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Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond, VA

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Program

Concentration

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenInternal AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program profile

Moderately Selective12-24 StudentsTransfer In Friendly

Program

Concentration

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenInternal AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program profile

Moderately Selective12-24 StudentsTransfer In Friendly

Browse programs

Concentrations

Quick Links

BFA Theatre

Musical Theatre

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenInternal AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program profile

Moderately Selective12-24 StudentsTransfer In Friendly

Quick Links

BFA Theatre

Musical Theatre

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenInternal AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program profile

Moderately Selective12-24 StudentsTransfer In Friendly

Quick Links

BFA Theatre

Performance

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program profile

Selective12-24 StudentsTransfer In Friendly

Quick Links

BFA Theatre

Stage Management

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program profile

Moderately SelectiveUnder 12 StudentsTransfer In Friendly

Quick Links

BFA Theatre

Scenic Design

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program profile

Moderately Selective12-24 StudentsTransfer In Friendly

Quick Links

BFA Theatre

Lighting Design

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program profile

Moderately Selective12-24 StudentsTransfer In Friendly

Quick Links

BFA Theatre

Costume Design

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program profile

Moderately Selective12-24 StudentsTransfer In Friendly

Quick Links

BA Theatre

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program profile

Moderately Selective

Quick Links

MFA Theatre

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

SelectiveUnder 12 Students

Quick Links

BFA Dance and Choreography

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Quick Links

Dance and Choreography Minor

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Training

•BFA in Theatre with concentration in Performance/Musical Theatre — pre-professional training in the art, craft, and business of theatre

•Curriculum includes MT performance, MT history, dance, acting and movement, vocal lessons

•Sample courses: Musical Theatre Performance, Cabaret Storytelling, Introduction to Ballet, Musical Theatre Dance Styles, Voice and Speech for the Actor

•Senior year focuses on career launch: showcase presentations, leading internship programs, audition techniques, and professional preparation

Notable Alumni

•Joshua Boone (BFA ’10) — Tony Award nominee for The Outsiders; Broadway: Network, Skeleton Crew, Holler If Ya Hear Me; lead in Netflix’s A Jazzman’s Blues

•Alumni on Broadway, Off-Broadway, national tours, and top regional theatres including Arena Stage, Steppenwolf, and American Shakespeare Center

•Alumni in productions for Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Showtime, Disney, Paramount, and Warner Bros.

Professional Development

•Faculty have won Tony Awards, Bay Area Theatre Critics’ Circle Awards, and Hollywood Drama-Logue Awards

•Industry contacts through nationally recognized guest artists, senior showcase, and professional portfolio reviews

•Partnership with Virginia Repertory Theatre, Richmond’s leading professional theatre company

Degree Flexibility

•Mainstage season of at least four fully produced shows per year, plus collaborative events and improv teams

•After completing second year, all students undergo faculty assessment to be formally admitted into their BFA concentration

School Info

Snapshot

3.63

Avg GPA (W)

93%

Admit Rate

school-wide

63%

Grad Rate

20.8K

Enrollment

$58K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

In-State Tuition

$17,963

Before aid

Out-of-State Tuition

$41,127

Before aid

Cost of Attendance

$44,673

Before aid

Average Net Price

$23,433

After aid

Official source College Scorecard

Program info updated 3d ago

Program Highlights

Training

•BFA in Theatre with concentration in Performance/Musical Theatre — pre-professional training in the art, craft, and business of theatre

•Curriculum includes MT performance, MT history, dance, acting and movement, vocal lessons

•Sample courses: Musical Theatre Performance, Cabaret Storytelling, Introduction to Ballet, Musical Theatre Dance Styles, Voice and Speech for the Actor

•Senior year focuses on career launch: showcase presentations, leading internship programs, audition techniques, and professional preparation

Notable Alumni

•Joshua Boone (BFA ’10) — Tony Award nominee for The Outsiders; Broadway: Network, Skeleton Crew, Holler If Ya Hear Me; lead in Netflix’s A Jazzman’s Blues

•Alumni on Broadway, Off-Broadway, national tours, and top regional theatres including Arena Stage, Steppenwolf, and American Shakespeare Center

•Alumni in productions for Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Showtime, Disney, Paramount, and Warner Bros.

Professional Development

•Faculty have won Tony Awards, Bay Area Theatre Critics’ Circle Awards, and Hollywood Drama-Logue Awards

•Industry contacts through nationally recognized guest artists, senior showcase, and professional portfolio reviews

•Partnership with Virginia Repertory Theatre, Richmond’s leading professional theatre company

Degree Flexibility

•Mainstage season of at least four fully produced shows per year, plus collaborative events and improv teams

•After completing second year, all students undergo faculty assessment to be formally admitted into their BFA concentration

Program Highlights

Training

•BFA in Theatre with concentration in Performance/Musical Theatre — pre-professional training in the art, craft, and business of theatre

•Curriculum includes MT performance, MT history, dance, acting and movement, vocal lessons

•Sample courses: Musical Theatre Performance, Cabaret Storytelling, Introduction to Ballet, Musical Theatre Dance Styles, Voice and Speech for the Actor

•Senior year focuses on career launch: showcase presentations, leading internship programs, audition techniques, and professional preparation

Notable Alumni

•Joshua Boone (BFA ’10) — Tony Award nominee for The Outsiders; Broadway: Network, Skeleton Crew, Holler If Ya Hear Me; lead in Netflix’s A Jazzman’s Blues

•Alumni on Broadway, Off-Broadway, national tours, and top regional theatres including Arena Stage, Steppenwolf, and American Shakespeare Center

•Alumni in productions for Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Showtime, Disney, Paramount, and Warner Bros.

