate

92%

Enrollment

20.4K

Earnings

$92K

10yr after

Costs & aid

Tuition & fees

$77,336

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$103,162

Before aid

Average net price

$32,740

After aid

Cost Of Attendance · financialaid.usc.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Sep 9, 7:37 PM

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Top-ranked USC School of Dramatic Arts

Conservatory environment within major research university

Close-knit, supportive community with small cohort sizes

Training

Triple-threat training in acting, singing, and dance

Access to professional experience initiatives and industry showcases

First drama school with dedicated Professional Development Center

Location

Located in Los Angeles — direct pipeline to Broadway and film/TV industry

Verified Recent Class Sizes

Class of 2030: 15 students

Class of 2029: 16 students

Class of 2027: 17 students

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Top-ranked USC School of Dramatic Arts

Conservatory environment within major research university

Close-knit, supportive community with small cohort sizes

Training

Triple-threat training in acting, singing, and dance

Access to professional experience initiatives and industry showcases

First drama school with dedicated Professional Development Center

Location

Located in Los Angeles — direct pipeline to Broadway and film/TV industry

Verified Recent Class Sizes

Class of 2030: 15 students

Class of 2029: 16 students

Class of 2027: 17 students

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2027

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App

Fee

$85

Deadline

Regular DecisionDec 1, 2026

First Year Students · admission.usc.edu

Program AppApplication

Apply

SlideRoom

Fee

$40

Deadline

Dec 1, 2026

Undergraduate · dramaticarts.usc.edu

Prescreen Requirements

Songs

Music

Two contrasting selections, each no longer than 90 seconds and memorized

First selection: a cut from the published musical theatre canon, from any time period

Second selection: contrasts in style with the first — may be from the musical theatre canon (Golden Age or Contemporary) or another style such as pop, folk, rock, country, or standards

Contrast examples: up-tempo vs. ballad, belt vs. soprano, or patter song vs. sustained melodic singing

Choose songs that fit comfortably within your vocal range, with a clear emotional arc and objective

Monologues

One Contemporary Monologue

From a published play, no longer than 90 seconds, memorized

Choose material that is age-appropriate and feels authentic to your background

No accents or dialects — use your natural voice

Dance

One Filmed Dance, Up to 60 Sec (Optional Second Contrasting Piece)

Featuring only the applicant

Choose one style: ballet, jazz, contemporary, tap, or musical theatre choreography

Full body in view at all times; current filming; appropriate dance attire and footwear

Additional Materials

Required Documents

Current headshot or photo

Resume (performance activities including drama, dance, vocal)

LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION from drama teacher/coach

Essay #1: "What strengths will help you thrive in this next chapter, and what personal challenges might inhibit you from growing into the person you want to become?"

Essay #2: "What excites you the most about pursuing your training at the USC School of Dramatic Arts?"

'The Real Me' Video (90 Sec)

Showcase your personality — blank canvas to creatively show your unique self

No monologues, cover songs, or dancing

Not considered an audition piece

BFA Musical Theatre 2 · dramaticarts.usc.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

• Application Logistics

Submit audition materials via SlideRoom

SlideRoom supplemental goes live early September

Must list BFA Musical Theatre as first-choice major

Add BA Dramatic Arts as second-choice for backup consideration

SDA majors only appear under Regular Decision

Eligibility

If you list both BFA and BA on Common App, only submit the BFA SlideRoom application

What's The Process

Audition Process

Prescreen decisions communicated mid-January via email

Upload monologue, songs, and dance videos via SlideRoom

Invited applicants attend Callback Weekend in mid-February

Virtual option available for invitees unable to attend in person

Audition Expectations

When possible, work with a skilled accompanist for songs

Digital tracks are also acceptable

Scholarship Info

Departmental Scholarships

SDA offers merit and need-based scholarships during the admissions process

More than a dozen named scholarships funded by individual donors, corporations, and foundations

Allocated by the admissions team — no separate scholarship application required

Faculty-Nominated Awards

Available after completing at least one year as a dramatic arts major

Includes Jack Nicholson Award, James and Nony Doolittle Awards, John Ritter Memorial Award, and more

Selected by the Dean and faculty committee based on merit and talent

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.86

Admit rate

10%

school-wide

Grad rate

92%

Enrollment

20.4K

Earnings

$92K

10yr after

Costs & aid

Tuition & fees

$77,336

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$103,162

Before aid

Average net price

$32,740

After aid

Cost Of Attendance · financialaid.usc.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

Top-ranked USC School of Dramatic Arts

Conservatory environment within major research university

Close-knit, supportive community with small cohort sizes

Training

Triple-threat training in acting, singing, and dance

Access to professional experience initiatives and industry showcases

First drama school with dedicated Professional Development Center

Location

Located in Los Angeles — direct pipeline to Broadway and film/TV industry

Verified Recent Class Sizes

Class of 2030: 15 students

Class of 2029: 16 students

Class of 2027: 17 students

Updated Sep 9, 7:37 PM