Vanguard University of Southern California
Test-OptionalFaith-Based
Select Program
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
No Interview
In-Person Only
Moderately Selective
University App Required
Program Highlights
PROGRAM RECOGNITION
•NAST-accredited since 2010 — one of only a handful of Christian universities offering a Musical Theatre concentration
•Active participants in Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival
TRAINING
•Specialized courses: Auditioning for Musical Theatre, Vocal Technique, Musical Theatre Dance
•Private voice, dance, and acting lessons included in program
•Casting opportunities across all four years in mainstage productions
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
•Annual master classes led by Broadway and entertainment professionals
•Summer internships with American Coast Theater Company and Musical Theatre Mayhem with Broadway professionals
ALUMNI OUTCOMES
•Alumni working professionally at Disney, Broadway, regional theatre, theme parks, and national/international tours
•Many graduates hold AEA, SAG, and AFTRA cards
•Alumni pursue graduate study at UCLA, CalArts, USC, Northwestern, Boston Conservatory
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
Early ActionDec 1, 2025
PriorityJan 15, 2026
Regular DecisionMar 2, 2026
RollingAug 1, 2026
Fee
$45
Program AppApplication
Apply atAcceptd
Good to Know
APPLICATION STEPS
•Step 1: Apply to Vanguard University via the online application
•Step 2: Select Musical Theatre concentration on Acceptd and upload required materials
•Step 3: Schedule on-campus audition with the department
MUSICAL THEATRE SCHOLARSHIP
•Select the Musical Theatre concentration on Acceptd to apply for the Musical Theatre Award
•Minimum 5 competitive scholarships awarded annually to incoming fall students
•Stackable with academic scholarships and institutional aid, not to exceed full tuition
What's The Process
AUDITION FORMAT
•In-person audition on Vanguard campus in Costa Mesa, CA
•Upload audition materials to Acceptd at least two weeks prior to your on-campus audition date
SCHEDULING
•Contact Lily Hinojosa to schedule your on-campus visit and audition
-Email: lily.hinojosa@vanguard.edu
-Phone: 714-619-6425
Scholarship Info
MUSICAL THEATRE SCHOLARSHIP
•Minimum 5 competitive scholarships awarded annually to incoming fall Musical Theatre students
•Scholarships stack with academic scholarships, institutional aid, and state/federal grants — not to exceed full tuition
•Apply by selecting Musical Theatre concentration on Acceptd
Program info updated Today
Academic School Information
3.40
Avg GPA (W)
65%
Admit Rate
58%
Grad Rate
1,975
Enrollment
$59,541
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$39,950
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$19,761
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$14,906
Family Income $30k - $48k$14,528
Family Income $48k - $75k$17,411
Family Income $75k - $110k$19,543
Family Income $110k+$27,190
