University of Southern Maine
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Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
Interview Required
In-Person Only
University App Required
Program Highlights
TRAINING PHILOSOPHY
•Learn-by-doing approach with hands-on production experience from day one
•Holistic exploration across all theatrical disciplines before specializing
•Build a personalized course of study according to your interests and professional goals
AREAS OF FOCUS
•Performance (Acting & Dance)
•Design/Technology (Costume, Lighting, Scenic, Sound, Stage Management, Technical Production)
•History/Literature (Directing, Dramaturgy, History, Playwriting)
FACILITIES
•Crewe Center for the Arts — brand-new state-of-the-art facility opened Fall 2025
•Located in Portland, Maine — the cultural heart of the state
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
Early ActionDec 1, 2025
PriorityFeb 1, 2026
RollingAug 15, 2026
International Fee
$50
Waived for Canadian students
Program AppApplication
Auditions
Interview/Audition (Portland Campus, 1pm-4pm)Apr 10, 2026
Interview/Audition (Portland Campus, 10am-2pm)May 1, 2026
Interview/Audition (Portland Campus, 10am-2pm)May 15, 2026
Audition Requirements
Monologues
TWO CONTRASTING MONOLOGUES, up to 2 min each
•One monologue must be CONTEMPORARY (20th century-present)
•Second monologue may be contemporary OR classical
•Both must be from PUBLISHED DRAMATIC LITERATURE
•No film monologues, poems, or self-written work
•Faculty may work with you on monologues and do improvisation and/or movement exercises
Wildcard / Special Skill
N/A
Good to Know
APPLICATION PROCESS
•Apply to USM through the Office of Admissions
•Submit Interview/Audition Request Form to the Department of Theatre
•No separate audition portal required — applies directly through school website
ELIGIBILITY
•Must be accepted to USM or have submitted university application to be granted an interview/audition
•Theatre major is offered by the Department of Theatre (Musical Theatre is separate, offered by Osher School of Music)
What's The Process
AUDITION PROCESS
•Must be an accepted USM student or have submitted university application before scheduling
•Submit online Interview/Audition Request Form via the Department of Theatre website
•Prepare for interview/audition based on your area of interest
AREAS OF FOCUS
•Performance (Acting & Dance) — present two contrasting monologues plus possible improv/movement
•Design/Technology — present sketches, production documents, prompt books, or discuss interests
•History/Literature — discuss a play from a provided reading list and your storytelling interests
CONTACT
•Janice Gardner, Department of Theatre Outreach Coordinator: janice.gardner@maine.edu
Program info updated Today
Academic School Information
3.34
Avg GPA (W)
79%
Admit Rate
44%
Grad Rate
4,245
Enrollment
$49,958
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$10,920
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$27,104
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$11,729
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$7,226
Family Income $30k - $48k$8,330
Family Income $48k - $75k$10,828
Family Income $75k - $110k$14,704
Family Income $110k+$17,346
