Program
Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredInterview RequiredIn-Person or VirtualUniversity App RequiredStudy Abroad
Program Characteristics
Prescreen Required
Audition Required
Interview Required
University App Required
Study Abroad
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
CAREER 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)
PARTNERSHIPS
•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
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
RecommendedJan 15, 2026
Department PriorityMar 15, 2026
Scholarship PriorityApr 1, 2026
Fee
$20Waiver
Waiver available for Board of Regents transfers and readmission students
Prescreen 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
DANCE VIDEO (optional)
•Video clip of dance may be submitted
•Not required but recommended
Additional Materials
HEADSHOT (required)
•Photo or headshot
RESUME (required)
•PDF format preferred
Good to Know
APPLICATION PORTAL
•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
PRESCREEN
•Submit materials via Acceptd by March 15 (priority deadline)
•Rolling admissions — applications accepted throughout the year
CAMPUS VISIT
•In-person audition and interview available during campus visit
•Contact Matt Nesmith at (605) 658-3496 or Matthew.Nesmith@usd.edu
OPTIONAL MATERIALS
•Letters of recommendation
•Short video clips from recent productions
Scholarship Info
DEPARTMENT SCHOLARSHIPS
•Freshmen talent scholarships available for incoming theatre majors
•Must register for six credit hours of theatre each semester
•Maintain 2.5 overall GPA
•Participate in at least one production per semester
•Technical assistantships available for sophomore, junior, and senior majors
Program info updated 2d ago
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
CAREER 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)
PARTNERSHIPS
•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 2d ago
Academic School Information
3.51
Avg GPA
99%
Admit Rate
61%
Grad Rate
5,439
Enrollment
$51,926
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$9,432
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$12,942
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$19,858
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$14,921
Family Income $30k - $48k$15,942
Family Income $48k - $75k$18,540
Family Income $75k - $110k$21,202
Family Income $110k+$22,193