Professional Development

•Faculty have won Tony Awards, Bay Area Theatre Critics’ Circle Awards, and Hollywood Drama-Logue Awards

•Industry contacts through nationally recognized guest artists, senior showcase, and professional portfolio reviews

•Partnership with Virginia Repertory Theatre, Richmond’s leading professional theatre company

Degree Flexibility

•Mainstage season of at least four fully produced shows per year, plus collaborative events and improv teams

•After completing second year, all students undergo faculty assessment to be formally admitted into their BFA concentration

Key Info

Enrollment Term

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website

Fee

$75

Deadline

Spring ApplicationNov 1, 2026

Rolling (Fall 2026)

Program AppApplication

Apply

School Website

Audition Requirements

This program has a required admission audition/interview and a separate internal audition gate after enrollment. The gateway source documents the post-enrollment gate; admission requirement details may be separate.Gateway source

Monologues

Two Contemporary Contrasting Monologues

•One comedic and one dramatic monologue from published play scripts

•Combined length must not exceed two minutes, including transition time

•You may substitute one monologue with a 16-bar song cut

-If substituting a song, it is recommended to begin with the song choice

-Accompaniment is provided; bring clearly printed sheet music in the correct key

-Sheet music should be in a three-ring binder with non-glare sheet protectors; no loose or stapled pages

•Read the full play and be prepared to discuss the role context if asked

•Choose material you connect with at your current age

•Time your material

•No dialects or accents

•Do not use material by Joseph Arnone, Mamet, O'Neill, Pinter, Shakespeare, Shepard, or Williams

Additional Materials

Upload Materials

•HEADSHOT or photo (well-lit, focuses on your face, resembles what you currently look like) — uploaded to application portal

•Theatrical RESUME (one page, highlights theatrical experience and training; include relevant school courses, vocal coaching, and dance classes under training) — uploaded to application portal

Audition Day

•Bring physical copies of your resume and headshot to your audition day

•No introductory or audition video required

Official Source

Good to Know

Admission Pathway

•Students cannot apply directly into Musical Theatre

•Apply as a Performance major, then audition for the MT concentration at the beginning of the fall semester after enrollment

•After the first two years of core theatre courses, students complete faculty assessment for BFA concentration admission

Transfer Pathway

VCU Theatre uses a foundation-year structure for first-year and transfer students before admission into BFA concentrations such as performance, musical theatre, design, and stage management. That can be useful for transfers who want to enter the department without pretending prior credits automatically equal studio placement. VCU also offers a BA Theatre path for students who need more flexibility.

Official Source

What's The Process

Audition Process

•In-person auditions at W.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, 922 Park Ave, Richmond, VA

•For priority consideration, audition by February 1

Audition Expectations

•Group general info and Q&A session (parents encouraged to attend)

•Group warm-ups for performers

•Audition presentation and faculty interview

•Tour of Theatre facilities and time with current students

•Log into the VCU application portal to select your audition date

•Upload headshot/photo and theatrical resume before your audition

•No introductory or audition video required

Scholarship Info

•First-year applicants who submit Common App and transcripts by November 1 are automatically considered for Presidential, Provost, and Deans' scholarships

School Info

Snapshot

3.63

Avg GPA (W)

93%

Admit Rate

school-wide

63%

Grad Rate

20.8K

Enrollment

$58K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

In-State Tuition

$17,963

Before aid

Out-of-State Tuition

$41,127

Before aid

Cost of Attendance

$44,673

Before aid

Average Net Price

$23,433

After aid

Official source College Scorecard

Training

•BFA in Theatre with concentration in Performance/Musical Theatre — pre-professional training in the art, craft, and business of theatre

•Curriculum includes MT performance, MT history, dance, acting and movement, vocal lessons

•Sample courses: Musical Theatre Performance, Cabaret Storytelling, Introduction to Ballet, Musical Theatre Dance Styles, Voice and Speech for the Actor

•Senior year focuses on career launch: showcase presentations, leading internship programs, audition techniques, and professional preparation

Notable Alumni

•Joshua Boone (BFA ’10) — Tony Award nominee for The Outsiders; Broadway: Network, Skeleton Crew, Holler If Ya Hear Me; lead in Netflix’s A Jazzman’s Blues

•Alumni on Broadway, Off-Broadway, national tours, and top regional theatres including Arena Stage, Steppenwolf, and American Shakespeare Center

•Alumni in productions for Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Showtime, Disney, Paramount, and Warner Bros.

Professional Development

•Faculty have won Tony Awards, Bay Area Theatre Critics’ Circle Awards, and Hollywood Drama-Logue Awards

•Industry contacts through nationally recognized guest artists, senior showcase, and professional portfolio reviews

•Partnership with Virginia Repertory Theatre, Richmond’s leading professional theatre company

Degree Flexibility

•Mainstage season of at least four fully produced shows per year, plus collaborative events and improv teams

•After completing second year, all students undergo faculty assessment to be formally admitted into their BFA concentration

Updated 3d ago