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University of South Dakota

Vermillion, SD

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Study Abroad

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Study Abroad

Browse programs

Quick links

BFA Theatre

Musical Theatre

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Study Abroad

Program Recognition

Only BFA Theatre program in South Dakota

NAST accredited through the College of Fine Arts

Training

Extensive training in acting, vocal technique, and dance (ballet, jazz, tap)

Six-show main stage season plus Student Theatre Cooperative productions

Guest artists include Tony Award-winning choreographers

Professional Development

NYC Senior Showcase — seniors perform for industry professionals

Graduates include Kendra Bolan (national tour with Theatreworks USA) and Liz Wright (HBO's Boardwalk Empire)

Black Hills Playhouse — professional summer stock in Custer State Park

South Dakota Shakespeare Festival

Study Abroad

Faculty-led courses around the world including Italy, Turkey, and New Zealand

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA

3.51

Admit rate

99%

school-wide

Grad rate

60%

Enrollment

5.4K

Earnings

$52K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$9,916

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$13,616

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$26,870

Before aid

Average net price

$19,858

After aid

Undergraduate Cost Of Attendance · usd.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Sep 3, 10:02 PM

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Only BFA Theatre program in South Dakota

NAST accredited through the College of Fine Arts

Training

Extensive training in acting, vocal technique, and dance (ballet, jazz, tap)

Six-show main stage season plus Student Theatre Cooperative productions

Guest artists include Tony Award-winning choreographers

Professional Development

NYC Senior Showcase — seniors perform for industry professionals

Graduates include Kendra Bolan (national tour with Theatreworks USA) and Liz Wright (HBO's Boardwalk Empire)

Black Hills Playhouse — professional summer stock in Custer State Park

South Dakota Shakespeare Festival

Study Abroad

Faculty-led courses around the world including Italy, Turkey, and New Zealand

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Only BFA Theatre program in South Dakota

NAST accredited through the College of Fine Arts

Training

Extensive training in acting, vocal technique, and dance (ballet, jazz, tap)

Six-show main stage season plus Student Theatre Cooperative productions

Guest artists include Tony Award-winning choreographers

Professional Development

NYC Senior Showcase — seniors perform for industry professionals

Graduates include Kendra Bolan (national tour with Theatreworks USA) and Liz Wright (HBO's Boardwalk Empire)

Black Hills Playhouse — professional summer stock in Custer State Park

South Dakota Shakespeare Festival

Study Abroad

Faculty-led courses around the world including Italy, Turkey, and New Zealand

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2027

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website

Deadline

RecommendedJan 15, 2027

Scholarship PriorityApr 1, 2027

Theatre Scholarships And Auditions · usd.edu Scholarships · usd.edu

Program AppApplication

Apply

Acceptd

Fee

$25

Deadline

Application DeadlineMar 15, 2027

Application portal · Acceptd

Audition Requirements

Songs

Two Contrasting Songs, 16-32 Bars Each

One up-tempo musical theatre song

One musical theatre ballad

Upload as separate clips via Acceptd

Monologues

One Contemporary Monologue, 1 Min Max

Upload as separate clip via Acceptd

Dance

Optional Dance Video

Video clip of dance may be submitted via Acceptd

Not required

Additional Materials

Headshot (Required)

Upload a photo or headshot

Resume (Required; Pdf Preferred)

Letters of Recommendation (Optional)

Letter(s) of recommendation may be included

Video Reel (Optional)

Application portal · Acceptd

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Submit audition materials via Acceptd ($25 upload fee)

University application required separately

Eligibility

Audition and interview required for admittance

Must also be admitted to the University of South Dakota

Early application enhances scholarship opportunities

What's The Process

Audition Process

Submit the complete online audition through Acceptd, or contact the department to arrange an on-campus audition and interview instead

Undergraduate submissions are reviewed on a rolling basis, with preference given to early applicants

Contact Matt Nesmith at (605) 658-3496 or Matthew.Nesmith@usd.edu

Scholarship Info

Department Scholarships

Freshman talent scholarships available for incoming theatre majors

Complete the theatre admission/audition process (interview plus audition or technical portfolio)

Must register for six credit hours of theatre each semester

Maintain 2.5 overall GPA

Participate in at least one university theatre production each semester

Technical assistantships available for sophomore, junior, and senior theatre majors

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA

3.51

Admit rate

99%

school-wide

Grad rate

60%

Enrollment

5.4K

Earnings

$52K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$9,916

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$13,616

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$26,870

Before aid

Average net price

$19,858

After aid

Undergraduate Cost Of Attendance · usd.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

Only BFA Theatre program in South Dakota

NAST accredited through the College of Fine Arts

Training

Extensive training in acting, vocal technique, and dance (ballet, jazz, tap)

Six-show main stage season plus Student Theatre Cooperative productions

Guest artists include Tony Award-winning choreographers

Professional Development

NYC Senior Showcase — seniors perform for industry professionals

Graduates include Kendra Bolan (national tour with Theatreworks USA) and Liz Wright (HBO's Boardwalk Empire)

Black Hills Playhouse — professional summer stock in Custer State Park

South Dakota Shakespeare Festival

Study Abroad

Faculty-led courses around the world including Italy, Turkey, and New Zealand

Updated Sep 3, 10:02 PM

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