Vanguard University of Southern California
Faith-BasedTest-Optional
Program
No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewIn-Person OnlyModerately SelectiveUniversity App Required
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
No Interview
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
Audition Requirements
Songs
32 BARS OF A BROADWAY STANDARD OR BALLAD
•Should highlight your optimum vocal range
•Musical Theatre Scholarship candidates must demonstrate full vocal range and adherence to pitch and tempo
Monologues
TWO CONTRASTING MONOLOGUES, combined 3 min max
•Both monologues must be from a published play
•One comedic, one serious
•Shakespeare monologues welcome but not required
•Upload introduction and audition pieces as separate clips
•Video intro is not counted as part of the 3-minute total
Dance
30 SEC TO 1 MIN CHOREOGRAPHED DANCE PIECE
•Bluetooth speaker available at in-person audition for recorded music from iPod or similar MP3 device
Additional Materials
REQUIRED UPLOADS
•RESUME (PDF format)
•HEADSHOT or photo (JPEG format)
•VIDEO INTRODUCTION — describe yourself and how a degree in theatre will help you achieve your career goals
•2 RECOMMENDATIONS from a theatre teacher, school counselor, or professional familiar with your work
-Enter recommender email addresses in the Acceptd application; recommendations are sent and returned automatically
OPTIONAL — DIRECTING INTEREST
•Digital photo files of theatre production work (renderings, designs, organizational documents, prompt book selections, or other creative projects)
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
TIMING
•All uploads, including recommendations, must be complete at least two weeks prior to your audition date
•Acceptd submission deadline: February 15, 2026
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 Mar 24, 12:39 AM
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
Updated Mar 24, 12:39 AM
Academic School Information
3.40
Avg GPA (W)
62%
Admit Rate
56%
Grad Rate
1,933
Enrollment
$59,541
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$41,700
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$21,241
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$17,225
Family Income $30k - $48k$18,462
Family Income $48k - $75k$18,976
Family Income $75k - $110k$24,117
Family Income $110k+$27,684
